The Big Fish: The Mystery of the Ancient Map by M.J. Thomas // Review

 

My Review: 

The second installment of the spin off series to the Secret of the Hidden Scrolls, finds Mary, Peter, Uncle Solomon, and Hank one step closer to rescuing the remaining hidden scrolls from the evil collector. 

Fun and fast paced chapter book, targeted at elementary ages children, gaining confidence with reading. In this adventure they travel back in time to the prophet Jonah's time, where they travel alongside him into the stomach of the big fish. They learn important lessons of faith, and how God hears when we pray. 

A wonderful faith-based series full of adventure, with a continuing storyline throughout the series of evading the Collector. Great fun, with solid core of faith. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Deadly Rodeo Threat by Sami A. Abrams // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Navy SEAL Logan Russell heads back to his hometown to check on his twin sister, Lisa, who hasn't been responding to his texts lately. His investigation leads him to Sheriff Isabelle Sinclair, his sister's best friend who is also looking into Lisa's disappearance. Turns out there is a string of missing barrel racers, Logan and Izzie join forces to get to the bottom of who is targeting the girls. 

A fast paced suspense, with high stakes, engaging storyline, and likable leading characters. Logan has a K-9, Shadow, and is unsure where his career will lead after getting injured. He and Izzie make a great team, working together, with a shared determination to bring the killer to justice. I liked how Izzie also bonded with Shadow, as well. There is a lot of good interaction, and strong themes of faith. 

Overall, a high suspense read, with a lot going on, and a well built backstory. I liked the Texas rodeo setting, high stakes, and characters that I could cheer for throughout. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Brave Queen: The Mystery of the Ancient Map by M.J. Thomas // Review

My Review: 

Mary, Peter and Hank are back in a brand new series, exploring Israel with their uncle Solomon, discovering more secret scrolls!

A fast paced adventure that takes them to the courts of Queen Esther, on a mission to solve the secret of the scroll before time runs out, while avoiding the evil Collector. 

A fun read that sets up well for the books to come. Easy to read  chapter book, great for children who are gaining confidence in reading, with a good ratio of illustrations along with large easy to read print, that is well spaced, and good straightforward sentence structure. 

A wonderful adventure for elementary ages children, with themes of trusting God's plans. A terrific spin off series, with the same original characters!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Hearts in Circulation by Sarah Monzon // Review

My Review:

 A charming rom-com, with a sweet grumpy-sunshine pairing, delightful setting, and compelling relationship building. 

When circulation librarian Haley Holt get's stranded in the rat trap of a bookmobile, because of a rock slide that leaves her stuck in Turkey Grove. Mechanic Levi Redding can't ignore a damsel in distress, so he offers his help despite his more reclusive ways. 

A wonderful rom-com that has characters who deal with fears, overstimulation in social settings, and self induces pressure to measure up. I liked that Haley brought out a different side of Levi, and let him know that he was supported. And in a similar fashion, he gives her assurance, and takes the time to let her know that he will be there for her whatever tomorrow brings. 

A cute setting, with fun characters, with fun, flirty dialogue. But there are also more serious moments that are well handled, as well as a core of faith. A fun quick read, and I loved the representation of neurodivergent and book loving characters. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This Promised Land by Cathy Gohlke // Review

My Review: 

Ginny's plans to live out her dreams of moving to England are derailed with news of her brother's death and a surprise inheritance. She goes back to the place she left some many years ago to find the family farm at risk of losing it all, and her two nephews fighting different battles for survival. A story of prodigals come home, faith and family. 

A heartfelt and compelling story of family, Ginny wants to help and do right by her two nephews and their families, but she doesn't know how to make up the deficit in back taxes. Luke and his wife Bethany have worked the farm for years, caring for Harold in his last years, with his mood swings and erratic behavior. Mark shows up with his three children in tow, hoping that the farm can give them a fresh start. Arlo is a young girl who has seen too much in her short time on earth, fiercely protective of her siblings. 

A wonderful multi-layered novel of faith and family. Ginny finds hope and home in and unexpected place, forging bonds that run deeper than blood, through sacrifice, and commitment. I liked how this story used multiple points of view, and tells the story through multiple angles. A highly compelling, spiritually rich novel of hope, family, and coming home. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Whiteout by Lynette Eason and Dani Pettrey // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Buried in Shadows by Dani Pettrey

Trapped by an avalanche with a a stalker on the loose that has followed Cassie to her friend's destination wedding, she must work with her ex Joel to survive the extreme conditions with a killer on the loose.

A fast paced and suspenseful story, set high in the Colorado mountains. There is a lot going on, with a full cast of great characters. I liked the strong themes of faith, and second chance romance. Joel and Cassie make a great team, work together great. Joel is very supportive and understanding. Great high stakes suspense. 

Snowbound Secrets by Lynette Eason 

Dr. Maya Sullivan dreams of turning the ranch her inherited into a safe haven for recovering Veterans. But when an avalanche traps her at a Colorado ski lodge, unexpectedly reuniting her with her high school crush, they must work together to escape the shadowy intentions of someone who seems to be following her every move. 

An engaging read, with likable protagonists, and a couple you can cheer for throughout. There is a lot going on, with strong relationship building and plenty of action. Good characters arcs, and strong themes of faith. Definitely recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Across the Ages by Gabrielle Meyer // Review

My Review: 

Caroline doesn't know why, but when she falls asleep in 1727, she awakes in 1927, living two separate lives 200 years apart. 

In 1727 she is fleeing an unwanted marriage in hopes of finding her mother and answers to her mysterious life, she joins the crew of a pirate ship disguised as a boy, taking the job of cabin boy to Marcus Zale. While in 1927 she is the dutiful daughter of a renown evangelist, trying to hold the pieces together of her family's picture perfect image, while working with her childhood friend to investigate her strange life. 

An engaging tale from beginning to end, it was different seeing it through the eyes of someone who didn't know what was happening to them or why. I liked how Caroline was challenged in both times to examine her faith, finding true friends and defenders in both timelines. While, both timelines were wonderful, I couldn't help being drawn to Caroline's pirate lifeline more. I admired her parents in 1927 for approaching difficult things honestly and head on, without excuses. 

Overall, a fantastic novel that is a wonderful addition to the series. I loved the juxtaposition of both the time lines, compelling plot, all centered around a core of faith. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Of Love and Treason by Jamie Ogle // Review

My Review: 

The story of a  man who lived by faith, and would one day become a legend. 

Iris is blind and lives with her father who is a jailor for the Roman empire, drowning in debt while looking a for a cure for her blindness they have begun to lose all hope. But then she meets a mysterious stranger who gives her hope, while risking his life fighting for what he believes. 

An intriguing and well written historical fiction, set in ancient Rome. I loved the well researched setting, and how it shows the early church during the Roman reign. Iris is a good daughter, and she is used to her world of darkness. I liked how she found friendship with Beatrix, and Val. Strong Christian themes of trusting God with our lives, and confidence that faith is worth the scorn of the world. 

Overall, a compelling tale of faith and love in ancient Rome. Wonderful characters, strong faith, and engaging storytelling. Definitely recommend. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Edge of Truth by Janice Cantore // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Strange connections come to light while Detective Lainie searches for her sister who has gone missing in Hawaii. Her search leads her to FBI agent Ben Isaacs who is working on the case from a different angle. Together they form an hesitant alliance to get to the bottom of the disappearance. 

Highly engaging, filled with suspense, good relationship building and complex characters. There are a lot of pieces, with a lot going on. Good realistic storytelling, with strong faith, and an excellent plot. I liked the Ben and Lainie got to know each other while working on the case and bonded over their faith. 

A suspenseful read that kept me guessing, with great relationship building and I enjoyed the strong faith themes. Lainie is skeptical of Ben at first, but as they work together they find that working together might be just what they need to blow the case wide open. Highly engaging, excellent suspense!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Appalachian Song by Michelle Shocklee // Review

My Review: 

A heart tugging dual-timeline tale of love and sacrifice in the Appalachia Mountains. 

Country singer Walker Wylie enlists the help of adoption advocate Reese Chandler on his search to learn more about his roots. Together they uncover the mysteries of the past long left undisturbed.

A compelling story of life and love, Songbird comes into the Jenkins sister's lives unexpectedly, and they embrace the young woman with open arms. An engaging split time read, set in the 1930's and 1970's, with compelling characters, and storyline. I loved Bertie, and how she supported Songbird, offering a safe haven and protection. She is a voice of reason throughout the whole story. I like her gentle encouragement, and how she lives her life of faith. 

Overall, a gentle more slow burning read than previous books by this author, but I think it lends it self to the beautiful unfolding of the story through showing, and the development of the characters. Well worth the read, and another winner from Michelle Shocklee. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Ambushed in the Night by Rhonda Starnes // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Brenda must fight for her and her daughter's lives, as their witness protection cover is blown and they must depend on their neighbor, former cop Maxwell Prescott. 

A fast paced suspense, with a lot going for it. There is a lot going on, and Brenda is determined to do what is takes to keep her daughter safe. Maxwell, is the right guy at the right time, he sees that Brenda and Rose are in need and goes above and beyond to keep them safe. I admired Brenda's faith, and how she trusted God to keep them safe. 

An engaging story, with high stakes and strong, likable characters. Rose is so adorable and I liked how she befriended Maxwell. Great character interaction, and relationship building suspense. Definitely recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Shield of the Mighty by Connilynn Cossette // Review

My Review : 

Tasked with the difficult job of gathering an army and finding skilled artisans for Saul, Zevi finds himself in a tough spot when the town of Maresha denies Saul's kingship. 

Yochana is a gifted perfumer and young widow, who finds herself taken and unexpectedly thrust into Zevi's plot against the Philistines. 

An action packed and engaging novel, set in a time period not often explored in Biblical history, early in Saul's reign. Zevi and Yochana both have compelling backstories, and I liked their enemies to friends arc. This is an excellent addition to the series, with strong themes of faith, trusting God, and using our gifts to serve others. 

Engaging read, with a compelling plot, plenty of character growth, and good relationship development. Wonderfully immersive, well researched, and I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Track of Courage by Susan May Warren // Review

Lucie's Review: 

A fast paced adventure as they try to outrun a killer and survive the Alaskan wilderness. 

Keely Williams is a pop star on a quest to connect with her biological mother, but when the plane is hijacked she is thrust into a race for survival against a killer and the elements. Thankfully she finds a friend in Dawson Mulligan a retired police detective, with a K9 companion in tow. 

An action packed read full of adventure, suspense, and great character interaction and relationship building. There is a lot going on, and I liked the strong themes of faith and family throughout. Well paced plot, with great dialogue.

Overall, a thrilling adventure with a clever K9 and great emotional depth. Dawson meanwhile, is working through what to do with his life next. Wonderful start to a new series. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rebuilding His Trust by Jenna Mindel // Review

Lucie's Review: 

A heartwarming story of hope, horses, and healing. 

Contractor Jace Moore has been dealing with fears about love since losing his parents in his youth. He is building the new riding arena for equine therapist Meredith Lewis, and she gives him the opportunity to ride and volunteer at her center. 

A heartwarming tale, with great characters and an engaging plot. I liked that Jace wants to make a change in his life and be more intentional about how he is living. Meredith is passionate and dedicated to her job, and enjoys seeing Jace bond with her horse, Bella, as well as find the answers he is looking for. 

Overall, a really enjoyable read, with characters that you can cheer for throughout. Strong threads of faith. Definitely Recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.