Never a dull moment. Lynette Eason doesn’t disappoint. Protecting Tanner Hollow contains four action-packed novellas: Lethal Homecoming, Lethal Conspiracy, Lethal Secrets, and Lethal Agenda. Each story contains well-developed characters, believable plots, and multiple twists. Whether it is Nolan Tanner in Lethal Homecoming struggling with old feelings for Kallie Ainsworth while trying to protect her, or firefighter Jason Tanner in Lethal Conspiracy, trying to make sense of his instant attraction to Lillian Maloney when he rescues her from a fire and keeps her from certain death, or any of the other novellas, the action, suspense, and romance remain strong. It amazes…
Deadly Deceit by Natalie Walters
This suspense-filled novel is a nice balance between romance and suspense. Journalist Vivian DeMarco will take you on a roller coaster ride as she faces danger, emotional heartbreaks, and an unexpected relationship with the handsome Deputy Ryan Frost. After years of trying to measure up to what she thinks others expect from her, Vivian must discover her true self-worth. Ryan Frost finds himself indecisive about staying in his small home town to watch over his mom and sister or accepting a job offer with the FBI Cyber Crimes Division in Washington, DC. An added complication pops up when he encounters…
Vow of Justice by Lynette Eason
Put on your seatbelt as you begin reading this novel. It is riveting and action-packed. The suspense jumps onto the page, and the action doesn’t quit. About the time you think it’s slowing down, something else happens to FBI Special Agent Allison Radcliffe. She’s focused and determined to find her parents and sister’s killer but finds herself in the crosshairs instead. Allison’s partner, Linc St. John, has a difficult time keeping her safe. She’s energetic, fearless, and relentless in her search. Link struggles with keeping his feelings for her to himself. She lets him know that she can’t live the…
God is Not Our Virtual Assistant by DiAnn Mills
Recently, I heard a speaker state God was a virtual assistant. The claim didn’t resonate with me. In fact, it irritated me, so I dug deeper for a definition and the qualifications for a virtual assistant. A virtual assistant is self-employed and generally works from home to assist a client or clients with professional, technical, communication, and creative advice. Nothing spiritual in that definition. The need for a virtual assistant is basic: reduce our work load, give us more time personally and professionally, and flexibility. Nothing spiritual there either. To be among the five-star virtual assistants, one must: Express him/herself…
Light from Distant Stars by Shawn Smucker
When I began reading this novel, I kept questioning what I’d missed in the first chapter, so I went back and reread the chapter. Questions remained unanswered until the end. The toss-up between what was real and unreal and whether Cohen Marah actually killed his father kept me turning the page. In some sense, the context had me wondering if the novel was along the lines of a Frank Peretti thriller or was Smucker walking the reader through Cohen’s imaginary past or maybe his nightmares? Were the dark shadows Cohen saw symbolizing demons or was he simply afraid of the…
Rise of the Mystics by Ted Dekker
I must admit, Ted Dekker has quite the imagination. The ingenious way he intertwines the truth of scripture to challenge the reader’s faith and imagination is remarkable. Here he uses seventeen-year-old Rachelle Matthews as the 49th Mystic. She transports back and forth from Earth to Other Earth in her dreams while the devious Shadow Man seeks her demise. Similar to the way we study the Bible and only dream of how life will be when Christ returns, but know we are presently in the midst of fighting the battle between good and evil. Dekker keeps the momentum going throughout the…
Coming of Winter by Tom Threadgill
I’ve always preferred reading suspense, romantic suspense, or even a contemporary romance. However, I decided to read outside my genre, so I picked up Tom Threadgill’s Coming of Winter. Goodness, what a choice? The minute I started reading, I wanted to slam the book shut, but it was too late, I had to know what was going to happen. Oh my! This wasn’t a thriller I wanted to read, so why did I continue? Simple. It grabbed me from the beginning, just like any suspense is supposed to do. I found it rather gruesome, and yet, I kept reading. I…
Long Walk Home by DiAnn Mills
Long Walk Home especially touched my heart. I’ve been to South Sudan, and I’ve seen the devastation, the lack, the starving, the sick, the nakedness, as well as the scrutiny and sorrows of the people. And yet, they smile, dance, and express joy. DiAnn Mills gives us a small glimpse into the lives of three people from southern Sudan in novel form. Paul Farid, an Arab from a royal family, flies Feed the World (FTW) planes over Warkou, along the Lol River in southern Sudan delivering food and medical supplies for the natives of the village. Paul meets Warkou’s doctor,…
Keep You Close by Karen Cleveland
FBI Official, Stephanie Maddox comes face-to-face with right and wrong when her son is accused of being involved with an extremist group that’s plotting against high ranking government officials. Like any mother, she believes her son Zachary is innocent. She searches his closet and finds a loaded gun tucked away in a sack in his closet. When she questions him about the weapon, his response and body language convince her he’s clueless. What does she do with the gun? Her actions and reasoning must remain above board and yet she if she turns the pistol into the authorities, her son…
A Tender Hope by Amanda Cabot
This evenly-paced novel allowed me to walk alongside Thea Michener on her journey of hope. Her dreams of a happy future died when her husband was murdered, and her son was stillborn. The only way she could see to escape the pain was to move to Cimarron Creek and continue her profession as a midwife. Thea and her new friend Aimee Jarre make a great team as they travel together. Thea desires a new beginning, and Aimee is searching for her biological mom. It’s easy to connect with these two ladies as their friendship grows. Cabot developed her characters well….