Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Written in Red (The Others #1) by Anne Bishop

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 Written in Red (The Others #1) by Anne Bishop. This book has been on my TBR for a ridiculously long time and I was happy to finally start reading it. It's so good! 

About the Book

Enter the world of the Others in the first novel in New York Times bestselling author Anne Bishop’s thrilling fantasy series: a place where unearthly entities—vampires and shape-shifters among them—rule the Earth and prey on the human race.

As a cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut—a gift that feels more like a curse. Meg’s Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard—a business district operated by the Others.

Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job. First, he senses she’s keeping a secret, and second, she doesn’t smell like human prey. Yet a stronger instinct propels him to give Meg the job. And when he learns the truth about Meg and that she’s wanted by the government, he’ll have to decide if she’s worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow.

Book Beginnings

Half blinded by the storm, she stumbled into the open area between two buildings.

Friday 56

It wasn't that late, so it shouldn't have been strange to see all the residences lit up. But it seemed like there were too many lights, too much brightness, making that dark space too noticeable, almost ominous.

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

If you haven't read a book in awhile and someone asks about a character or the plot, can you recall the details?

It depends on the book. Some books stay with me for a long time, while others it seems like as soon as I finish it, I can barely recall what I just read. 

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Exercise of Interfering (The Sidekick's Survival Guide #3) by Christy Barritt

About the Book
A new mystery series from USA Today Bestselling author Christy Barritt!

As if participating in a lip-synching competition wasn’t bad enough for Elliot Ransom, things take a turn for the worse when a dead man is found backstage with Elliot’s name and photo in his pocket.

Desperate for the truth, the apprentice PI digs into what happened. Was the man’s death somehow connected with Elliot’s upbringing in South America? Could her father’s clandestine enemies now be targeting her?

As danger rises, Elliot must find answers and protect those she loves. But this murder might have much deeper implications than she ever guessed. Could a little harmless interfering lead to a whole lot of unintended consequences?

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Elliot and her coworkers are competing in a lip-sync battle when things take a turn for the worse. Right before they're supposed to go on stage, a dead body is discovered. It gets personal for Elliot when they find the dead guy in possession of a picture of her. She doesn't know the man, so why did he have her picture? Could he be connected to her dad's mysterious death?

This was another great read from Christy Barritt. I was happy that there were some new developments made with the mystery surrounding Elliot's dad. There's still a lot more to uncover, and more questions were raised, but this was good progress. I'm excited to see what happens next in The Practice of Prying.

Four Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: Nine by Rachelle Dekker

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 Nine by Rachelle Dekker releasing September 1. This sounds like a thrilling read. I wonder why government agents are searching for the teen?

About the Book

Zoe Johnson spent most of her life living in the shadows, never drawing attention to herself, never investing in people or places. But when a wide-eyed, bedraggled teenager with no memory walks into the diner where Zoe works, everything changes. Now, against her better judgment, Zoe, who has been trying to outrun her own painful memories of the past, finds herself attempting to help a girl who doesn't seem to have any past at all. The girl knows only one thing: she must reach a woman in Corpus Christi, Texas, hundreds of miles away, before the government agents who are searching for her catch up to them.

Award-winning author Rachelle Dekker throws you into the middle of the action and keeps the pressure on in this page-turning story that, asks Are we who the world says we are--or can we change our story and be something more?

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: In Spite of Ourselves: A Murphy Brothers Story by Jennifer Rodewald

About the Book
Who could build a life on such a monumental mistake?

Jackson Murphy: family prankster, class clown… and now, smack in the middle of a Vegas-sized mess. All he’d wanted was to qualify for the Boston Marathon. After failing that goal, he slipped into a deep, sulking valley, only to emerge from it with a much bigger problem. He’s married. To a complete stranger! Forget making a world-class marathon so that his family will believe that (1) he’s capable of being grown up and serious on occasion and (2) he doesn’t need the ongoing pity about his brother and a certain ex-girlfriend.

Now? Now he has no idea what to do.

Mackenzie Murphy: independent woman and excellent student—but not a med student. Because those pesky MCATs were H-A-R-D. She doesn’t particularly mind that much, seeing as she’s never really wanted to be a doctor, but her mother will be…uh, displeased. Exceptionally. That’s nothing, however, compared to how Mother will respond if she finds out what else happened in Vegas.

Mackenzie wants out. Jackson wants a chance. Neither of them is prepared for what’s coming. Caught in the middle of a disaster that keeps getting bigger, they hardly dare ask: Can God take their monumental mistake and turn it into a beautiful life?

In Spite of Ourselves, Book 13 in The Potter's House Books Series Two, is an uplifting and inspiring story of hope, redemption and second chances. It is also book Two in Jennifer Rodewald's Murphy Brother Stories (book One is Always You). Grab your copy and be encouraged today.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

In Spite of Ourselves was another faith-filled masterpiece from an author I can always count on. Jennifer Rodewald never disappoints. I look forward to new books from her with great anticipation and I absolutely loved this one.

There were quite a few distractions that kept pulling me away from this book, but it was constantly on my mind. When I was able to actually sit down and read, it had my undivided attention. I really loved how it showed God's hand in everything. How He can make good from the bad and turn a mess into a masterpiece.

Jackson was such a lovable leading man. So fun, sweet, and swoonworthy. He's good at getting laughs, but wasn't taken as seriously as he wished he was. Sometimes I just wanted to reach through the pages and give him a hug.

I didn't know what to think of Mackenzie at first but once she started opening up and I got to know her, I could understand where she was coming from and I ended up really liking her. She had a different kind of upbringing from the norm, so that really affected the way she viewed certain things. It was nice watching her experience, and enjoy, new things. It wasn't an easy process for her, but it was well worth it in the end.

If you're a fan of contemporary romance, I highly recommend this book. Even if you haven't read the first one in the series, this one stands alone just fine. But if you do get a chance, check out Always You. It's a hilariously good time!

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

Five Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: In Spite of Ourselves: A Murphy Brothers Story by Jennifer Rodewald

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 In Spite of Ourselves by Jennifer Rodewald. It releases this coming Tuesday, July 28. I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of it and it's fantastic! Another winner from Ms. Rodewald.

About the Book

Who could build a life on such a monumental mistake?

Jackson Murphy: family prankster, class clown… and now, smack in the middle of a Vegas-sized mess. All he’d wanted was to qualify for the Boston Marathon. After failing that goal, he slipped into a deep, sulking valley, only to emerge from it with a much bigger problem. He’s married. To a complete stranger! Forget making a world-class marathon so that his family will believe that (1) he’s capable of being grown up and serious on occasion and (2) he doesn’t need the ongoing pity about his brother and a certain ex-girlfriend.

Now? Now he has no idea what to do.

Mackenzie Murphy: independent woman and excellent student—but not a med student. Because those pesky MCATs were H-A-R-D. She doesn’t particularly mind that much, seeing as she’s never really wanted to be a doctor, but her mother will be…uh, displeased. Exceptionally. That’s nothing, however, compared to how Mother will respond if she finds out what else happened in Vegas.

Mackenzie wants out. Jackson wants a chance. Neither of them is prepared for what’s coming. Caught in the middle of a disaster that keeps getting bigger, they hardly dare ask: Can God take their monumental mistake and turn it into a beautiful life?

In Spite of Ourselves, Book 13 in The Potter's House Books Series Two, is an uplifting and inspiring story of hope, redemption and second chances. It is also book Two in Jennifer Rodewald's Murphy Brother Stories (book One is Always You). Grab your copy and be encouraged today.

Book Beginnings

Of all the ways he could have imagined this weekend going, this had never entered his mind. Not once. And if someone had told him it would happen this way, he would have laughed in their face, said Not in a million years, and gone on his way.

Friday 56

Her laugh was like a summer river. It flowed, sometimes high, sometimes low, and he was completely washed in the delight of it.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Airborne by DiAnn Mills

About the Book
Heather Lawrence’s long-awaited vacation to Salzburg wasn’t supposed to go like this. Mere hours into the transatlantic flight, the Houston FBI agent is awakened when passengers begin exhibiting horrific symptoms of an unknown infection. As the virus quickly spreads and dozens of passengers fall ill, Heather fears she’s witnessing an epidemic similar to ones her estranged husband studies for a living—but this airborne contagion may have been deliberately released.

While Heather remains quarantined with other survivors, she works with her FBI colleagues to identify the person behind this attack. The prime suspect? Dr. Chad Lawrence, an expert in his field . . . and Heather’s husband. The Lawrences’ marriage has been on the rocks since Chad announced his career took precedence over his wife and future family and moved out.

As more victims fall prey days after the initial outbreak, time’s running out to hunt down the killer, one who may be closer to the victims than anyone ever expected.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

What an intense and timely read considering what's going on in the world right now. It was scary and anxiety-inducing at times, but there was hope mixed in there too. The chapters were short and the pace was fast, making this a quick read. The plot was strong, but I never really connected with any of the characters. I kept hoping I would, but it never happened. There were also times when the dialogue was a little awkward and it kinda took me out of the story for a minute there. But all in all, it was a good read that kept me interested in trying to figure out what was going on.

Three Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: A Dazzle of Diamonds (Georgia Coast Romance #3) by Liz Johnson

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 A Dazzle of Diamonds (Georgia Coast Romance #3) by Liz Johnson releasing August 4.

About the Book

Penelope Hunter loves her job as the events manager at one of Savannah's premier historic venues--until her ex-fiancé walks into her office with his new bride-to-be. To make matters worse, a scheming social matriarch is intent on seeing Penelope fired, especially if she insists on being seen with Tucker Westbrook.

Since returning from serving two tours in the Middle East, Tucker has built a thriving security company. His work is nearly as stabilizing as his friendship with Penelope, who has been by his side since childhood. But when the lone candidate for county sheriff goads him, Tucker loses his cool and ends up on the ballot--and on the receiving end of a smear campaign claiming the Westbrooks were traitors to the South.

To clear his name, Tucker and Penelope must join forces to find the truth behind a 150-year-old lost treasure. But the more time they spend together, the closer she comes to losing her job--and falling helplessly in love.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Daughter of Babylon, Book 3: America by Jamie Lee Grey

About the Book
AMERICA is facing its ultimate test. Can it stand, or will it fall?

Reeling from devastating attacks on California and New York, the United States teeters on the brink of collapse. In Oregon, Katie and Zach Nelson are hoping to catch their breath and plot their next move. But a sinister threat drives them from their hiding place.

Meanwhile, Vice President Alana Mills awakens to unexpected and devastating news. Can she help steer the country through this shocking turn of events?

Or is it too late to save the nation?

AMERICA is the third book in the apocalyptic thriller Daughter of Babylon series.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

What an exciting and tense read! This third installment never let up on the intensity. With a rapid-fire pace and nonstop action, I couldn't read it fast enough. There was never a dull moment.

There's three different POVs: new president Alana Mills, falsely accused fugitives Zach and Katie Nelson, and Zach's brother Evan and their parents who have just fled to Canada. I really enjoyed each perspective because they all gave a unique look into different aspects of the crisis.

Highly realistic, it's not hard to imagine things devolving into this kind of chaos in real life. Especially now. This is not a standalone, so definitely start with book one. I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys apocalyptic fiction.

Four Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Airborne by DiAnn Mills

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 Airborne by DiAnn Mills. It's an intense read, for sure.

About the Book
Heather Lawrence’s long-awaited vacation to Salzburg wasn’t supposed to go like this. Mere hours into the transatlantic flight, the Houston FBI agent is awakened when passengers begin exhibiting horrific symptoms of an unknown infection. As the virus quickly spreads and dozens of passengers fall ill, Heather fears she’s witnessing an epidemic similar to ones her estranged husband studies for a living—but this airborne contagion may have been deliberately released.

While Heather remains quarantined with other survivors, she works with her FBI colleagues to identify the person behind this attack. The prime suspect? Dr. Chad Lawrence, an expert in his field . . . and Heather’s husband. The Lawrences’ marriage has been on the rocks since Chad announced his career took precedence over his wife and future family and moved out.

As more victims fall prey days after the initial outbreak, time’s running out to hunt down the killer, one who may be closer to the victims than anyone ever expected.

Book Beginnings

Vacations offered a distraction for those who longed to relax and rejuvenate, but FBI Special Agent Heather Lawrence wrestled with the decision to take an overseas trip alone.

Friday 56

Heather slowly emerged from a deep sleep. Twice before she'd attempted to surface but drifted back.

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

Do you bring along books when you go on a vacation?

I always bring my Kindle with me. I don't usually get much reading done, but I bring it just in case.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: A Gilded Lady (Hope and Glory #2) by Elizabeth Camden

About the Book

Caroline Delacroix is at the pinnacle of Washington high society in her role as secretary to the first lady of the United States. But beneath the façade of her beauty, glamorous wardrobe, and dazzling personality, she's hiding a terrible secret. If she cannot untangle a web of foreign espionage, her brother will face execution for treason.

Nathaniel Trask is the newly appointed head of the president's Secret Service team. He is immediately suspicious of Caroline despite his overwhelming attraction to her quick wit and undeniable charm. Desperate to keep the president protected, Nathaniel must battle to keep his focus fully on his job as the threat to the president rises.

Amid the glamorous pageantry of Gilded Age Washington, DC, Caroline and Nathaniel will face adventure, danger, and heartbreak in a race against time that will span the continent and the depth of human emotion.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

“You are unconditionally loved. Unconditionally forgiven. You are a child of God, deserving of more credit than you’re giving yourself. None of us are perfect. We will stumble and fall and make mistakes time and again, but we can’t wallow in our failure. Someday we have to accept God’s grace to stand up and try again."

What a wonderful historical romance! I didn't think there was any way I'd enjoy A Gilded Lady as much as The Spice King, the first book in this series, but I did!

This book follows Caroline Delacroix, the sister of the leading man from The Spice King. I enjoyed getting to know her better. She's the personal secretary to Ida McKinley, the most disliked first lady in US history. Caroline was the perfect companion for Mrs. McKinley. She was respectful, but didn't take any guff from her. Their friendship really showed a different side to Mrs. McKinley. Plus, knowing all of her struggles and health issues, it made me wonder if maybe she was just the most misunderstood first lady in US history.

Nathaniel Trask was a great guy. He was serious, a little buttoned-up at times, and a staunch rule follower, but his dedication was admirable. Did he take it a little too far sometimes? Yes, but he definitely had valid reasons why. The banter between him and Caroline was a lot of fun. You could tell there was something special between the two of them. They had great chemistry, but there were quite a few obstacles in their way.

I know I say this with every Elizabeth Camden book, but the historical details were amazing. I always learn so many interesting tidbits of history I never knew before. I love that!

If you're a fan of historical romance, you'll love A Gilded Lady. I highly, highly recommend it. I'm so excited for Luke's story in book three! It can't come out soon enough!

Five Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: In Spite of Ourselves: A Murphy Brothers Story by Jennifer Rodewald

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 In Spite of Ourselves: A Murphy Brothers Story by Jennifer Rodewald releasing July 28.

About the Book

Who could build a life on such a monumental mistake?

Jackson Murphy: family prankster, class clown… and now, smack in the middle of a Vegas-sized mess. All he’d wanted was to qualify for the Boston Marathon. After failing that goal, he slipped into a deep, sulking valley, only to emerge from it with a much bigger problem. He’s married. To a complete stranger! Forget making a world-class marathon so that his family will believe that (1) he’s capable of being grown up and serious on occasion and (2) he doesn’t need the ongoing pity about his brother and a certain ex-girlfriend.

Now? Now he has no idea what to do.

Mackenzie Murphy: independent woman and excellent student—but not a med student. Because those pesky MCATs were H-A-R-D. She doesn’t particularly mind that much, seeing as she’s never really wanted to be a doctor, but her mother will be…uh, displeased. Exceptionally. That’s nothing, however, compared to how Mother will respond if she finds out what else happened in Vegas.

Mackenzie wants out. Jackson wants a chance. Neither of them is prepared for what’s coming. Caught in the middle of a disaster that keeps getting bigger, they hardly dare ask: Can God take their monumental mistake and turn it into a beautiful life?

In Spite of Ourselves, Book 13 in The Potter's House Books Series Two, is an uplifting and inspiring story of hope, redemption and second chances. It is also book Two in Jennifer Rodewald's Murphy Brother Stories (book One is Always You). Grab your copy and be encouraged today.


What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Bomb Pop Threat (Crime á la Mode #3) by Christy Barritt

About the Book
Something deadly is bursting in air . . .

An explosion rattles Serena Lavinia from her morning ice cream route. When she catches a friend abruptly leaving Lantern Beach, her suspicions rise. Could there be any connection between his departure and the pipe bomb?

As Serena races to find answers, she’s caught in a quandary far bigger than chocolate or vanilla. She must decide which is more important—exposing the truth or maintaining her loyalty.

With the island’s Fourth of July celebration looming, Serena and her trusty dog Scoops must find answers before more danger lights up the night.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I'm loving this series. Bomb Pop Threat, the third installment in the Crime a la Mode series, is my favorite one yet. The stakes felt higher and the suspense more fast paced. I couldn't read it quickly enough.

Serena finds herself in the middle of another mystery when, this time around, she tries to figure out who's setting off bombs around the island while, also, trying frantically to prove her friend's innocence.

I never want this series to end. Serena and Scoops are so much fun to read about. I can't wait to visit them again in book four.

Five Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: A Gilded Lady (Hope and Glory #2) by Elizabeth Camden

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 A Gilded Lady (Hope and Glory #2) by Elizabeth Camden.

About the Book

Caroline Delacroix is at the pinnacle of Washington high society in her role as secretary to the first lady of the United States. But beneath the façade of her beauty, glamorous wardrobe, and dazzling personality, she's hiding a terrible secret. If she cannot untangle a web of foreign espionage, her brother will face execution for treason.

Nathaniel Trask is the newly appointed head of the president's Secret Service team. He is immediately suspicious of Caroline despite his overwhelming attraction to her quick wit and undeniable charm. Desperate to keep the president protected, Nathaniel must battle to keep his focus fully on his job as the threat to the president rises.

Amid the glamorous pageantry of Gilded Age Washington, DC, Caroline and Nathaniel will face adventure, danger, and heartbreak in a race against time that will span the continent and the depth of human emotion.

Book Beginnings

There was no such thing as a typical day at the White House, but Caroline Delacroix's morning took a particularly difficult turn the moment she walked into her crowded office.

Friday 56

If Caroline was going to make any sense of this letter, she needed another pair of eyes to help. Maybe she was too close and emotional to interpret whatever Luke was trying to say to her.

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

If you can recommend a book from the following genres, what would they be? A book from Romance, NA, YA, Fantasy.

Instead of listing a different book for each of these genres, I thought I'd recommend a book that fits pretty much all of them: Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder. It's a fantasy with a strong romantic thread. When I first got it I thought it was YA but after reading it, I found that it fit better in the NA category. It's my all-time favorite book. I've read it countless times and still want to read it again. The world building is spectacular and the characters are so great! Yelena and Valek are the best!

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Deadly Intentions by Lisa Harris

About the Book
Research scientist Caitlyn Lindsey is convinced that someone is taking out her team one by one. First, a friend and research partner was killed in a home invasion. Three months ago, her boss died in a suspicious car accident. Four days ago, another partner supposedly committed suicide. And now Caitlyn herself has miraculously survived a hit-and-run. Afraid for her life with nowhere to turn, she reaches out to one of the victim's husbands, Detective Josh Solomon.

Though initially skeptical about Caitlyn's theory, Josh soon realizes that the attack that took his wife's life was anything but random. Now the two of them must discover the truth about who is after Caitlyn's team--and what their end game is--before it's too late.

In this nail-biting thriller, award-winning author Lisa Harris will have you believing that there's no such thing as random.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Deadly Intentions was an absolutely stellar suspense. There was non-stop action from beginning to end. I could hardly put it down.

Research scientist Caitlyn Lindsey wonders if there's a connection between the recent deaths of some of her MedTECH Laboratories coworkers and a secret project they were working on. While trying to connect the dots between the deaths and the project, Caitlyn herself becomes a target, thus confirming her theory. In need of someone she can trust, she goes to Detective Josh Solomon, the husband of one her murdered colleagues. Despite his doubts about her theory, he agrees to work with her to try and unravel this possible conspiracy.

There was never a dull moment. The suspense just kept building and building, right up to the intense conclusion. While there wasn't a whole lot of it, I found the science stuff fascinating and loved that it was written in an easy to understand way. It was so interesting.

This was only my second time reading a Lisa Harris book, but she's swiftly climbing my list of must-read authors. If you're a fan of romantic suspense, I highly recommend this exciting read. 

Five Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: Dead-End Detective (Piper and Porter Mystery #1) by Amanda Flower

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 Dead End Detective (Piper and Porter Mystery #1) by Amanda Flower releasing August 25. 

About the Book

They were the Two Girls Detective Agency.
Now, one of them is dead,
and the other is suspected of murder.

Darby Piper is in shock. Samantha Porter—her mentor and business partner at Two Girls Detective Agency—has died in a car crash, and it doesn’t look like an accident. In fact, evidence is pointing toward Darby.

Darby had expected to inherit Samantha’s half of the agency, but Samantha had recently changed the will to leave it to Tate Porter, her nephew, who returns to town.

Tate is no P.I. He’s a veteran, a world traveler, and something of a mystery himself. But as he helps Darby delve into secret histories and real estate development plans, he does seem to have a knack for the job. Will the agency have a future…even if Darby can prove her innocence in time?

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: The Perks of Meddling (The Sidekick's Survival Guide #2) by Christy Barritt

About the Book

She’s determined to work this case—with or without permission . . .

Investigator-wannabe Elliot Ransom doesn’t have much clout with the PI firm that recently hired her. When she meets a woman whose “riffraff” sister has gone missing, Elliot can’t resist the urge to help—despite her boss’s stern warning to stay away. But her snooping may prove as dangerous as the jungle she left behind.

As Elliot digs deeper, the underbelly of wealthy Storm River bubbles to the surface. Following the advice found in her father’s old journal, Elliot tracks the killer. But the more she uncovers, the more of a target she becomes. Could a little meddling lead to a vast amount of trouble?

Amazon / Goodreads 

My Thoughts

If there was one thing my mama had taught me, it was to mind my own business.

My dad, on the other hand, had told me that meddling, when done correctly, could change the world.

The Perks of Meddling is the exciting second installment of Christy Barrit's series The Sidekick's Survival Guide.

After her boss turns away a case, Elliot decides to take it on herself. A woman's sister is missing and she's afraid the Beltway Killer is to blame. Elliot vows to devote her time after work to investigating and figuring out what happened to the sister. But then she starts getting threatening messages to back off. By taking this case on, has Elliot made herself the target of a dangerous serial killer?

I flew through the pages of this fast paced mystery. The guilty party wasn't a huge shocker to me, but I had no clue why they did it. I enjoyed trying to figure out the motive. I'm really loving this series. It's got a great bunch of likable and unique characters that I'm excited to keep reading about. I can't wait to dive into the next book.

Four Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Deadly Intentions by Lisa Harris

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 a really great romantic suspense, Deadly Intentions by Lisa Harris.

About the Book
Research scientist Caitlyn Lindsey is convinced that someone is taking out her team one by one. First, a friend and research partner was killed in a home invasion. Three months ago, her boss died in a suspicious car accident. Four days ago, another partner supposedly committed suicide. And now Caitlyn herself has miraculously survived a hit-and-run. Afraid for her life with nowhere to turn, she reaches out to one of the victim's husbands, Detective Josh Solomon.

Though initially skeptical about Caitlyn's theory, Josh soon realizes that the attack that took his wife's life was anything but random. Now the two of them must discover the truth about who is after Caitlyn's team--and what their end game is--before it's too late.

In this nail-biting thriller, award-winning author Lisa Harris will have you believing that there's no such thing as random.

Book Beginnings

Josh Solomon had barely slept in thirty-six hours.

Friday 56

She headed up the brick sidewalk toward the front of the four-story building. No. Nothing was going to go wrong. All she had to do was walk into the lab, go to her desk and download the files, and get out of the building.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The White Rose Resists by Amanda Barratt

About the Book
Inspired by the incredible true story of a group of ordinary men and women who dared to stand against evil

The ideal of a new Germany swept up Sophie Scholl in a maelstrom of patriotic fervor--that is, until she realized the truth behind Hitler's machinations for the fatherland. Now she and other students in Munich, the cradle of the Nazi government, have banded together to form a group to fight for the truth: the White Rose. Risking everything to print and distribute leaflets calling for Germans to rise up against the evil permeating their country, the White Rose treads a knife's edge of discovery by the Gestapo.

Annalise Brandt came to the University of Munich to study art, not get involved with conspiracy. The daughter of an SS officer, she's been brought up to believe in the Führer's divinely appointed leadership. But the more she comes to know Sophie and her friends, the more she questions the Nazi propaganda.

Soon Annalise joins their double life--students by day, resisters by night. And as the stakes increase, they're all forced to confront the deadly consequences meted out to any who dare to oppose the Reich.

A gripping testament to courage, The White Rose Resists illuminates the sacrifice and conviction of an unlikely group of revolutionaries who refused to remain silent-no matter the cost.

Amazon / Goodreads 

My Thoughts

Wow! This was a stunningly powerful read. There's no way my words will ever be able to do justice to this magnificent, heartbreaking, courageous book.

I can't believe I didn't know the true story this was based on. The heroic actions of the White Rose were so inspiring. They knew what the consequences would be if they were caught, but they felt so convicted in what they were doing, in trying to inform the German population of the atrocities their government were committing, they felt they had no other choice. They were all so brave.

I highly, highly recommend this book to everyone. It's a definite must read. It's captivating and inspiring and one of the best books I've ever read.

Quotes:

What is the measure of my life if I stand by and do nothing? Does the blood of Jews stain my hands any less because mine did not pull the trigger? How can I go on, day after ceaseless day, occupied with study, friends, concerts, lectures?

“I've felt powerless for too long.” My heart races though my tone remains calm. “I know the risks. They're worth it to me. If I'm not willing to pay the price, then who am I to expect others to do so? If I do not fight against, aren't I as good as fighting for?”

“I don't regret my conduct. I believe I've done the best I could for my country and my conscience. I'm ready to stand before God only with the regret I didn't do more.”

There is purpose in this. In death, as in life. Someday perhaps my story will be told, and others will remember. That to witness wrong and stay silent is as much a crime as committing evil oneself. That youth does not exempt one from responsibility. That freedom is a gift.

I pray they will remember. For I will not be here to tell them.

Five Stars