The Secrets Beneath

 

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Some secrets can only stay buried for so long...

Anna Lakeman has spent her life working alongside her paleontologist father, drawing intricate sketches at ever dig. When they find dinosaur bones near their home in Wyoming Territory, they're given the opportunity of a lifetime and are swiftly caught up in the competitive era of the Bone Wars. But after her father becomes sick and an old beau returns for the summer, Anna's world is upended, and the practical, orderly life she has made for herself shatters.

Medical student Joshua Ziegler left his hometown to forget Anna, the one woman he truly loved and deeply hurt. But when he returns, time hasn't erased the feelings they've always had for each other. After Joshua's nephew goes missing - just like his sister did years ago - and Anna's job is threatened, tensions mount and dangerous secrets are unearthed.

Review

The Secrets Beneath was a bit of a surprise. I've read historicals by Kimberley Woodhouse before and really enjoyed how she brings an intriguing part of history to life in a very unique way. And in this novel, it was super fun to dive into the "Bone Wars" era (something I'd never heard of before!). Paleontology is something that's always fascinated me so I enjoyed exploring that a bit in The Secrets Beneath.

I enjoy historicals with a twist, and throwing in a mysterious crime angle certainly made this story unique. What I was bit surprised about was how DARK it turned the story. It was like unwittingly diving into a Criminal Minds episode, and I found myself flipping over pages that were in the villain's point of view. The villain was so downright creepy and disturbed, and I didn't like those parts at all. It was almost as if it didn't fit in with the story, but I suppose you don't usually read a Christian historical with some psychotic person in them!

In the end, The Secrets Beneath left me with some mixed emotions. The main character, Anna, was a bit difficult to like at first, but Joshua was sweetheart, and I did enjoy the rekindling of their romance. I'm really intrigued on the direction of this new series and hope the subsequent books don't have the same dark undertones...we shall see! 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

The Love Script

 

Back Cover

A Hollywood hair stylist.

Nevaeh Richards loves making those in the spotlight shine but prefers the anonymity of staying behind her stylist chair, where no one notices her. But when a photo of Nevaeh and Hollywood A-lister Lamont Booker goes viral for all the wrong reasons, her quiet life becomes the number-one trending topic.

The silver screen's latest heartthrob.

Lamont Booker's bold faith has gained him a platform, and the authenticity of his faith is well known...until the tabloids cause the world to question everything he claims to be. With his reputation on the line, he finds himself hearing out his agent's push for a fake relationship - something he never thought he'd consider in a million years.

A love that goes off script.

With their careers at risk, Nevaeh and Lamont have to convince the world that their scripted romance is more than just an act. But when fake seems to turn into something real, can Nevaeh trust her heart in a world where nothing is ever as it seems?

Review

If I had to sum this book up in one word, it would be FUN. The Love Script is a delightful rom-com that had me giggling like a little girl all the way through. It's a breath of fresh air having a bit of levity in a book and I simply loved it. Don't get me wrong: I still very much enjoy my suspense and dramatic historical novels, but every once in a while, you need a good comedy to lighten things up a bit.

The Love Script isn't all fun and games, however. One of my favourite aspects about a Toni Shiloh novel is that the characters undergo a wonderful faith arc where their relationship with Christ is deeply changed for the better. While yes, this is a fictional story with fictional characters, it's still encouraging to read how Nevaeh and Lamont learn to lean into the Lord during the trials in life as it's like seeing "faith in action". An excellent reminder that God is FOR us, not against us.

Loved this book!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Into the Fire

 

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Instinct only takes you so far. 

After that, you need proof. 

But cunning killers hide their tracks.

As a former smokejumper, arson investigator Bri Tucker knows her way around fires. But after a mysterious blaze takes the life of a former colleague, Bri inherits a curious puzzle from him that raises questions about several fiery deaths. Someone, however, doesn't want her picking up where he left off in search of answers.

When she teams up with ATF Special Agent Marc Davis to solve the puzzle, the case heats up - as does the attraction between them. Sparks fly as the danger escalates, but will they mange to track down the person behind the mysterious deaths before their budding romance - and maybe even their lives - go up in flames?

In this pulse-pounding new series from the bestselling and award winning queen of romantic suspense, you'll be swept up in a whirlwind of danger, mystery, and romance. Get ready to burn through the pages as Bri and Marc race to solve the puzzle and uncover the truth.

Review

This book sure did turn the heat up! In her classic style, Irene Hannon has crafted a twisty suspense story with complex characters, a heated (but clean) romance, and one crazy villain. Into the Fire is one wild ride that I quickly devoured. Suspense lovers cannot go wrong in picking up one of Irene's books. You can tell she thoroughly researches before putting her story together and she just has a way in crafting very real, multi-dimensional characters.  I love that this is the kick-off to anther series revolving around siblings and can't wait for the next installment!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

A Royal Christmas

 

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Adelaide Smith is too busy for fairy tales.

She's been working hard to put herself through law school, and she's determined to stay focused on her goals. Then she receives a letter notifying her that she is a direct descendant of King Maximillian Konig V, the ruler of a small European principality called Montovia.

What? No. That's the stuff of cheesy made-for-TV movies, not real life.

Still, curiosity gest the best of her, leading to a Christmas break trip chock-full of surprises, including a charming village, an opulent palace, family mysteries, royal jealousies, a handsome young member of Parliament, and the chance at a real-life fairy tale romance.

Review

This was a cute novella, perfect for the holiday season. Who didn't dream of being a princess or falling in love in a fairy-tale like land when they were a little girl? A Royal Christmas satisfies all those dreams through the story of Adelaide Smith. I was charmed by the descriptions of Montovia and wish it were possible to spend Christmas in the snowy, mountainous country! 

There was certainly a lot of drama packed into this little novella, and it could easily have been fleshed out to a full-length novel. As it was, it kept the pace of the story moving along at a good clip and held my interest until the very end. I really enjoyed reading A Royal Christmas over the holidays and will definitely be picking up some of Melody Carlson's other Christmas novellas to enjoy!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Voice of the Ancient

 

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As the eldest son of a Levite and a Philistine, Avidan is torn between his duty to his family legacy and the desire for something more. After an enemy attack strikes close to home, he takes the opportunity to fight with his cousins for the newly crowned King Saul. But when one of the cousins goes missing during the battle, Avidan refuses to leave him behind.

Keziah is the daughter of one of the most powerful clan chiefs in the territory of Manasseh. On the brink of a forced marriage to a loathsome man decades older than her, she has no choice but to run, hoping to find sanctuary with her mother's family.

United during their journeys and battling to survive the dangers that surround them, Avidan and Keziah make a pact to travel together. As challenges pile up, they must not only rely on each other to stay alive but also learn to trust the true and eternal King of Israel to guide their every step.

Review

To me, Connilyn Cossette is the queen of Biblical fiction. I absolutely love each and every one of her books. Voice of the Ancient is no exception. Connilyn has crafted a unique storyline and memorable characters (yet again!). I love how faith in the Lord becomes so real to Avidan and Keziah. While that may be something expected in Biblical fiction, I've found that theme is difficult to pull off in any genre. Making the faith real, and not rote, strong, yet not preachy, is an art that Connilyn has perfected. Her books make the Old Testament settings come alive and her historical research adds a rich depth to the stories. I heartily enjoyed this first instalment in The King's Men series, and cannot wait for the sequel!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

In This Moment

 

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Maggie inherited a gift from her time-crossing parents that allows her to live three separate lives in 1861, 1941, and 2001. Each night, she goes to sleep in one time period and wakes up in another. Until she turns twenty-one, when she will have to forfeit two of those lives - and everyone she knows in them - forever.

In 1861, Maggie is the daughter of a senator at the outbreak of the Civil War, navigating a capital full of Southern spies and wounded soldiers. In 1941, she is a navy nurse, grappling with her knowledge of the future when she joins a hospital ship going to Pearl Harbor. And in 2001, she's a brilliant young medical student, fulfilling her dream of becoming a surgeon.

While Maggie has sworn off romance until she makes her final choice, an intriguing man tugs at her heart in each era, only complicating the impossible decision she must make, which looms ever closer. With so much on the line, how can Maggie choose just one life to keep and the rest to lose?

Review

It's a rare occurrence when I finish a novel and want to reread it again right away. But along came In this Moment and every time I look at it (because I haven't yet stored it away in my bookcase), I want to dive into this amazing story all over again.

I loved the first book in the Timeless series, When the Day Comes, and didn't think it would be possible for the sequel to be better than the first. But goodness gracious, In This Moment is arguably one of my favourite reads of all time. I LOVED it. It's such a unique time-travel concept, and, don't call me crazy, but it almost feels believable. Maggie is a wonderful heroine and Gabrielle Meyer chose the perfect time periods as America is on the cusp of war in each of Maggie's lifetimes, making for a thrilling and suspenseful read.

Engaging, thought-provoking, and heartfelt, In This Moment is the perfect continuation of the Timeless series. I'm so excited that there will be two more books in this family time-traveling saga.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Crime Scene Conspiracy

Description
 

Too many mysterious deaths. 

Not enough clues.

A string of staged deaths forces Texas Ranger Emily O’Connell on a covert mission to investigate a governor’s connection to the deceased women. She doesn’t trust anyone—including crime scene cleaner Stone Spencer. But when Emily’s questioning makes her the serial killer’s next target, she must turn to ex-ranger Stone for help. With threats at every turn, outrunning a merciless villain could be the last thing they do.

Review

This was a fast-paced crime novel full of action with a plot that kept me guessing until the very end. I was a bit surprised at the high (and I mean HIGH) body count in the book, and the constant near-misses Emily and Stone endure pushed the boundaries of believability. While this book could've benefited from another sweep of the editor's brush, I appreciated the varied cast of characters and the tight-knit family group the Spencers portrayed. For me, Crime Scene Conspiracy didn't knock it out of the park, but this book is receiving some great reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, showing it's hitting the mark with many other readers. 

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.