Author Archives: Susan Wachtel

Into the Fire by Irene Hannon – An Interesting and Satisfying Read

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Irene Hannon has become one of my favorite writers.  I enjoy her romance stories and suspense novels.  That is why I was excited to read her newest book Into the Fire, the first book in the Undaunted Courage series.

Bri Tucker was scheduled to meet with retired arson investigator, Les Kavanaugh, to review several cases he thought merited further investigation.  Instead, she finds herself at Les’ home investigating a fire that has taken his life.  The next day Bri reluctantly accepts help from ATF Agent Marc Davis.  After Bri and Marc examined the scene, both agree that there wasn’t much of anything to suggest arson.  Just that nagging feeling that something is not right.  Though Bri and Marc find each other attractive, each has their own emotional baggage that may make developing a personal relationship difficult. 

I really liked this book.  I found the investigation of a fire very interesting.  What makes a fire suspicious vs accidental, and what information is relevant in an arson case.  I liked the characters.  At first, I wasn’t too keen on Bri.  But as her background was unveiled, I grew to appreciate her.  Marc was a wonderful character, kind, caring, wise, and protective.  Also enjoyed the Bri’s sister and brother and their close, and supportive relationships.  Loved Marc’s grandmother, such a sweet, wise, and caring woman. 

I did not suspect who the bad guy was.  Interesting that the story begins with the perspective of the arsonist.  About two thirds of the way through the story the bad guy is revealed, which causes the reader to look forward to seeing how the characters will solve the case.

Faith was part of the story, especially with Marc’s character.  I would like to have seen it even more with other characters. 

With the mix of an interesting plot, likeable characters, mystery, suspense, and romance, Into the Fire by Irene Hanson was an interesting and satisfying read.  I recommend it.  The book will be released on October 17, 2023.  

I would like to thank Revell Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Into the Fire by Irene Hannon.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

The Amish Matchmakers by Beth Wiseman – Enjoyable Characters, Friendship, Laughter, Romance

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I find Amish fiction quite enjoyable and was excited to read Beth Wiseman’s newest book The Amish Matchmakers. 

Retired dentist, Dr. Benjamin Stoltzfus decided to move to Indiana to be near his only grandchild, Mindy.  He has rented a small cottage at the Peony Inn.  It is a bed and breakfast run by two Amish sisters, Esther, and Lizzie.  They have a reputation for matchmaking.  Now it seems they may have another match in mind, unbeknownst to one other.  Things may get a little complicated. 

I enjoyed reading this book, mostly because of the likable characters.  Esther and Lizzie, especially Lizzie, are very different than most characters in Amish fiction.   Lizzie has taken a liking to reading romance and true crime novels.  She does not hesitate to speak her mind and has become superstitious.  Esther is more sensible and down to earth, and tries to rein Lizzie in.  Benjamin is a bit of a mystery and he has some secrets he is not ready to share.  Ben’s granddaughter Mindy visits him regularly.  Following a car mishap, she meets Gabriel who helps around the inn. 

The characters are enjoyable and funny.  Ben’s not the only mysterious one.  It seems that each character has their own secrets they don’t want revealed.  Esther and Lizzie are caring towards one another and welcome others into their lives.  I liked Mindy and Gabriel’s relationship.  They were caring, responsible, and level headed with a little romance. 

I like Amish fiction because their world seems a little simpler and less complicated.  I enjoyed reading The Amish Matchmakers by Beth Wiseman.  While I don’t fully understand the issues surrounding an Amish person being involved with an Englisch person, I appreciated how that aspect of relationships were approached.  I also appreciated that this novel was clean. 

I recommend The Amish Matchmakers by Beth Wiseman.  It is a good and enjoyable story with likeable characters.  This book will be published October 17, 2023

I would like to thank Zondervan Fiction and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Amish Matchmakers by Beth Wiseman.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

A Prayer of Repentance and Cry for Mercy and Grace

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Came across something I posted in 2020 to Facebook. Reading back through it, it seems more relevant today, especially seeing the slippery slope of sin and depravity we continue to go down.

March 15, 2020

Father God, we come before You Lord God Almighty a broken and sick people.  What is going on with a physical sickness in our Nation and across the world is an outward symbol of our moral bankruptcy.  God, we are a people who need to repent!  We are blind to our own sin and we need the light of Your Word to shine on the darkness in our own souls, minds and hearts and illumine our moral depravity and bring us to true repentance. 

We are a people and Nation who has cut its ropes from its spiritual mooring and is adrift like a ship in a storm.  We have children who literally don’t know right from wrong because they have not been taught.  They do not know that there is the source of moral authority we can turn to, learn from and be wise.   We are a people who think our heart is the moral arborator of all things when in fact we are wicked and depraved sinful people.  We have people who think that they are women when in fact they are biologically created men and go to extremes to try and change.  In our ignorance affirm the biological confusion in children. 

We are people who don’t recognize sin.  We watch movies and TV shows and read books saturated with sin (having other gods, idol worship, taking God’s name in vain, ignoring the sabbath, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, lust, profanity, pornography, disrespecting parents, stealing, bearing false witness, lying, coveting and envy) and call it entertainment.  We call adultery an affair, we call sex outside marriage a decision between two consenting adults.  Instead of recognizing murder as a grievous sin, we see it as entertainment.  We foster hatred in our hearts, bear grudges, we nurse grievances and our mouths pours forth profanity and gross immoral sinful language that we cover under the freedom of speech.  We forget that there is a God to whom we will give an account. 

We have people in our nation who champion the right to murder children in the womb and now, God forbid, even murder them after they have been born.  We have a city that lights up their tallest building to celebrate a law that permits people to murder babies up to the very moment of birth.  It’s considered lawful and a right to kill a human being created in God’s image.  What’s wrong with us?  We have nations in our world that want to stop treating the elderly and hasten their deaths. 

We are a people who worship creation over the Creator.  People who want to protect animal rights over and above the right of a human created in God’s image to have life.  We turn to money and possessions thinking that will satisfy us.  We’ve made an idol of our body, focusing to the extreme on what we eat, exercise, what we wear and feel free to reveal parts of our body that should be reserved for a husband and wife.  We view pornography in the privacy of our own home and expose our children to it and wonder why they are engaging in sex at younger and younger ages.  We choose sex over true intimacy and relationship.  We worship and think of self over and above all else. 

Lord, even as Christians who know You, who read Your Word, we need to examine our own hearts and recognize our sin and repent.  We are tempted to a check box mentality Christianity.  If I go to church, if I read the Bible, if I go to Bible study, if I say a quick prayer then all well.  But how often, we fail to let the truth from Your Word penetrate our hearts, expose our sin and bring us to repentance?  How much are we caught up in the world and fail to see it?  How often do we spend timing doing something we want to over and above reading and studying the Bible?  How often do we override that conviction of the Holy Spirit and do that which is wrong before You?  Do we fail to share the Gospel of Christ with those who are perishing because we are uncomfortable in doing so?  Do we fail to share the Gospel or confront a fellow Christian caught up in because we know of sin in our own lives and don’t want someone to call us a hypocrite?  Do we cower under the banner of unity when we see a believer in error that should be corrected?  Are we so prideful?  Do we think that our righteousness is something we’ve achieved instead Christ’s righteousness being credited to our account?  Do we think we are achieving holiness because we are a super Christian rather than knowing that the Holy Spirit is at work in us and using God’s Word to expose sin and grow us in godliness?  Do we live in such a way that others would praise us instead of You?  Or do we live to honor and glorify God?  Do we have the biblical knowledge and wisdom to discern erroneous teaching?  Do we substitute and accommodate worldly human wisdom in place of the Gospel of Christ?  Where You have revealed unity in Christ do we seek to divide?  Do we fail to confront those who are caught up and believe a false god and false religion?  Do we fail to confront sin and tell ourselves we are loving them even though they are bound for hell?  Do we have the truth of God, know what sin is, the need for repentance that the Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life?  Do we know that there is no other name under heaven or earth by which man can be saved, but we choose to remain silent?  Do we know we should reach out and help others but choose not to because it’s inconvenient?  Shouldn’t we remember that it wasn’t convenient for Christ to go to the cross?  The pain He endured we deserved.  The death He died, He died on our behalf so that we could repent, believe in Him and be saved. 

Father God…we are a sinful, unrighteous, unholy, morally depraved people.  We are deserving of Your righteous, just judgment.  You are Holy, Holy, Holy…You are the One True and Living God.  You are Just in Your Judgment.  You alone are Wise.  You are All-Knowing…there is nothing hidden from Your sight.  All things are exposed, open and laid bare before You…including our hearts, our true motives, our hidden thoughts.  You are our Creator…You have given us life.  We are called to Worship our Creator…You alone are worthy of our worship and praise.  You alone are to be honored and praised and glorified.  You are the God who Delivers us, most importantly from our bondage to sin.  You are the Law Giver…Jesus Christ was the One and Only who could fully obey Your Law.  The Sinless Lamb of God given to take away our sin.  You have revealed Yourself in the Bible.  May we humbly ask Your Holy Spirit to open our blind eyes to see.  To unstop our ears that are deaf to You.  To take our sinful hearts and darkened minds to see You as You have revealed Yourself in Scripture.  Help those who are dead in their sin, be alive to You in Christ.  You are the God who saves the least likely.  You are able to save the one that we think is too far gone to be saved.  Because salvation is a work of God, not of man lest we should boast. 

Father God…while You are the Righteous Just Judge and Holy in Your Wrath, we humbly ask You for Mercy and Grace.  For Mercy where we deserve judgment.  Grace to endure.  We ask that You would protect people from getting this virus.  That You would help those affected to recover and protect their family and those around them.  We ask that the Great Physician would give wisdom to our doctors and scientists and help them to know how to treat us and how to prevent us from getting sick.  We thank You for the gift of medicine, doctors and nurses…but we know that ultimately, all healing and heath is from You.  We ask that You will give our President, Vice-President and our Nation’s leaders wisdom in helping our people.  We pray that You will restrain our tendency to panic and hoard supplies and food and instead make us a generous, kind and caring people.  Help us to be a compassionate and caring people.  Help us to daily remember our dependence upon You…our deep and desperate need for You.  Not just in the midst of an epidemic, but most importantly for our forgiveness, salvation through Christ Jesus the Lord and to grow in holiness and wisdom.  Most importantly Lord…we thank You Lord…that as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ that we have peace.  We do not need to fear.  You know our end from the beginning.  Our death is a divine appointment.  With Paul, we can say to live is Christ and to die is gain.  It’s only because of Jesus Christ and the forgiveness that is found in Him that we have peace.  We come to You Lord God our Father in the Name above all names…our Great Shepherd…the Lamb of God…our Merciful High Priest…the Sinless Son of God…the King of kings, Lord of lords…the Son of God who took on flesh and was born of a woman.  The Lamb of God who is Worthy.  The Just who justifies sinful man.  The One who will Judge the world in Truth and Righteousness.  The One who has Authority over creation and nature and can calm the storm.  The One who can Heal with a word.  The One who can raise the dead, yet cry at His friend’s grave.  We come to You in the Mighty, Glorious, Marvelous, Matchless Son of God…Jesus Christ the Lord…amen! 

Seeds of Murder by Rosie Sandler – Interesting Mix of Gardening and Mystery

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After reading the description of Seeds of Murder by Rosie Sandler, I wanted to give this British novel a try. I was hoping it would be reminiscent of Rosemary & Thyme, a nice mix of gardening and mystery.  

Steph Williams needs a job and hopes to be hired as the gardener at Beaulieu Heights, a small wealthy estate in England. Wherever Steph goes, her faithful companion Mouse goes too. To say that the residents are quirky is an understatement. Some are more welcoming than others. It seems that all the homeowners have their secrets. But would any of them be willing to break the law to protect their secrets? To steal, blackmail, or even commit murder? Just as Steph is getting a handle on the various gardens, she receives a threatening note. To make things worse, the residents have accused Steph of blackmail. How in the world will she clear her name, much less keep her job?

It took me a little while to get used to the first-person writing style and the British terms. But once I did, I enjoyed reading this book. I liked Steph and her dog Mouse. Loved reading the descriptions of the gardens, about plants and the work to be done. I could almost visualize the settings. The people in Beaulieu Heights, both residents and workers, were an interesting group. A few were friendly and some you would want to avoid. Steph was a very likable character, as was her dog. 

The residents of Beaulieu Heights were an interest mix. Though very wealthy and seemingly in need of nothing, their lives were a bit of trainwreck. I liked some of the friendships that Steph developed with both the residents and staff members. I enjoyed Steph’s relationship with her brother and parents. There were lots of weeds to dig through to get to the bottom of the mystery. I did not guess who the bad guy was.  

There were a few moments that I found touching. Like the kindness and encouragement of a few people when Steph stood wrongly accused. Or the support and love from her brother and dad. The progress in her relationship with her mom. 

Not going to give away the ending. But I would have liked to have seen justice. One mystery not wrapped up is what happened to Steph’s ex-husband who seemed to disappear.  

There is some profanity in the book, as well as revealing sexual immorality that some of the characters had been involved with. Thankfully, it did not go into graphic detail.  

I enjoyed reading this mystery Seeds of Murder by Rosie Sandler. It was a change of pace from my regular reading. If you enjoy mysteries and gardening, you might enjoy this novel.

I would like to thank Embla Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Seeds of Murder by Rosie Sandler. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.  

Countdown by Lynette Eason – Mixed Reaction

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I have enjoyed several novels by Lynette Eason and was excited to read her newest release Countdown, the fourth book in the Extreme Measures series. 

Raina Price works as a flight paramedic along with her friends Penny and Holly.  Raina had to reinvent her life due to an abusive relationship from which she had escaped.  To protect herself and her loved ones there is no going back.  While watching sports news Raina sees a young snowboarder who is the spitting imagine of the man from whom she escaped.  If she has seen Michael Harrison, surely the boy’s father will see him and figure out who he is.  How can she protect the boy?  Raina’s been feeling spooked lately, like someone has watching her.  US Marshal Vincent Covelli is concerned and wants to help Raina.  Will she accept his help or try to go it alone?  How can Vincent and law enforcement help protect Raina from a man whose true-identity and whereabouts are unknown?

This book had a lot of twists and turns.  The action and intrigue did not stop until the end. 

What I liked about the book: I appreciated the friendships that Raina had with Penny and Holly and their friends.  They were a closeknit group and there for each other, through thick and thin.  I liked Vincent, he was a very caring and patient man, ready to put himself in danger to protect Raina. 

What I struggled with: Countdown really stretched the imagination on believability.  I understand that there are evil people out there who are intent on causing harm and destruction.  But to have someone keep track of a person for many years, as well as those with associated with her, was not believable.  To be able track when she called a person after many years, who has the resources to that? 

It did not make sense that Raina who has been in constant fear for her life, especially following an incident, would come home and not lock the garage door.  Come on!  The logic on why the bad guy was doing what he did, it was a stretch too.

I would like to have seen the characters’ faith a bigger part of the story.  Instead, it seemed cursory. 

There were things I liked about Countdown and some things I was not too keen on.  I like Lynette Eason‘s writing, but Countdown was not my favorite.  If you are a fan of Lynette Eason and have read the earlier books in this series, you may enjoy it. 

I would like to thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Countdown by Lynette Eason.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Wildflower Falls by Denise Hunter – Beautiful Setting and Likeable Characters

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Wildflower Falls is Denise Hunter’s newest book, the fourth book in the Riverbend Romance series.  I was excited to read it because I have enjoyed a couple of other books by Denise.

Following the death of their mother, Charlotte Simpson and her step-sister Emerson are owners of a horse ranch.  Charlotte is committed to making a go of the business.  Emerson, on the other hand, is not so keen on the idea.  But Charlotte is moving ahead and expanding the business.  She is having a new barn constructed to handle additional business.  She even hired a respected horse trainer Gunner Dawson to help with the horses, knowing he was only staying for a short while. 

In her mother’s paperwork, Charlotte found information about her biological father and learned that he may be related to an established family in the community.  How will she verify that information, and when should she make the facts known?  Emerson has been emotionally distant and Charlotte finds herself confiding in Gunner.  He is not only good with horses, but he has become a friend and is a good listener.

The storyline is what made me want to read this book.  I enjoyed reading about the scenery and horses in a beautiful small-town in North Carolina.  I found the story about finding her biological family interesting.  My favorite character was Gunner, who seemed to be a kind, caring, and trustworthy man.  I liked how their relationship grew.  I also liked Charlotte’s biological siblings and their families. 

I struggled with Charlotte a bit.  Her character was very self-focused.  The story seemed to drag for a while.  In the last part of the book, a slew of details was made known.  Those details would have made the story better if introduced earlier in the book.  I would like to have known the back story of Gunner earlier.  Without those background details, his actions did not seem logical or reasonable.  In fact, I was irritated that those details were added so late in the story.

The book was relatively clean.  I would like to have had the characters’ faith more fully developed.

While this was not my favorite Denise Hunter book, there were elements I enjoyed in the story.  If you like a beautiful rural setting, horses, nature, family, friendship, and a little romance, you may want to read Wildflower Falls by Denise Hunter.  This book will be released September 12, 2023.

I would like to thank Thomas Nelson publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Wildflower Falls by Denise Hunter.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

The Cottage Garden by Claus Dalby -Chock Full of Inspiration and Ideas

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If you are a gardener who is looking for inspiration and ideas to add to your own garden, you will want to read Claus Dalby’s newest book The Cottage Garden. 

Claus covers the history of Danish gardens and the English cottage gardens.  He introduces men and women who were influential in the style and design of cottage gardens.  Best of all are the wonderful pictures that fill this book showing gardens from around the world, including England, Germany, Denmark, New England, and Sweden.  I appreciate the detailed information that Claus shares about plants, varieties, and design elements in each garden.  He highlights big and small gardens and has photographs from the four seasons. 

The Cottage Garden by Claus Dalby is an inspiration to any gardener.  From style, to plants, to the exquisite beauty found on each page, readers will come away excited to try news plants and design in their own garden. 

I highly recommend The Cottage Garden by Claus Dalby.  It would be a lovely gift for gardeners, and those who love the beauty found in creation.  If you are looking for inspiration and help in your own garden, I encourage you read this book.  It will be released on September 5, 2023.  I look forward to get my own copy of this book. 

I would like to thank Quarto Publishing Group, Cool Springs Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy of The Cottage Garden by Claus Dalby.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

The Raging Storm by Ann Cleeves – Unlikable Characters and Convoluted Story

Posted in Detective Matthew Venn series, Intrigue, Mystery, NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, The Raging Storm by

Ann Cleeves is an excellent storyteller and I was excited for the opportunity to read her new book The Raging Storm, the third book in the Detective Matthew Venn series.  I have not read the first two books. 

Matthew Venn and his team were called to handle a case in Greystone, Devon after a famous sailor and adventurer, Jem Rosco, has been found dead in a dinghy.  Though Jem hails from the Greystone area, he is not necessarily considered a local hero by those who knew him way back when.  Will the investigators be able to draw out the truth from the people in this community?

I wanted to like this book, but I really struggled with the characters.  The main character Matthew was not likable.  He came off as a miserable man, who chose to carry the baggage from his past, and have a chip on his shoulder.  At times he treated his team poorly and seemed to have a low opinion of them, as well as the townspeople. 

Of all the characters I liked Sergeant Jen Rafferty the best.  Her character was better developed and came across likeable.  Though things are not easy in her life, she doesn’t wallow in self-pity.  Ross May’s character was rather flat and the object of Matthew’s criticism. 

From Matthew’s experience of religion, to the people in the community that seemed rather cultish, Christianity was portrayal as unhealthy.  It was an unrealistic portrayal of Christian believers. 

The story was very convoluted.  The people in the community seems rather insular and secretive, not the kind of folks you want to spend time with.  There were only a few characters that were somewhat likeable.  The story seemed to drag on and I just wanted it to end.  From the town, to most the characters everything about this booked seemed rather grey and unappealing. 

I have enjoyed Ann Cleeve’s other books and movies taken from her novels.  But The Raging Storm was not appealing.  When the main character is so off-putting it doesn’t make a good foundation for a story.  I would like have to have had the other characters on Matthew’s team better developed. 

Because of the unlikable main character Matthew and the convoluted story that dragged on, I didn’t care for The Raging Storm. 

I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Ann Cleeve’s book The Raging Storm.  I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to give a favorable review.  The Raging Storm is schedule to be released September 5, 2023. 

No More Secrets by Betty Webb – Interesting, Relatable and Personable History

Posted in Ad Lib Publishers, Betty Webb, Bletchley Park, Book Review, Decoding, Great Britain, NetGalley, No More Secrets, Uncategorized, WWII by

After reading biographies and World War II history books, I was interested in reading Betty Webb’s book No More Secrets.  WWII is such a pivotal and interesting time in history.  A time that could have had a much different outcome if not for God’s providence and the men and women who worked tirelessly to win the war against evil.

Unlike government leaders or high-ranking military commanders, Betty was an ordinary young woman in Great Britain who answered the call when her Country was facing the battle against the evil forces of Nazi Germany.  Like many other men and women in the allied forces, they stepped up when their Country and the world needed them most. 

I enjoyed learning about her family life in a small town in England and found it interesting how Betty learned to speak a foreign language, and went to Germany in 1937, before WWII.  That experience proved beneficial for the work she would one day do at Bletchley Park and later the Pentagon.

Thanks to Betty Webb writing and sharing about her service in the ATS, we can have an idea of what their lives were like during those tumultuous years.  Betty was 18 years old when she enlisted in the ATS.  While technically, she was qualified to remain at home and care for her mother, Betty signed up to serve her Country.  Can you imagine what it was like to go from living with your family at home to sharing living space with hundreds of other women from all over.

While Betty wanted to be a driver in the ATS, because of her foreign language skills she was assigned to serve at Bletchley Park.  She would serve in different roles as part of the process to decode the German messages that were intercepted.  Something as simple as filing was a very important role and handled circumspectly. 

The work done at Bletchley was very compartmentalized and workers only knew that part of the work that they did.  Each person that served had taken an oath of secrecy which they took very seriously.  It wasn’t until many years later that the work done in WWII was declassified and could be talked about.  In No More Secrets, Betty shares writings from other authors about their experiences and work. 

After the Allied victory in Europe, Betty was called to serve at the Pentagon in the USA to help in the work to decode the Japanese war messages.  Before long there was victory over Japan.  It was fascinating to see the differences in how the United States was impacted by the war, verses Great Britain. 

I was glad that the book did not end with the victory in WWII.  Betty went on to write and speak about her life during WWII.  Even now, Betty at the age of 100 continues to share about her experiences serving Great Britain and with their alley the United States of America.

I found No More Secrets by Betty Webb an interesting history from the perspective of an ordinary citizen who was called to serve during an extraordinary time in history.  It was quite a different pace and more personable than a book written by a government or miliary leader and was very relatable.

I highly recommend No More Secrets by Betty Webb! 

I would like to thank Ad Lib Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of No More Secrets by Betty Webb.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Double Indemnity by Robert Whitlow – Missed the Mark

Posted in Double Indemnity, Legal, Mystery, NetGalley, Robert Whitlow, Suspense, Thomas Nelson Publishers by

I had the opportunity Robert Whitlow’s newest book Double Indemnity, which will be released June 6, 2023.  Since I enjoy mysteries, suspense, and legal thrillers, I’ve read and enjoyed Robert Whitlow’s other books. 

Double Indemnity takes place in Bryson, a small town in Georgia.  The story begins with pastor Connor Grantham hiking through the woods, part of it on private property.  When he spotted a massive buck with antlers passing by, he took a video.  Suddenly he encountered a hunter who stumbled and fell.  Assuming the man was pursuing the deer Connor thought nothing of the chance encounter. 

The story then goes back three weeks prior and leads up to the present time.  Readers are introduced to Liz Acosta who works for Pollard and Associates law firm.  She is relatively new to the community.  Sometimes Liz feels like she was hired because of her ability to speak and translate Spanish.  But now she has an opportunity to represent a new client, Elena Thompson, who is seeking legal counsel regarding her troubled marriage and a possible divorce.  Elena and her husband Matt are in marriage counseling with their pastor Connor.  It’s an understatement to say that both Liz and Connor will be challenged in their jobs to handle Elena Thompson and the ever-widening chaos and drama that swirls around her. 

I was looking forward to reading Double Indemnity, but I really struggled to get through this book.  It was very slow in story development.  But the biggest stumbling block for me were the main characters.  I didn’t like Connor, Elena, Matt and felt neutral about Liz.  When I don’t like or connect with the characters, I’m probably not going to like the book.

Connor Grantham was a pastor who developed his sermons based on his experiences in nature and found Scripture to make the point of his illustration.  He seemed drawn to mysticism and experiences, rather than sound Bible teaching.  He lacked wisdom and discernment, especially in his dealings with Elena.  He seemed surprised that by trespassing he was violating the law and was a suspect in the murder of Matt Thompson.  Not to mention he returned to the scene of the crime multiple times.  He seemed to jump whenever Elena said jump and would ask how high.  Something that made no sense to me was when he touched and removed evidence from a potential crime scene.

Elena was probably one of the most dislikable characters I’ve read about in a long time.  Innocent or guilty, she was terrible.  She treated everyone like they were at her beckon call and most everyone went along with her.

Liz showed some common sense and reason, especially compared to the other characters.  Some of the secondary background characters were likeable. 

The story dragged through a good part of the story.  I couldn’t understand why there was so little support for Connor from his friends and congregation.  Then it seemed like the story came to an abrupt conclusion.  It was only at the end that friends came alongside Connor and tried to help him. 

If you are a Robert Whitlow fan or like legal suspense stories, you may like this book.

I wanted to like this book.  But I found Double Indemnity hard to read because the story dragged, moved ever so slowly, and most of the main characters were not likable.  Sound Christian faith was lacking in this book.  Because of that I don’t recommend this book.

I would like to thank Thomas Nelson Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Double Indemnity by Robert Whitlow.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

The Libyan Diversion by Joel Rosenberg – Un-Putdownable and Will Keep You Awake at Night

Posted in Action, Book Review, Geo-Political Thriller, Intrigue, Joel C Rosenberg, Marcus Ryker Series, NetGalley, Terrorism, The Libyan Diversion, Tyndale House Publishers by

Joel Rosenberg is one of my favorite authors.  When he writes a new book, I want to read it.  On May 16, 2023, The Libyan Diversion, the fifth book in the Marcus Ryker series will be released.  

Joel Rosenberg is a compelling writer.  From the get-go I was all in and didn’t want to put this book down.  The Libyan Diversion’s storyline could have been ripped from today’s headline news.  As horrifying as some of the scenarios are, unfortunately they are believable in today’s world.

Marcus Ryker is back in the United States and has no time to mend before he is called to present information to President Clark and his cabinet members.  Marcus and his team have done a thorough investigation and it appears that Abu Nakba, man behind the recent Kairos terrorist strikes around the world, is within reach and can be taken down.  Abu Nakba and his network.

When news breaks that the authorized strike may have hit the wrong target, the job for Marcus and his team just got a whole lot more complicated.  In addition to the fallout from the strike, there is a concern about another planned Kairos strike in the United States with four possible targets. 

I enjoyed reading this book.  I like the characters, the fast pace and action.  I appreciate the clarity between good and evil.  Marcus and several of the other characters are Christians and faith was a small part of the story.  I would like to have seen that element further developed.  I liked Marcus and his team and their dedication to do whatever it takes to stop the terrorists.  The Libyan Diversion keeps the action going until the very end. 

Joel Rosenberg’s The Libyan Diversion will keep you up late at night.  It’s un-putdownable.  

If you like geo-political thrillers, intrigue, and action, you will want to get The Libyan Diversion by Joel Rosenberg.  I highly recommend it.  If you haven’t read the earlier books in this series, I recommend you get those too. 

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complementary copy of The Libyan Diversion by Joel Rosenberg.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

Windswept Way by Irene Hannon- A Place of Hope, Beauty with People You’d Like to Know

Posted in Book Review, Christian Fiction, Forgiveness, Friendship, Hope Harbor Series, Irene Hannon, Love, NetGalley, Revell Publishing, Windswept Way by

Irene Hannon is one of my favorite writers and I was excited to read her newest book Windswept Way, the ninth book in the Hope Harbor series. 

Ashley Scott is taking a leap of faith when she reaches out and sends a letter to Rose Fitzgerald, a reclusive 80-year-old woman who owns a mansion in Hope Harbor.  Ashley has an unusual proposal for Rose to preserve the history of her home and bring back the love and joy which inspired Edgecliff to be built.  The huge undertaking to make renovations and restore the Edgecliff gardens, will take time, hard work, money, and compromise. 

Relationships will be forged, not only between Ashley and Rose, but also with the grounds-keeper Jonathan Gray.  A man who prefers to stay in the background.  The wounds he bears from his military service are more than skin deep.  Will Ashley look beyond his outward appearance and see the proven character of this man? 

Reading a novel in the Hope Harbor series is like coming home to a friendly place where you want to stay for a while.  I really enjoyed the main characters in this book.  Ashley, Rose, and Jonathan were all dealing with their own feelings, trials, and history.  The characters were likable and I enjoyed watching them grow, change, and challenge themselves. 

I enjoyed seeing the return of some of the town’s people in Hope Harbor, especially Charlie, a wise and caring man who reaches out and, befriends all sorts of people.  He makes time for everyone he meets.  The town’s clergymen were back too.  I would like to have seen a little more depth to their relationship and get to know the men behind the jesting. 

Faith was a part of the story, but I would have liked to have seen more of it in the character’s lives.  I appreciated that the novel was clean and without sexual immorality and profanity.  I would have like to have seen Ashley’s mother further developed.

I enjoy reading Irene Hannon’s books and recommend Windswept Way, which is part of the Hope Harbor series.  Hope Harbor is a beautiful place I’d want to visit and stay for a while.  The people are kind and caring, and make amends when they fall short.

I would like to thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Windswept Way by Irene Hannon.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

George VI and Elizabeth – The Marriage That Saved the Monarchy by Sally Bedell Smith – Fascinating Biography and Look at History

Posted in Biography, Book Review, England, George VI and Elizabeth, Great Brittan, History, NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group, Royalty, Sally Bedell Smith, The Marriage That Saved the Monarchy, WWII by

When I had the opportunity to read the biography of George VI and Elizabeth by Sally Bedell Smith, I was excited to learn about Great Brittan’s history during a pivotal time in the world.  I believe there is no better way to learn history than through biographies.  I absolutely loved this book!  It was great!

So many factors made this book great.  First and foremost, Prince Albert, who was later crowned King George VI and his wife Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon, who became Queen Elizabeth.  Later, and for many years, she was known as the Queen Mum.  One can’t help but see God’s divine hand of providence in raising up these two and preparing them for leadership during a critical time when evil threatened to overtake the world.  Though they were royalty, they also seemed to be well-grounded, genuine, decent, honest, and caring people. 

It was interesting to learn of Elizabeth’s reluctance to marry Prince Albert, thought she cared deeply for him.  They seemed like the perfect match and I cannot quite imagine Albert growing into the man who would be king apart from his relationship with Elizabeth.  Perhaps the weight of the monarchy weighed heavy on her and she knew the high cost she would pay. 

Having previously read a biography on Prince David, King Edward the VIII, the abdicating king, I found myself grateful that King George VI was his successor.  You cannot help but see God’s merciful hand in removing the morally depraved, hedonistic, self-absorbed man who sided with the Nazis.  Can you imagine how WWII might have ended with Edward VIII as king?  King George VI was the right man at a pivotal time in history. 

King George VI was a reserved, wise, and learned man.  He became a great leader with his strong, wise, committed wife, Queen Elizabeth, by his side. 

I also found interesting the early life of Princess Elizabeth, future Queen Elizabeth II.  From a very young age, she raised, educated and well equipped to step into the role as Queen of England at a very young age. 

Another fascinating aspect of this biography were the relationships forged between King George and Queen Elizabeth with various leaders, like Churchill, Roosevelt, and others.  Also interesting were the various family ties with European royal families.

The life of royalty and aristocracy was so very different than the average citizen.  I appreciated the humility and willingness of the King and Queen to be with their people especially during the brutal suffering the English endured during WWII.

Author Sally Bedell Smith did a tremendous amount of research and had access to a large volume of records to write the biography of George VI and Elizabeth.  She did a great job combining all the information she had, but kept it personable and relatable.  The people, King George, Queen Elizabeth and their family and friends did not get lost in the facts and information about their lives and times in which they lived.  It truly was The Marriage That Saved the Monarchy. 

As a side note, it is interesting to see what’s happening in the modern-day monarchy and how some of the family patterns, both good and bad, are being repeated. 

I loved reading George VI and Elizabeth by author Sally Bedell Smith.  It was fascinating and a tremendous book that I did not want to put down.  It was one of the best biographies I have ever read.  I highly recommend this book. If you like history, WWII, learning about the royal family, or biographies be sure to read this book.  It is a long book, but well worth your time and effort. 

I would like to thank Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of George VI and Elizabeth – The Marriage That Saved the Monarchy by Sally Bedell Smith.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

Letters of Trust by Wanda E Brunstetter – Difficult Topic Handled with Care

Posted in Alcoholism, Barbour Publishing, Letters of Trust, NetGalley, Wanda E Brunstetter by

Author Wanda E. Brunstetter has become one of my favorite writers.  I appreciate that her books are clean, without profanity and sexual immorality, and that the characters are more fully developed.  That’s why I wanted to read her newest book Letters of Trust.

This book is quite different from any other story I’ve read by this author.  The subject is more difficult and a bit darker.  When I think of the Amish community, I don’t think of alcoholism.  Wanda explained that she had Amish readers request that she write a story that deals with alcoholism.  Sadly, alcohol abuse has impacted their communities as well.  The story also had a personal touch because alcoholism has touched Wanda’s life though a family member. 

Letters of Trust tells the story about newlyweds Vic and Eleanor Lapp who are moving to Vic’s home state of Pennsylvania where his family lives.  Other than Vic and his family, Eleanor had no family or friends there.  Eleanor loves Vic and wants to support his decision to move back home.  Like any newlywed couple the first year of marriage can be a challenge.  Eleanor keeps in touch with family and friends through letters. 

Vic is employed by an English man and is surrounded by English workers as well.  Vic finds himself under regular pressure by a coworker to drink alcohol.  He’s able to resist until a crisis breaks down his resolve to not drink alcohol.  Alcohol had been an issue in his youth, before he had committed himself to the Amish community and church.  Now Vic chooses not to resist the draw of alcohol. 

Like every other sin, alcoholism and drinking to excess, doesn’t just impact the one who is drinking.  Vic’s drowning his sorrow impacted his marriage, his family, his job, and most importantly his faith.

Will Eleanor find support and wise counsel from her dear friend and family?  Will she have the wherewithal to remain in her marriage and help her husband?  Will she be strong enough to acknowledge the truth, get wise counsel, and the help and support she needs?  What will it take to wake Vic up to the truth that alcohol is destroying his life and his marriage?  Will he realize it before it’s too late?  

Something I would like to have seen, especially since faith is an integral part of the story and character’s lives, is to see alcoholism in light of the truth of Scripture.  Secular society calls alcoholism a disease, but a Christian believer knows it is a sin.  There may be some beneficial secular programs to help the alcoholic and their family.  But for a Christian believer, first and foremost, we need to recognize our sin and repent.  Like all sin, God has provide a way for us to be forgiven through Christ Jesus.  If this had been a secular story, I would not have had that expectation.

Something that flowed from the aspect of faith and seeing a character caught up in sin, was Vic a true Christian?  I don’t have good understanding of the Amish faith.  But I wondered if there is some measure of legalism?  Is a person considered a true believer as long as he complies with the rules of the Amish community?  What is a warning sign that a person’s outward confession is not genuine?  Would an Amish Christian be concerned about their witness and testimony to an unbelieving coworker?

I would like to have seen the faith aspect of alcoholism dealt with, in addition to the practical steps recommended by the secular world.  I liked that Vic’s parents had a realistic understanding of their son and didn’t try to make excuses for his choices and behavior.

If you like Wanda E. Brunstetter’s writing, or have an interest in the topic of alcoholism, you may want to read Letters of Trust.  This was a hard book to read because of the subject matter and the fact that too many lives are impacted by alcoholism.  I appreciate that the author tackled this painful topic. 

I would like to thank Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complementary copy of Letters of Trust by Wanda E. Brunstetter.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

Letters of Trust will be published March 1, 2023.

Critical Threat by Lynette Eason – Suspense and Intrigue, But Falls Short

Posted in Extreme Measures Series, Intrigue, Lynette Eason, NetGalley, Revell Publishing, Revell Publishing Group, Suspense by

Critical Threat is Lynette Eason’s third book in the Extreme Measures series.  I enjoy suspense and intrigue novels and looked forward to reading this new release. 

It appears that there may be a serial killer loose in Virginia.  FBI Special Agent and behavioral analyst Grace Billingsley and prison psychiatrist Sam Monroe team up to help the Critical Incidence Response Group to find this murderer before he takes the life of another innocent person.  Details of the case have been withheld from the public.  But when a prisoner has information about the crimes, Sam and the team want to find out what he knows and if he is involved.  Sam brings a unique perspective to the case because his father is a convicted serial killer and was recently transferred to the same facility where Sam works. 

The serial killer aspect of this story makes the novel rather dark.  It was interesting trying to understand how the team puts together a profile of the murderer.  I liked the interaction between Grace and Sam.  Grace was not put off by Sam’s family background.  She was compassionate and caring towards him.

What I found off-putting about the story was Grace.  She was a brave woman, but didn’t use a lot of wisdom or common sense.  After the killer sees her at a crime scene, he repeatedly tries to get to Grace.  Though she has been targeted and has some protection, she makes several poor decisions, making her vulnerable to attack.  The folks that were providing protection did a poor job, because multiple times the killer was successful in getting to Grace. 

When a character repeatedly puts themselves at risk and fails to use common sense, I stop caring about them because the story feels manipulating.  I would rather someone be smart over being brave. 

Both Grace and Sam had family issues going during the height of the case.  To some degree it gave the reader a better understanding about the characters.  It may have taken away from the main storyline. 

There wasn’t a lot of the Christian faith included in the novel.  Grace’s attempt to help Sam’s daughter understand about good and evil fell short.  Her explanation about the devil and sin seemed more filled with human psychology, rather than sound theology about a sovereign and holy God and sin and repentance. 

The storyline was interesting, had a lot of suspense and intrigue.  It was also dark and disturbing.  At times, the story seemed drawn out and repetitive.  Grace putting herself at risk, over-and-over again, didn’t seem realistic.  Nor did the FBI failing to protect a target.

I enjoy Lynette Eason’s suspense novels, yet Critical Threat wasn’t my favorite.  Would I recommend it?  If you like Lynette Eason’s writing, you may want to give it a try. 

I would like to thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Critical Threat by Lynette Eason.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Love Though the Seasons by Tracie Peterson – Mixed Impressions

Posted in Barbour Publishing, Falling for Love, King of Hearts, Love Through the Seasons, Short Stories, Silent Nights, Stormy Weather, Tracie Peterson by

I looked forward to reading this release of four short stories, Love Through the Seasons by Tracie Peterson, which will be published February 1, 2023.  Once I started reading the book, it was obvious that some of the stories must have been written a few years ago.  Things that are common today, like cell phones, weren’t mentioned in the stories and there were no time references.  Stormy Weather was written in 1999, King of Hearts in 1997, Falling for Love is a new release for 2023, and Silent Nights was written in 1998.

I enjoyed a couple of the stories, Stormy Weather and Falling for Love, but wasn’t too keen on King of Hearts and Silent Nights.

Stormy Weather takes place in the spring and is about a widow, Gina Bowden, and her young son, Danny.  Danny’s Cub Scout leader, Gary Cameron, is a widower.  This is a sweet story and the characters are very likable.  Gina tries to make up for being a single mom, but finds that she needs help when her son has been assigned a project for Cub Scouts.  Gary is willing to help and they develop a comfortable and caring relationship.  I appreciated the faith and trust that both Gina and Gary had in the wake of losing their spouses. 

I found King of Hearts to be an odd story.  Elise Jost received bad news that she was just shy of having the credits she needed to graduate from college.  As a result, she would need to take one class during summer school.  The one class that fit her schedule was Renaissance Appreciation taught by Dr. Ian Hunter.  Elise is less than pleased about taking the class, partly because of a required assignment at the end of the semester.  Elise’s attitude was crummy and there was very little in her behavior that displayed Christian faith.  This story may not have aged well.  Back in the day, Renaissance fairs were very common and folks had an interest in them.  Today, this story come across as kind of weird and at times almost creepy.  One character was introduced that seemed to be there for no other reason than to put a damsel in distress that needed to be rescued.  Overall, I found the story very odd.

Falling For Love is the newest story and was very likeable. Nice characters who were kind and caring.  Karen Jacobs, a widow, owns the old family farm and lives there with her mother Meredith.  Karen is contacted by her cousin Marlene who hopes that her mother, Lettie, might be able to come and live with Karen.  Over the coming days, Karen’s two other aunts, Helen and Rachel, contact her to see if they too might be able to come live with them.  Thankfully the house set up where the downstairs area would work well as a home for all four sisters.  Work needs to be done to make things ready for the aging family members.  Karen contacts someone from church, Dan Polk, who can help with the project.  This was one of my favorite stories.  The sacrificial love and kindness Karen demonstrates by inviting her family to come live with them is refreshing.  The developing relationship between Dan and Karen was sweet.  The characters demonstrated their Christian faith.  I very much liked this story.

Silent Nights was the story I liked least.  Lynn Murphy and her attitude and actions did not display Christian faith, nor did her husband Frank.  They have issues in their marriage which need to be worked out.  While acknowledging that God does not like divorce, Lynn leaves home because her husband heading out of town again on business trip and their anniversary trip will need to be rescheduled.  Lynn goes to stay with her grandfather Omar Lewiston, but doesn’t even leave a note for her husband to let him know where she is at.  I liked the grandfather, he was kind, caring and displayed some wisdom.  The characters’ change and development was not really handled well.  I did not like the characters, nor their attitudes and the Christian faith was not evident in their lives.  Then suddenly, things changed and the story ends, but how and why they changed wasn’t well developed.  Perhaps this story would have been somewhat better as a full-length novel where the characters could have been better developed. 

A couple of the stories, Stormy Weather and Falling for Love, were enjoyable and had likable characters and the characters displayed more mature Christian faith.  King of Hearts and Silent Nights fell short. 

Would I recommend Love Through the Seasons by Tracie Peterson?  If you like Tracie’s writing you may want to read these stories.  It was nice to read shorter story format and some of the stories were enjoyable.  But the short story format may not work well for some of the storylines. 

I would like to thank Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Love Through the Seasons by Tracie Peterson.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

Honor’s Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman – Likable relatable characters, suspense, intrigue

Posted in Bravery, Good vs Evil, Hallee Bridgeman, Honor’s Refuge, Intrigue, Love and Honor Series, Relationships, Revell Publishing, Romance, Suspense by

Honor’s Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman is the third book in the Love and Honor series.  It’s the second book I’ve read by this author.  I wanted to read it because the author makes the characters come to life.

Honor’s Refuge continues the story of Phil Osbourne, who was introduced in the first book of the series Honor Bound.  In that book, Phil had lost his leg due to an injury he sustained on a mission with the special forces team.  Phil’s been home for two years and developed a friendship Melissa Braxton who runs a shelter for women who suffer from physical abuse.  Truth be told, Phil and Melissa have fallen in love.  But Phil doesn’t feel like a man who is whole, or that he can’t be the man Melissa deserves. 

Phil and some of his former teammates researched and found Melissa’s long-lost sister Lola.  They were separated when they were very young following their mother’s death.  Phil would do anything, including putting himself at risk, to reunite this family. 

I appreciate how Hallee Bridgeman develops the characters in her book.  The main characters are very likeable, as well as Phil and Melissa’s friends, family, and co-workers.  There is a depth to the characters that makes them seem real.  Honor’s Refuge is suspenseful.  Mysteries are unveiled as the characters work through their weaknesses, understand their feelings and try to strengthen their faith. 

Faith is part of the character’s lives.  I appreciated that Phil and Melissa prayed and talked about the Lord.  I would like to have seen the Gospel more accurately presented.  Melissa’s sister Lola is comforted by the community that has taken her in, she is curious about their faith.  It was explained to her that “It’s less about religion and more about community.”  Repentance of sin and belief in Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sin was not explained. 

Phil was one of my favorite characters.  He used his experience and training to help protect Melissa, Lola, and her children.  His personal mission was to protect them threats from very evil people entrenched in drug trafficking. 

I had some problems with the ending of the book.  Phil’s background and training was special forces, and since he was dealing with men who were downright evil.  I’m not sure it was realistic that he would respond to the bad guys by subduing them and using zip ties and sheets to restrain them.  I didn’t understand why Phil struggled with remorse over the violence he employed to protect innocent women and children from a drug lord and his minions who intended to harm them.

I liked Honor’s Refuge because of the characters.  It’s an interesting story with suspense, intrigue, bravery, good vs. evil, and developing relationships.  I did struggle some with the ending.  Even so, I recommend Honor’s Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman.  I would give this book a 3.5-star rating. 

I thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Honor’s Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

Body of Evidence by Irene Hannon- Likable Characters, Interesting Storyline

Posted in Body of Evidence, Christian Fiction, Irene Hannon, Mystery, Suspense, Triple Threat by

Body of Evidence by Irene Hannon is the third book in the Triple Threat series.  If you like mysteries and intrigue, give this book a read.

Grace Riley is a forensic pathologist in rural Missouri.  Not the kind of place where you anticipate stumbling across a lot of murders.  Though the evidence seems to indicate Mavis died of natural causes, something about this case doesn’t sit right with Grace.  It’s Friday night, Grace is alone and conducting an autopsy in the mortuary when she hears a noise.  She investigates, but it isn’t until she goes outside that she finds the source of the noise and dials 911.  The new local sheriff, Nate Cox, is on duty and responds to the call.  These two working together will not be deterred until they get to the bottom of it.

I really enjoyed Body of Evidence, and from page one, I was hooked.  The main characters, Grace and Nate, were likeable and had interesting careers.  I liked learning about the job of a forensic pathologist, and very different in a rural setting as opposed to a big city.  I enjoyed their friendship and developing romance.  I also liked Grace’s relationship with her sisters. Eve and Cate.  They were caring and supportive.  The townspeople were intriguing, and I found myself examining them through the lens of a perspective suspect.

I appreciated that this a clean novel.  Faith is talked about a little bit in the novel.  I would have liked to have had that element further developed with the main characters.  I did figure out who the bad guy was and wanted to learn about their motives and why they did their dastardly deeds.  Very much liked Grace and Nate, there were upright in character, determined to find the truth and fight for justice. 

If you like suspense and intrigue, if you like books that involve law enforcement and medical mysteries, I recommend Body of Evidence by Irene Hannon. 

I would like to thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy Body of Evidence by Irene Hannon.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

Honor Bound by Hallee Bridgeman – Good Storyteller and Likable Characters

Posted in Action, Christian Fiction, Hallee Bridgeman, Honor Bound, Love and Honor Series, Military, NetGalley, Revell Publishing, Romance, Uncategorized by

Honor Bound was the first book I’ve read by author Hallee Bridgeman.  I enjoyed this book and looking forward to reading more novels from the author.

Dr. Cynthia Myers left the Washington D.C political scene following a humiliating episode with her former fiancé.  She went far away to the jungles in Africa to work as a medical missionary providing obstetric services to women in a small village.  She loves doing her job and has found fulfillment helping local families.  The life she’s settled into is about to be disrupted when a warlord’s battle come to town.  The warlord’s son is gravely injured, and Cynthia has been charged with trying to save his life.  Captain Rick Norton and his Army Special Forces team are in pursuit of the warlord, and his army who have wrecked-havoc in the villages. 

I really enjoyed this book, Hallee is good storyteller.  She is skilled at making the reader feel like they are right there with the characters in the midst of the jungle.  I liked the characters, especially Rick Norton and his team.  I came to respect Cynthia over time, but initially bristled at this character’s attitudes and views.  Hallee did a good job bringing the military battles and escape plans to life.  As a Christian, I appreciated that faith was an important part of the character’s lives.  The book has clean language, and sexual immorality was not part of the story. 

My favorite character was Rick Norton.  He was a man of strength, was confident in his skills, training and leadership.  He wanted to be true to and pursue that which God had called him to.  I also came to like Cynthia’s father.  He unapologetically made the best decisions he could and gave wise advice to his daughter.

I struggled with Cynthia and her “holier than thou” passivist naïve views.  Like when she was angry when Rick and his team had to dispatch the warlord’s army.  She believed that it would be better if she had died instead of men who were doing evil things and harming many people in their path.  The character’s moral compass was skewed.  She didn’t distinguish between good and evil.  Overtime she grew and had better balanced views…mostly. 

Something I took issue with some of the Scripture references being misused or misstated.  The biggest one was in a conversation between Cynthia and Rick when she referenced Matthew 5, where Jesus Christ submitted and went with the soldiers who were arresting Him.  “Christ defied them without violence.  He went with the soldiers peaceably from the garden of prayer and ultimately laid down his life.  Should we Christians not be Christlike in all things?”  My issue with this misuse of Scripture was that Jesus Christ’s purpose in not resisting the soldiers was not to show a passivist response to evil.  This was done in fulfillment of God’s plan for the Son of God to willingly die a substitutionary death on the cross, to pay the sin debt of everyone who will repent of their sins and believe in Him. 

A second misstatement of Scripture, “God’s Word promises us that He will take all things and make them good.  Even the horrible things.”  Wrongly stated.  Better to stick with Scripture rather than misstate it.  “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:28

I liked Honor Bound, the first book in the Love and Honor series.  It was easy to get into the story, and there were many likable characters.  Hallee Bridgeman is a good story teller.  I would add a caution to not get your theology from Christian fiction and be aware when Scripture is misstated or misused. 

I look forward to reading more books from Hallee Bridgeman including the next two novels in the Love and Honor series. 

I would like to thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Honor Bound by Hallee Bridgeman.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

The Apple Creek Announcement by Wanda E Brunstetter – Mixed Emotions

Posted in Barbour Publishing, Christian Fiction, Clean Romance, Creektown Discovery Series, NetGalley, The Apple Creek Announcement, Wanda E Brunstetter by

Wanda E Brunstetter has become one of my favorite writers and I looked forward to reading her newest book The Apple Creek Announcement, Creektown Discoveries, volume 3.

Reading one of Wanda’s books is like catching up with old friends, especially Orley and Lois Troyer.  They own an antique store and want to engage with and to help the customers who visit their store.  In The Apple Creek Announcement, readers are introduced to Andrea and her boyfriend, soon to be fiancé, Brandon Prentice.  Andrea is a piano teacher and a painter who sells her artwork capturing local Amish scenes.  Brandon is the town’s veterinarian.  Their relationship seems to be going well until Andrea learns about a lifelong secret her parents have kept.  It throws her for a loop, and her focus has changed. 

Two of my favorite characters are Orley and Lois.  I’m glad these characters are included in this novel.  I enjoyed their storyline in this book.  They seem very kind and caring. 

I had a hard time with Andrea and Brandon.  At first, I found them very boring.  Their romance kind of fell flat, wasn’t believable.  Once there were developments in the story, these two characters became more interesting. 

Unfortunately, I didn’t much care for the main character Andrea.  She seemed spiritually immature.  She reacted emotionally and didn’t turn to God in prayer or to the Bible.  Even towards the end of the book, her character didn’t acknowledge wrong behavior and attitudes on her part.  Andrea held on to anger, resentment and blamed her parents.  She seemed to play the victim and blame everyone.  If her character had developed and grown over time, repented and turned to God, it would have come across as different.  Brandon was more likable, and he seemed more mature, willing to examine if he had made the right decision.  He sought wisdom and good counsel from an older believer. 

I found it odd that when Andrea and Brandon were engaged, that one of the obstacles they encountered were their pets not getting along.  You would think that a vet would have clue on how to help the situation. 

A couple of things that should have been left out was Andrea trying to calm her nerves with lavender essential oil.  If the character was a Christian, she should have turned to God’s word and prayer.  Some advice that Orley gave Brandon wasn’t the best.  He told him to pray…good!  Then he said God may give you a “sign”.  No!  Examples of those in the Bible who asked for a sign were descriptive, not prescriptive.  It was before they had the Bible, God’s Word. 

I rather liked Andrea’s friend, Colleen.  She seemed to genuinely care about Andrea and was straightforward with her and Brandon. 

Something I appreciated about The Apple Creek Announcement is that it’s clean, and the Gospel of Christ and word of God are shared.  I look forward to reading more of Wanda’s books in the future. 

If you’ve read the earlier books in this series, you may want to read The Apple Creek Announcement by Wanda E Brunstetter.

I would like to thank Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy The Apple Creek Announcement by Wanda E Brunstetter.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.