New and notable author: J. L. Crosswhite

  

 This is another author I just recently discovered: J. L. Crosswhite. I had gotten the first book of her Hometown Heroes Series free on my Kindle, and immediately wanted to read everything she had written. I got the whole series in paperback, including the prequel, and devoured the books.

   Crosswhite has a few suspense series that are all entwined. Following the Hometown Heroes Series is In The Shadow Series, which I have already read and loved. Following it is The Holcomb Springs Series. There are two books in that series, and I assume a third is coming. I have not read those yet, but they are on order.

  The author also has some historical suspense books written under the name Jennifer Crosswhite, including The Route Home Series. Those are still on my "want to read" list, but also sound great.

  There are a couple of things that I really like about her books:

#1: She has the same characters throughout her books - so far both series I have read. She does introduce new ones, but most of them are in all of the books. I like that.

#2: Slight spoiler: Her books do not end with a proposal or marriage. They are definitely romantic suspense, and the guy gets the girl....but I have yet to see a proposal for the featured couple. 

 Now, there has been proposals for couples from previous books. And it does tend to be more believable that way.

 And I will be honest. I like the other way too. I enjoy a book that ends with a proposal, and really like it when there is an epilogue that has the wedding....but Crosswhite's books are a nice change from that, and I find myself also liking that way.

   These books have great and likable characters, and they are different. It is hard to pick out favorites, but I found myself really liking the two main characters in the last book I read by her: Over Her Head, book #3 in The In The Shadow Series. That book features Jessica, sister of one of the main characters from the first series, Scott.....and Austin. 

  Jessica had been in a few books, and first appeared in the first series as an irresponsible young alcoholic. She has since cleaned up her act, and is a Christian trying to live right. Austin is a new character, having just moved to the area for a job, and having made an appearance in the previous book. He is smart, awkward, and a bit shy.... a departure from the typical male hero of a story like this.

 But both of them were extremely likable and relatable characters. 

 She is definitely a new to me author that I recommend.

 This author has two different bios, as she has two different websites: one for her historical novels under Jennifer Crosswhite, and the other under J. L. Crosswhite for her contemporary. I used the one from her J. L. Crosswhite site, and the bio is in her words.

About the author:

I have an active imagination! A large part of the genesis for my stories began with a “What if…?” And when I’m writing suspense, I’m able to take all those scary thoughts and possibilities and turn them into a story. Add in a little romance, and things get really exciting!

My favorite thing is discovering how much there is to love about America the Beautiful and the great outdoors. I’m an Amazon bestselling author of romantic suspense and historical fiction, a mom to two navigating the young adult years while battling my daughter’s juvenile arthritis, exploring the delights of my son’s autism, and keeping gluten free. A California native who’s spent significant time in the Midwest, I’m thrilled to be back in the Golden State. Follow me on social media to see all my adventures and how I get inspired for my books!

If you read my blog post on my rebrand, you’ll discover the reason that I write under three different names. This page is dedicated to my suspense. My historical and contemporary fiction and nonfiction can be found at JenniferCrosswhite.com.

I own a publishing services company helping writers learn the craft of fiction and navigate the world of publishing, indie or traditional. Find me at  www.TandemServicesInk.com.

Check out her contemporary novels website at JLCrosswhite.com

New and notable author: Marissa Shrock

 

  I use this blog for book reviews, but decided to start a new feature...if I keep up with it. I am going to occasionally do a "new and/or notable author" post, featuring a new, or new to me author I discovered.

  Most will be authors I recently discovered, but I may feature ones I discovered months ago, or even last year. If I remember correctly, I discovered over 20 authors last year that were either new, or new to me.

 For my first such post, I am featuring Marissa Shrock. Someone recommended her books in a Facebook group I am in - Avid Readers of Christian Fiction. Great group, though it is run like a HOA sometimes :). Someone had just read #2 in the author's series and was raving about it. It is suspense, but sounded pretty funny. I pulled up the author's books, and was surprised to find out I had gotten #1 free for Kindle, and it is one of the 1200 + books on my Kindle.

 The series is The Georgia Rae Winston Mystery Series. It is what I call an "I book" (I should sue Apple for using a word I used long before they did)  - meaning the series is written first point of view, not something I am crazy about. But this author does it well.

 The main character is a single 30-ish woman who works on her own farm. She desperately wants to change her single status, and keeps getting involved in solving murders. Toss in her twin 24 year old stepbrothers, aka "the twin menaces",  who appear in book #2, and you have the makings of suspense with comedy thrown in. I am on book #3, and the twins, who have declared themselves her crime fighting partners, have already made an appearance.

 Honestly....this is not a series or author I would have picked up without the recommendation, but I am really enjoying this series. There are 6 books total, all with "Deadly" in the title. Suspense is my favorite genre', but I like funny also....and I find myself chuckling as I read these books. And the author is not afraid to put a lot of Christian content in her books.

 An excerpt from books #2, Deadly Holiday. (One stepbrother twin calls her "sissy", and the other calls her "babe".)

  Georgia, the "I" and Preston, the stepbrother who calls her "Babe" (mush to her dismay) are trying to get information out of a lady while sitting in their car talking to her out the window. They are giving the idea they are a couple looking to move into the area. 

The excerpt: "That is encouraging. I am Georgia, by the way. This is Preston....my boo."  I patted his knee and winked. 
The color drained from his face.

(After the woman left):
"Uh, Georgia". Preston ran his fingers over his phone.
"Yes?" My boo.
"If I promise to stop calling you babe, will you swear to never again refer to me as your boo"?
Inside my head, I executed a fully choreographed happy dance, but managed to keep a straight face. "Deal."

 Great series, and great author. Check out her books.

As of today, March 22, 2023, the first book is still free for Kindle. Click here.

Update, March 23, 2023: I have finished the series.....and wow. What a great series.

Marissa Shrock is a survivor of many awkward blind dates and many years of teaching middle school. Both provide excellent inspiration for her fictional yarns.

Since childhood, she’s loved to read a variety of genres, so her own work includes dystopian thrillers and cozy mysteries. She’s the author of the Emancipation Warriors Series and the Georgia Rae Winston Mystery Series. Her debut novel, The First Principle, was a Carol Award Finalist.

Marissa enjoys playing golf, building elaborate LEGO creations, and traveling to new places. Her home is in Indiana, where she’s surrounded by corn and soybean fields.

Check out her website here.

In Her Sights, Pink Pistol Sisterhood Series #1 by Karen Witemeyer

Book description:

 He's sworn off love, but she has his heart in her sights and doesn't intend to miss.

Stained by his wastrel father's legacy, Jackson Spivey lives on the fringes of society. Townsfolk tolerate him since he keeps the local hotel supplied with fresh game, but mothers coach their daughters to avoid him. After tasting consistent rejection, Jackson spurns all attempts at courtship. The only things he can count on are his guns and his God.

Tessa James has been secretly in love with Jackson for ages, but trying to gain his favor only pushes him further away. When she learns Annie Oakley is traveling through Texas, Tessa seeks lessons from the famed markswoman. If Jackson's life revolves around guns, taking up shooting might help her engage his interest. Too bad she can't hit the broad side of a barn.

When Annie loans Tessa a custom pistol, however, things begin to change. The lore behind the mysterious weapon fosters hope that Tessa might finally hit the target of Jackson's heart. But when danger threatens, she might be forced to use the pistol for something other than finding love.

My review:
   The author posted a teaser meme about this book that has a line from the book "Tessa James never expected to need an actual gun for husband hunting, but desperate times called for desperate measures."

 Even without that teaser, I would have been drawn to the book since any book by this author is a guaranteed great read.

And I was not disappointed.

This is the first book in The Pink Pistol Sisterhood Series, a series of books by different authors centered around a pistol with a pink grip, and the series is off to a terrific start with In Her Sights.

The book was entertaining, inspiring, amusing, and of course romantic. The book starts setting up the creation of the pink pistol and the reason for it being made. The real life Annie Oakley makes a an appearance, and is given the task of passing the pistol onto the right female.

Jackson and Tessa were awesome and likable characters. He held a torch for Tessa, but was determined not to act on it because of his background and his father's bad reputation. Tessa was in love with him and determined to have him, and decided guns were the way to accomplish that. And the path to that happening was quite entertaining. 

The book is not a long one, coming in at 108 - considered a novella - but is definitely worth reading. And though entertaining, it had a great message that our past does not matter, and God can redeem one's past and bring good out of it.

And if you have never read a novel by Karen Witemeyer, this would be a great one to try. Coming March 30.

I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.

About the author:

Voted #1 Reader's Favorite Christian Romance Author of 2019 by Family Fiction Magazine, bestselling and Carol and Christy Award-winning author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at karenwitemeyer.com.

Coming April 10, #2: Love On Target by Shanna Hatfield

Coming April 20, #3: Love Under Fire by Cheryl Pierson

   Coming April 30, #4: Bullet Proof Bride by Kit  Morgan

Lethal Intentions: Targeted for Elimination by Jennifer Chastain

Book review:

He’s a man on the run.

Undercover ATF agent Jack Spencer has been running away his entire life. His last assignment has him questioning who he really is, what he believes, and who he can trust. When his cover is compromised, and he’s injured, he must disappear in order to survive.

She wants a fresh start.

After five tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, ex-Army medic Maggie Coleman wants a quiet life, one without emotional trauma. The peace and serenity of the Hawai’ian Islands is just what the doctor ordered. Then Jack crashes into her life, taking her on a rollercoaster ride into the unknown. 

Now, they’re running for their lives.

Maggie and Jack flee the Islands only to find their every move is anticipated. As the days wear on, they form a bond that transcends their situation, and they must learn to depend not only on each other, but God as well. When they finally reach the safe house in the mountains of Montana, Jack and Maggie hunker down and wait for reinforcements. Before help arrives, Maggie is kidnapped, and Jack has only one option—offer himself in exchange. Failure is not an option. Because if he does, they both stand to lose more than just their budding relationship. 

My review:
  Confession: Had I known I was reviewing an e-book, I would have passed on this one. Not an e-book fan, and I like books I review to be on my shelf. But had I passed, I would have missed a great read.

  This was a completely new author to me. It looks like she has one other book under her belt, a Christmas novel. The description of the book made reviewing it an easy sale. And it did not disappoint.

 The book starts out with a bang - literally. Jack and Maggie are thrown together as she rides along to save his life, ultimately making the decision to stick with him as he runs for his life while she does her best to keep him alive.

  I can't really come up with anything negative about the book. As with any movie, TV show, or book, a gunshot victim always gets around better than they would in reality, yet I felt the author did a better job on that than most authors, especially with an EMT along for the ride to keep an eye on the wound.

 I loved the two main characters. Jack made a great hero/male protagonist, and Maggie made a great heroine/female protagonist. The book had non stop suspense - just as I like it - a lot of attraction/romance, and the author did not shy away from Christian content, with Jack and Maggie realizing and discussing how God was protecting them. On the romance part, I wanted to knock their heads together a few times, but all is well that ends well.

 And the book did have a great ending. As I said at the beginning of my review, I would have passed on this had I known I was reviewing an e-book.....so I am glad I didn't pass. This may be the author's first suspense novel, but she knocked it out of the park. Definitely a 5-star review.

I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.

About the author:

Jennifer Chastain is a member of ACFW, ACFW-NC, and My Book Therapy/Novel Academy. Several of her other stories were finalists in the Blue Ridge Mountains Foundations contest and she was a finalist in the Touched by Love contest, sponsored by the Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers. Her contemporary romance stories contain the themes of redemption, grace, and forgiveness.   

A hopeful romantic, Jennifer loves dark chocolate, Diet Coke, old movies and a good romantic movie. She loves to experiment with new recipes in the kitchen and when not cooking, she’s reading or conducting more research for her stories. Growing up in the snowy North, Christmas has always been her favorite holiday, with the scents of cinnamon, vanilla, and pine scenting the air.  

Check out her other book, The Mistletoe Contract

Under Fire, Defend and Protect #3 by Lynn H Blackburn

Book description:

They'll protect the president at any cost--but who will protect their hearts?

USSS Special Agent Zane Thacker has landed his dream assignment protecting the president of the United States. When the president plans a fundraiser at the exclusive estate of a political supporter in Raleigh, Zane is thrilled to be working again with Special Agent Tessa Reed, his best friend--and the woman he desperately wishes could be more.

Though Tessa almost lost everything, she battled her demons and came out on the other side healthy and healed. But when her role as the liaison between the Raleigh office and the president's protective detail wrenches her past back into the present, her greatest failure threatens to come to light.

Zane refuses to let Tessa go through this alone. But can he stand by the woman he loves and protect the president from a mounting threat at the same time?

My review:
   Lynn Blackburn may be the favorite author of mine with the least amount of books published. This is her second series, and I think 8th full length novel. It didn't take long for her to become one of my favorites.

 The Defend and Protect Series is totally different than her first series, Dive Team Investigation Series, but just as good and with just as likable characters. Blackburn excels at interplay between her characters, which makes her books all the more enjoyable and entertaining.

 But this is a review of the third and final book in this series: Under Fire, Zane and Tessa's story. Blackburn has been setting their story up throughout the other two books. It was obvious there was a history there, but not even their friends and coworkers knew.

 In this book, it becomes known.

 I mentioned how good this author is at the interplay between characters. What goes on between Zane and Tessa is beyond entertaining. It is funny, definitely entertaining, and honest and deep at times. We find out why Zane has a key to Tessa's house, and also find out her deep dark secrets, and why Zane struggled with the idea of a relationship with her.

  And then there is the suspense. This series has been about the Secret Service, and that has been a bit different from other suspense novels, but definitely interesting and enjoyable. A lot happens in this book as the team tries to protect the president of the U.S. and also try to protect Tessa from whoever is trying to take her out.

 The author deserves a nod at the compassionate way she addressed addiction. No excuses are made, but she shows there is hope for addicts, and a way out.

 My only criticism is the epilogue. I love epilogues. And keep in mind, I read an advanced reader copy. I read it, and was left wondering what was going on. But maybe that is just me. :)

 But still, Under Fire was a wild ride of suspense that was a terrific ending to this awesome series. It shows Blackburn has rightly claimed a spot among the best writers of quality Christian Suspense.  Looking forward to what the author has coming next.

I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.

About the author:

Lynn H. Blackburn is the award-winning author of Unknown Threat and Malicious Intent, as well as the Dive Team Investigations series. She believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift from the Truest Love. Blackburn is passionate about CrossFit, coffee, and chocolate (don't make her choose) and experimenting with recipes that feed both body and soul. She lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her true love, Brian, and their three children. Learn more at www.lynnhblackburn.com.

Check out the other two books in the series:

                                                                Book #1

Book #2

Alaskan Avalanche Escape, K-9 Search and Rescue #9 by Darlene Turner

Book description:

 Sabotage in the mountains…

Can this K-9 sniff out the truth?

After surviving a sudden avalanche, mountain survival expert Jayla Hoyt and her search-and-rescue K-9 discover that it was no accident—someone deliberately triggered the mountain explosion. To uncover the culprit, she’ll have to partner with Alaska park ranger Bryson Clarke, a man she doesn’t trust. But when the investigators become targets, can they capture the criminal mastermind…before they’re buried alive?

My review: 
Confession: I don't like dogs. Not even a little bit, though puppies are OK....but I love books where dogs are used in search and rescue, or by law enforcement or military. It is fascinating what they can use dogs for.

 This is the 9th book in the Search and Rescue Series by multiple authors on the Love Inspired label. I have read other books by this author, and have enjoyed every one, including this one.

  The action and suspense start immediately, and is pretty much non-stop til the end of the book. The two main characters have a history, and she can't stand him. Both characters have things in their past that they are dealing with, and Bryson is somewhere between atheism and believing in God.

 A lot happens in this book, and it is the kind that you never know what is going to happen...mostly. At one point I felt like yelling "it is a trap, don't go!"

  I feel this is one of this author's best books, and she did a great job on her portrayal of a search and rescue dog. The book had a great ending, and I enjoyed every page.

I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.

About the author:

Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning, best-selling author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders. Be sure to follow her on BookBub.

  

Check out the rest of the series:

Book 1: Desert Rescue by Lisa Phillips

Book 2: Trailing a Killer by Carol J. Post

Book 3: Mountain Survival by Christy Barritt

Book 4: Search and Defend by Heather Woodhaven

Book 5: Following the Trail by Lynette Eason

Book 6: Dangerous Mountain Rescue by Christy Barritt

Book 7: Wilderness Hunt by Lisa Phillips

Book 8: Alaskan Mountain Search by Sarah Varland

Cold Light of Day, Missing In Alaska #1 by Elizabeth Goddard

Book description: 

 Police Chief Autumn Long is fighting to keep her job in the quiet Alaska town of Shadow Gap when an unexpected string of criminal activity leaves her with a wounded officer, unexplained murders, and an attack on her own father. Despite her mistrust of outsiders, she turns to Grier Brenner, a newcomer who seems to have the skills and training Autumn needs to face this threat to her community.

Grier is in Alaska for the same reason many others are--to disappear--when Chief Long enlists his help. He emerges from the shadows and proves his mettle, but his presence in her life could be a deadly trap for them both. If his secret is exposed, all will be lost. And he's not sure even Autumn could save him.

My review:
  I have read several of this author's books, including all of the ones written for Revell Publishing and several of the ones she wrote for Love Inspired. In my not so humble opinion, this one may be the best one yet.

 The book had an excellent plot, one that kept me guessing for most of the book what was going on, who the bad guys were, and what they wanted. The suspense was non stop, and the author pulled off quite well that not knowing what would happen next.

 This might sound weird coming from a guy, but Grier is what truly made the book. It is obvious from the start that he is hiding and on the run. I don't believe Goddard could have come up with a more likable and suitable male protagonist if she had tried. One of my complaints about the Christian fiction market, is that it is geared and aimed heavily towards and for women. Even when a series is about brothers or some other group of men, the focus is heavily on a female.

 However, in this book, Grier is much more at the forefront than most male protagonists are. He is the one in the most danger. He is the one hiding out and on the run from evil men....not that Autumn isn't in danger.

 You know from the start that Grier is a good guy, a  hero. As much as he needs to stay hidden, he can't stop himself from being a hero and helping Autumn out. This book is 322 pages long (not including author info and excerpt from the next book). Slight spoiler: Goddard does not reveal all about Grier until page 230. So the reader goes well beyond the halfway point before they find out the truth. :)

 I will admit something: I thought I had figured out who he was and what he was hiding from. I was wrong. :)

 One the truth is out about Grier, the suspense and drama get amped up, and made the book all the more difficult to put down.

  This is the first book in a new series, and the author has hit it out of the park. It has everything lovers of Christians suspense want: non-stop suspense, a great hero and heroine, other likable characters,  an intricate plot that both entertains and keeps the reader guessing, a few surprises thrown in,  and Christian and inspirational content. I can't wait to see what is coming next in this series.

 In case I need to say it after all that: I loved and enjoyed the book. This is how Christian suspense is done.

I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.

About the author:

Elizabeth Goddard is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 50 novels, including Cold Light of Day and the Rocky Mountain Courage and Uncommon Justice series. Her books have sold nearly 1.5 million copies. She is a Carol Award and Reader's Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award finalist. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website at www.elizabethgoddard.com.

Cold Light of Day will be available from Revell Publishing on February 7.

Check out her other books/series from Revell: