Category Archives: Christian Suspense

Never Let Go

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Goddard, Elizabeth. Never Let Go: Uncommon Justice- Bk 1. Grand Rapids, MI: Revell Publishing. 2019.

SUMMARY:
Following in her late grandfather’s footsteps, Willow Anderson takes over a cold case of 20 years. Trying to find answers concerning an abducted baby, Willow must keep her own life (and heart) in order. With attempts made on her life, Willow must turn to ex-FBI agent, Austin McKade, who just so happens to be her ex-boyfriend as well. When things heat up, both professionally and personally, Willow and Austin must decide to work together to solve the case while putting their hearts on the line…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
An interesting, quick, suspenseful read, Never Let Go was enjoyable, clean and worth the time. With a few unexpected twists and turns, I needed to finish the book to reach the conclusion which wasn’t an issue due to the writing style. As the first book in a new series, author Elizabeth Goddard did a remarkable job of creating pursuit and suspicion which piqued my interest in continuing with this series. Perfect for those not-so-heavy reading times, I would definitely recommend this novel (and author) to others.

RATING:
4 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Never Let Go from Revell Publishing for my honest review*

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The House on Foster Hill

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Wright, Jaime Jo. The House on Foster Hill. Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers. 2017.

SUMMARY:
In a house on Foster Hill in Oakwood Wisconsin, almost a century ago, a young woman is found dead. Determined to find the assailant, Ivy Thorpe searches yet soon discovers herself in dangerous situations. Forced to revisit memories long shut away, she must shield her own heart while untangling the web of mysteries surrounding the house. Meanwhile, at the same house in present day, new owner Kaine Prescott experiences the same feelings as Ivy when she confronts issues encircling her own life and the same dark happenings within the Foster Hill House.  Struggling to understand the eerie, she must also guard her heart while dealing with the pain of the past.  Suspense, mystery, uncertainty and history besiege in The House on Foster Hill…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Definitely a thriller with time periods linked through deep connections to Foster Hill House, I found it very interesting how the story jumped back and forth between characters and time periods yet had that underlying relationship. Left wondering just exactly what that affiliation may be, I found this book hard to put down once I was immersed in it. As a new author to me, I most likely will look for more books from Jaime Jo Wright and hope she realizes her talent for writing such spine-tingling, dramatic, emotional novels as she did with this one, her debut novel.

RATING:
4 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of The House on Foster Hill from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review*

The View from Rainshadow Bay

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Coble, Colleen. The View from Rainshadow Bay: A Lavender Tides Novel. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishing. 2018.

SUMMARY:
Shauna McDade, a widow with a young son, must rely on her own instincts as well as that of her husband’s best friend, Zach Bannister, the man she blames for his death. However, when other deaths occur which seem to connect and now possibly target Shauna, she needs to rethink who may be to blame. Full of suspense, mystery, forgiveness, romance and plenty of action, The View from Rainshadow Bay is the newest novel from acclaimed author, Colleen Coble.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Knowing I would read this book due to the author, I was a bit surprised I finished it completely in almost a (late) night. From the epilogue to the conclusion, there was non-stop suspense which kept my interest without end. As with all of her books, Colleen Coble delivers well-written material mixed with mystery, tension, anticipation and excitement. An excellent book; I look forward to the next book in the Lavender Tides series set to release in July, The House at Saltwater Point. (I love the covers and the names of the locations in this series, too.)

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of The View from Rainshadow Bay from BookLook Bloggers for my honest review*

Fatal Trust

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Johnson, Todd M. Fatal Trust. Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers. 2017.

SUMMARY:
As a new young lawyer hoping to keep his late father’s law practice current while taking care of his mother who suffers from Alzheimer’s, Ian Wells is willing to take just about any case that he is given. Amid his stress of life and bills, a thirty-five year old case resurfaces which Ian accepts. While investigating the case, Ian soon realizes this simple case may become a criminal investigation perhaps even involving his own family…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
As a new author to me, I was quite impressed. Suspense and mystery surround investigations, high stakes and criminal activity. Though maybe just a bit busy in the first few chapters, once the storyline evolved and the main character emerged, I found it hard to put the book down. With flashbacks to history interspersed with current time, this novel by Todd Johnson was well written and kept my attention easily. Definitely not the last book I will read by this author, Fatal Trust has ensured a new fan and future reader.

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Fatal Trust from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review*

Vicious Cycle

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Blackstock, Terri. Vicious Cycle: Intervention Series- Book 2. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing. 2011.

SUMMARY:
Accusing of kidnapping the baby he found in the backseat of the car, teenager Lance Covington was only trying to help. As a friend of the baby’s mother, Lance has been trying to get her help for her meth addiction. Now in trouble, Lance turns to his mom, who in turn contacts Kent Harlan, a man who has a personal history with the family. With plenty of suspense, intrigue and action from New York Times bestselling author Terri Blackstock, the newest addition to the Intervention Series is full of choices that could change lives forever…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
As one of my favorite suspense authors, though this book was published years earlier, I decided to read it while I wait for her newest book. Continuing with previous characters yet valid as a stand-alone as well, Vicious Cycle was well worth the time. Full of current topics albeit difficult ones, they were well handled and contributed to the storyline. With the pages turning quickly, needing to read just one page, I finished it in record time. As I wait, I will search for more of this author’s previous works, liking every one of them thus far.

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

If I’m Found

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Blackstock, Terri. If I’m Found: If I Run Series- Book 2. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing. 2017.

SUMMARY:
Casey Cox is still on the run, hoping not to be found. With Dylan Roberts chasing right on her heels, he might just catch her, but not quite. As the tension continues from If I Run, book 1 of the If I Run series, Casey finds herself facing yet another injustice involving a small child. Though unwilling to be caught, she cannot bear to ignore the situation, resulting in even more dangerous circumstances. As the suspense mounts, the danger increases, the characters become desperate and the plot thickens, best-selling author Terri Blackstock doesn’t back down…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Not being able to turn the pages fast enough nor keep the midnight oil burning long enough, I just had to finish this fast-paced, action-packed, suspense-filled novel. Riveting characters coupled with great writing make this quite the thriller. Touching on difficult issues between the hide-and-seek, some may find it hard to read. Having read If I Run and waiting for If I’m Found, I now must (impatiently) wait for the conclusion to the series, If I Live, due out in 2018. Captivating cover, too!

RATING:
5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of If I’m Found from BookLook Bloggers for my honest review*

Rescue Me

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Warren, Susan May. Rescue Me: Montana Rescue Series- Book 2. Grand Rapids, MI: Revell Publishing. 2017.

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SUMMARY:
In love with both her sister, Sierra, and her sister’s boyfriend, Sam, free-spirited Willow Rose also has a heart for God. Though she has been in love with Sam for years, Willow doesn’t want to hurt her sister so decides to keep her emotions to herself. Detailed-minded Sam knows Sierra appears to be the perfect match yet finds himself drawn to Willow for some unexplainable reason. While in the Glacier National Park with a group of teenagers from a youth ministry group, both Sam and Willow must save their own lives, the lives of several teenagers, and quite possibly their hearts…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Starting with the cover and continuing throughout the story, I liked every page of this novel. Intrigue, danger, suspense, action, faith and romance all played center stage while several other pieces surrounded them. As a stand-alone novel while also being a great addition to the Montana Rescue series, I am already waiting for book 3, A Matter Of Trust, due out in July. Like a good story, interesting characters, dangerous situations and the beautiful wilderness? Then look no further than this series by talented author Susan May Warren.

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Rescue Me from Revell Publishing for my honest review*

Justice Delayed

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Bradley, Patricia. Justice Delayed: A Memphis Cold Case Novel. Grand Rapids, MI: Revell publishing. 2017.

justicedelayed

SUMMARY:
As the start of a new series, author Patricia Bradley ups the stakes in her newest book, Justice Delayed. Will Kincaide, of the Memphis Cold Case Unit, wants nothing more than to solve a crime associated with a man on death row due to a letter of confession he recently received. With time slipping away, Will is more motivated to solve the case as his cousin is involved, as well as Andi Hollister, a TV crime reporter, who he may just have an interest in. As suspense mounts, details erupt and a death looms, justice must be quickly served rather than delayed…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
As a writer I regularly turn to for quality suspense stories, I was once again immersed in a good thriller. Though perhaps just a bit unrealistic in a predictable manner, I still found myself turning the pages to finish this romantic suspense-filled novel in record time. Liking the premise and most of the characters, author Patricia Bradley is one of my top action-packed, suspenseful writers. I look forward to many more novels in this Memphis Cold Case series (hopefully). Definitely an author to follow and a novel worth the read.

RATING:
4 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Justice Delayed from Revell Publishing for my honest review*

Moving Target

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Eason, Lynette. Moving Target: Elite Guardians-Book 3. Grand Rapids, MI: Revell Publishing. 2017.

movingtarget

SUMMARY:
Dealing with their personal pasts while watching their current relationship change, Maddy McKay and Quinn Holcombe are already dealing with tension. When both are kidnapped causing them to miss Quinn’s birthday party, the strain only heightens. Finding themselves hiding while human targets, Maddy and Quinn discover there are other issues prevalent in their lives as well…faith, guilt, and forgiveness swirling around their hearts…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Gripping suspense from the beginning, Moving Target is non-stop action. With romance thrown into the suspenseful mix, Lynette Eason provides yet another excellent addition to her Elite Guardians series. Able to stand-alone, the characters are all intertwined which provides a familiarity within the series. Filled with a good storyline, internal struggles, romantic uncertainty and strong characters, this action-packed novel joins the others in a now favorite series.

RATING:
5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Moving Target from Revell Publishing for my honest review*

Because You’re Mine

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Coble, Colleen. Because You’re Mine. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson. 2017.

becauseyouremine

SUMMARY:
As the main fiddler in the popular band, Ceol, Alanna Connolly is enjoying the success associated with her Celtic band. With her husband as the drummer of the group, when tragedy strikes, Alanna finds she must protect herself and the one she loves. Forced to make decisions about her future in a hasty manner, Alanna soon discovers people and circumstances aren’t always what they appear on the surface. Needing to backpedal, Alanna must trust herself to make the right choice and perhaps undo her impulsive mistakes…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Willing to read just about anything author Colleen Coble writes, I knew I was in for a suspenseful read. With quite a few striking moments surrounding several scenarios, though I figured out the mystery early in the story, I still couldn’t put the book down and just had to finish reading it. Full of some danger, romance and a little bit of faith, it was definitely a good, quick, eventful novel. I look forward to reading more from Colleen Coble, perhaps even a sequel to her newest novel, Because You’re Mine.

RATING:
4 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Because You’re Mine from BookLook Bloggers for my honest review*