book review

Dr. Sarah Gordon lost her husband and daughter. Now she’s about to lose her life.

After losing the two people she loved the most, Sarah Gordon doesn’t think life could get worse. But, after a fire in her garage is ruled an arson, she begins to realize someone is after her—and that person wants to see her dead. But first, they want to see her suffer.

Her late husband’s best friend, Kyle Andrews, and a recovering alcoholic detective, Bill Larson, are trying to solve the mystery before it’s too late, and they’re both trying to win her heart, too. Not only does Sarah feel torn between two men, she also feels as though she cannot trust anyone.

With creepy threats that become more and more sinister, Sarah finds herself in constant fear, but even the best home alarm technology won’t protect her. Who is doing this, and why are they after her?

Medical Judgment is the kind of roller-coaster thrill ride you won’t be able to put down.  I read this book in a single afternoon and wasn’t ready for the story to end.  I love that I couldn’t name the villain, although I had narrowed down the suspect list a bit.  Books in which the authors keep me guessing are the best, and Mabry is a master at twists and turns.

Another aspect I enjoy of his work is the reality of the characters.  They’re heavily flawed in the same kinds of ways as we are, and that makes for a more enjoyable read.  It’s easy to relate to the characters, because while I’ve never been stalked by a crazed gunman, I can understand faith doubts, confidence issues, and family concerns.

I’ve already recommended this book to friends and am sure I’ll be doing so over and over again.  Quality realistic suspense books aren’t easy to find, and Medical Judgment qualifies in spades.

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I received a free copy of Medical Judgment from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician who writes “medical suspense with heart.” His novels have won multiple awards: a semifinalist for International Thriller Writers’ debut novel; finalists for the Carol Award, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, and Romantic Times’ Reader’s Choice Award; and both finalist and winner of the Selah Award. He and his wife live in Frisco, Texas.

One plucky female pharmacist + one high-society naval officer = romance—and danger

For plucky Lillian Avery, America’s entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg’s attentions only annoy–even if he is her brother’s best friend.

During the darkest days of the war, Arch’s destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves–and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian’s trust and affection?

Sarah Sundin brings World War II to life, offering readers an intense experience they won’t soon forget.

Sarah Sundin’s newest book is a masterful blend of World War II history and modern day issues.  She traces PTSD and drug addictions back to their earlier days and put them in a historical setting.  The effect is clean but exciting as the cast of characters deals with a myriad of issues.

The personal issues that Arch and Lilian each face are monumental.  Set against the backdrop of the war, the ante is upeed for them both.  I loved reading about how they struggled with trust and independence – both are more than relevant today, and Sundin takes those themes and presents them in several forms throughout the book.

Set completely in the US, this book felt a bit different than Sundin’s others, but it was no less mesmerizing.  I couldn’t put it down and couldn’t wait to find out the ending – and I couldn’t predict it, either.  Sundin remains one of my favorite WWII era authors.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

 In a time of sacrifice, what price can one put on true love? Pharmacist Lillian Avery and Ensign Archer Vandenberg are about to find out in Sarah Sundin’s new book, Anchor in the Storm. During the darkest days of the war, Arch’s destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves—and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions Lillian has been filling? As the danger rises on both land and sea, the two must work together to answer that question. But can Arch ever earn Lillian’s trust and affection?

Celebrate the release of Sarah’s Anchor in the Storm by entering to win her All Hands on Deck Prize Pack!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A signed copy of Anchor in the Storm
• Nautical tote bag lined with anchor fabric
• Anchor necklace made from copper reclaimed from the USS Constitution in Boston during restoration
• 365 Devotions for Hope by Karen Whiting
• Shine: Nautical Inspirational Adult Coloring Book
• “Hope Anchors the Soul” journal
• Set of two nautical tea towels

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 8th. The winner will be announced June 9th on Sarah’s blog.

I received a free copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

As San Francisco rises from the ashes, an age-old battle looms between corruption and the promise of new beginnings.

The devastating earthquake is just two years past, but the city of San Francisco is still trying to recover. Destruction of this magnitude is not so easy to overcome—and neither are the past regrets shadowing Elizabeth King’s hopeful future.

Hoping to right her wrongs, Elizabeth dedicates herself to helping girls rescued from slavery in Chinatown brothels, even if it means putting her own life at risk to sneak through the gloomy alleys and rooftops where dangers lurk.

Putting her life on the line for a worthy cause is admirable. But opening her heart is even more terrifying. So when Elizabeth meets attorney, Charles McKinley—a man who dreams of reforming San Francisco’s crooked politics—Elizabeth begins to doubt: Can she maintain her pretense and hide her past? Or will her secret jeopardize both their futures?

I love a good underdog story, and Karen Barnett’s newest book in the Golden Gate Chronicles series is a great one.  There are people who need champions of all sizes, shapes, and colors in this story, and Charles is idealistic enough to take on their cases.

Elizabeth is a different story.  She’s opinionated and stubborn but broken, and I think that’s why she makes such a fantastic lead.  Her story is a common one, and that’s why she’s so easy to relate to.  Setting her against the backdrop of the corruption following the Great Earthquake makes her even more fascinating.

I enjoyed catching up with Ruby and Gerald, too.  I love when an author brings characters from earlier books into later ones and moves their stories forward, and that’s the case with Elizabeth’s siblings.  Reading more of their story felt like meeting an old friend in an unexpected place.

Not enough has been written about the San Francisco earthquake, and I’m glad that Barnett’s chosen to do so.  Her smooth writing and attention to detail bring Through the Shadows to life.

Want more?  Enter to win your own Barnett books! 

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Karen Barnett is the author of Beyond the Ashes, Out of the Ruins, and Mistaken. Named the 2013 Writer of Promise by Oregon Christian Writers, Karen lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband and two kids. When she’s not writing novels, she loves speaking at women’s events, libraries, and book clubs.

After inheriting his title from his brother, the margrave has two weeks to find a noble bride. What will happen when he learns he has fallen for a lovely servant girl in disguise?

The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble born ladies who meet the king’s approval to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.

Avelina has only two instructions: keep her true identity a secret and make sure the margrave doesn’t select her as his bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.

Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences.

Dickerson’s newest medieval fairytale will leave you making travel plans for Thornbeck.  The area sounds beautiful, with Thornbeck Castle full of enough excitement and intrigue to satisfy any busybody’s tongue.  It’s the perfect locale for an adventure.

That’s good, because Avelina doesn’t do a very good job at obeying the few instructions she was given.  She’s as different from the real Dorothea as night is from day, and her true personality comes flying out with every word and action.  I really loved that personality, too – it’s vitally alive and fresh and kind.

That was my favorite aspect of this book – the new ‘princess’ perspective that Avelina brought to the table.  She’s not stuck up or full of herself, nor is she concerned about balls and gowns and appearances, but instead she truly desires deep, active love and to help others.

I enjoyed the twists and turns that Dickerson wrote into the story.  While I foresaw the ultimate ending from the very beginning, I could never have predicted the path that took the reader there, and it was a very lively one.

If you enjoy fairy tales but want a good, grown-up version, The Beautiful Pretender is the book for you.

Enter The Beautiful Pretender giveaway here!

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I received a free copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

After ten years in the NFL, super star Gray Fowler is accustomed to obsessive fans.

But when Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, his team hires an executive protection agency to guard him until the culprit is caught. Dealing with bodyguards 24/7 is a headache, especially when one of them is a young, beautiful woman. How can a female half his size possibly protect him better than he can protect himself?

Dru Porter is a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt–none of which saved her from disaster on her last assignment. In order to rebuild her tarnished reputation, she’s determined to find Gray’s stalker and, since relationships between agents and clients are forbidden, avoid a romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past.

Yet every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they’ll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives—and their hearts—to one another.

Dru Porter isn’t your typical bodyguard – and she’s not the only thing about this story that will keep you guessing.  Becky Wade wrote a fabulously fun story in Her One and Only that’s both romantic and suspenseful, but not in the usual ways.  The characters break every stereotype while being people I’d want to know.  What makes the story even better is the way that Becky Wade flips The Bodyguard scenario upside down.

I love the inclusion of Porter siblings from past books. The opportunity to keep up with Meg, Bo, and the others was fun.  The passing of time also allowed for Dru to grow up and really grow into a well-developed character.

Gray is a ruggedly attractive leading man, and not only because of his looks and build.  Gray’s character and integrity grow throughout the story as he makes some changes in the way that he lives his life, and these developments make him ever more interesting. He’s never one to back down, but I love the way that he takes a stand for what he feels is right, and his growing integrity makes him ever more exciting in my eyes.

I have loved Wade’s Porter books, and Her One and Only is no exception.  If you like Karen Kingsbury’s Baxter books, you’ll love the Porters.

Click here to read other reviews on this bloggy hop or here to purchase your own copy now.

I received a free copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.