Flight Risk ~ Review

Flight Risk
Cara Putman

Savannah Daniels is a successful lawyer who has worked hard to make a name for her practice. The one failure that has broken her is her marriage that failed, a marriage that she never wanted to leave. But 9/11, work, and betrayal brought it down. The only good thing she got out of it was Addy Jo, a niece that she loves and who needs her when life at home just gets to tough.

When Savannah's ex, Dustin Tate, becomes the feature of an exposé, she has to wonder if she ever truly knew him. But regardless she'll be there for her niece. When Dustin and one of the others named in the exposé are on an outgoing flight that crashes Savannah finds herself having to deal with Dustin face-to-face for Addy's sake. Dustin claims that he has evidence that the allegations against him are false. 

Jett Glover is committed to the truth and he puts in the research behind every story he puts his name to. He stands behind the exposé he wrote. After all, he'd never want to put someone through what he went through when his father was the victim of a false newspaper report. But when those named in the exposé start dying he fears that his story may behind it.

Savannah's current case is soon entangled with the downed plane and Jett's exposé but trust isn't something she is willing to give after Dustin's betrayal. But someone seems to be targeting her too so working together to get to the truth is something she has to do.

Now I can't see anywhere that this book is part of the Hidden Justice series but it seems to go with as most of the same main characters from the other books are in this book (working with Savannah in her practice). This book can easily be read on its own as the story is contained within the covers but if you want to read it as if it is part of the series it would be book 4 chronologically. This book has a good dose of mystery and legal suspense with a medium-sized pinch of romance. If you are familiar with Cara Putman's previous works you will not be disappointed in this one. Also, it was interesting to get a glimpse into Savannah Daniels's life as she has been a background character in the first three Hidden Justice books. Overall a good read perfect for a weekend escape from the comfort of your favorite reading corner.

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

About the Author:

Cara Putman is the author of more than twenty-five legal thrillers, historical romances, and romantic suspense novels. She has won or been a finalist for honors including the ACFW Book of the Year and the Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. Cara graduated high school at sixteen, college at twenty, completed her law degree at twenty-seven, and recently received her MBA. She is a practicing attorney, teaches undergraduate and graduate law courses at a Big Ten business school, and is a homeschooling mom of four. She lives with her husband and children in Indiana.

Connect with Cara

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor ~ Review

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor

The Cornwall Novels #2

By Sarah E. Ladd

It is 1818 and Julia Twethewey needs a distraction for her heart's been broken and going to Cornwall, England is just she needs for a change and a chance to begin again. Unfortunately for Julia her first encounter in Cornwall is being attacked in the local pub by bandits. Coming upon the scene, Isaac Blake stops the bandits from doing more than steal the few possessions Julia has in her bag.

Isaac works hard to keep Wheal Tamsen, the mine that his brother inherited, productive and profitable but there is not enough work for all those seeking work. And with Bal Tressa shutdown indefinitely, the Lambourne family is not the most loved in the area as the mining families suffer the loss of work.  This very shutdown, in Isaac's opinion, is why Miss Twethewey was targeted. Everyone knew that the Lambournes' niece was coming for a visit.  What Isaac didn't anticipate was that Julia Twethewey was about to steal his heart.

Coming to stay with her cousin as a companion during her confinement, Julia didn't anticipate becoming the the new object of her aunt's matchmaking. And Aunt Beatrice is looking not for a match of the heart but one that will elevate Julia's social and economic standing. And in her eyes the only possible suitor worthy of her designs is Matthew Blake - Isaac's older twin brother.

Noises in the night. Missing silverware. Jewelry gone. A cousin ill. With no one else to turn to Julia finds herself confiding in Isaac. And if the answers they seek aren't discovered soon all could be lost and hearts could be broken forever.

This is the second book in Sarah E. Ladd's Cornwall series and it follows the oldest daughter as she finds her way in the world.  Julia is an interesting character who comes into her own in this book. We were introduced to Julia and the Twethewey siblings in The Governess of Penwythe Hall following the death of their father. Again there is mystery surrounding the situation and a bit of romance making for an enjoyable read. Those who have not read the first book will have no problem getting into this book as it could easily be a standalone title. An excellent read and one that would lend itself well as a book club selection.

About the Book:

In Regency England an advantageous match could set up a lady for life. 

Julia knows Matthew Blake, copper mine owner and 

very eligible bachelor, is the gentleman she should set her eyes upon. 

But why can’t she steal her gaze away from 

his younger brother, Isaac?

Cornwall, England, 1818

Julia Twethewey needs a diversion to mend her broken heart, so when her cousin invites her to Lanwyn Manor, Julia eagerly accepts. The manor is located at the heart of Cornwall’s mining industry, and as a guest Julia is swept into its intricate world. It’s not long, though, before she realizes something dark lurks within the home’s ancient halls.

As a respected mine owner’s younger son, Isaac Blake is determined to keep his late father’s legacy alive through the family business, despite his brother’s careless attitude. In order to save their livelihood—and that of the people around them—the brothers approach the master of Lanwyn Manor with plans to bolster the floundering local industry. Isaac can’t deny his attraction to the man’s charming niece, but his brother has made clear his intentions to court the lovely visitor. And Isaac knows his place.

When tragedy strikes, mysteries arise, and valuables go missing, Julia and Isaac find they are pulled together in a swirl of strange circumstances, but despite their best efforts to bow to social expectations, their hearts aren’t so keen to surrender.

Author Q&A with Bonnie Leon ~ Interview

Today Blooming with Books is hosting Bonnie Leon author of One Hundred Valleys.

1) If you had to pick another format for your books to be shared what would it be -
musical, movie, public readings, serial release(a chapter at a time), graphic
novel?

I would choose movies. I love movies, all sorts of genres, except horror. Often
times while watching a well-done movie I pay close attention to how a scene is
set up, how characters communicate through body language, and how tension
builds through a scene. There is a lot to learn from a good movie. Plus settling
down in my comfiest clothes with a blanket and possibly a bowl of popcorn, then
allowing myself to be caught up in the story playing on the screen is always fun.
Still, I prefer novels, but occasionally a movie is better than “the book”.

2) What one author past or present would you like to mentor you?

John Steinbeck is at the top of my list. Many of his stories are dark and tend to look at
the underbelly of humanity, but I love the depth of his writing. It often feels melodic to
me, like a composition by Beethoven or Bach. It’s not unusual for me to read and reread
a portion of his work to get a better grasp of how he created the emotion and intensity of
a scene. He could take the simplest thing, like a fly, and use it to create tension. In my
mind, he was a writing genius.

3)  What one book would you recommend that everyone read?

Hinds Feet On High Places is the first book that comes to mind. It is an allegory, something I’ve never written, and it has been many years since I read the book, but I can still feel the power and impact of the story. Through the years, I’ve purchased many copies and have given them to people I thought could use the blessing of the truths it contains. I’ve lost count of how many.

It is a book with the capacity to change lives.





Oh, I love that book and its sequel Mountains of Spice. You are right this is an excellent book and for me to it has been several years since I've last read it.




4)  Do you have a favorite author that you would recommend?

Choosing only one favorite author is so difficult. There are many wonderful, creative and gifted writers. This is an agonizing decision.

If I must choose only one, it would have to be Lynn Austen. She creates entertaining
and heartfelt historical novels. Once I begin reading I cannot walk away from the book.
She always hooks me from the very beginning and the story is never a disappointment.
Ms. Austen packs a great deal of historical detail into her books and manages to do so
without intruding on the story. I always come away from one of her books not only
inspired but better educated.

5) What one question do you wish you would be asked and how would you answer it?
“Is being a writer a gift or a curse?”

It is definitely a gift, but I cannot deny that sometimes it can feel like a curse.
I am thankful for the gift of writing, which was given to by God when I most needed
something in my life that required creativity, dedication and purpose. And I am forever
grateful for His mercy and provision.

Through the years, because of writing, I’ve met some of the most interesting people.
Writers and others in the industry are truly fascinating. They are thoughtful, sometimes
quirky, and always intelligent. Many have kindness at their core and some have become
dear friends. My readers have been a huge source of blessing to me and because of
the magic of social networking, I hear from them often. They write to tell me they are
praying for me. Or they want to share a part of their life with me. Sometimes, something
I’ve written has touched their life in a special way and they just want me to know.
Hearing from them is always an encouragement.

There is a special beauty in being a writer. Crafting a novel is hard work and requires
hundreds of hours. Even so, creating characters and their story fulfills something deep
in my spirit that is more satisfying than most everything else in my life. I think it must be
very much like the work of an artist who creates a painting or a sculpture or a piece of
music. Crafting what we hope is a thing of beauty is our joy.

Well, thank you, Bonnie, for taking the time today to visit and share with us. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

More about Bonnie Leon:
Bonnie Leon is the author of twenty-two novels, including the recently released One
Hundred Valleys, the popular Alaskan Skies and bestselling The Journey of Eleven Moons.

Bonnie’s books are being read internationally and she hears from readers in Australia, Europe, Poland, and even Africa. She enjoys speaking for women’s groups and mentoring up and coming authors.

Bonnie and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon. They have three grown children and seven grandchildren.

Unveiling Truth Through Fiction

www.bonnieleon.com

Now Available for purchase: One Hundred Valleys

After the death of her mother, Emmalin Hammond discovers she is not the heiress she’d always assumed she’d be. The revelation exposes her fiancé’s true intentions when he withdraws his marriage proposal, leaving Emmalin heartbroken and humiliated. When she discovers the father she believed to be dead is still alive and living in the Oregon Territory she decides it is time to meet the man who has been hidden from her all of her life.

Accompanied by her Uncle Jonathon, she sets out for the Oregon Territory in search of answers and hoping for a renewed relationship with her father. When tragedy strikes, she confronts the terrifying challenge of completing her quest alone. Faced with few options, she entrusts her life to a mountain man named Jacob Landon who agrees to transport her to a small settlement in Southern Oregon called Deer Creek, a place also known as the Land of One Hundred Valleys.

Emmalin is not prepared for the hardships of life in the Oregon wilderness. Each day presents a new challenge. Newfound friends, including the reserved Jacob Landon, who unexpectedly stirs her heart, come alongside to help her adapt. Yet she feels out of place. Should she brave the arduous journey back to Philadelphia for the life she once knew or remain and hope for something better in the Oregon wilderness?

Other titles by Bonnie Leon:

              The Journey of Eleven Moons  

              Return to the Misty Shore

              In the Land of White Nights, book two in the Northern Lights series.

              To Dance With Dolphins

Smoke Screen ~ Review

Smoke Screen
By Terri Blackstock

Fourteen years ago their lives were shattered. Brenna Strickland and Nate Beckett weren't supposed to fall in love. Brenna was a PK and Nate the son of the town drunk and when Brenna's father confronted Nate's that night everything changed. Pastor Strickland's murder resulted in Roy Beckett going to jail.

But now Roy Beckett has been pardoned and Nate finds himself heading home for the first time in years. He had no intention of returning home to the rumors and innuendo, but an injury has put his fire-fighting on hold until he recovers. And when he learns that Brenna is back in town he has to see her, to know how she is handling the news of his father's release.

Brenna Strickland's life moved past her first love and she is now Brenna Hertzog, divorced and caught in a custody battle for her young children. And she is not handling the separation from her children well - turning to alcohol to numb the pain. Nate sees how Brenna has changed and the pain she's living with is pulling her further down. Nate wants to help Brenna but he knows that unless she admits that she needs help nothing he does will be enough. And more than anything he sees that she needs to return to the faith she shared with him when they were teens.

Roy Beckett has never stopped claiming he never killed Pastor Strickland and he wants his sons Drew and Nate to look over the evidence to help him prove his innocence. What they never expected was that their father may have been telling the truth. But can they prove who may have been behind the murder or will their evidence go up in smoke?

Smoke Screen is a contemporary read that is a well-blended mix of mystery, suspense, and romance fiction. The who-dun-it doesn't reveal too much too soon so the reader's attention is well engaged as Brenna deals with what life has recently sent her way as she struggles to keep her children in her life while dealing with her own weaknesses and insecurities. Nate is dealing with his feelings concerning his father and the distrust that drove him from home. Overall a good read that will keep the pages turning.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book through Amazon's Vine Program with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion ~ all thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

One father was murdered. 

Another was convicted of his death. 

All because their children fell in love.

Nate Beckett has spent his life-fighting wildfires instead of the lies and rumors that drove him from his Colorado hometown. His mother begs him to come back now that his father has been released from prison, but it isn’t until he’s sidelined by an injury that he’s forced to return and face his past. But that means facing Brenna too.

Fourteen years ago, Nate was in love with the preacher’s daughter. When Pastor Strickland discovered Brenna defied him to sneak out with Nate, the fight between Strickland and Nate’s drunken dad was loud—and very public. Strickland was found murdered later that night, and everyone accused Roy Beckett. When the church burned down not long after, people assumed Nate set the fire to get even for his father’s conviction. He let the rumors fly and left town without looking back.

Brenna is stunned to learn that the man convicted of murdering her father has been pardoned. The events of that night set her life on a bad course, and now she’s fighting a brutal custody battle with her ex and his new wife where he’s using lies and his family’s money to sway the judge. Brenna is barely hanging on, and she’s turned to alcohol to cope. Shame and fear consume her.

As Nate and Brenna deal with the present—including new information about that fateful night and a wildfire that’s threatening their town—the past keeps igniting. Nate is the steady force Brenna has so desperately needed. But she’ll have to learn to trust him again first.

Tracking Game ~ Review

Tracking Game
Timber Creek K-9 Mystery #5
By Margaret Mizushima

First I'll say when I got this book I did not know that it was the fifth in a series but I did not have any trouble getting into the book. Mattie Cobb and her K-9 partner Robo are about to have a case on their hands (or paws) that is about to shake up the community of Timber Creek. The Summer of Romance dance is interrupted by an explosion - and explosion that critically injures a friend, leaves behind a murder victim, and attempts to destroy evidence of another crime. 

Every potential witness or associate of the victim leaves Mattie and Timber Creek police force with more questions than answers. But when one of their potential suspects turns up dead Mattie quickly realizes they have a bigger, deadlier problem than a killer in their midst. 

Tracking Game, for the most part, was fairly good. I'm not a fan of the ending or all the personal life stuff that was going on in Mattie's life. I think this is okay as a standalone read and to be honest I did not get attached to any of the characters or hints at what had previously happened to want to read any other books in the series. I like mysteries but I got clogged down over the personal life stuff so I actually found it to be a distraction. The mystery part was good and I did enjoy it and the who-dun-it was well concealed.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Amazon's Vine Program with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:
Two brutal murders, a menacing band of poachers, and a fearsome creature on the loose in the mountains plunge Mattie Cobb and her K-9 partner Robo into a sinister vortex.

An explosion outside a community dance sends Mattie Cobb and Cole Walker reeling into the night, where they discover a burning van and beside it the body of outfitter Nate Fletcher. But the explosion didn't kill Nate--it was two gunshots to the heart.

The investigation leads them to the home of rancher Doyle Redman, whose daughter is Nate's widow, and the object of one of their suspect's affection. But before they can make an arrest, they receive an emergency call from a man who's been shot in the mountains. Mattie and Robo rush to the scene, only to be confronted by the ominous growl of a wild predator.

As new players emerge on the scene, Mattie begins to understand the true danger that's enveloping Timber Creek. They journey into the cold, misty mountains to track the animal--but discover something even more deadly in Tracking Game, the fifth installment in Margaret Mizushima's Timber Creek K-9 mysteries.

One Little Lie ~ Review

One Little Lie
Pelican Harbor #1
By Colleen Coble

Jane Hardy has never fully healed from her past - a past that left her with a hole in her heart and a mistrust of anything dealing with religion. For the past 15 years, Jane and her father have lived as if the past never happened, making a home in Pelican Harbor, Alabama. With her father's retirement from the police force Jane is offered the position of interim sheriff, though not without a few ruffled feathers. And with her new position, she is to be shadowed by Reid Dixon, the subject of his newest documentary. But Reid has his own motives for featuring Jane in his documentary, one that has ties to the past.

Soon Jane is caught up in something she never expected to deal with. Someone is targeting residents of Pelican Harbor for their hidden sins and they've upped the stakes when murder is added to the mix. When further incidents occur and her father is implicated, Jane soon begins to wonder if she is being targeted too.

One Little Lie is the first book in a new series from Colleen Coble and fans of her work won't be disappointed. The prologue is just the appetizer for what is to come. Romance, mystery, suspense fans of any or all of these genres will find something to love. If you are unfamiliar with Colleen's work what better way to be introduced than with the first book in a new series. Get ready for some page-turning book time you won't be sorry.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own. 


About the Book:

It started with one little lie.

But Jane Hardy will do everything in her power to uncover

the truth in this gripping new

romantic suspense. 

Jane Hardy is appointed interim sheriff in Pelican Harbor, Alabama after her father retires, but there's no time for an adjustment period. When her father is arrested for theft and then implicated in a recent murder, Jane quickly realizes she's facing someone out to destroy the only family she has.

After escaping with her father from a cult fifteen years ago, Jane has searched relentlessly for her mother—who refused to leave—ever since. Could someone from that horrible past have found them?

Reid Dixon is well-known for his documentaries, and his latest project involves covering Jane's career. Jane has little interest in the attention, but the committee who appointed her loves the idea of the publicity.

Jane finds herself depending on Reid's calm manner as he follows her around filming, and they begin working together to clear her father. But Reid has his own secrets from the past, and the gulf between them may be impossible to cross—especially once her father’s lie catches up with them all.

About the Author

Colleen Coble is a USA TODAY bestselling author and RITA finalist best known for her coastal romantic suspense novels, including The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens, and the Lavender Tides, Sunset Cove, Hope Beach, and Rock Harbor series. 

Connect with Colleen

Freaky in Fresno ~ Review

Freaky in Fresno
By Laurie Boyle Crompton
Narrated by Madison Lawrence

Freaky in Fresno is a fun book that features two former BFF cousins as they get an eye-opening day learning just what the other's life really is like. Ricki and Lana used to do almost everything together. But after a road trip with their moms and aunt, everything changed.

When Aunt May gifts the two teens with a pink convertible, sparks are sure to fly. But the flying sparks are going to make the next day one that neither Ricki or Lana is about to forget anytime soon. And both are about to have a day that will find Ricki living Lana's life and Lana living Ricki's which is a BIG problem as each has the event of the summer occurring in just a few hours. Can they figure out how to get back to their own bodies before it is too late and they ruin the other's life? And the only one who notices anything is a chihuahua with a major attitude problem (actually reminds me of a couple of dachshunds I know and love).

I really found this book a fun deviation from my normal fare. This is totally teen girl fun and at places totally over-the-top craziness. And throw in a couple of boyfriends you are looking at a relationship disaster waiting to happen. If you are looking for an escape from the stress of your day-to-day with some unbelievable family dynamics look no further.

Now I didn't read this book but rather listened to it in audiobook form. It is narrated by Madison Lawrence who did a good job presenting the story. (I listened to it at 1.25 speed so it went a little faster than the 8 hours and 16 minutes listed time)

If you are familiar with Laurie Boyles Crompton's previous title Pretty In Punxsutawney you will enjoy this one and there is more movie fun involved in this one too. No school situations with this one as it takes place towards the end of summer vacation. But this time it is a drive-in rather than a theater. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Libro.fm with no expectations but to provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Influencers. Movie nerds. Beauty queens. And one pink convertible. 

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to spend a day in her shoes? Two estranged cousins—geeky horror movie fanatic Ricki and makeup guru Lana—accidentally switch bodies for a fateful summer road trip that is part Freaky Friday, part romcom, and all heart.

Ricki has one goal: save the Starlight Drive-in movie theater from going dark forever. Okay, make that two goals … she may also want a first kiss from her cinema-rescuing partner and major crush, Jake. Lana definitely has only one goal: grow her online makeup channel to keep her momager off her back, even if the posts attract ugly internet trolls.

The two cousins couldn’t be more different, but their opposite personalities come crashing to a head when their aunt gifts the girls a vintage cotton-candy-pink convertible. To share. Ricki wants the convertible for the drive-in’s grand reopening, but it’s the same day as Digifest, a huge event where Lana needs to shine. After a major fight and a minor electric shock while wrestling over the wheel, Ricki wakes up as Lana, and Lana wakes up as Ricki.

Ricki and Lana have only a day to un-Freaky Friday themselves, a task made even more difficult as they try to keep up appearances on Lana’s channel and with Ricki’s hopefully soon-to-be-kissed crush. But it turns out experiencing a day as each other—with a mini road trip and Chihuahua wrangling—may be the one thing that helps the cousins see each other and themselves more clearly.