4.12.2015

Buried Secrets ~ Review

Buried Secrets
Men of Valor 1
By Irene Hannon

They didn't mean for it to happen, but it did and now someone will do anything to make sure this secret stays buried forever.

Lisa Grant has left the big city stress of the Chicago PD behind for Carson, Missouri.  But when an excavation site unearths human remains the new Chief of Police is about to have her job stress ratchet up.

When the Carson PD puts in a call to County for assistance Mac McGregor is sent to assist.  After promptly putting his foot in his mouth he actually manages to make a better impression.

This case will test both their skills and resolve to find the truth.

I really love the prologue and how it doesn't reveal the identity of the mastermind behind everything. In fact one is several chapters into the book before said identity is revealed.  And it is even further into the book before one learns the whole truth of what happened that night.

If you've read Irene Hannon in the past you won't be disappointed in this latest offering from her. Mystery, romance and a good dose of suspense all wrapped up between an intriguing cover.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell through their blogger program in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:

They both wanted quieter, safer lives.
But crime never sleeps . . . 
and killers keep killing.

After seven years as a Chicago homicide detective, Lisa Grant has hit a wall. Ready for a kinder, gentler life, she takes a job as a small-town police chief. But the discovery of a human skeleton by a construction crew at the edge of town taxes the resources of her department. A call for assistance brings detective Mac McGregor, an ex-Navy SEAL, to her doorstep. As they work to solve the mystery behind the unmarked grave, danger begins to shadow them. Someone doesn't want this dead person telling any tales--and will stop at nothing to make certain a life-shattering secret stays buried.

Master storyteller Irene Hannon is back with an exciting new series featuring former special forces operatives now in the thick of the action in civilian life. Hannon is at the top of her game in this can't-put-it-down thriller that will have readers up until the wee hours devouring every page.

 
Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty-five novels, including That Certain SummerOne Perfect Spring, and the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, three HOLT Medallions, a Daphne du Maurier Award, two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine, a Retailers' Choice Award, a Booksellers' Best Award, and a National Readers' Choice Award. In addition, she is a two-time Christy Award finalist, and Booklist included one of her novels in its "Top 10 Inspirational Fiction" list for 2011. She lives in Missouri. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

Deadly Echoes ~ Review

Deadly Echoes
Finding Sanctuary 2
Nancy Mehl

Sarah Miller's life seems to finally be in a place where everything is looking up.  She's recently reconnected with her sister Hannah and Cicely, the niece she didn't know she had.  But tragedy is again to make its presence known is her life when Hannah is murdered.

But even more disturbing is the similarities between Hannah's murder and that of her parents more than ten years ago.  The Kansas City police don't see the similarities or a possible connection, but Sarah's determined to find the truth and get justice for her sister.

With the support of Janet Dowell and local Deputy Sheriff Paul Gleason, Sarah begins looking into Hannah's life as well as that of her parents.  Meanwhile she is dealing with her own grief while trying to help Cicely work through her own.

But someone seems determined to thwart Sarah's efforts.  Is the killer determined to keep her from discovering the truth?  Or is it merely coincidence that her investigation keeps being blocked?  The Deadly Echoes of the past make her doubt coincidence, but can she prove it before more lives are lost?

One can't say that a book in which lives are lost to murder is delightful, but this is an excellently written book in which the facets of grief are explored.  And there is hope.  Hope for justice, hope for healing, and hope for the future.  The various character are well developed and there are complexities that add layers that are revealed as the story develops.  Overall I would recommend this book to fans of clean romantic suspense and mysteries.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through their blogger program in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

After a youth filled with tragedy and upheaval, Sarah Miller's life is finally settled with all echoes of the past silent at last. She happily calls Sanctuary her home and spends her days teaching at the local school.

Sarah's joy at her recent reunion with her sister, Hannah, and meeting the niece she didn't know she had is too soon interrupted when Deputy Sheriff Paul Gleason informs Sarah her sister has been killed.

As she learns more about Hannah's death, the circumstances are eerily similar to their parents' murder. Sarah enlists Paul's help in digging deeper into the murders the police are dismissing as burglaries gone wrong. Paul's concern encourages Sarah's growing feelings for him, but as their investigation peels back the layers of lies almost twenty years old, they get close to uncovering the truth one person will do anything to hide--even if that means coming after the last remaining members of the Miller family.

About the Author:

Nancy Mehl is the author of eighteen books and received the ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award in 2009. She has a background in social work and is a member of ACFW and RWA. She writes from her home in Missouri where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their Puggle, Watson. Visit her website at www.nancymehl.com.

All My Old Friends ~ Video


Hope you enjoy this little video I put together celebrating the joy of friendship with books,

4.10.2015

Lone Star Ranger ~ Review

Lone Star Ranger
By Renae Brumbaugh

Evan and Elizabeth Covington have only recently arrived in Houston, Texas. Having lost their father 6 months ago they are thinking of settling in Houston, with Evan opening a law office.  But before their planning can progress much further Evan is arrested, having been mistaken for the notorious and dangerous James Weston Hardy.

No one will listen to Elizabeth, thinking she's either been taken in by Hardy or his newest accomplice.  With a week before her brother's scheduled trial and hanging, Elizabeth isn't about to wait around and hope that the lawyer she found Evan will prove his innocence.  No she's going to prove his innocence herself and she'll do whatever it takes to see him freed - even if her has to dodge the Ranger who brought him in.

Rett Smith just can't figure out how Elizabeth Covington was fooled by Hardy.  And why she claims a known killer as her brother is just beyond comprehension.  But when sufficient doubts are raised he is willing to fix his mistake, if only Elizabeth would stay out of his way and let him get his job down and not kill him with her help.

Lone Star Ranger is a light-hearted read that will fill a long week-end afternoon when you want to getaway from all the day-to-day stresses.  From the Heartsong Presents inspirational collection you won't have to worry about unwanted scenes while you read.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest and timely review.


About the Book: 
 ELIZABETH COVINGTON WILL GET HER MAN
And she has one week to prove that her brother isn't the cold-blooded killer Texas Ranger Rett Smith accuses him of being. She'll show the handsome lawman he's wrong, even if it means embarking on a perilous race across Texas to catch the real culprit.

Rett doesn't want to see an innocent man hang. But he can't let the Boston beauty take the law into her own hands. When she follows him into treacherous territory, the lawman vows to keep Elizabeth safe. But who will protect him from the woman whose courage and conviction have him questioning everything—even his heart?


About the Author:                              
       Renae Brumbaugh is a bestselling author and award-winning humor           columnist. She lives in Texas with her handsome, country-boy husband, 
four nearly-perfect children, two not-so-perfect dogs, and about a dozen chickens. In her free time she leaps tall buildings, rescues kittens from 
trees, and tries to be rugged without breaking a fingernail.

Double Cross ~ Review

Double Cross
An FBI: Houston Novel 2
By DiAnn Mills

Five years ago FBI Agent Laurel Evertson was working undercover.  She got her man but her partner lost his life during the take-down.  And Morton Wilmington has promised to make her pay in blood!  And Laurel can't get past the guilt of what this case cost her.

When the elder scammer case she's working on seems to leads back to the man she put behind bars Laurel is understandably worried.  Morton claims to have "found" God, but Laurel's convinced it is all part of the new angle he's working and that she's the target with revenge the motivation.

Daniel Hilton, an officer with the Houston PD, along with his grandparents go to the FBI with their concerns involving a life insurance scam targeting the elderly.  Soon Daniel finds himself working with Laurel Evertson and  Morton Wilmington.  And the case takes a deadly turn as all who are involved become a target and those who are being scammed begin dying.

There is mounting evidence that they are being Double Crossed, but who is being double crossed? Time is running out in this game of cat and mouse where more is at stake than millions of dollars.  

Double Cross is full of suspense and unexpected twists.  This is one book that will keep you guessing as to who the criminal mastermind is until the last pages when the identity is revealed in the ultimate double cross.

It is interesting to observe the interactions between Daniel, Morton and Laurel.  Daniel and Morton both claim to have a relationship with Christ while Laurel wants nothing to do with someone who couldn't keep the pain she's experienced out of her life.  Morton's incarcerated conversion is viewed with skepticism.  While Daniel at times struggles with trusting God where his grandparents' safety is concerned.  This book will cause one to stop and think - how can anyone judge the truth of another's heart where God is concerned.  Truth is evidenced in what we see but none can see into the heart. We can only see the outward evidence of what is in the heart by actions that a person commits.  And Double Cross will prove that what we see isn't necessarily the inner truth of the heart.

Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the book:
FBI Agent Laurel Evertson’s investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. That case has haunted her since, and though she’s vowed to forget Wilmington—and what she sacrificed to put him away—he is now her best lead.

Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammer’s next targets, and he’ll do anything to protect his family—even force interagency cooperation. But he’s quickly drawn to Laurel’s empathy and zeal and agrees to follow her lead . . . even if it means teaming up with a felon.

As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. Together they must decide if they can trust Wilmington’s claims of redemption, or if he’s leading them straight into a double cross.


About the Author:
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers' Choice, and Carol award contests.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2015 president of the Romance Writers of America's Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media sites listed at www.diannmills.com.
Connect online @

Blood Oath ~ Review with Excerpt

Blood Oath
The Seaward Isle Saga 3
By Joni Parker

Alex has a new mission a Blood Oath put on her by her elf cousin Prince Darin after Mellen's failed attempt on his life.  An attempt that would have succeeded if not for Alex and her abilty to hear Mellen's Elfspeak conversations.  Whether she wants to or not Alex must track down this danger to the Isle and kill him.

But tracking Mellen is dangeous as he has the ability to summon Shadows to either do battle for him or to enter him - strengthening him.  And he can also attack with a misuse of a Cranial thrust which can kill.

But Alex's quest for Mellen's death is constantly being diverted as the pirates attack and traitors within threaten thee stability of the kingdoms.  But Mellen is at the heart of all the unrest. Will Alex survive or will she finally fall to Mellen or her enemies?

I have to say I would not want to visit Seaward Isle.  The majority of the human men are major jerks. Though it was pleasant to see Alex's brother Beren actually turn into a decent human being who really seemed to care for his little sister.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author through PUYB in exchange for my honest review and blog tour participation.

*Please note that this book may contain subject/language that may be offensive to some readers (PG+). The sneak peek that online retailers offer will not show these scenes.

About the Author:
Joni Parker was born in Chicago, Illinois, but left the windy city at an early age when her family moved to Japan. Upon return to the United States, her family moved to Phoenix, Arizona where she graduated from Camelback High School and began college. However within months, Joni quit college and joined the Navy where she became a Photographer’s Mate. After 3 years in the Navy, she returned to college and got married. She got a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and an MBA before she returned to the Navy. As a Commissioned Officer, Joni attended the US Army Command and General Staff College, completing a Master of Military Arts and Sciences Degree. She retired from the Navy with over 22 years of service and spent several years traveling the United States in a motorhome with her husband. When he died unexpectedly, Joni returned to work for the federal government in a civil service job. Five years ago, she started writing and retired once more to devote more time to her new passion. She currently lives in Texas.

Her latest fantasy books are The Black Elf of Seaward IsleTangled Omens and
Blood Mission.

For More Information
• Visit Joni Parker’s website.
• Connect with Joni on Facebook and Twitter.
• Find out more about Joni at Goodreads.
• Contact Joni.

About the Book:
Title: Blood Oaths
Author: Joni Parker
Publisher: Village Green Press, LLC
Pages: 323
Genre: Fantasy/Action Adventure
Format: Paperback/Kindle

While on leave from the army, Alex visits her cousin, Prince Darin of the Water
Elves, and arrives in time to thwart an assassination attempt ordered by the
rogue Elf Mellen. Although weakened by poison, the Prince assigns Alex a
Blood Mission to kill Mellen. However, Alex finds the Elf elusive as he organizes
and trains his pirates to take over the harbor at Agana, the best deep water
port on the island.

At the same time, Alex must deal with Colonel Jeffrey, a handsome young
man determined to marry her for her inheritance. Alex rejects his advances
and faces his wrath, becoming the target of several murderous plots.
Unfortunately, her path to success includes Colonel Jeffrey as she needs him
and his soldiers to stop the Elf Mellen before he takes over and destroys the
fragile civilization on the island.


For More Information
• Blood Oath is available at Amazon.
• Watch the book trailer at YouTube.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

Book Excerpt:

After she left Colonel Penser, Alex marched up to Major Jonnbo's
bedroom and knocked on the door. When he didn't answer the door, she
pounded on it harder and shouted at him.

"It's too early." Major Jonnbo yawned. "Come on in, Alex."

"Colonel Penser wants to talk to us."

"I'll get dressed." He sat up in bed, yawning and rubbed his head.

He stretched his arms and stood up. "So, what's going on?" He opened the
wardrobe, grabbing some clean clothes.

"The Commandant gave me a new mission to kill the Elf Mellen. Isn't it a
little late to be sleeping?" Alex turned around while he put his clothes on.

"That Elf again? You're an Elf, aren't you? You can use your Elfness and
locate him that way, can't you? I don't know much about them." He put on his

"Elfness?" Alex wrinkled her brow.

"You know, Elf stuff. Weird stuff."

"I'm not very good at that. I don't know how to do it like the Elves, but I
can hear what they say when they Elfspeak."

"What is that Elfspeak stuff anyway?"

"They can talk to each other with their thoughts. It sounds just like a
normal conversation, but it's private. They just don't know I can hear them.
It's a little weird. I'm still learning how to use it."

"When did the Commandant get here?"

"He's not here--I saw him at the Regiment before I left." Alex pointed
over her shoulder with her thumb. "I think he wants to see me dead."

"It's his job to assign tough missions to the best tracker, Alex. And that's
you. Let's go." Major Jonnbo pushed her out the door.



4.09.2015

Tangled Omens ~ Review with Excerpt

Tangled Omens
The Seaward Isle Saga 2
By Joni Parker

Alex has a new mission - tracking the traitor within the kingdom who is aiding the pirates.  Her ability to listen in on Mellen's Elfspeak has allowed her to discover someone known as the Horseman is helping the pirates to escape from the king's forces and to terrorize those living and working along the coastal regions.

But tracking anyone aligned with Mellen is dangeous as he has the ability to summon Shadows to either do battle for him or to enter him - strengthening him.

Using her brother Beren's upcoming participation in the Southport Sword Tournament as a cover Alex determines to uncover this danger that has found its way into the kingdom.  Little realizing that the treachery runs deeper than anyone could imagine.

Trust is something that is hard to give as many around her give her cause to doubt their loyalty, but the Scinthians have never given her a reason to doubt or mistrust them.  And it is with the Scinthians that Alex feels most at home.  With the aid of these women Alex may succeed in finding and stopping the Horseman - if she can survive the threats against her life.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author through PUYB in exchange for my honest review and blog tour participation.

*Please note that this book may contain subject/language that may be offensive to some readers (PG+). The sneak peek that online retailers offer will not show these scenes.

About the Author:
Joni Parker was born in Chicago, Illinois, but left the windy city at an early age when her family moved to Japan. Upon return to the United States, her family moved to Phoenix, Arizona where she graduated from Camelback High School and began college. However within months, Joni quit college and joined the Navy where she became a Photographer’s Mate. After 3 years in the Navy, she returned to college and got married. She got a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and an MBA before she returned to the Navy. As a Commissioned Officer, Joni attended the US Army Command and General Staff College, completing a Master of Military Arts and Sciences Degree. She retired from the Navy with over 22 years of service and spent several years traveling the United States in a motorhome with her husband. When he died unexpectedly, Joni returned to work for the federal government in a civil service job. Five years ago, she started writing and retired once more to devote more time to her new passion. She currently lives in Texas.

Her latest fantasy books are The Black Elf of Seaward IsleTangled Omens and
Blood Mission.

For More Information
• Visit Joni Parker’s website.
• Connect with Joni on Facebook and Twitter.
• Find out more about Joni at Goodreads.
• Contact Joni.

About the Book:
Title: Tangled Omens
Author: Joni Parker
Publisher: Village Green Press, LLC
Pages: 320
Genre: Fantasy/Action Adventure
Format: Paperback/Kindle

Alex, now an experienced soldier and proven tracker, goes undercover to
learn the fate of a pirate leader. As she conducts her investigation in the
market, she has her fortune read by the famous Witches of Winden, renown
fortunetellers. Unimpressed, she’s about to leave when a man barges into the
tent demanding his fortune be read. Alex observes and notices similarities
to hers--their omens seem entangled, but she dismisses it as coincidence.
However, she learns that he’s the Horseman, the most dangerous pirate spy
on Seaward Isle and wanted for treason by her King. Although she attempts to
follow him, he sails away on a ship.

When she returns home, she reports the incident to Governor Tyrone who tasks
her to find and kill him or die trying, her first tracker mission. Although she
doesn’t know his real name, she’s the only one who can recognize him. His
trail leads her north, deep into the pirate stronghold of Riverton, her first solo
mission.


For More Information
• The Black Elf of Seaward Isle is available at Amazon.
• Pick up your copy at Barnes and Noble.
• Watch the book trailer at YouTube.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

Book Excerpt:

By the time Alex got to the street, he was a block ahead of her. She saw
him trot up to a large house with a lot of carriages and people in front. Two
girls from Mistress Clarisse's house passed by in long elegant dresses, holding
the arms of handsome young men who wore black top hats. They smiled and
laughed at her as they strutted by. One of the girls turned back to Alex and
giggled. Alex realized they were laughing at her. She stared at her clothes and
wondered if she should go back to change into a dress, but she returned her
attention to her quarry. Where did he go?

Alex had lost sight of the Horseman in the crowd, but soon noticed him
at the entrance of the house where he was greeted and welcomed. She stood
in place, uncertain what to do next.

A man grabbed her arm and put his horse's reins in her hand. "Take care
of my horse, will you?" He put a coin in her hand and rushed off towards the
house.

Alex stared at the horse and didn't know what to do with it. On the
other side of the street, Noel had another horse so she pulled it over to him.
"Noel!"

"Where did you get that horse?"

"I was just standing on the street watching everyone, and a man put his
reins in my hand and asked me to take care of him. He must have thought I
was a stable boy. I don't know what to do with him." She petted the horse on
the nose.

"I'll take him. Let me this one in and come back." Noel laughed.

When he returned, Alex gave him the horse. "Here you should have this,
too." She gave him the brassie the man had given her.

"Thanks," he said. "If you want to earn a brassie, go up to the kitchen,
and help them. They need extra help tonight."

"I think I will. Where do I go?"

Noel pointed to the open door at the back of the large house. "The
Governor's celebrating his new home. All the rich people are here."