Book recommendation: A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham

 

Yeah, I actually did it. Me, a guy who is a confirmed bachelor read a rom-com. That is romantic comedy for those who don't know. 

And it was an amazing read. I laughed a lot. At one point I had just taken a bite of my lemon Outshine Bar when I laughed out loud, and choked on said bar.

Someone on social media said this book has depth. And it may sound odd to say that about a book like this, but it is true. The book is filled with hilarious zingers, one liners, and banter that is pure genius. 

And there is something towards the end of the book that tests the whole town. Not giving any spoilers, but not everything is happy in the book. But it has a great ending. 

I posted my thoughts and mini review in the fiction group that I am in, and the author thanked me, and said she saw a bumper sticker a few years ago on a guy's car that said "Real men read Austen." So maybe a guy reading this book is not that odd.

Pepper Basham is an amazing author. Her books span a few genre's, including the awesome Freddie and Grace Mysteries...which has a 5th book coming out next month: The Bachelor Spy, which I already preordered. I highly recommend her books. 

My review of A Brewed Awakening: 

"Yeah, this is a ROM-COM, and yeah, I am a guy....but man, what a great story. I laughed out loud so many times while reading it, and it was hard to put it down and go to bed...but I had actually fallen asleep after resting my head against the back of my couch.

The comedy and zingers/banter in this book is pure genius, yet as someone else said, the book has depth. I loved the characters, plot, the food and recipe descriptions, the setting. This book deserves more than 5 stars. It is 100% awesome. If you have never read one of Basham's books, this would be a great one to start with."

And I would be remiss to leave off a description of the book: 

Daphne dreams of Mr. Darcy. Finn serves up pints and rock music. Can opposites attract when a tea shop princess meets her pub-owning rival? Perfect for fans of Courtney Walsh and Emma St. Clair.

In the charming mountain town of Wisteria, North Carolina, Daphne Austen clings to tradition like cream to a scone. She's built her life--and her late grandmother's tearoom, Tea Thyme--around all things English: delicate china, Jane Austen novels, and the comforting predictability of routine. The only thing threatening her perfectly ordered world? The loud, aggravatingly handsome Brit opening a pub next door.

After his ex-wife broke his heart and his business partner nearly destroyed his career, Finn Dashwood packed up his six-year-old daughter and left England behind. He's looking for a fresh start, and the last thing he needs is a fussy, tea-obsessed neighbor criticizing his every pint and playlist. It doesn't matter that she's ridiculously kind (to everyone else) and that his daughter is utterly fascinated by her. Finn's heart is not open to being broken again.

But disagreements turn into prank wars and then a competition when a high-profile wedding needs a last-minute caterer. The townsfolk are thrilled--Wisteria hasn't seen this much excitement since the county fair lost a goat.

When the wedding demands both sweet and savory fare, Daphne and Finn are forced to put down their swords and pick up their serving trays. Between burnt pastries, brewing tempers, trending hashtags (#SipsAndSpats, anyone?), and one very adorable little girl, rivalry soon gives way to reluctant friendship--and maybe something that feels suspiciously like chemistry.

Can a tea shop princess and a pub owner with a past mix their lives as seamlessly as clotted cream and jam . . . or will their differences keep them steeped in rivalry forever?

Fall headfirst into a romance that's as sweet as scones and as lively as a pub singalong. Early readers are raving about the laugh-out-loud humor, irresistible chemistry, and swoony, kisses-only romance that makes A Brewed Awakening impossible to put down. Grab your copy today and discover a charming enemies-to-lovers story brewed with heart, humor, and small-town magic.

About the author:
Pepper Basham is a best-selling author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the wife of a fantastic pastor, mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. Her twentieth book, The Cairo Curse, came out in February. Next up is Positively, Penelope, the sequel to her bestselling novel, Authentically, Izzy. She loves connecting with readers and other authors through social media outlets like Facebook & Instagram. 

You can learn more about Pepper and her books on her website at www.pepperdbasham.com 

Now Until Forever, Brand of Justice #16 by Lisa Phillips

 

Book description:

Born into a legacy, Eliana must find her own brand of justice.

After moving to Chicago to work at the mysterious Shrine museum, Eliana is determined to uncover the family secrets she’s never been told. When she stumbles upon her first ever dead body, everyone around her believes she should try and solve the murder. But taking cases isn’t what she came here for. Despite her plans, things are about to turn far more sinister, and the path she’s on seems determined to drag her back into a nightmare.

Chicago PD Officer Carlos Ryson was born into a legacy of his own. He’s here to look for his missing sister, Luci, and wants to enlist Eliana’s help. This is a family problem, and only family working together can solve it. But Eliana has never forgotten the way Carlos shredded her heart. If he wants them to team up, he’ll have to confront the damage he did and find a way to repair it.

While the city around them descends into a chaos that resembles the end times, someone has seized the opportunity to get what they want from the Shrine. Only Eliana stands in their way, but if she’s going to figure this out she’ll need to trust that the people around her have her back.

Before it’s too late.

My review:
  Back in January, this author came out with the 15th and last novel in this series. Then she announced there was going to be one more book. This one is different from the other fifteen. At the end of the last book, Kenna and Jax (Oliver Jaxton) had just given birth to a daughter, Eliana. This book is 20 some years later and features Eliana and Carlos Ryson, child hood friend and who was also a little baby at the end of the last book.

  I thoroughly enjoyed the book. There were little updates occasionally about Kenn and Jax, plus they made an appearance later in the book, but it was mostly Eliana and Carlos that were the focus of the story. I liked both characters, and was cheering on their possible relationship. It was different reading a book in this series where Jax and Kenna were not the main characters, but it was a great way to end the series.

As with the rest of the series, there was a lot of suspense and plenty of bad guys - and you weren't always able to tell which was which - such as Tony....who once his nickname was revealed, I realized who he was. (Not giving that away) :)

I have been looking forward to this book ever since Phillips announced it was going to happen, and it definitely did not disappoint. This series has been a wild and suspenseful ride that started in August 2022, and has finished almost four years later with this book about the daughter of Jax and Brenna. Awesome conclusion.

Special thanks to the author for an advance e-book copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author:
Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 80 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.

For more about Lisa and her books, check out her website....which is one of the best and most interesting author sites I have been on: AuthorLisaPhillips.com

I usually put pictures of the previous books in a series here, but there are 15 previous books....so here is a link to the series on Amazon. Brand Of Justice Series. 

The Bookshop of 99 Doors by Jaime Jo Wright

Book Description: 

The manor's rumored one-hundredth door may conceal secrets hidden as deep as the estate's bookshelves extend high . . . but the haunted past has a way of ensnaring curious souls.

In 1888, Minnie Tipton finds herself beset by the dark superstitions that envelop the Pennsylvania mansion her father bought. Convinced the vengeful spirit of a Civil War captain haunts the house and worried by her father's rapidly worsening illness, Minnie delves into the home's fraught past in an effort to bring him peace. Yet the lingering impact of the war and the gruesome tale of murder she uncovers only foster more fear and threaten to unravel Minnie's own sanity.

In the present day, Triss Bellamy eagerly steps into the role of bookshop manager in the mansion-turned-museum boasting ninety-nine doors. But Triss's dream job turns into a nightmare when havoc breaks loose with the arrival of her brother's team of self-proclaimed paranormal investigators. Their determination to find a rumored one-hundredth door--a dangerous portal to the madness long said to plague the mansion--results in calamity, leaving Triss no choice but to hunt down the truth or watch her brother slip forever beyond her reach.

An atmospheric dual-time Gothic suspense masterfully penned by acclaimed author Jaime Jo Wright with themes of a Civil War-era ghost, a possible hidden door, and unexplained mysteries at a historic mansion's bookshop with a troubled past.

My review:
  I have been intrigued by the cover, title, and description of this book ever since I first saw it. I deliberately waited til close to the release date to read and review it, and now find myself wishing I had dove into it sooner. 

I have enjoyed every book I have read by this author, but this book is a masterpiece of writing in my opinion that is even better than her previous books. It is a dual timeline story, as most of hers are. Wright seamlessly weaves the two timelines together with their different plots and characters in a way that made it a truly delightful read. Though she diabolically left a cliffhanger and switched to the other timeline a few times. (Arrrgh!)

I loved the plots and characters in both timelines, and really loved the setting - which was  the same for both. 

And of course I really enjoyed the bookshop part of the story. 

Wright has the amazing ability to write a story that seems like there are ghosts and other paranormal activity, only to end up with a rational solution that does not involve ghosts, though the way this story went for a while, I was wondering how she was going to do that. 

In the modern storyline, there are the equivalent of ghost hunters, which added an interesting twist to the story.

At the center of the story was the search for the mysterious 100th door. Do they find it? You won't get the answer from me, as I don't do spoilers. 

I will say that Wright pulled together an amazing ending for both timelines, and I was left wowed by this amazing story. It was definitely worth the time I spent reading it. A very suspenseful and intriguing book that is one of the best I have read so far this year. 

Special thanks to the author for an advance copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author:

Jaime Jo Wright, multi award-winning author--including the Christy and Daphne du Maurier awards--is a coffee-fueled and cat-fancier extraordinaire. She has entwined her life with the legendary Captain Hook, residing serenely in Wisconsin's rural woodlands. Her literary vocation involves penning chilling Gothic tales, a baffling change from that of Austenites, with a strong preference to the master of dark, Edgar Allan Poe. Two mischievous urchins adorn their family, who keep their mother on her toes - providing an exhilarating amount chaos. 

Check out her website for more about Jaime and her books: JaimeWrightBooks.com

Conspiracy, Sanctuary Series #3 by Colleen Coble

 

Book description:

Fifteen years of secrets. Once chance for justice.

Just as wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden begins to envision a future with Blake Lawson, the ghosts of her past return with a vengeance. The murder of her parents has shadowed her for fifteen years, but a new threat brings the cold case into the terrifying present. A trained leopard--a chilling embodiment of Paradise's deepest fears--is now stalking her.

Haunted by resurfacing memories, Paradise, Blake, and her newfound brother, Drew, follow a trail of clues that leads them into a web of dark family secrets. The deeper they dig, the more shocking the connections become, linking their families to a dangerous conspiracy that someone is still willing to kill to protect.

With every step closer to the truth, the killer becomes more desperate. Paradise, Blake, and Drew must race to expose a murderer who has remained hidden for fifteen years, but this time, they are the ones being stalked. If they can't unmask the killer, the past will destroy both the fragile future Paradise and Blake are trying to build and the family she has finally found with her brother.

A conspiracy of lemurs is a family. But a conspiracy of people can be deadly.

My review:
  I have really been looking forward to this final book in this series, and when I had the opportunity to read an advance copy of it four months early, I jumped at the chance. And I am glad I did. This was a truly awesome read that I enjoyed - or devoured. 

 Coble has done a few series where there is one main couple and the whole series covers their growing relationship, as opposed to one couple per book. I have found myself liking that kind of series, and this series is that kind. All three books cover Blake and Paradise's relationship.

Conspiracy mainly centers on the murder of Paradise's parents and her newfound brother Drew's father. 

I enjoyed all three books in this series, but this one was my favorite, but then it did tie up everything and was a great conclusion to this series.

As with the other two books, Blake's 5 and 7 year old brothers Isaac and Levi were in the book a lot, and added a lot to the book.

And even more than the other two, family was a big emphasis in this story as Drew and Paradise deepen their brother-sister relationship, and he meets other new family.

I learned a lot about some animals, and lemurs were a featured animal in this book. In fact, the title has a double meaning since a group/family of lemurs are called a Conspiracy.

Hez, Savannah, and Simon from the Tupelo Grove Series made appearances in this book, which was cool.

Coble is a favorite author, but I had some doubts about a series set around an animal sanctuary, but this series is battling for first place with my previous favorite series of hers, The Pelican Harbor Series. 

Conspiracy brings a conclusion to an awesome series, and the mystery of the murders of the parents of Paradise and father of her brother, Drew. This series had a fantastic cast of characters and a terrific plot. I was eager to read the final book, but sad to see the series end. But knowing how this author writes, we may see more of them in another series. This was an awesome read and an awesome series. 

Thanks to Netgalley for an advance e-book copy of the book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Conspiracy releases July 7.

About the author:

USA TODAY and Publishers Weekly bestselling author Colleen Coble has captivated readers with over 6 million books in print, earning #1 spots on Amazon. Her novels blend suspenseful plots, emotional depth, and faith-filled redemption that keep fans turning pages late into the night.

Colleen also teamed up with attorney Rick Acker. Together they launched the high-octane Tupelo Grove series which infused her signature coastal intrigue with Rick's courtroom-sharp twists. Multiple high concept novels continue to flow from their fun and exciting collaboration including I Think I Was Murdered, a ripped-from-the-headlines AI suspense novel.

A passionate mentor to aspiring writers, Colleen has served on the American Christian Fiction Writers board for 20 years, helping foster a warm and supportive community. A life-long Hoosier, she and her husband recently moved to Arizona where she continues to spoil her grandchildren and craft stories in the sunshine. 

Check out her website for more about Collen and her books. ColleenCoble.com

                                                                           Book #1

Book #2

Montana Ranch Crime Ring by Sharon Dunn

 

Book description:

Exposing a smuggling operation

could uncover dangerous secrets.

As veterinarian Erika Gunderson races to save her horses from a burning barn, she is assaulted—and left for dead inside. Newly hired ranch hand Daniel Fowler comes to the rescue just in time. Little does Erika know that Daniel is an undercover ATF agent, investigating gunrunners operating in the isolated Montana wilderness—and considers her a potential suspect. When they unearth a body on the ranch and Erika’s father mysteriously vanishes, hidden family secrets begin to emerge. With more than just their lives on the line, they’ll need to risk everything to take down the smugglers and expose the truth.

My review:
  Love Inspired novels are shorter than trade paperback books, and it always amazes me how much some of the authors can pack into these books. This book comes in at 202 pages, and there is no wasted space in those 202 pages. 

 The book takes off on the first page with a fire that is suspected arson, and from there it is non stop action and drama as Daniel and Erika try to stay alive while trying to catch the bad guys.

Dunn created two great characters in Daniel and Erika who were easy to like and care about. I didn't read the blurb before reading the book, and immediately suspected Daniel of being some kind of law enforcement. He made a great undercover ATF agent. And even though I am not a dog lover, I even liked Pete the dog. :)

There were some surprises in the book when you thought everything was going good for Daniel and Erika, then you get proven wrong.

There was a big discovery at one point, and I just knew what was going to come of that.... and no, I am not giving that away. 

Montana Ranch Crime Ring is a fast paced suspenseful read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and is a great book to have the honor of being my 100th book read this year.

Special thanks to the author for an advance copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author:

Sharon Dunn started writing when she was pregnant with her oldest child. He is now 33 years old. She has written cozy and humorous mysteries along with over thirty romantic suspense novels. Her books have won awards and frequently appear on the USA and Publisher's Weekly bestseller lists. She is a widow who lives next to a park with her cat Sparky. She has three adult children. When she isn't writing, she loves going for walks, doing puzzles, reading and meeting up with friends. 

Check out her website for more about Sharon and her books: SharonDunnBooks.net. 

When Justice Comes, Tupelo Grove Series #3 by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker

Book description:

 Hez and Savannah Webster have survived storms that would bury others without a love as strong as theirs--but can they withstand the final battle in the deadly Legare-Willard feud that threatens to sweep away everything they've fought for?

Hezekiah "Hez" Webster and his fiancée, Savannah, stand on the brink of a new life, but their dreams are haunted by specters of the past. Just as they're getting ready to adopt her nephew, two other petitioners also file for custody--both of whom only want Simon for their own gains.

Between the financial company that Hez outmaneuvered to save the university from ruin and the bad blood from the head of the Willard family, it's hard to say who wants them out of the way more. Hez and Savannah's quest for justice leads them through a labyrinth of family law, where loyalties are tested and trust is a dangerous luxury when every decision could be their last.

With the clock ticking, Hez and Savannah must confront the ghosts of their past and their deepest fears to secure a future for Simon. But with every secret revealed, the stakes grow higher. Can they build the family they've always dreamed of, or will their enemies succeed in tearing them apart forever?

The Tupelo Grove series reaches its breathtaking conclusion as an enemy's agenda for revenge runs darker than swamp water and justice remains as precarious as quicksand in this heart-pounding narrative that underscores the power of redemption and forgiveness.

My review:
I have been really impressed with everything this writing duo has put out, and I have been looking forward to the third and final book in this great series. And it was worth the weight. What a ride.

The authors piled a lot on Hez and Savannah in this book. At one point, I asked out loud "Do the authors even like these characters?!" There is a constant battle on in the book for the custody of their nephew, Simon, and at times the likelihood of their getting custody of him looks impossible. 

And there is no shortage of bad guys, including Simon's grandfather.

One thing I have really liked about this series is the relationship between Hez and Savannah. When the series starts, they are separated and divorced, but have been slowly getting back on track with each other and God. I love the fact that a couple that was divorced got back together, and how they took an alcoholic and he got his relationship with God and his ex-wife back. 

There were a few surprises in the book....and I am not giving those away. I'll just say the authors did a great job on pulling those out and totally surprising me. 

This has been one awesome series, and I enjoyed all three books immensely, but this one may be the best of the three. Of course it did help that everything got resolved in it. 

I was excited when I heard that these two authors were teaming up for this series, and it was even better than I expected. 

Special thanks to the authors for an advance e-book copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the authors:

USA TODAY and Publishers Weekly bestselling author Colleen Coble has captivated readers with over 6 million books in print, earning #1 spots on Amazon. Her novels blend suspenseful plots, emotional depth, and faith-filled redemption that keep fans turning pages late into the night.

Colleen also teamed up with attorney Rick Acker. Together they launched the high-octane Tupelo Grove series which infused her signature coastal intrigue with Rick's courtroom-sharp twists. Multiple high concept novels continue to flow from their fun and exciting collaboration including I Think I Was Murdered, a ripped-from-the-headlines AI suspense novel.

A passionate mentor to aspiring writers, Colleen has served on the American Christian Fiction Writers board for 20 years, helping foster a warm and supportive community. A life-long Hoosier, she and her husband recently moved to Arizona where she continues to spoil her grandchildren and craft stories in the sunshine. 

Check out her website for more about Collen and her books: CollenCoble.com

Rick Acker writes high-octane suspense novels during breaks from his “real job” as a Supervising Deputy Attorney General in the California Department of Justice, which provides inspiration for his acclaimed legal thrillers. 

Rick has also teamed with award-winning romantic suspense author Colleen Coble to pen bestsellers such as I Think I Was Murdered and their Tupelo Grove series. Library Journal praises their “dynamic author partnership,” and predicts they “will continue to produce hits.” 

When Rick isn't writing or lawyering, you can usually find him with his wife Anette exploring in the hills east of San Francisco, watching a good movie together, or, of course, reading. 

Check out his website for more about Rick and his books: RickAcker.com 

The rest of the series:

                                                 Book #1

Book #2

Standalone novel by the two authors

   

Taming Lady Temperance, The Secret Society of Spinsters Series #1 by Karen Witemeyer

 

Book description:

When passion for justice conflicts with the heart, which will prevail?

Noreen O'Sullivan is an enthusiastic member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and believes herself called to defend the cause of prohibition. When she's invited to join the Secret Society of Spinsters, Noreen jumps at the chance to rally others to her movement and shut down the local saloon for good. However, her passionate campaigning often puts her at odds with the men around her--including the local deputy.

Deputy James Paxton believes in preserving the peace, but Miss O'Sullivan has been disturbing his peace for months. If James wants to be elected sheriff, he can't afford to be seen as her ally. But when Noreen ropes him into helping her plan a temperance march, their growing closeness sparks unexpected feelings. Then tensions escalate at the saloon and accusations fly. James must choose between upholding his badge and protecting the woman who's captured his heart--knowing either choice could cost him everything.

My review:
Karen Witemeyer is one of my top favorite authors, and I always look forward to her newest book. 

And this book has intrigued me since I first heard about it. The book is set in the late 1800's, and centers around a group of women who are unmarried, have no intentions of getting married, and are all about women's rights and suffrage.

The main female character is Noreen O' Sullivan, whose main focus is temperance and getting the town saloon closed down. The main male character is Deputy James Paxton who agrees with her stance, but is torn between keeping the law and peace and helping the woman he is attracted to. That comes to a humorous climax, which I will not give away.

There is a lot of back and forth between the saloon owner and Noreen, with the former not being too excited about her temperance efforts. 

I loved both main characters. They played off of each other very well, and both were very likable characters. There is a lot of drama, action, romance, humor, and even an element of suspense in this great novel. It might seem odd that a guy could enjoy a book with the women's rights and suffrage topics, but I loved the book.

And it is educational. I learned a little about the temperance movement, including the fact that there were temperance hymns, which I Googled. 

Some books have an evil stepmother, but this one has an evil stepfather, who is very easy to dislike.

Witemeyer certainly did not disappoint with this first book in her new series. I thoroughly enjoyed Noreen and James' story.  I am already looking forward to the next book. 

Special thanks to the author for an advance copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author:

Voted #1 Reader's Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 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 and her husband make their home in Abilene, Texas. Learn more about Karen and her books at KarenWitemeyer.com.

Every Last Step, Brand of Justice Series #15 by Lisa Phllips

Book description: 

The epic finale.

It’s all been building to this.

In the last weeks of her pregnancy, Kenna is training Maizie to be an investigator and generally keeping her head down. After all, she isn’t going after Dominatus right now—and maybe not ever. This isn’t a fight she wants to give up, but protecting her unborn child is the most important thing right now. With the family scattered trying to solve this, she and Jax are determined to craft a future that honors their brand of justice and keeps everyone safe.

A missing family.

A deadly betrayal of all they stand for.

One by one her family is caught up in the spidery web of Dominatus. Kenna is determined to save an innocent life she has saved once before—a life in danger because of her connection—the last thing she expects is that nothing is as it seems. With the solid foundation of her faith, she knows she’s never alone. Drawing deeply from the well to find her strength, Kenna chooses to trust God with the outcome.

A legacy.

A fight to the very end.

Facing Dominatus was a task Ramon determined to take on so Kenna and Jax didn’t have to. For all they’ve given him, it’s his turn to give something back. But when the mission goes awry and one of their own is in grave danger, it’s another friend who lays down their life. In the epic climax, the legacy Kenna has built the past few years comes to a head.

And the result is nothing anyone could’ve predicted.

My review:
  I have really enjoyed this series, and am sad to see it end with this 15th book...though it is unrealistic to expect a series to go on into infinity. I can just picture the author years in the future in rest home writing #201. 

Seriously, it has been an excellent series, and I am sad to see it end, though the author has hinted we may see more of these characters I and others have grown to love so much. 

And man, what an ending. Phillips pulled out all the stops on the suspense, action, drama, and more. One thing I have really enjoyed in the last few books is having Jax, Kenna's husband, be a bigger part of the story, along with some of her team.

There were some surprises in this book, and sadly one character didn't make it - not a spoiler, as the book description gives that away. I will say it was one I wouldn't have guessed, and was one that though it was sad, did not bring about the same emotions some of the others dying would have.

The book did have a great ending, and I do hope to see more of them in the future. 

 Special thanks to the author for an advance eBook copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Every Last Step releases January 21st in eBook form. The paperback is available now. 

About the author: 
Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 80 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.

Check out her website at AuthorLisaPhillips.com

Now Or Never, Brand of Justice Series #14 by Lisa Phillips

Book description: 

With the family back together, the fight against Dominatus is on.

Since her rescue, Kenna has been harboring a secret. But her husband won’t let her bury her head in the sand and ignore their calling, so they’re back to working a case—this time in Boston. Even when a limo explodes in Washington DC, and she knows Dominatus is connected to the attack, Kenna’s fear won’t let go of her. Life now is a push/pull of doing what’s right while keeping their family safe. Justice is what happens in the middle.

As long as Kenna can keep from spilling her secret.

When allies are wrongfully accused as the perpetrators of the bombing, Kenna can’t ignore that her skills put to good use mean that justice can prevail. The case proves complex, and each step they take tangles them in more of the sticky web of Washington politics. With Jax by her side and their family surrounding her, Kenna is safe for now. But if evil prevails, their family will always be in danger. Kenna has to get her faith back on the right footing if any of this is going to succeed.

This Brand of Justice won’t quit until it’s over.

My review:
In my not so humble opinion, this may be the best book in the series so far. It is a toss up between this one and the previous book that featured Jax. This is the first book since Kenna and Jax got married that they were together for the whole book. Before they married, the together times were hit and miss, and then if you have read all the books, you know what the together times were like.

In addition to Jax and Kenna spending more time together in this book, so does the rest of Kenna's ragamuffin band. Phillips did a terrific job on creating Kenna's - and now also Jax's loyal band of merry men and women. They are all so different, and have their individual strengths, but they are all fiercely loyal to Kenna and Jax. 

There is not a wasted page or moment in this book. A lot happens, and the reader - at least this reader - had a hard time knowing who was good and bad, and downright evil. It sure made it a more interesting read. 

I like it when an author puts Christian content in their books. In this book, Kenna is a fairly new Christian, and has lost her faith because of what had happened to her in previous months. Her husband takes her to talk to an interesting friend of his - dude with no legs, previously arrested nd led to Jesus by Kenna's former FBI agent husband. The conversation between those fictional characters was something I needed to hear. God or the author might as well as put my name in there. 

The book had a great non-cliffhanger ending that still left me eager to read the next book.

Special thanks to the author for an advance e-book copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author:

Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 80 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.

Check out her website for more about Lisa and her books: AuthorLisaPhillips.com 

Now Or Never releases on Kindle November 19, and according to my Amazon pre-order, the paperback is shipping in two days.

I typically picture all the previous books in a series here, but there are 13 others. So I shall feature a few. 

                                                              Book #1

Book #11

Book #13

Dark Design, The Erin Delaney Mysteries #2 by Nancy Mehl

Book description:

 As she began to lose consciousness, she realized that she'd just made a very serious mistake. . . .

She tried to call out for help, but she couldn't see anyone on the shore.

There was no one to save her.

When Erin Delaney learns that a serial killer has mimicked the murder portrayed in her bestselling novel, she joins her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI profiler, in Virginia. Their reunion, only a few months after fending off an eerie killer in the woods of Tennessee, is bittersweet, as Kaely has been tasked by the FBI to recruit Erin's help to identify a suspect. The FBI's team is stumped by the murderer who re-creates killings from the books of multiple authors, with only ominous notes left behind. As Erin is drawn further into the web of fear and chaos, Kaely begins to fear for Erin's safety.

On top of tracking down a murderer, Erin must shoulder the weight of a haunted past and claims that she stole the plot of her novel from one of her sources. As she struggles on multiple fronts, the enemy looms closer than ever--and Erin's life hangs in the balance.

My review:
  This author actually did it. The first book in this series really wowed me, but this one was even better, in my opinion. Though the whole Dolly Parton theme in the first book really cracked me up.

 Dark Design has a terrific plot: a serial killer killing women just like they were killed in books by different authors. Mehl really knocked it out of the park with this one. And the sly author pulled a bit of misdirection that I fell for, hook, line, and sinker. As with the first book, the author pulled Kaely Quinn Hunter from a previous series, and also her husband in this book, and I loved that. The two of them being part of the story added a lot to it. I really liked both characters from the Kaely Quinn Profiler Series, and love that the author is including them in this series.

Another thing I liked: Adrian, the police chief of Erin's town, is still in the book quite a bit, even with Erin staying with the Hunters. The action and suspense is mostly where Erin is, but the author bounces back and forth a bit between the two locations and the two characters. Mehl's last several series have little romance in, but I predict Erin and Adrian will get together in the last book. Especially now that Erin..... (read the book to find out).

There was plenty of suspense in this book to keep me happy, and I also loved the spiritual side of the story. When the series starts, and also this book, Erin is not a Christian. Adrian, Noah, and Kaely are. Mehl did a great job of sharing the Gospel in this story.

And lastly, the killer. I won't even give any hints, but I will just say I was totally shocked, and had no idea until right before something happened. I saw it coming, and laid my book down and said out loud...".....is the killer! I never saw that coming!" What a surprise. And man, did everything come out alright in the end in a simply awesome way.

Mehl proves again that it is very possible to write a thriller/suspense novel with an evil killer and bring the Gospel in and make it a redemptive story. Can't wait for #3. 

Special thanks to the author for an advance copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author:
Nancy Mehl lives in Missouri, with her husband Norman, and her puggle, Watson. She's authored over fifty books and is currently at work on a new FBI suspense series for Bethany House Publishing. 

All of Nancy's novels have an added touch - something for your spirit as well as your soul. "I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing," Nancy says. "It's a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn't be writing at all if I didn't believe that this is what He's called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can't overcome with His help." 

You can find out more about Nancy by visiting her Web site at: www.nancymehl.com. She also is active on the Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com and on FaceBook!

Check out the first book in The Erin Delaney Mysteries Series 

Prowl, Sanctuary Series #2 by Colleen Coble

 

Book description:

When a worker at the Sanctuary is discovered dead in the tiger enclosure, authorities assume the big cat killed her. But when the autopsy shows she was killed by a lethal dose of anesthetic delivered by a tranquilizer gun, suspicion falls on Blake Lawson, co-owner of the Sanctuary. Blake has his hands full trying to clear his name as well as get the Sanctuary finances back in the black. When a soil test turns up traces of rare earth, he's even more puzzled. Is someone trying to run them out of business to get to whatever is under the ground?

Meanwhile, wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden is determined to find the brother she only recently learned even existed. When the results of the DNA test she ran mysteriously disappear from her portal before she can read them, she realizes someone must not want her to know the truth. A break-in at her new apartment is alarming, but she tries to pass it off as someone trying to scare her away. She refuses to turn tail and run when she is desperate for answers.

For Blake, the only solid ground is his relationship with Paradise, and he longs to propose--but how can they even think about starting a life together with so many forces working against them?

My review:
I loved the first book in this series, and have been looking forward to this one. Colleen Coble has a few series where it centers on the same couple all three books, and this is another of those series. I like that. Instead of a couple meeting and dealing with whatever a suspense author throws at them as they fall in love and get married or engaged at the end of the book, the relationship grows over the length of the series. 

This was just as an exciting and great read as Ambush. An animal sanctuary makes such a great setting for a suspense series, and this is some of Coble's best writing in my opinion. Prowl had even more character development for the very likable characters in this series. Paradise is a great character, but she needs to stop being so stubborn and independent and let Blake carry more of her load. 

And Blake....he is one of Cobles best characters so far. He runs the animal sanctuary, putting most of his paycheck right back into it, while helping his mom raise his 5 and 7 year old brothers, Isaac and Levi, who add so much to the story.

Prowl brings in new bad guys, and a lot of attempts to get Blake and his family to fail and get Sanctuary closed for good. I was afraid it was going to happen, especially when an elusive will entered the picture. 

Coble is one of those authors who puts a lot of faith/Christian content in her books, and this one was no different. There was a theme of trusting God no matter how bleak things are, and that was something I need to focus more on, so I appreciate that.

While reading Prowl, I found myself wishing I could live and work at a place like that. 

The book had a great ending, and there were a couple of things I didn't see coming, such as identity of a guilty party.  I am already looking forward to the third and final book in this series. 

Special thanks to the author for an advance e-book copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author:
Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 5 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at ColleenCoble.com

Prowl releases November 4. 

                                                                  Book #1

Texas Christmas Cover-Up by Terri Reed

 

Book description:

A hunt for the truth
could be deadly.

When widowed FBI agent Kara Evans returns to sell her late mother’s home, eager to shed reminders of her tragic past, she’s assaulted by a masked attacker. With the house ransacked and a daughter to protect, Kara must turn to her former love, police chief Jeremy Hamilton, to track down her assailant. But when the trail of clues leads to unanswered questions about her father’s cold case murder, it’s clear that someone is determined to keep Kara from uncovering the truth. As a string of new murders unfolds, can they expose this deadly plot before Kara is silenced forever?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

My review:
This is the first Christmas book I have read this year, and it is a great one to start my Christmas reading off. And it is a cold case mystery, which is something I have found myself really enjoying. Reed did a great job on this one, and it is one I read in one sitting, as I found the book hard to put down.

I have read a lot of Reed's books, and this is one of the best in my opinion. I loved the setting, a Texas Island. (Is it bad that I didn't know there were Texas Islands?) The book takes place on an Padre Island, which does exist. 

The characters were ones I really liked. I have said in other reviews that I like it when the two main characters had a previous relationship, and don't get to know each other, fall in love, and marry at the end of the book. In this case, Kara and Jeremy had dated 12 years before, but their relationship had ended when her father was murdered and she and her mother moved away.

And of course there is Emily, 4 year old daughter of Kara. She added a lot to the book, as kids always do.

The suspense was non stop in this book as Kara and Jeremy tried to solve a current string of murders while trying to uncover the truth about her father's 12 year old murder. It was a great plot, with a few surprises thrown in, though I did suspect one certain person early on of having something to do with it. And I was kind of right. 

Texas Christmas Cover-Up had a great ending, and my time reading it was well spent. 

Special thanks to the author for an advance copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author:

Award winning, multi-published author Terri Reed found solace from a chaotic childhood in the pages of books that took her far away to different realms and realities. When she discovered Christian fiction, she also discovered her own story telling voice. Now she writes books of heart-warming romance and heart-pounding suspense infused with faith. Her romance and romantic suspense novels have appeared on Publisher's Weekly top ten and Nielsen BookScan top hundred lists, and have been featured in USA Today. She's a member of the Honor Roll of Romance Writers of America. Her books have finaled in Romance Writers of America RITA contest, National Readers' Choice Award, Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award. One of her romance novels was adapted into a Hallmark movie for Christmas 2019. Terri resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and running the agility course with her Australian shepherd.

Check out Terri's website for more about her and her books at TerriReed.com.

Texas Christmas Cover-Up is a sequel to Trained To Protect, which came out earlier this year. 

Deadly Force, Hightower Security #3 by Jorgia Yates

Book Description:

Threats don’t shake him...She’s a different story.

When a terrified whistleblower reaches out to journalist Brooke, she’s thrown into a deadly race to expose the truth. Then her source vanishes. Her car’s sabotaged. And someone clearly wants her story buried—permanently.

The last thing she expects is Caleb—a brooding, ex-Green Beret turned bodyguard—showing up on her doorstep.

She doesn’t want protection. He’s not asking for permission.

But when her source turns up dead, the danger gets personal—and Brooke becomes the next target.

The threat is real.
The stakes are lethal.
Caleb’s locked, loaded, and ready to do whatever it takes. Because when the mission goes off the rails, and the woman you’re protecting becomes everything—

Rules don’t matter. Survival does.

My review:
   Yates is still the new kid on the block, with this being her third full length suspense novel. She does have a prequel novella that I believe is still free for signing up for her newsletter.

  The first two books in this series were great. I totally loved them, and devoured them. So doing no disservice to Collision Course (#1) and Lethal Deceit (#2), the author has truly found her groove in this third novel. It was a truly awesome word, and I am not overusing that word here. 

The writing was truly well done. Yates did a perfect blend of suspense, romance, drama, faith, and even humor. I found myself chuckling out loud a few times, such as the thought of a 6 foot plus former military guy sleeping on essential oil scented Strawberry Shortcake sheets. 

I liked the main characters. A lot. Brooke was determined to seek out the truth, with no thoughts to her safety. Caleb was determined to keep her safe, no matter what she thought of him. 

The plot was a great well thought out one, and the author kept the characters and the readers in the dark a bit about what was really going on.

And I have to say kudos to the author for her pro-life message in the book. 

I can't end this review without mentioning the faith aspect. The author wove it seamlessly throughout the story, giving some truths through her characters in a way that resonated without being what some people call "preachy." I read some things regarding faith that I needed. 

The suspense was pretty much non-stop, and I read the book in one sitting, not wanting to put it down.

With this latest suspense novel, Yates shows she has her place on the Christian fiction market. I am already looking forward to the next book in this great series. 

 Special thanks to the author for an advance e-book copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author:
Falling in love shouldn’t be this dangerous—but Jorgia Yates wouldn’t have it any other way.

She writes Christian Romantic Suspense with protective heroes, courageous heroines, and a faith that holds strong when everything else falls apart.

Jorgia married her teenage sweetheart (after a very awkward meet-cute in the 90s), and together they’re raising two amazing children on the spectrum.

Living with chronic illness means her world is a little smaller—but her imagination is anything but. So while real life includes rest, resilience, and lots of grace, her characters chase danger, dodge bullets, and fall hard for the kind of love that protects—body and soul.

Check out her website at JorgiaYates.com. If you subscribe to her newsletter, you get a free e-book copy of the prequel to this series, Covert Rish.

                                                                   Prequel

Book #1

Book #2

Book #4, coming December 8, 2025