REVIEW: WHEN A SECRET KILLS ~ LYNETTE EASON

Revell Publishers has graciously supplied me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

After ten years of looking over her shoulder, Jillian Carter is tired of running.  When she saw a crime committed the night of her High School graduation, Jillian was young and scared, and when instinct told her to flee, she did.  Now she’s finally ready to go back home to right a wrong and finally put the past behind her. 

Young as he had been when they were together, Colton Brady had loved Jillian Carter with all of his being.  He could never understand her sudden disappearance, and he certainly could never forget the girl he had wanted to spend the rest of his life with.  He even became a cop for the sole purpose of finding her, but Jillian had changed her identity and ultimately had been too good at hiding.  Her friends, Alexia and Serena, seem convinced that something had scared Jillian badly enough to get her on the first bus out of town, and that whatever it was had recently put all of their lives in danger.

When Jillian is attacked at the airport mere minutes after arriving home, Colton can’t help but concede that whatever she saw, someone clearly wants to silence her; but when Jillian accuses Colton’s uncle of murder, will family honour take precedence over claims of his High School sweetheart?

As they work together to discover the truth (Jillian believes Senator Frank Hoffman guilty of murder, Colton works to prove his innocence), it soon becomes clear that their long ago love is not in the past at all; but with an even bigger secret Jillian has been keeping for ten years, could Colton ever forgive her and give their rekindled love a chance?

When A Secret Kills by Lynette Eason is the third and final instalment of the Deadly Reunions series.  After ten years of running, hiding and learning to take care of herself, Jillian Carter is finally ready to come home and face her demons; especially with her secret risking the lives of her best friends, Alexia and Serena.  With recent attempts on both of their lives, Jillian knows the time for the truth is at hand.  She expects danger, she expects opposition, but what she does not expect is for the love of her life to pick her up at the airport.  After running away without so much as a goodbye, Jillian doesn’t know what to expect from Colton, but one thing is certain; they have unfinished business.

Colton won’t believe his uncle is guilty of murder, as Jillian claims.  He agrees to help her discover the truth of that long ago night, if only to prove his uncle’s innocence.  With attempt upon attempt on Jillian’s life, Colton admits that she knows something that someone is willing to kill for, but when attempts are made on his own life Colton’s faith in his uncle’s innocence is strengthened.  His uncle would never see him harmed… would he?

When A Secret Kills is a fast paced, action packed read, even more intense than its predecessors.  Jillian is literally running for her life from the very first page, and the danger continues throughout the novel.  There is a ten year old mystery to be solved, and danger mounts as the puzzle pieces start to come together.

It was great to finally meet Jillian and as a character she did not disappoint.  She’s tough as nails yet has a very believable vulnerability about her.  I enjoyed the interaction between Jillian and Colton, but just wish there was more interaction between the three ladies of the novels.  For best friends these three spend hardly any time together after finally being reunited after years apart.  It would have been nice to finally see the three of them together.  I wish Serena and Alexia had bigger roles in this novel, but as it is their men seemed to play a bigger part. 

While both Jillian and Colton are believers, there is much less focus on faith than the previous two books, something I sorely missed.  The majority of this book was more action than religious fiction.  Even so, When a Secret Kills is by no means a disappointment, rather a very satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.  

Product information:

Title: When A Secret Kills

Author: Lynette Eason

Pages: 352

Publisher: Revell

Year: 2013

ISBN: 0800720091

ISBN13: 9780800720094

Related posts:

Review: Deadly Reunions #1: When The Smoke Clears ~Lynette Eason

Review: Deadly Reunions #2: When A Heart Stops ~ LynetteEason

Review: A Killer Among Us ~ Lynette Eason

REVIEW: SHATTERED ~ DANI PETTREY

When Reef McKenna is found covered in blood, holding the murder weapon that killed Karli Davis, there are few in Yancey, Alaska who believe in his innocence; and only one who believes it without a shadow of a doubt – his sister, Piper. Looking like an open and shut case, the police aren’t even looking for other suspects.  Piper vows to do everything in her power to prove Reef's innocence, and she won’t stop until the real killer is found.

Deputy Landon Grainger practically grew up with the Mckennas and considers them family, but he is determined to do his job and be unbiased.  Landon doesn’t trust blindly – he learned a long time ago that those closest to you have the power to hurt you the most.  Landon believes only in hard evidence, and the evidence says Reef McKenna is guilty; so Landon does his job, even knowing that his being the one to arrest Reef breaks the heart of the woman he secretly loves: Piper. 

When Piper loses faith in the police and launches her own investigation, she nearly gets herself killed.  Unlike the other McKennas, and Landon, Piper is thrilled someone made an attempt on her life; it means she’s on the right track - something Landon can’t completely dispel.  Knowing that Piper will not stop digging on her own, Landon knows what he has to do to protect her.  He risks his career by taking a leave of absence, hands Reef’s case over to the Sheriff (who believes in Reef’s guilt and insists on a quick conviction) and joins forces with Piper and the rest of the McKennas to track down Karli’s killer on their own, with Reef’s trial date looming ever closer.  The quest for answers takes Landon and Piper from Alaska, to British Columbia and even California; but the feeling that they are being watched never goes away.  What they ultimately discover spans much bigger than just Karli herself, and when they get too close to the truth, there’s no guarantee they will make it out alive.

Shattered is the second book in Dani Pettrey’s Alaskan Courage series.  I found this book at the bookstore and was hooked after reading the synopsis, so even though I could not find book 1, Submerged, I started on this one anyway.  This is my first book by this author but will most definitely not be my last.  I wish I had started the series with Submerged, but I will definitely read it next.  Shattered can be read as a stand-alone novel, but there are some reference to events of book 1 which I was clueless about, so at times I did feel a little out of the loop  (only once or twice), but that’s my fault, not the author’s; series’ are meant to be read in order, after all.

I absolutely love all of the McKennas and everyone who works to prove Reef’s innocence.  The author really makes you care about the characters, and I was rooting for Piper and Landon to not only solve this case, but also finally admit their feelings for each other, the whole way through.  It is impossible not to get emotionally invested – brilliant writing.

The action and suspense was also just the way I like it.  The author made me fear for Piper and Landon's lives several times.  The hunt for Karli's killer was realistic and I felt just as despondent as the characters did when their investigation reached dead ends. The combination of romance, mystery, danger and faith makes for a gripping read.  Shattered truly has it all.  I love everything about this book.

I look forward to starting the series and discovering how Cole and Bailey found each other, and to continue Gage and Darcy’s story in Stranded.  I hope Kayden and Jake get a story of their own as well, and I am sure they will.

Product Information:

Title: Shattered

Author: Dani Pettrey

Pages: 320

Year: 2013

Publisher: Bethany House

ISBN: 0764209833

ISBN13: 9780764209833

REVIEW: DARE YOU TO ~ KATIE MCGARRY

Harlequin has graciously supplied me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

17 year old Beth Risk has had a hard life.  Despised and rejected by her father for causing him to go jail, abandoned by her rescuer, her favourite uncle, Scott, Beth lives in less than ideal conditions with her alcoholic, drug addict mother.  Her only comfort in life is her best friend, Isaiah.

Ryan Stone appears to have the perfect life; a perfect family, great friends and a great talent and promising future career in baseball.  But Ryan’s life comes crashing down when his family is suddenly split apart.  Abandoned by his brother, Ryan carries more hurt than outsiders can see.  His only comfort is winning – especially dares.

When Beth walks into the Taco Bell where Ryan and his friends also happen to be, neither can guess how deeply they will impact each other’s lives.  Ryan is dared to score Beth’s number, but she shoots him down cold and walks out of his life without a backward glance. 

When a scuffle with the law could mean that Beth’s mother go to jail for violating probation, Beth takes the fall.  What she doesn’t expect is for her long lost uncle Scott to then waltz back into her life, determined to rescue her – from her circumstances, her mother and even from herself.  Suddenly finding herself in Scott’s custody Beth is whisked away from her mother and Isaiah, the only two constants in her life.  Moving into Scott’s stately home, much to the chagrin of his new wife, Beth is thrust into a world she doesn’t feel connected to.  The girl from the wrong side of the tracks now lives in an upstanding neighbourhood, attends a decent school, and suddenly has rules to follow: No swearing, no smoking, no revealing clothes, no disrespecting other people… how on earth is a girl supposed to adapt?

Frustrated by losing the dare, Ryan can’t believe his luck when Beth Risk enrols in his High-School; having set no time limit, the dare is back on – only now the stakes are higher: Ryan must get Beth to go on a date with him.  Intent only on winning a dare, Ryan has now idea just how badly this girl is about to rock the boat and cause him to question everything he thought he knew about his life.  What he perceives to be a tough-as-nails skater girl surprisingly has moments of intense vulnerability.  With an intriguing contrast of extremes trying her hardest to keep anyone from getting too close, how can Ryan not be pulled in by the depth he sees in the girl who refuses to see it in herself?

Throw in a jealous ex-girlfriend, a jealous best friend, appearance conscious parents and a concerned uncle and you can be sure drama ensues.  Can two people meant to be together find their way to each other against the odds stacked so heavily against them?

Dare You To by Katie McGarry is the second book in the Pushing The Limits series, but can be read as a stand-alone novel.  It is very dark for a young adult book, and very relevant to the times we live in.  It deals with themes of insecurities, abuse, drug use and the like.  There is some explicit language in the book, but it’s not just there to be there, it plays a big part in character development; mostly the kind...

There is also sexual content, but the author leaves it all at the closed bedroom door.  Even so this book is best suited for more mature young adults.

Dare You To has a lot more depth than the average young adult read, and handles tough situations realistically.  It broke my heart how Beth had to take care of her mother instead of her mother taking care of her, but sadly that is a reality for children of addicts.  This book explored that kind of life very realistically.  As I was reading it I could not guess the ending; it was impossible for me to predict a happy ending for Beth and the author pleasantly surprised me with the route she chose.  

Beth and Ryan, though so very different on the surface, are perfect for each other.  I love how the author approached the progression of their relationship. This is truly the most realistic young adult novel I've read in quite a while.  It was certainly refreshing to have no paranormal angle on this one. A very satisfying read.

Product information:

Title: Dare You To

Author: Katie McGarry

Number of pages: 462

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Year: 2013

ISBN: 0373210639

REVIEW: HARVEST OF GOLD ~ TESSA AFSHAR

Moody Publishers has graciously provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Harvest of Gold is to be released on 01 July 2013.  Pre-order your copy in great anticipation, you’re going to love it!

Harvest of Gold by Tessa Afshar is a sequel to Harvest of Rubies, and the story commences a few months after the conclusion of the first.

Sarah and Darius have called a truce and are trying to make their marriage work.  Darius, however, is disconcerted by the strong feelings his wife triggers in him, and in an effort to remain unaffected by her, he unknowingly and unintentionally hurts her with his attempts to keep his distance – emotionally and physically.  While accepting his wife and soaking up her admissions of love, Darius is unable and unwilling to reciprocate.  Firmly believing that he will never be able to love Sarah, Darius breaks his wife’s heart on a daily basis.  Hurt, but determined to make her husband happy, Sarah works very hard to become the kind of wife God wants her to be; but a lifetime of habits proves difficult to break, and both Sarah and Darius will have to learn to rely not on themselves, but on the One who made them.  Only God can help them break apart their old foundations and help them to rebuild their habits, their hearts, and ultimately their relationships with each other and with God.  Can Sarah help to turn her husband’s heart to “his mother’s God”?  Can a nobleman with a deep-seated desire to please his father turn his back on his father’s way of life?

While traveling to Susa on invitation from King Artaxerxes and Queen Damaspia, Sarah and Darius discover and foil a plot to assassinate the King, and Darius finds himself tasked with solving the mystery; with Sarah’s help, of course.  Facing such a daunting task while still carefully mending the holes in their marriage could either make or break their delicate bond. 

We thus join Darius and Sarah on a journey to Jerusalem, accompanying Nehemiah on his mission of rebuilding the Holy City.  The Bible book of Nehemiah is flawlessly incorporated into the story, and is beautifully brought to life.  As Pearl in The Sand compelled me to reread Rahab’s story in the book of Joshua, so did Harvest of Gold compel me to reread the book of Nehemiah – and whenever an author of Christian fiction triggers in their readers the need to examine, or re-examine, the Bible, I think they have accomplished a marvellous feat!

In Harvest of Gold Sarah and Darius’ fragile marriage experiences even more challenges than it did in Harvest of Rubies (who would have thought it possible?!), which I won’t elaborate on to avoid spoilers.  This time around the reader gets a glimpse into Darius’ childhood and we learn why he is so closed off from emotion, and why Sarah faces such a hard battle to not only help her husband to love and be loved, but to turn her husband’s heart towards the Lord. 

We also meet two of Darius friends (who thoroughly charmed me), Lysander and Roxanne. Sidebar: I would love books with these two as protagonists. What fascinating characters they are!

Anyone who has read Harvest of Rubies quite simply has to continue Darius and Sarah’s story with Harvest of Gold – you will not be disappointed!  While no less intense than its predecessor, Harvest of Gold delivers everything I could have ever hoped for, for Sarah and Darius.  If you are new to this story, I would not suggest that you read Harvest of Gold as a stand-alone novel.  Where Harvest of Rubies focuses more strongly on Sarah, Harvest of Gold sheds more light on Darius; you need to read both to appreciate the character development of both Sarah and Darius.  The characters also recall several events of the past, and having no idea what they are referring to might diminish your connection to this story; Besides, it is an absolute joy to follow Darius and Sarah’s story from the very beginning, sharing both of their inner struggles and eventual enlightenment.  In this way, the state and progression of their relationship is also more understandable and relatable.

Afshar’s next book will be a sequel of sorts to my beloved Pearl In The Sand, and will tell the tale of Rahab and Salmone’s son, Boaz, and his Ruth – one of the most beloved romances of the Bible.  I can’t wait for this one! 

While relatively new to the trade, Afshar is one of those authors who so clearly has a God-given talent for writing as well as the Lord’s blessing over her work, and has already proven herself an author who won’t let you down.  Her ability to incorporate a work of fiction into a well-known Biblical tale and/or historical facts is second to none, her character development is strong and realistic, and her flare for romance and intrigue combine for an unforgettable read.  She has firmly established herself as one of my absolute favourite authors, right up there with Francine Rivers and Dee Henderson.  Ms Afshar, may God continue to bless you in your writing, and may you bring us many more books to love and cherish. 

Product Information:

Title: Harvest of Gold

Author: Tessa Afshar

Number of Pages: 368

Publisher: Moody Publishers

Year: 2013

ISBN-10: 0802405592

ISBN- 13: 978-0802405593

Related posts:

Review: Harvest of Rubies ~ Tessa Afshar

Review: Pearl in the Sand ~ Tessa Afshar 

REVIEW: KISSING THE MADE OF HONOR ~ ROBIN BIELMAN

Sela Sullivan is resolved to be the best maid of honor ever, even if it means tolerating the best man. Insufferable, too-handsome Luke Watters is not only the guy who humiliated her at a kissing booth in high school, but he also happens to be her best friend’s older brother and her older brother's best friend. Positive he’s the same arrogant jock, Sela vows to focus on her duties and steer clear of Luke.

As a world-renowned extreme-sports photographer, Luke is used to undertaking life-risking adventures. But risking his heart for the beautiful Sela Sullivan, who clearly still hates him for his rejection all those years ago? He didn’t see that coming. Sela inspires a passion he’s never known, and the more time they spend together, the more he craves her. But can he prove to the maid of honor that he’s become a man of honor?

Kissing the Maid of Honor by Robin Bielman follows the story of Sela Sullivan who had once carried a torch for her best friend's brother (who also happens to be her brother's best friend).  In Luke's senior year of High-School when Sela kissed him at a kissing booth, instead of snagging the boy of her dreams, her world comes crashing down when Luke's reaction not only humiliates her, but breaks her heart.  Luke soon graduates and leaves town, carving out for himself a successful career as a renowned photographer.

After nine long years his sister's wedding finally brings Luke back to town, and Sela unavoidably has to spend time with the man she has convinced herself she loathes.  Only, Luke doesn't seem to be the arrogant jerk she remembers anymore. Resolved to not get involved, Sela desperately tries to avoid Luke at all costs; impossible with all the pre-wedding events going on.  

Luke is captivated by the wonderful woman his little sister's best friend has become.  Sela is not only beautiful, she's sweet, kind and generous... and she still likes to push his buttons; but despite the obvious chemistry between them, Sela is determined to keep him at arm's length.  Could it be that she  is still hurting from his publicly rejecting her so very long ago?  Is it possible that the foolish action of a stunned, overwhelmed teenager can  now cost him a future with the woman who, despite both their reservations, so clearly holds his heart?

Luke and Sela are both interesting characters impossible not to like.  The author does a good job of portraying their vulnerability along with their strengths, and the reader is emotionally invested in them individually as well as a couple.  As is often the case with romance novels, Sela and Luke's relationship does get physical, but the author leaves it at the bedroom door, which I appreciated.  The interaction between Luke and Sela is always sweet and emotional, and an interesting cast of supporting characters colours the story nicely.   

Luke and Sela both struggle with certain doubts and insecurities.  There is more to them and their relationship than the superficial, which adds depth to what is largely a romance

I love romance and second chances, and Kissing The Maid of Honor has both in spades.  It's a sweet, light, enjoyable read perfect for hopeless romantics.

Product Information:

Title: Kissing The Maid of Honor

Author: Robin Bielman

Number of pages: 230

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Year: 2013

ISBN: 978-162266-0-889

Entangled Publishing has kindly provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.