Can't Wait Wednesday: Fallout by Carrie Stuart Parks

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 Fallout by Carrie Stuart Parks releasing September 13.

About the Book (From Amazon)

Her carefully crafted life is about to be demolished.

After a difficult childhood, Samantha Williams craves simplicity: jigsaw puzzles, lectures at the library, and the students she adores in her role as an elementary school art teacher in the dusty farming community of LaCrosse, Washington.

But when an SUV crashes into the building where she teaches, her entire world is upended. Samantha manages to keep the children safe, but her car isn’t so lucky. Oddly, her purse—with her driver’s license, credit cards, and other identification—is missing from the wreckage.

After authorities discover that the driver in the accident was shot seconds before the crash, Samantha quickly becomes entangled in increasingly strange events that have her constantly looking over her shoulder.

Samantha has long tried to forget the tragedy of her past, but the twisting connections she discovers between the murdered driver, a deadly secret government project, and an abandoned town can't be ignored. Those involved are determined to keep these secrets buried, and they’ll use any means necessary to stop Samantha’s search for truth.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: I Will Find You (The Epic Story of RJ and York #2) by Susan May Warren

About the Book

The woman he loves has vanished…

When RJ Marshall said she’d be right back, York should have objected. No, he wasn’t going to let her run off to Berlin, even if it was to save a little girl.

Only problem—she’d told him this while he was unconscious. So really, it doesn’t count, and it’s not his fault that she’s gone missing. And, he didn’t know why he expected RJ not to chase danger into trouble. But now he has to find her before criminal mastermind Alan Martin tracks her down.

She’s in over her head…

RJ didn’t mean to leave York behind, but she’s on a mission to save a little girl caught in the crossfire of Martin’s terrorist plot. Now, she’ll have to find the girl and keep her safe while leaving clues for York to follow her.

But who will catch up to her first—York, or the man with a vendetta?

The gripping romantic adventure continues across Europe in this second installment of the Epic Story of RJ and York!

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

What a great continuation of The Epic Story of RJ and York! It picks up where the previous one left off and things hardly ever slow down. It's high stakes and danger and, just like the first one, impossible to put down.

The issues I had with RJ in the first book were nonexistent here. It seems like she's learned a lot from her mistakes. I loved seeing that character growth. York was great, like always. Brave, chivalrous, swoonworthy. I can't get enough of him. We're also introduced to a new character, Ziggy. She was just flat-out awesome, and I'd love to read more about her. And Roy too.

Be prepared for a cliffhanger. A mighty big one. I'm anxious to get my hands on the next book.

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Bound by Murder (Beach Bound Books and Beans Mysteries Book 1) 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. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday.

This week I'm featuring Bound by Murder by Christy Barritt. This is a really fun and quick cozy mystery set in Lantern Beach, one of Barritt's most popular settings. 

About the Book

When widow Talitha Robinson buys an old store on the boardwalk in Lantern Beach, North Carolina, she’s in for a surprise . . . or several. She plans to renovate the space and open Beach Bound Books and Beans, but never expects to find a decades-old skeleton hidden inside one of the walls.

As word of the discovery spreads across the island, strange occurrences begin to occur around her. It soon becomes clear someone still knows something about the dead person—something they don’t want discovered.

Thankfully, former police chief and current mayor Mac MacArthur seems just as eager to unravel the mystery behind the skeletal remains as Tali. But as the two bind together to solve the case, a devastating secret is revealed.

Will their newfound friendship come unglued before they find the answers to the past? Or will their blooming relationship die like the man hidden in the wall?

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Talitha Robinson raised the sledgehammer as she stared at the man in front of her. Her muscles bristled as she prepared herself for action.

Friday 56

"In full disclosure, we found human remains inside the wall of one of those stores. It's possible the body's been there about fifteen years."

"You think I killed someone and hid them inside one of the stores?" Some of the friendliness left John's voice.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Out of the Night (The Epic Story of RJ and York #1) by Susan May Warren

About the Book

He’s not looking for trouble…

All former spy and current national security agent York Newgate wants is to propose to the woman he loves, RJ Marshall. Then they can move to Shelly, Washington, and start the calm, safe life he’s been dreaming of for over a year.

Too bad trouble doesn’t agree…

Or maybe RJ simply attracts trouble because she’s just going out for coffee when she spots a wanted, known terrorist standing in the middle of a street in Paris. At least she thinks it’s international criminal Alan Martin, the mastermind behind a plot to kill the president.

But he’s in jail, right?

Wrong. Martin has escaped, and it’s up to RJ—and York—to keep him in their sights until he can be apprehended. But chasing down Martin means following him into the darkness of whatever plot he’s cooked up now.

Will he ever outrun trouble to find his happy ending?

So much for York’s epic proposal. Now, he just wants to escape Europe with their lives.

The romantic trilogy ignites in book one of the Epic Story of RJ and York!

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I was so excited to hang out with RJ and York again. And what a thrilling, heartstopping ride this first installment of their story was! My goodness, there were so many times where I could hardly catch my breath.

I didn't think it was possible to like York more than I already did, but it happened. He's such a likable, fierce, loyal, and good guy. To say he's been through a lot would be a vast understatement, but he's such a fighter. I only wanted the absolute best for him. I'm not gonna lie, RJ got on my very last nerve. She was so stubborn, reckless, and rushed into danger without even a thought. By the end of the story, I'd kinda lost all patience for her antics. I just wanted to shake some sense into her.

I'm thrilled that this series is releasing so quickly. It'd be awful to have to wait any longer to find out what happens to these characters next. It's nonstop action and constant danger and I'm really enjoying it so far! I'd definitely recommend reading the Montana Marshalls series before diving into this one. It might technically could be read as a standalone. There's a really good recap of what happened previously, but I think you'd still miss out on a lot if you just start here.

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Aberration of Eden Pruitt (The Eden Pruitt #2) by K.E. Ganshert

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 Aberration of Eden Pruitt (The Eden Pruitt #2) by K.E. Ganshert releasing September 13. I preordered this book immediately after finishing the first one. I'm so eager to find out what happens next!

About the Book

Eden Pruitt’s parents are alive. They are safe. But not Eden. She won’t be until they hunt down the high-stakes gambler known as Mordecai. Eager for redemption, Cassian Gray won’t rest until they succeed.

Together, they follow a trail of clues that thrusts them into a dark, dangerous, twisted reality. At its center stands an enemy far more powerful than they ever imagined.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Smoky Mountain Comfort (Smoky Mountain Romance #1) by Andrea Byrd

About the Book

Emotionally abused by her father and damaged by her past, Abigail doesn't trust anyone... even herself. Instead, she lives for her quiet, little bookstore that has become her comfort zone. But when books begin to mysteriously disappear and reappear from the shelves and her father announces an impending visit, Abigail feels helplessly alone in her turmoil. Can she find it in her heart to trust one of her most loyal customers-the unnervingly attractive police officer, Jake Callahan-to assist? Will God use her circumstances to teach her how to fully trust in Him and His plan once more?

Amazon / Goodreads

Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting.

MY THOUGHTS

This was a really sweet read. I was actually reading something else when I picked this one up on Amazon. I thought I'd just read a couple of pages and then set it aside for a while, but there was just something so endearing about this story that I couldn't help but continue it.

I really felt for Abigail. She had such a kind soul, but had to deal with some pretty harsh and unwarranted criticism. I wanted the best for her. I liked Jake a lot. He was the quintessential good guy, and I was rooting so hard for him and Abigail to end up together.

I liked the fact that there was a little mystery too. It added a nice bit of tension to an already great story. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a quick and sweet romance. I'm definitely looking forward to continuing this series.

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Out of the Night (The Epic Story of RJ and York #1) by Susan May Warren

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. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday.

This week I'm featuring Out of the Night (The Epic Story of RJ and York #1) by Susan May Warren. I'm thrilled that this series is releasing so quickly (all three are out this month!) because it'd be awful to have to wait any longer to find out what happens to these characters next. It's nonstop action and constant danger and I'm enjoying it so much!

About the Book

He’s not looking for trouble…

All former spy and current national security agent York Newgate wants is to propose to the woman he loves, RJ Marshall. Then they can move to Shelly, Washington, and start the calm, safe life he’s been dreaming of for over a year.

Too bad trouble doesn’t agree…

Or maybe RJ simply attracts trouble because she’s just going out for coffee when she spots a wanted, known terrorist standing in the middle of a street in Paris. At least she thinks it’s international criminal Alan Martin, the mastermind behind a plot to kill the president.

But he’s in jail, right?

Wrong. Martin has escaped, and it’s up to RJ—and York—to keep him in their sights until he can be apprehended. But chasing down Martin means following him into the darkness of whatever plot he’s cooked up now.

Will he ever outrun trouble to find his happy ending?

So much for York’s epic proposal. Now, he just wants to escape Europe with their lives.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

York wasn't a coward. Not even a little. Besides, RJ was going to say yes.

Friday 56

He was either a very dangerous, or very safe, man.

Depended on what side you were on.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Season of My Enemy (Heroines of WWII) by Naomi Musch

About the Book

“Get Your Farm in the Fight” - The Realities of WWII Come to a Wisconsin Farm

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.

Only last year, Fannie O’Brien was considered a beauty with a brain, and her future shone bright, despite the war pounding Europe. With her father’s sudden death and her brothers overseas, Fannie must now do the work of three men on their 200-acre farm—until eight German prisoners arrive and, just as Fannie feared, trouble comes too. Someone seems intent on causing “accidents,” and Fannie is certain the culprit is one of the two handsome older Germans—or possibly both. Can she manage the farm, keep the prisoners in line, and hold her family together through these turbulent times?

​Don’t miss these other stories:
The Cryptographer’s Dilemma by Johnnie Alexander
Picture of Hope by Liz Tolsma
Saving Mrs. Roosevelt by Candice Sue Patterson
Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War by Mary Davis
A Rose for the Resistance by Angela K. Couch

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was my first time reading anything by Naomi Musch, but it won't be my last. I really enjoyed this story.

I'm a big fan of WWII-era books, but I'm usually drawn to the ones set overseas. Very rarely do I read any set in the US. (Shame on me!) So I thought this novel was really fascinating. I didn't know anything about the fact that German POWs worked on farms here in the states. I really appreciated learning about that.

I loved getting to know the O'Brien family. They were so real and grounded, and I instantly felt like I was a part of their extended family. I really admired Fanny. After her father passed away and her brothers were drafted, she was the one who had to take over the family farm. She had to sacrifice a lot, but she did it all with grace and hardly a complaint.

I didn't know what to think of the romance, at first, but as the story progressed, it grew on me. And in the end, I was rooting for a happily ever after.

I wouldn't say this story was a fast-paced read, but it was exactly the type of slow and steadily-paced story that I needed. I recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet historical read.

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: To Win a Prince by Toni Shiloh

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 To Win a Prince by Toni Shiloh releasing September 13.

About the Book

Can she stop herself from falling before she's too far gone?

As a fashion aficionado and best friend of the queen of the African island country Ọlọrọ Ilé, Iris Blakely dreams of using her talent to start a sustainable clothing line to help citizens in impoverished areas and honor the country's resources. But when she discovers that Ekon Diallo--the man who betrayed her best friend--will be her business consultant, the battle between her desires and reality begins.

Ekon Diallo has lost everything: his princely title, his material possessions, his friends, and the respect of his fellow Ọlọrans. To pay for his actions against Ọlọrọ Ilé, he's forced to assist the charismatic Iris Blakely--but he can't allow his heart to distract him from regaining his status.

Though they come from vastly different worlds, Iris and Ekon are both determined to reach their goals, and the only way to do that is to work together--if they can just keep their hearts from getting in the way . . .

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Mirror Lake (Shady Hollow #3) by Juneau Black

About the Book

The third novel in the Shady Hollow mystery series, in which Vera Vixen takes on her most challenging case yet: solving the murder of a rat who appears to still be alive.

Change is afoot in Shady Hollow, with an unusually tense election shaping up between long-serving Chief of Police Theodore Meade and Vera's beau, Deputy Orville Braun. But the political tension takes a back seat when resident eccentric Dorothy Springfield becomes convinced her beloved husband, Edward, is dead, and that the rat claiming to be him is actually a fraud.

While most of the town dismisses Dorothy's rants as nothing more than a delusion, Vera has her doubts. More than a few things don't add up in the Springfield household, but Vera will have to tread carefully, since, with Orville's attention on the election, she may be more exposed than ever.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I loved being back in Shady Hollow and checking in with all the town's residents. I had a lot of fun with this installment and enjoyed it almost as much as the first one. The mystery was great, quite possibly my favorite so far. Although it was fairly obvious what was really going on, the journey to confirming that truth was extremely entertaining.

I've gotta say, I was so proud of Orville for running for Police Chief. It's been abundantly clear from the very first book that he was the only one doing any police work. It was way past time for him to get the recognition he deserved, and to try to boot the current lazy, do-nothing Chief Meade to the curb.

This series is the very definition of cozy and I'm so excited that there are more mysteries to come! I can't wait to visit Shady Hollow again!  

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Season of My Enemy (Heroines of WWII) by Naomi Musch

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. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday.

This week I'm featuring Season of My Enemy by Naomi Dawn Musch. 

About the Book

“Get Your Farm in the Fight” - The Realities of WWII Come to a Wisconsin Farm

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.

Only last year, Fannie O’Brien was considered a beauty with a brain, and her future shone bright, despite the war pounding Europe. With her father’s sudden death and her brothers overseas, Fannie must now do the work of three men on their 200-acre farm—until eight German prisoners arrive and, just as Fannie feared, trouble comes too. Someone seems intent on causing “accidents,” and Fannie is certain the culprit is one of the two handsome older Germans—or possibly both. Can she manage the farm, keep the prisoners in line, and hold her family together through these turbulent times?

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Barron County, Wisconsin

June - July 1944

Fannie O'Brien stepped inside through the back porch screen door. It clattered shut against a sinking sun that cast long, dripping gold rays across the turned black earth in the western field.

Friday 56

Wolf rubbed the knuckles of his right hand as he fought to tamp down his restlessness. They were in the transport heading to the O'Brien farm, and he was glad because he needed to work.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Vow by D.L. Wood

About the Book
Suspense, twists and mystery galore...

Kate’s husband left her a year ago, ending their marriage without warning. Now she’s spending one last Christmas at her family’s mountain cabin before selling it to raise cash. But when nostalgia moves her to keep the place, things quickly turn sinister, suggesting all is not what it seems. Will Kate uncover what’s really going on before the danger finally closes in?

This novella is part of the Winter Deceptions Collection. 

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was a fast-paced and suspenseful read that immediately pulled me in and kept me glued to the pages. There was this ominous sense of dread, of anticipation, throughout the entire story that kept me on the edge of my seat. And, I've gotta say, I was left completely stunned by the twists this story took. I LOVE when I can be surprised like that!

I really enjoyed the wintery Christmastime setting. It was especially nice considering the temperature was over a hundred degrees while I was reading it. It was almost like I could feel the chill in the air.

This was an absolutely stellar story that I highly recommend. It's a definite must read for anyone who enjoys suspense.

I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

About the Book

Nine riveting wintery suspense novellas. Ten-award winning Christian suspense authors.

MURDER ON FLIGHT 91 by Lisa Harris and Lynne Gentry

When a passenger collapses on an international flight, is it a medical emergency, or attempted murder?

◆◆◆

TWAS THE NIGHT by Dan Walsh

After experiencing an unspeakable tragedy, a young mother relocates from Brooklyn to a small mountain town in North Carolina. Will this be the fresh start she’s hoping for or the beginning of an even greater upheaval to her fragile world?

◆◆◆

ONE WONDERS by Luana Ehrlich

Silas McKay's worst fears are realized when his investigation takes an unexpected turn.

◆◆◆

THE VOW by D.L. Wood

Kate’s husband left her a year ago, ending their marriage without warning. But when things turn sinister, will she be able to uncover what’s really going on before the danger closes in?

◆◆◆

ZERO TRUST by Jan Thompson

When Mira hires a former soldier to help her assassinate her mother’s killer, she doesn’t expect to target her own father.

◆◆◆

TRIGGERS by Terry Toler

Will Trigger, the loveable German Shepherd with military skills, be able to save a woman running from an abusive husband and a war hero with PTSD?

◆◆◆

AGAINST THE DARKNESS by H.L. Wegley

When Meiling Chen flees to America with vengeful Chinese agents in pursuit, can she find an American medical researcher she can trust?

◆◆◆

TOO LATE by Liz Bradford

Can Chloe Jacobs, a search and rescue K9 handler, overcome her past trauma before it's too late for her and her partner, Josh Schneider, or will her fears cause a fatal mistake?

◆◆◆

STEALTH GENESIS by Vikki Kestell

East of Dr. Daniel Bickel’s Albuquerque laboratory lies the old Manzano Weapons Storage Facility, a mountain with dangerous secrets that have all but been forgotten . . . or have they?

Available in Kindle Unlimited

Can't Wait Wednesday: Flight (The Collective Underground #3) by Kristen Young

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 Flight (The Collective Underground #3) by Kristen Young releasing September 13.

About the Book

The fight for what is right is also a fight to survive

On the cusp of graduation, Cadence is finally feeling in control. She’s about to become one of the prestigious Elites working in the Hall of Love. Plus, she can take her place as a full member of the underground Sirens who meet secretly in Love City. She’ll finally be able to use her memory skills for good, instead of reporting people as a Watcher.

But a dangerous trap is set, throwing Cadence into unwelcome and unfamiliar territory. Someone in the Collective remembers things that could very well get her killed. The Muse is by her side, after all, but will she be protected when someone powerful wants her dead?

Cadence just wants to be normal, free from politics or squad intimidation. Will she be able to achieve her Elite dreams, or will sinister forces leave her running for her life?

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Blood Secrets (Skyworld #2) by Morgan L. Busse

About the Book

Not everyone wants to see the world saved . . .

Time is running out. Cities are being engulfed in the Mist and humanity is on the brink of extinction. Theo believes he has found a way to stop mankind from Turning, but he doesn’t know how to alter Cass’s unique blood into a cure. Or if it can even be done.

Meanwhile, Cass struggles with the idea that she is possibly the savior of the world—a world she is not sure is worth saving.

From the Winchester manse to the steel city of Decadenn, there is something more chasing Cass than the House of Lords or the masked man who can walk in the Mist. Soon she must decide if she will use her blood to save mankind or let those who only care about themselves perish.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

What a great conclusion to the Skyworld duology! It picks up right where the first one left off, so I'd definitely recommend picking up Secrets in the Mist before diving into this one.

I loved the first book, so I was very eager for this sequel. And I've gotta say, it did not disappoint. I wanted to take my time and spend as long as I could with these characters in this fascinating world. I tried to read it slowly, but as you can probably imagine, that didn't happen. I couldn't help but speed through it. It was fast paced and incredibly hard to put down.

This was a very satisfying conclusion, though I kinda wish it had been a little longer. Things wrapped up pretty quick in the end, but, all in all, it was an incredibly entertaining read. It's a definite must read for steampunk fans, but I think it'd be a good introduction for those not familiar with the genre too.

I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Mirror Lake (Shady Hollow #3) by Juneau Black

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. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday.

This week I'm featuring Mirror Lake (Shady Hollow #3) by Juneau Black. 

Pupdate: Remi’s made herself right at home. She’s definitely got that crazy puppy energy but she’s sweet and smart. (And a little stubborn too.) We learned pretty quick that she LOVES water. We got her one of those little kiddie swimming pools and she’ll just go out there and sit in it, perfectly content. It's really cute. 

About the Book

The third novel in the Shady Hollow mystery series, in which Vera Vixen takes on her most challenging case yet: solving the murder of a rat who appears to still be alive.

Change is afoot in Shady Hollow, with an unusually tense election shaping up between long-serving Chief of Police Theodore Meade and Vera's beau, Deputy Orville Braun. But the political tension takes a back seat when resident eccentric Dorothy Springfield becomes convinced her beloved husband, Edward, is dead, and that the rat claiming to be him is actually a fraud.

While most of the town dismisses Dorothy's rants as nothing more than a delusion, Vera has her doubts. More than a few things don't add up in the Springfield household, but Vera will have to tread carefully, since, with Orville's attention on the election, she may be more exposed than ever.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

It was mid-October in Shady Hollow, a glorious time of year that showed the small village to its best advantage. The many trees were gold, red, and yellow, blazing colors wherever a creature looked. It was also the time of the Harvest Festival, an annual event that most residents of Shady Hollow looked forward to all year.

Friday 56

A few minutes later, with her breakfast clutched in one paw and her coffee in the other, Vera was on her way to the morgue. She took her time so she could nibble at her bagel sandwich on the way. She wanted to appear professional when she arrived, not dripping with cheese and covered in coffee stains. Not to mention that food and forensics do not mix well.

What have you been doing lately?

Remi says, "HI! Have a great weekend!"

Review: Dark Intercept (The Shepherds #1) by Brian Andrews & Jeffrey Wilson

About the Book

When dark forces rise, are faith and firepower enough?

On the eve of his medical retirement, Navy SEAL Jedidiah Johnson receives a frantic call from his estranged childhood best friend David Yarnell. David's daughter has been kidnapped off the streets of Nashville in broad daylight. The police have no suspects and no leads. The only clue: the body of a dead priest left behind at the scene. With the clock ticking, David is growing desperate, as is his wife, Rachel . . . Jed's first love.

Despite his painful history with David and Rachel, Jed agrees to help. But he's spent his career as a door-kicking Navy SEAL, not an investigator. His presence immediately draws unwanted attention, creates friction with the local police, and triggers a mysterious attempt on his life. Just when he thinks things can't get worse, it starts to happen again--the voices in his head, the nightmares, the visions. Dark memories and strange abilities, things he believed he'd left behind when he fled Nashville for the Navy at eighteen, begin to resurface.

Jed realizes that to save the missing girl, he must take a leap of faith and embrace the gifts he's denied for all these years. To foil this dark intercept, he'll need more than just his years as a SEAL operator, because he has no choice now but to take up arms and join the battle in the unseen spiritual warfare raging all around him. And there is far more at stake than just a missing girl: the world is not the place he thought it was--and he is not alone.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was a fast-paced thrill ride from start to finish. It starts right in the middle of a military operation, which was very exciting, but it took me just a minute to get my bearings. Once I did, though, I was fully invested and speeding through the pages as fast as I could.

This book deals with spiritual warfare, which I always find to be a fascinating subject to read about. There were quite a few intense and goosebump-inducing moments, but I found them to be a powerful reminder of the ultimate battle between good and evil.

I really enjoyed this book and am very much looking forward to continuing the series. I think it would appeal to fans of Ronie Kendig's military thrillers and Rachel Dylan's Windy Ridge series.

Just a side note, there's a little bit of language here. Not too much, but if that bothers you, this is just a heads up.


Favorite Quotes:

“My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time . . .”

“Father, help us to put on the full armor of God and prepare us now for battle, not only against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the forces of darkness, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places and here on Earth.”

"Jed, the Bible is full of stories where God used flawed, seemingly unworthy people to fulfill His purpose. He doesn’t call the perfect to His service, or there would be no servants at all. He calls the ordinary, the damaged, and the uncertain to faith."

 

“As is common in our Christian walk, you seem to believe that the Lord of the universe is wise enough to call you, but too ignorant to manage the details. It’s funny how so often we are willing to trust God with eternity, but not so sure we can trust Him with next Tuesday.”

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Honor Bound (Love and Honor #1) by Hallee Bridgeman

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 Honor Bound (Love and Honor #1) by Hallee Bridgeman releasing September 6.

About the Book

It may seem odd to seek peace by moving to a war-torn African country, but for medical missionary Dr. Cynthia Myers, it provided a way to escape a shallow life of unearned wealth, a philandering fiancé, and a father now square in the public eye as vice president of the United States. At least here she knows her work and life have meaning. But all that is thrown into chaos when she fails to save the life of a local warlord's mortally wounded son.

As part of the Army Special Forces "A-Team" on a mission to capture and subdue the warlord, Captain Rick Norton is compelled to use deadly force to save Cynthia's life. Enraged at the violence she witnessed and riddled with guilt that men died because of her, Cynthia tries to hold on to her anger--but an unwanted attraction is taking hold.

With two members of his team badly injured and rebels in hot pursuit, Rick will have to draw upon all his strength and cunning to get her out alive . . . because he's beginning to think they just might overcome their differences and be able to make a life together.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: The House on Dagger Point (Beach House Mystery #3) by Christy Barritt

About the Book

Each house has a history. Each person has a secret. Each turn of events leads to danger.

Some legacies are better left unclaimed . . .

Olivia Beaumont’s father left behind a legacy of destruction, and it’s up to her to restore her family’s reputation. She heads to Kiawah Island, South Carolina, to unravel the mysteries of her father’s secret life. But when she arrives, she discovers the house he left behind—The House on Dagger Point—holds secrets of its own.

After a tragedy upends firefighter Anderson Scott’s life, he escapes to Kiawah Island to do some soul searching. But he finds something unexpected on his island getaway. Not only is the house he rented already occupied by its new owner, but danger lurks around every corner.

Anderson isn’t the only unwelcome guest Olivia encounters. Threatening text messages, dead bodies, and ruthless criminals threaten to put an end to all she hopes to accomplish. When Olivia and Anderson find themselves in a fight for survival, they must work together to solve the mysteries living inside the walls of The House on Dagger Point—or risk becoming the next victims.

Amazon / Goodreads

Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting

MY THOUGHTS

This was a really entertaining mystery. It didn't take long before I was completely hooked. There was a lot of intrigue and so many questions swirling around. What was really going on at the beach house? Who was threatening Olivia? What secrets had her father been keeping? How was it all connected?

This book definitely kept me on my toes. I didn't figure anything out before the big reveal. I love being surprised like that. Even though this is book three, it's a complete standalone with no connection to the previous books in the series.

FOUR STARS