Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Storm Surge (Lantern Beach Mysteries Book 3) by Christy Barritt

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Storm Surge by Christy Barritt. Ms. Barritt is doing quick releases for this series and I am loving it! It's so great not having to wait a long time for the next installment.

About the Book

A storm is brewing hundreds of miles away, but its effects are devastating even from afar.

Laid-back and light: that's Cassidy Livingston's new motto. But when a makeshift boat with a bloody cloth inside washes ashore near her oceanfront home, her detective instincts shift into gear . . . again.

Seeking clues isn't the only thing on her mind-romance is heating up with next-door neighbor and former Navy SEAL Ty Chambers as well. Her heart wants the love and stability she's longed for her entire life. But her hidden identity only leads to a tidal wave of turbulence.

As more answers emerge about the boat, the danger around her rises, creating a treacherous swell that threatens to reveal her past. Can Cassidy mind her own business, or will the storm surge of violence and corruption that has washed ashore on Lantern Beach leave her life in wreckage?

Book Beginning

Cady Matthews froze in the dingy hallway.

The sound of a whiny hum mixed with a faint tapping - so faint that Cady thought she'd imagined it. Yet something about the noise seemed to beckon for attention, to whisper of urgency.

Friday 56 (56% on my Kindle)

With her new supplies loaded into her truck and a few minutes to spare before she needed to start her route, Cassidy pulled out her phone.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Assault: Cycle Two of the Harbinger Series by Billy Myers, Frank Peretti, Angela Hunt, & Alton Gansky

About the Book

The Next Wave of Stories in the Harbingers Series Arrives

Cycle 2 of the Harbingers series continues the story of four gifted strangers brought together to fight a growing darkness.

In Bill Myers's "The Revealing," the team finds themselves in Rome trying to retrieve the mystical spear Hitler once owned--the very spear that pierced Christ's side. This task will take them from hidden chambers inside the Vatican to a mysterious seaside cave with powers they could never expect.

Frank Peretti's "Infestation" unleashes a microscopic evil on the world that deceives, blinds, kills, then spreads. The Harbingers team must confront a monster bent on seducing and destroying mankind.

In "Infiltration" by Angela Hunt, the team is wounded and barely holding together. Forced to split up, they realize their investigations have led them into dangerous waters.

Alton Gansky's "The Fog" unleashes a supernatural mist unlike any other. There are vicious things in the fog that kill whatever they find. One team member realizes that the ultimate sacrifice may have to be made.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

The Assault: Cycle Two of the Harbingers series was just as strange and spooky as the first cycle, maybe even more so. These stories were hard to put down and had me reading them as fast as I could. They were immensely compelling.

In The Revealing, the gang is in Rome and tasked with finding the (real) Spear of Destiny. I was extremely intrigued with this story. So interesting!

Well, Frank Peretti certainly knows how to write a truly chilling story! In Infestation there's more trouble with the animals... and it seems to be escalating quickly.

Infiltration was a bit of a slower read for me, but still very interesting. Most of the gang's researching and trying to find out more about The Gate. Andi is studying a mysterious orb and seeing a psychiatrist to help deal with fallout from the previous episode. 

The Fog starts off a little slow, but then...WHAM... the action picks up and my goodness... it was STRESSFUL! I couldn't read it fast enough. 

I am fully invested in these characters' stories and can't wait to start Cycle Three!

Four Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Story Peddler (The Weaver Trilogy #1) by Lindsay A. Franklin

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring  The Story Peddler (The Weaver Trilogy #1) by Lindsay A. Franklin releasing May 1, 2018.

About the Book
Selling stories is a deadly business

Tanwen doesn’t just tell stories—she weaves them into crystallized sculptures that sell for more than a few bits. But the only way to escape the control of her cruel mentor and claw her way from poverty is to set her sights on something grander: becoming Royal Storyteller to the king.

During her final story peddling tour, a tale of treason spills from her hands, threatening the king himself. Tanwen goes from peddler to prey as the king’s guard hunts her down . . . and they’re not known for their mercy. As Tanwen flees for her life, she unearths long-buried secrets and discovers she’s not the only outlaw in the empire. There’s a rebel group of weavers . . . and they’re after her too.

Why I Need It
When I first saw the cover, I was instantly intrigued. And then I read the synopsis and became super excited. I'm always on the lookout for new and interesting fantasy. I can't wait to dive into this one!

What book are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Paint the Town Dead (A Silver Six Mystery ) by Nancy Haddock

About the Book

From the national bestselling author of Basket Case comes the second mystery starring the crafty and cantankerous Silver Six.
 
Leslee Stanton Nix—aka “Nixy”—thought moving to small-town Lilyvale, Arkansas, would be about as thrilling as watching paint dry. But keeping up with her retired Aunt Sherry and her troublemaking housemates—collectively known as the Silver Six—has proven to be as exciting as it is exasperating.

To kick off the grand opening of their craft shop, the Handcraft Emporium, Nixy and the Silver Six invite Doralee Gordon to teach a gourd painting class. Doralee’s spirit gets squashed when her ex-husband crashes the class with his new fiancée, but things really get messy when the bride-to-be later turns up dead. Now it’s up to Nixy and the Silver Six to use their melons to find the killer—before someone else gets painted out of the picture...

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I loved the first book in this series, so I was really looking forward to Paint the Town Dead. It was great! The Silver Six were just as amusing as ever. It's fun to watch their antics and see Nixy try to reign them in, but in the end, just join in on the fun.

It took a little bit for the mystery to get going, but once it did I was fully engaged. There were quite a few suspects, so that kept me guessing. I had my suspicions, but was never 100% sure.

Paint the Town Dead was a great addition to the Silver Six mysteries and can be enjoyed even if you haven't read book one.

Four Stars

Connect with author Nancy Haddock on her website, Facebook, and Goodreads.

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Dominion (Life After #3) by Julie Hall

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Dominion by Julie Hall. It's the conclusion to the Life After series and WOW... what a conclusion it is! It's such a powerful story of the Ultimate Good overcoming  Ultimate Evil. It has it's serious moments, but it's got lots of laugh-out-loud moments too. This is a series I'd recommend even to people who aren't normally fans of this genre. It's just that good!

About the Book

Nothing comes without a cost.

After defeating the red dragon’s legion of bloodthirsty demons, Audrey can finally settle into the afterlife with the knowledge her family is safe. But her quest for a perfect existence shatters the moment Logan is kidnapped in an attempt to bend her to Satan’s will.

Audrey must now travel to the one place no hunter has ever ventured to save the man she loves . . . Hell.

Savage demons, desiccated corpses, life sucking zombie trees, and a land of death and rot await Audrey and her friends as they battle through the fiery realm.

But Logan’s freedom comes with a price . . . the destruction of Audrey’s happily ever after.

As Satan schemes for dominion over all the realms, Audrey learns that some acts may be beyond redemption.

Fans of The Mortal Instruments, Buffy, and Supernatural won't want to miss out on all the twists and turns in the conclusion of this YA Fantasy journey.

Book Beginning

I coughed for the hundredth time. Hell was... well, hot as Hell. As clichés went, this one was turning out to be extremely accurate.

We'd only been here for an hour, tops, and I was already dying to leave.

Oh look, I made a funny.

Friday 56 (56% on my Kindle)

The next days were some of the happiest and darkest of my existence.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Finding Evergreen by Jennifer Rodewald

About the Book

He thought he’d found the thrill of his life; she, the romance she’d hadn’t dared to hope for. Falling in love had been easy. Being married? Totally different story.

Married within a year of meeting, Ethan and Brandi add a foster daughter to their newly established family. Their story is enchanting—inspiring. Except when the fairytale fails. The stresses of unmet expectations and wounds from their pasts knife into their marriage, severing what they believed would be forever.

Hope for a broken marriage. Healing for their wounded spirits. It would take both to find evergreen. Are they brave enough to try?

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Finding Evergreen was an emotional read. It was heart-wrenching and raw and painful. But it was also breathtaking and authentic and oh so good. It was full of hardships, ups and downs, faith, redemption, and grace.

I was instantly pulled into this story and completely invested in Brandi, Ethan, and So-J's lives. These characters were hurting. There were misunderstandings and assumptions and things got misconstrued. Things got difficult, really difficult. Life's not always easy or rainbows and sunshine. Plans don't always go the way they're expected and maybe they weren't realistic in the first place. This book is real life and so very compelling. I felt like I was reading about real people and their very real struggles.

I can't recommend Finding Evergreen highly enough! Rodewald is firmly cemented on my favorite authors list. There is always something in her books that resonates so deeply with me. I leave feeling as though I've encountered something profound. I can't wait to see what she comes out with next.

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Five Stars

Connect with author Jennifer Rodewald on her website, Facebook page, and Twitter.

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Stone Girl's Story by Sarah Beth Durst

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring The Stone Girl's Story by Sarah Beth Durst releasing April 3, 2018.

About the Book

Exploring the power of stories and storytelling, Sarah Beth Durst presents the mesmerizing adventure of a girl made of living stone who braves unforeseen dangers and magical consequences on a crucial quest to save her family. 

Mayka and her stone family were brought to life by the stories etched into their bodies. Now time is eroding these vital marks, and Mayka must find a stonemason to recarve them. But the search is more complex than she had imagined, and Mayka uncovers a scheme endangering all stone creatures. Only someone who casts stories into stone can help—but whom can Mayka trust? Where is the stonemason who will save them?

Action and insight combine in this magical coming-of-age novel as the young heroine realizes the savior she’s been searching for is herself. 

Why I Need It

I'm a big fan of Sarah Beth Durst. ICE, her retelling of East of the Sun West of the Moon is one of my faves. So I'm always excited when she has a new release coming out.

What book are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Dominion (Life After #3) by Julie Hall

About the Book

Nothing comes without a cost.

After defeating the red dragon’s legion of bloodthirsty demons, Audrey can finally settle into the afterlife with the knowledge her family is safe. But her quest for a perfect existence shatters the moment Logan is kidnapped in an attempt to bend her to Satan’s will.

Audrey must now travel to the one place no hunter has ever ventured to save the man she loves . . . Hell.

Savage demons, desiccated corpses, life sucking zombie trees, and a land of death and rot await Audrey and her friends as they battle through the fiery realm.

But Logan’s freedom comes with a price . . . the destruction of Audrey’s happily ever after.

As Satan schemes for dominion over all the realms, Audrey learns that some acts may be beyond redemption.

Fans of The Mortal Instruments, Buffy, and Supernatural won't want to miss out on all the twists and turns in the conclusion of this YA Fantasy journey.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

OH. MY. GOODNESS. This book has left me speechless! Wow! I need a couple seconds to collect my thoughts.

…   …   …   ...   ...

Okay, I'm seriously struggling to find the words to describe how absolutely amazing Dominion was. It's breathtaking and emotional and oh so good! There were so many twists and turns and shocks that I didn't see coming, that left me reeling. And like many others have said, be sure to have some tissues handy because, oh my gosh, the tears were plentiful and flowing.

I was completely and utterly sucked into Dominion from page one, not wanting to put it down for anything because, seriously, there is no good place to stop. (I do need to apologize to the person who kept interrupting me, though. I'm sorry for the grumbling and nasty looks I sent your way. I promise you'll understand when you read the book.)

I'd highly recommend this series to everyone, even those who aren't usually fans of this genre. It's powerful and full of so much goodness! It's the best! It's definitely a series that I'll want to reread again and again and has found a permanent place on my favorites list.

I'm not gonna say much more because I don't want to accidentally spoil anything. I'll just say, go grab yourself a copy. You don't want to miss out on this awesome thrill ride.

Five Stars

Connect with author Julie Hall by visiting her website, Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram.

Review: Murder on Moon Trek 1: A Sylvia Stryker Mystery (Outer Space Mysteries) by Diane Vallere

About the Book

When space academy dropout Sylvia Stryker hacks her way into the position of Uniform Inventory Manager aboard the Moon Unit 5, she jumps at the chance to leave her small planet behind. But when the ship's second navigation officer is found dead in the uniform closet shortly after departing the space station, Sylvia's problems become bigger than falsified test results. And when her supervisor places her on probation for her own uniform infraction, she's at risk of being dropped off at the nearest substation. Juggling red shirts, white lies, and an army of little green men, Sylvia has to expose a killer before the Moon Unit 5 becomes space dust.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I was so intrigued by the idea of a cozy mystery set in space. It's such a unique idea, so I couldn't wait to start reading Murder on Moon Trek 1. And let me tell ya', it was such a fun read!

I don't read a lot of scifi, but I've been venturing out more in my reading and trying new things. I'm so glad that I picked up a copy of this book! The mystery was compelling and left me guessing until the reveal. The characters were so great. Sylvia was instantly likable, Neptune was so mysterious, and Pika was a hoot!

I can't recommend this highly enough! I'm hoping there are many more mysteries to come in this exciting new series!

4.5 Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Murder on Moon Trek 1: A Sylvia Stryker Mystery by Diane Vallere

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Murder on Moon Trek 1: A Sylvia Stryker Mystery by Diane Vallere, a fun scifi cozy mystery.

 

Book Beginning

When Moon Unit 5 kicked off it's inaugural trip from my home planet of Plunia, I expected the uniform closet to be stuffed to capacity. I just hadn't expected it to be stuffed with a body. But here we were, light years from the space station where we'd departed, and instead of a closet of freshly laundered uniforms, I had a dead man.

Friday 56 (56% on my Kindle)

I read what I could from the news monitor, picking out enough words to understand the magnitude of the threat.

About the Book

When space academy dropout Sylvia Stryker hacks her way into the position of Uniform Inventory Manager aboard the Moon Unit 5, she jumps at the chance to leave her small planet behind. But when the ship's second navigation officer is found dead in the uniform closet shortly after departing the space station, Sylvia's problems become bigger than falsified test results. And when her supervisor places her on probation for her own uniform infraction, she's at risk of being dropped off at the nearest substation. Juggling red shirts, white lies, and an army of little green men, Sylvia has to expose a killer before the Moon Unit 5 becomes space dust.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Behind the Scenes (Apart from the Crowd #1) by Jen Turano

About the Book

Miss Permilia Griswold may have been given the opportunity of a debut into New York high society, but no one warned her she wasn't guaranteed to "take." After spending the last six years banished to the wallflower section of the ballroom, she's finally putting her status on the fringes of society to good use by penning anonymous society gossip columns under the pseudonym "Miss Quill."

Mr. Asher Rutherford has managed to maintain his status as a reputable gentleman of society despite opening his own department store. While pretending it's simply a lark to fill his time, he has quite legitimate reasons for needing to make his store the most successful in the country.

When Permilia overhears a threat against the estimable Mr. Rutherford, she's determined to find and warn the man. Disgruntled at a first meeting that goes quite poorly and results in Asher not believing her, she decides to take matters into her own hands, never realizing she'll end up at risk as well.

As Asher and Permilia are forced to work together and spend time away from the spotlight of society, perhaps there's more going on behind the scenes than they ever could have anticipated. . . .

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Behind the Scenes was another hilarious, laugh-out-loud delight from Jen Turano. I know when I start a Turano book that I'm in for a fun time. Her books always leave me with a big smile on my face.

Permilia is an endearingly unique character, odd by society's standards, but genuine, helpful and kind to those who truly know her. Some of the situations she found herself in...oh my...so outrageous, but so hilarious!

If you're a fan of comedic historical fiction, don't hesitate to pick up a Jen Turano book. You're in for a load of laughs!

Four Stars

Connect with author Jen Turano on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.

Can't Wait Wednesday: Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter releasing March 27, 2018.

About the Book

Maddie thought she and Logan would be friends forever. But when your dad is a Secret Service agent and your best friend is the president's son, sometimes life has other plans. Before she knows it, Maddie's dad is dragging her to a cabin in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness.

No phone.
No internet.
And not a single word from Logan.

Maddie tells herself it's okay. After all, she's the most popular girl for twenty miles in any direction. She has wood to cut and weapons to bedazzle. Her life is full.
Until Logan shows up six years later . . .
And Maddie wants to kill him.

But before that can happen, an assailant appears out of nowhere, knocking Maddie off a cliff and dragging Logan to some unknown fate. Maddie knows she could turn back- and get help. But the weather is turning and the terrain will only get more treacherous, the animals more deadly.

Maddie still really wants to kill Logan.
But she has to save him first.

Why I Need It

A new book from Ally Carter? Sign me up! I loved her 'Gallagher Girls' and 'Heist Society' books. This book sounds like it's full of a lot of mystery, suspense, and thrills! So excited for it!

What book are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Beast Hunter: A Prequel Novella to Kill the Beast by Michele Israel Harper

About the Book
Ro’s people are starving. A curse has overtaken her land, blackening the soil, wiping out crops, and bringing ruin to all. She doesn't know what to do.

The only people who thrive are the huntsmen, brought in by the mysterious Gautier to stem the flow of ravenous creatures looking for food.

When Ro accidentally kills a wolf, an idea begins to form. Could she become a huntress? Earn enough livres to feed her family?

But her world is shattered when her father promises her to a beast in exchange for his own life. If she doesn’t go, a curse will fall on her family worse than the one destroying their land. But Ro is determined to save her family another way.

Will Ro have the courage to seek her own fate instead of the one pressed upon her?

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I love fairytale retellings, Beauty and the Beast most of all. Beast Hunter gives an excellent and unique twist to the classic tale. I also sensed a few nods to other beloved fairytales as well, which I really loved.

I became completely wrapped up in this story, practically from the first word and once I hit the halfway point, I could not put it down. It was so engaging. The writing was descriptive and really transported me into the story. Ro was a great character who's fierce and easy to root for.

Anyone who has ever enjoyed a fairytale is sure to love Beast Hunter. I can't wait for Kill the Beast!

Four Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Beast Hunter: A Prequel Novella to Kill the Beast by Michele Israel Harper

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Beast Hunter: A Prequel Novella to Kill the Beast by Michele Israel Harper. I just finished this novella (loved it) and should have my review up sometime next week.

Book Beginning

Toes frozen, Rose sucked in a breath as the castle materialized before her and stretched far above her head. Moonlight blazed on the barren trees, lighting the forest as if it were midday.

Friday 56 (56% on my Kindle)

The witch smiled, taking her time to lift the cup to her lips.

About the Book

Ro’s people are starving. A curse has overtaken her land, blackening the soil, wiping out crops, and bringing ruin to all. She doesn't know what to do.

The only people who thrive are the huntsmen, brought in by the mysterious Gautier to stem the flow of ravenous creatures looking for food.

When Ro accidentally kills a wolf, an idea begins to form. Could she become a huntress? Earn enough livres to feed her family?

But her world is shattered when her father promises her to a beast in exchange for his own life. If she doesn’t go, a curse will fall on her family worse than the one destroying their land. But Ro is determined to save her family another way.

Will Ro have the courage to seek her own fate instead of the one pressed upon her?

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Cure (Unbounded #2) by Teyla Branton

About the Book

Erin Radkey’s life has altered completely since her Change made her one of the Unbounded. But some things never change.

Greed. Over the centuries the long-lived Unbounded have divided into two groups, the Emporium who craves money and power and will do anything to achieve its ends, including experimenting on its own people, and the Renegades who protect humanity.

Power. Now the Renegades are close to discovering a cure that will save many dying mortals, and the husband of Erin’s closest friend is first in line to receive the formula. But Emporium agents will stop at nothing to destroy the cure—until they realize the research might be exactly the weapon they’ve been searching for.

Love. Erin’s new abilities are tested as she and fellow Renegades fight the Emporium in a struggle that soon becomes all too personal, and where lines of loyalty are blurred by relationships of the past. Everything is at risk, including the lives of her friends—and the love of Ritter Langton, the Renegade Unbounded who both infuriates and excites her.

From the busy streets of Portland to the jungles of Mexico, The Cure is a page-turning urban fantasy that will keep you riveted until the very end

Amazon / Goodreads

My Review

Four Stars

I had such a great time reading The Change, the first book in this series, so I was excited to jump into the sequel. It did not disappoint. There's a ton of action and a gripping story that never let up. It's extremely fast-paced. The story picks up a couple months after the ending of The Change. While The Cure might could standalone, I'd really recommend reading book one first.

Part of this story took place in the Mexican jungles which was an intriguing setting. A couple of new people join the team, so that was an interesting shakeup. Erin didn't frustrate me nearly as much as she did in the first book. She seemed to have grown a lot in the couple of months since her change. I really like Keene. I don't know if I'm supposed to like him as much as I do, but... yeah... he's giving Ritter a run for his money in my book. But Ritter's awesome, too. Extremely stubborn, though.

All in all, The Cure was a fantastic sequel that I didn't want to put down. I can't wait to pick up book three, The Escape.

To learn more about Teyla Branton, visit her website, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Google+.

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Heart Between Us by Lindsay Harrel

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring The Heart Between Us: Two Sisters, One Heart Transplant, and a Bucket List by Lindsay Harrel.

About the Book
Lindsay Harrel presents a powerful story of healing, adventure, and learning how to live life to the fullest.

Megan Jacobs always wished for a different heart. Her entire childhood was spent in and out of hospitals, sitting on the sidelines while her twin sister Crystal played all the sports, got all the guys, and had all the fun. But even a heart transplant three years ago wasn’t enough to propel Megan’s life forward. She’s still working as a library aide in her small Minnesota hometown and living with her parents, dreaming of the adventure she plans to take “once she’s well enough.” Meanwhile, her sister is a successful architect with a handsome husband and the perfect life—or so Megan thinks.

When her heart donor’s parents give Megan their teenage daughter’s journal—complete with an unfulfilled bucket list—Megan connects with the girl she meets between the pages and is inspired to venture out and check off each item. Caleb—a friend from her years in and out of the hospital—reenters her life and pushes her to find the courage to take the leap and begin her journey. She’s thrown for a loop when Crystal offers to join her for reasons of her own, but she welcomes the company and the opportunity to mend their tenuous relationship.

As Megan and Crystal check items off the bucket list, Megan fights the fears that have been instilled in her after a lifetime of illness. She must choose between safety and adventure and learn to embrace the heart she’s been given so that she can finally share it with the people she loves most.

Why I Need It

Goodness, this book sounds like such a heartwarming journey of self-discovery! I can't wait to dive into this powerful story!

What book are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: If I Live (If I Run #3) by Terri Blackstock

About the Book

“If I Live is a grabber from page one, delivering an exhilarating mix of chase, mystery, and spiritual truth. Longtime Blackstock fans will be delighted, and new Blackstock fans will be made.” —James Scott Bell, bestselling author of the Mike Romeo thrillers

THE HUNT IS ALMOST OVER.

Casey Cox is still on the run after being indicted for murder. The hunt that began with her bloody footprints escalates, and she’s running out of places to hide. Her face is all over the news, and her disguises are no longer enough. It’s only a matter of time before someone recognizes her.

Dylan Roberts, the investigator who once hunted her, is now her only hope. Terrifying attempts on Dylan’s life could force Casey out of hiding. The clock is ticking on both their lives, but exposing the real killers is more complicated than they knew. Amassing the evidence to convict their enemies draws Dylan and Casey together, but their relationship has consequences. Will one life have to be sacrificed to protect the other?

With If I Live, Terri Blackstock takes us on one more heart-stopping chase in the sensational conclusion to the If I Run series.

“Crisp dialogue and unexpected twists make this compulsive reading. . .” —Publishers Weekly review of If I Run

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

IF I LIVE has been one of my most anticipated releases. I've been clamoring to find out what the outcome would be for Casey. It's been a thrilling, and oft times anxiety-ridden, ride following along with Casey as she's been on the run after being set up for her best friend's murder.

This book was a real edge of your seat thrill ride. It's extremely fast-paced, moving at a breakneck speed. There's so much action, danger, and suspense that I could hardly catch my breath and many places throughout where it felt like my heart was going to pound right out of my chest. There were quite a few twists and turns and I never knew what would happen next.

This whole series is written in an extremely engaging way, keeping me fully invested in the lives of the characters. One of my favorite aspects has been seeing the way Casey and Dylan have grown in their faith and relationship with God.

IF I LIVE was such a great conclusion to the series. It did not disappoint. It definitely lived up to my expectations and was everything I'd hoped it would be. I seriously can't recommend it highly enough. If you've read the previous books in this series, IF I LIVE is a must read. If you haven't started this series yet, start with book one and prepare yourself for an exhilarating, unputdownable adventure.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Five Stars

About the Author

Terri Blackstock is a New York Times and USA Today best-seller, with over seven million books sold worldwide. She is the winner of two Carol Awards, a Christian Retailers Choice Award, and a Romantic Times Book Reviews Career Achievement Award, among others. She has had over twenty-five years of success as a novelist. Terri spent the first twelve years of her life traveling in an Air Force family. She lived in nine states and attended the first four years of school in The Netherlands. Because she was a perpetual “new kid,” her imagination became her closest friend. That, she believes, was the biggest factor in her becoming a novelist. She sold her first novel at the age of twenty-five, and has had a successful career ever since.

In 1994 Terri was writing romance novels under two pseudonyms for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin, Dell and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening prompted her to switch gears. At the time, she was reading more suspense than romance, and felt drawn to write thrillers about ordinary people in grave danger. Her newly awakened faith wove its way into the tapestry of her suspense novels, offering hope instead of despair. Her goal is to entertain with page-turning plots while challenging her readers. She hopes to remind them that they’re not alone, and that their trials have a purpose.

Terri has appeared on national television programs such as “The 700 Club” and “Home Life,” and has been a guest on numerous radio programs across the country. The story of her personal journey appears in books such as Touched By the Savior by Mike Yorkey, True Stories of Answered Prayer by Mike Nappa, Faces of Faith by John Hanna, and I Saw Him In Your Eyes by Ace Collins.

Connect with Terri Blackstock on her website, on Facebook, and Twitter.

Review: Flood Watch (Lantern Beach Mysteries #2) by Christy Barritt

About the Book

The tide is high, and so is the danger on Lantern Beach.

Still in hiding after infiltrating a dangerous gang, Cassidy Livingston just has to make it a few more months before she can testify at trial and resume her old life. But trouble keeps finding her, and Cassidy is pulled into a local investigation after a man mysteriously disappears from the island she now calls home.

A recurring nightmare from her time undercover only muddies things, as does a visit from the parents of her handsome ex-Navy SEAL neighbor. When a friend's life is threatened, Cassidy must make choices that put her on the verge of blowing her cover.
With a flood watch on her emotions and her life in a tangle, will Cassidy find the truth? Or will her past finally drown her?

Note: Lantern Beach Mysteries is a six-book series, beginning with Hidden Currents.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I am loving this latest series from Christy Barritt. I enjoyed Flood Watch just as much as book one, Hidden Currents. There was a lot of suspense and I often found myself on the edge of my seat, reading as fast as I could. It was definitely hard to put down.

I really enjoyed meeting Ty's parents. They're great people. It's no wonder how Ty ended up being the awesome guy that he is. One of my favorite characters is retired police chief Mac. He's so much fun to read about and I loved that he was featured a little more in this book.

I highly recommend this series for anyone who loves a good and suspenseful mystery! I can't wait for book three, Storm Surge!

Five Stars

Connect with author Christy Barritt by visiting her website, Facebook page, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Flood Watch (Lantern Beach Mysteries #2) by Christy Barritt

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Flood Watch (Lantern Beach Mysteries #2) by Christy Barritt.

Book Beginning

SIX WEEKS EARLIER

Cady Matthews jerked her eyes open, blanching at the sideways world splayed before her.

Friday 56 (56% on my Kindle)

Cassidy held back, knowing she'd look too suspicious if she jumped right in on this one. Normal people didn't confront men this big and scary.

About the Book

The tide is high, and so is the danger on Lantern Beach.

Still in hiding after infiltrating a dangerous gang, Cassidy Livingston just has to make it a few more months before she can testify at trial and resume her old life. But trouble keeps finding her, and Cassidy is pulled into a local investigation after a man mysteriously disappears from the island she now calls home.

A recurring nightmare from her time undercover only muddies things, as does a visit from the parents of her handsome ex-Navy SEAL neighbor. When a friend's life is threatened, Cassidy must make choices that put her on the verge of blowing her cover.
With a flood watch on her emotions and her life in a tangle, will Cassidy find the truth? Or will her past finally drown her?

Note: Lantern Beach Mysteries is a six-book series, beginning with Hidden Currents.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Invitation (Harbingers #1-4) by Bill Myers, Frank Peretti, Angela Hunt, & Alton Gansky

About the Book

Four Bestselling Authors Team Up for Thrilling Supernatural Suspense

Gathering four stories from four bestselling author friends, Invitation is the first collection in the ongoing Harbingers series.

In "The Call" by Bill Myers, four strangers are drawn together to help a student at the mysterious Institute for Advanced Psychic Studies. His gifts are supposedly being honed to assist world leaders . . . but there are some very disturbing strings attached. Frank Peretti's "The Haunted" confronts a supernatural mystery, a case of murder, and an exploration into the darkness of the human heart, all centering around a mysterious house.

In Angela Hunt's "The Sentinels," animals around the world are mysteriously dying. What could it mean? When the tragedy begins to touch Andi's dreams, she discovers a terrifying theory. "The Girl" by Alton Gansky is a gripping tale of a young barefoot girl found holding a scroll in the snowy Oregon mountains. She is sweet, innocent--apparently not of this world--and something wants to kill her.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

These stories were weird and strange and a little bit spooky. I don't mean that in a bad way. I like weird and different stories and these definitely fit the bill. They're written in a very compelling way. I had a hard time setting it down when 'real life' called. They had a way of lingering on my mind long after I finished. I'd find my mind wandering back to these stories and what they meant, wondering what was going on and going to happen next.

Each of the four stories are written by a different author and from the perspective of a different character. The first one, The Call, sets the stage for the entire series. It introduces the characters and brings them together.

The Haunted was probably my least favorite of the bunch, but by no means was it bad. It kept me engaged and turning the pages as fast as I could, but my goodness... it was scary! It gave me goosebumps that lingered throughout the whole tale.

The Sentinels was my favorite in the collection. It kinda made me think of the TV show Zoo, what with all the weirdness going on with the animals, but at the same time, it was completely different too. It was really good, though there was one part that was quite terrifying and did lead to a sleepless night for me, lol. (I couldn't get the picture it painted out of my head.)

The Girl was told from Tank's POV, which I really enjoyed. He's my favorite of the ragtag group, so that was interesting. It was a little slower paced than the other stories, but it was so good. And it further reiterated Tank as my fave. He's such a great guy.

If you're looking for a unique and different read that will leave you questioning, Invitation (Harbingers) is an excellent pick. I can't get these characters out of my head and am eager to find out what happens next!

Four Stars