Amy

If you read Jessica Patch’s novel The Girl Upstairs, you’re in for a wild ride, but be careful when you open it, because you won’t be able to put it down after turning the first page – and you won’t want to be reading it after dark, either.

While I don’t typically read traditional ‘scary’ books, I’m no stranger to ones that tackle dark or tough topics, but I was surprised at how hard parts of this story were to read. Gwen’s almost total isolation and the way that even those closest to her doubted her were difficult. I love her strength and wanted to see her succeed, and I hated to see her struggle.

Yet these were redeemed in the most awesome way possible. While the darkness was oppressive at times, Patch uses the evil and doubts in the story to highlight good and purpose and faith. The story came full circle in amazing ways – via a very circuitous, twisty, unseen route that will have you on the edge of your seat throughout.

If you like to be kept guessing, you’re going to love The Girl Upstairs. Just make sure to read with the light on.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Last Chance Christmas is a high-stakes, high-octane holiday anthology that will pull you in right from the beginning. Lisa Phillips’ story is first and sets the scene for all three stories, and I love the way that this plot arcs over the entire book.

Phillips’ book is my favorite, but I enjoyed them all. The characters are fun and make great additions to the Last Chance community. I especially like the lessons they learn as they face down their individual obstacles. While I hope most of us avoid these kinds of dangerous problems, they are relevant to most of us in simpler ways. I love that reading this book gives me new ideas to consider and questions to ponder.

Several of the characters describe themselves as Scrooge-ish, and seeing them view Christmas in a new light gives these stories a fun take on Christmas. They’re not over the top in the holiday vein, but here, too, they make good points, and I enjoy that.

So if you like holiday stories that are heavy on the action but will put you in the Christmas spirit, grab a copy of Last Chance Christmas.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Colleen Coble delivers excitement and loads of angst in her latest novel Prowl! The second book in the Sanctuary series, this story will keep you turning pages late into the night.

I love the twistiness of this story. Each time I thought I had an element figured out, she’d dribble out more information that would make me rethink my theories. Plots that keep me guessing are my favorite kind!

Lead character Paradise has more than enough on her plate, and I enjoy the way that her past is colliding with her future in this series. New information is revealed and more questions asked in this book, and it makes for a fun mystery alongside the drama happening at the animal park. As a hurt but strong character, I love the way that she stands up for herself and works to heal. This doesn’t always go smoothly, but it is real, and it’s a wonderful example of what healing might look like.

So if dramatic, found-family, suspenseful stories are your jam, give Prowl a try. You’ll be glad you did.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

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