Can't Wait Wednesday: Enhanced (The Hybrid Series #1) by Candace Kade

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 Enhanced (The Hybrid Series #1) by Candace Kade releasing March 14.

About the Book

Lee Urban is living a lie.

In a society where everyone's DNA determines their destiny, being a Natural means automatic relegation to the gritty and dangerous Outskirts. With the harnessed power of gene-editing, the ability to create a super-human race has transformed the world and offered the opportunity of a genetically enhanced life. But only to those who can afford it.

Born a Natural, Lee Urban was adopted into the Enhanced high society of the Asian Federation and forced to conceal her genetic roots. When her dream of attending Peking University becomes a reality, she is determined to go despite a warning from a mysterious source.

Targeted by a hacker bent on exposing her true DNA, Urban faces off with an Artificial Intelligence Game that puts her—and her lies—to the test. What was supposed to be a dream come true turns into a lethal gamble of hide-and-seek with her genetics. Can Urban continue the act, or will the cracks in her story expose her and endanger her family?

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Not on My Botch (The Worst Detective Ever Book 11) by Christy Barritt

About the Book

She never thought she’d have to fight for the leading role in her own life . . .

Actress Joey Darling enjoys playing the part of Detective Raven Remington on her TV show Relentless. But for now, she’s enjoying some downtime with her new husband, Jackson Sullivan.

Joey’s peace is shattered when a woman comes into town, who not only looks and sounds like Joey, but who claims to actually be Joey. The resemblance is uncanny, but Joey has blundered her way through too many real-life episodes to let some impersonator ruin her life. She sets out to unmask this imposter and put an end to the woman’s charade.

But the real-life plot isn’t wrapped up in a nice, tidy bow like on TV. The case of her stolen identity soon turns into a dangerous fight for survival.

Will Joey have the chance to write the script for her own life? Or will her plans be botched one final time?

Amazon / Goodreads

Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting

MY THOUGHTS

I absolutely loved this book! This is my favorite Christy Barritt series, so I was excited to see what kind of trouble Joey would find herself in this time.

Someone's wreaking havoc for Joey as they impersonate her, drawing attention wherever they go, all around town. I was just as curious as Joey to find out why they were doing it. What was their endgame? I couldn't read fast enough and finished it in record time.

I don't want to say too much, but there was also a bombshell revelation that, if true, has the potential to turn Joey's life upside down. If you're looking for fun and fast-paced mysteries that you can't put down, check out this series. You won't be disappointed.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch

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 Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch. I can't say enough good things about it. It's so creepy, yet so good! 

About the Book

When a cold-case serial killer returns, FBI special agent Fiona Kelly has one last chance to stop him before he claims the prize he’s always wanted—her.

The sight of a goose feather at a murder scene modeled after a children’s poem is enough to make FBI special agent Fiona Kelly's blood turn to ice. Almost two decades ago, a feather was left with her sister's body—and with every subsequent victim of the Nursery Rhyme Killer. Now he's back. Only this time, his latest gruesome murder is a message to the only one who ever got away: Fiona.

Finding “Rhyme” is an obsession that's fueled Fiona's career—and destroyed her marriage to fellow FBI agent Asa Kodiak. Now Fiona and Asa have to put their past tensions aside and work together one last time. But Rhyme is watching, and catching this killer may force Fiona to reveal her biggest, darkest secret…the one only he knows.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

"Here, kitty, kitty." His voice echoed through the forest.

Friday 56

Fiona's pulse was off the charts but she concentrated on the road, gripping the wheel and refusing to imagine the worst. She was pushing 100 miles an hour on the interstate and it didn't feel fast enough.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Crushing Depths (Coastal Guardians #2) by Dani Pettrey

About the Book

When an accident claims the life of an oil-rig worker on the first drilling platform off the North Carolina coast, Coast Guard investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are sent to take the case. Tensions surrounding the oil rig are high and the death has everyone on edge. Environmental activists are threatening to do whatever it takes to stop the structure from being completed, while rumors are being whispered about ancient curses surrounding this part of the ocean.

Mounting evidence shows the death may not have been an accident at all. Was he killed by one of the activists or, perhaps more frighteningly, a member of his own crew? Rissi and Mason have to sort through not only a plethora of suspects, but also their own past and attraction to each other.

Just as the case seems like it'll break open, worse news arrives. A tropical storm has turned their way and soon they're cut off from any rescue--and right where the killer wants them. It's a race to discover his identity before he eliminates the threat they pose.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was so good! I enjoyed the first book even though I had a few issues with it. There were so many characters and so much going on that it took me a while to keep things straight. Because of that, I wanted to read this sequel as soon as possible after finishing the first one. And I think that really helped me. I was already familiar with the characters and setting, so I was able to jump right back into things with no trouble whatsoever.

I enjoyed getting to know Rissi better. I really admired her resiliency. She'd been through so much but was such a kind, hardworking, and brave person. I really liked Mason. It felt like I already knew him since Rissi thought of him so often in the first book. He was such a great guy. Always ready to lend a hand, sometimes to the point of being reckless. But if someone was in need, or in danger, he was going to help, regardless of his own safety.

This was fast-paced and kept me glued to the pages. I reached the end before I knew it! The whole idea of a "cursed" oil rig really intrigued me. I was eager to figure out the truth behind it. And even though I felt like things wrapped up too quickly in the end, it was an enjoyable and worthwhile adventure. I'd definitely recommend starting with the first book because, even though this could technically be a standalone, there are a lot of characters, history, and connections that would be missed out on. I'm looking forward to diving into the next book soon.

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Code Name Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem

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 Code Name Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem releasing March 7.

About the Book
“What I am looking for—what I desperately need, Mrs. Weiss—is a spy.”

Adolf Hitler is still a distant rumble on the horizon, but a Jewish spymaster and his courageous spies uncover a storm of Nazi terror in their own backyard.

In the summer of 1933, a man named Adolf Hitler is the new and powerful anti-Semitic chancellor of Germany. But in Los Angeles, no-nonsense secretary Liesl Weiss has concerns much closer to home. The Great Depression is tightening its grip and Liesl is the sole supporter of two children, an opinionated mother, and a troubled brother.

Leon Lewis is a Jewish lawyer who has watched Adolf Hitler’s rise to power—and the increase in anti-Semitism in America—with growing alarm. He believes Nazi agents are working to seize control of Hollywood, the greatest propaganda machine the world has ever known. The trouble is, authorities scoff at his dire warnings.

When Liesl loses her job at MGM, her only choice is to work with Leon Lewis and the mysterious Agent Thirteen to spy on her friends and neighbors in her German American community. What Leon Lewis and his spies find is more chilling—and more dangerous—than any of them suspected.

Code Name Edelweiss is based on a true story, unknown until recent years: How a lone Jewish lawyer and a handful of amateur spies discovered and foiled Adolf Hitler’s plan to take over Hollywood.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: A Match in the Making (The Matchmakers #1) by Jen Turano

About the Book

Miss Gwendolyn Brinley accepted a temporary paid companion position for the Newport summer season, believing it would be a lark to spend the summer in America's most exclusive town. She suddenly finds her summer turning anything but amusing when her employer expects her to take over responsibilities as an assistant matchmaker. Tasked with the daunting prospect of attaining advantageous matches for her clients, Gwendolyn soon finds herself in the employ of Mr. Walter Townsend, the catch of the Season, but a gentleman Gwendolyn finds beyond irritating.

Walter Townsend is reluctantly in search of a wife for the sake of his unruly motherless children who cannot keep a governess for long. What he wasn't expecting was Miss Brinley, an amateur matchmaker who turns his quest for a new wife into a complete and utter debacle. Constantly besieged by society ladies on a mission to win his affection, Walter must find a way to overcome their inundating attention--and his unexpected attraction toward Gwendolyn.

The more time they spend together throughout the Newport Season, the harder it is for Gwendolyn to find Walter a wife when she realizes his perfect match might be . . . her.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

What a fun start to this new series. Jen Turano's books never fail to lift my spirits and bring a smile to my face, and this one did just that.

I enjoyed watching Gwendolyn figure out how to be a matchmaker. She had a unique approach to it, but it was easy to see she had a knack for it. I loved her forthrightness, and how she took charge. The banter between her and Walter was incredibly entertaining. I will say that it took me a little while to warm up to Walter, but I ended up really liking him in the end. His kids were a handful, to say the least, but they quickly became my favorite part of the story.

If you're looking for an amusing historical romance, pick up a copy of this book. I guarantee it'll make you smile and have you laughing out loud.

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

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Not on My Botch (The Worst Detective Ever Book 11) 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 Not on My Botch (The Worst Detective Ever Book 11) by Christy Barritt. This is my favorite Christy Barritt series, so I was ecstatic when I saw there was a new addition. It's so good!

About the Book

She never thought she’d have to fight for the leading role in her own life . . .

Actress Joey Darling enjoys playing the part of Detective Raven Remington on her TV show Relentless. But for now, she’s enjoying some downtime with her new husband, Jackson Sullivan.

Joey’s peace is shattered when a woman comes into town, who not only looks and sounds like Joey, but who claims to actually be Joey. The resemblance is uncanny, but Joey has blundered her way through too many real-life episodes to let some impersonator ruin her life. She sets out to unmask this imposter and put an end to the woman’s charade.

But the real-life plot isn’t wrapped up in a nice, tidy bow like on TV. The case of her stolen identity soon turns into a dangerous fight for survival.

Will Joey have the chance to write the script for her own life? Or will her plans be botched one final time?

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

"Joey, why in the world are you at the grocery store? I thought you were meeting us for lunch?" Dizzy Jenkins' voice came through my cell phone sounding high-pitched and almost accusatory - in the most loving way possible, of course.

Friday 56

"We're doing a stakeout, aren't we?" I asked as Jackson and I strolled the beach slowly, trying not to be too obvious.

"I suppose we are."

I looped my arm through his. "This is so exciting!"

What have you been reading lately?

Review + Giveaway: Brooke (The Metcalfes #4) by Ronie Kendig

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for Brooke by Ronie Kendig, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Brooke 

Series: The Metcalfes #4 

Author: Ronie Kendig 

Publisher: Task Force Press 

Release Date: February 6, 2023 

Genre: Clean with faith elements, Romantic Suspense

Prioritizing career over family cost Brooke Metcalfe Mulroney everything—her relationship with her siblings, her marriage, her children. Written off by her family, she delves deeper into her work. Until a life-altering moment offers a chance at something she didn’t know she wanted—redemption. But her self-centered ways nip at her heels as she goes on the lam to do what she knows is right.

Former Special Forces operator and founder of MiLE, Cord Taggart wages war on human trafficking by taking the violence to the wicked, determined to never again let an innocent die because he did nothing. But maybe he’s bitten off more than he can chew this time as he works to track down New York City high-powered attorney Brooke Metcalfe, who is MIA. Then there’s her brothers who have threatened to chase him into the afterlife should he fail. 

Tricky are the hours as Cord negotiates many battles: freeing the captives, demolishing the Trench that has made millions off the skin-trade industry, and his growing, deep-rooted feelings for the bombshell in her highfalutin tower. Brooke must put her life—and heart—in the hands of the thick-skulled operator.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository

Other Books in Series

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Review

Brooke was such a fantastic conclusion to this series. This has been one of the most impactful, powerful, and important series I've ever read. It shines a much-needed light on the atrocities of human trafficking. And while it's been a hard read at times, it's absolutely essential.

This book was fast-paced right from the start and the intensity hardly ever let up. Brooke has been a bit of a mystery throughout this whole series, so I was glad to finally get to know her better and see what she's been up to. I also enjoyed getting to know Cord better. He's played an integral part in this series, and I really liked him.

I highly recommend this series. I can't stress enough how important it is. I hope everyone will check it out.

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

FIVE STARS

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About the Author

Ronie Kendig is a bestselling, award-winning author of over thirty books. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband have returned to their beloved Texas after a nearly ten-year stint in the Northeast. They survive on Sonic runs, barbecue, and peach cobbler that they share--sometimes--with Benning the Stealth Golden. Ronie's degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.

Connect with Ronie by visiting roniekendig.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive the entire signed set of The Metcalfes paperbacks!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 15, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 22, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway Here

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Can't Wait Wednesday: A Match in the Making (The Matchmakers #1) by Jen Turano

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 Match in the Making (The Matchmakers #1) by Jen Turano releasing February 21.

About the Book

Miss Gwendolyn Brinley accepted a temporary paid companion position for the Newport summer season, believing it would be a lark to spend the summer in America's most exclusive town. She suddenly finds her summer turning anything but amusing when her employer expects her to take over responsibilities as an assistant matchmaker. Tasked with the daunting prospect of attaining advantageous matches for her clients, Gwendolyn soon finds herself in the employ of Mr. Walter Townsend, the catch of the Season, but a gentleman Gwendolyn finds beyond irritating.

Walter Townsend is reluctantly in search of a wife for the sake of his unruly motherless children who cannot keep a governess for long. What he wasn't expecting was Miss Brinley, an amateur matchmaker who turns his quest for a new wife into a complete and utter debacle. Constantly besieged by society ladies on a mission to win his affection, Walter must find a way to overcome their inundating attention--and his unexpected attraction toward Gwendolyn.

The more time they spend together throughout the Newport Season, the harder it is for Gwendolyn to find Walter a wife when she realizes his perfect match might be . . . her.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Memory Lane (Sons of Scandal #1) by Becky Wade

About the Book

After surviving a trauma several years back, Remy Reed relocated to a cottage on one of Maine’s most remote islands. She’s arranged her life just the way she wants it, spending her time working on her wood sculptures and soaking in the beauty of nature. It’s quiet and solitary—until the day she spots something bobbing in the ocean.

Her binoculars reveal the “something” to be a man, and he’s struggling to keep his head above water. She races out to save him and brings him into her home. He’s injured, which doesn’t detract from his handsomeness nor make him any easier to bear. He acts like a duke who’s misplaced his dukedom . . . expensive tastes, lazy charm, bossy ideas.

Remy would love nothing more than to return him to his people, but he has no recollection of his life prior to the moment she rescued him. Though she’s not interested in relationships other than the safe ones she’s already established, she begins to realize that he’s coming to depend on her.

Who is he? What happened that landed him in the Atlantic Ocean? And why is she drawn to him more and more as time goes by?

There’s no way to discover those answers except to walk beside him down memory lane.

Travel to the rocky coast of Maine for "opposites attract" banter, witty humor, a fascinating mystery, and destiny-changing love. This sweet contemporary romance kicks off Becky Wade's new Sons of Scandal series!

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This is my new favorite Becky Wade book. I was pretty sure I was gonna enjoy it, but I didn't expect just how much! I quickly became absorbed in it. These characters really came to life and occupied my mind even when I had to set the book aside for "real life". In fact, I'm still thinking about them.

The beginning was very exciting. I was immediately invested in figuring out who the mystery man was and what happened to him. Sometimes the amnesia trope can be hokey and unrealistic, but it was done really well here. Remy and Jeremiah were such great characters. They were complete opposites, so you can just imagine the sparks! Their banter was hilarious and their chemistry was off the charts!

I loved the setting of Islehaven. There was something so special about the island. It was remote but had such a charm about it. And the residents were great too. As much as I loved the island, I also enjoyed heading to the mainland and meeting the people there too.

While this book had its funny and cute moments, it was so much more. It had a lot of depth too. Serious subjects were broached and handled with care.

I can't recommend this book highly enough. I loved every second of it and didn't want it to end. I'm so excited for the sequel.

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

FIVE STARS

Review: Searching for Refuge: Book One of the Search Series by Britney Farr

About the Book (From the author's website)
“In a world where the government deems anyone without the mark an enemy, Amina and her community of Notzrim live each day hoping they won’t be found. But after nine years, their time is up. Amina’s only hope is to find a new refuge. Can she prove to everyone else the threat is real and get them to leave before it’s too late?”

For nine years twins Amina and Aiden survived, hidden in the underground tunnels. But when a mysterious newcomer appears, Amina realizes they are on the verge of being discovered. Now, they must make an impossible decision: stay and fight: risking their lives along with hundreds of others. Or escape to a new refuge that may hold more enemies than before.

Either way, the clock is ticking.

Amazon / Goodreads

Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting

MY THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed this faith-based dystopian novel. I was completely absorbed from the first page until the last. Filled with great characters, fascinating world-building, exciting twists and turns, and a strong message of faith, it's exactly the kind of book I crave.

I loved Amina's determination. Was she impulsive and abrasive at times? Yes. But she had a big heart for helping others and did what she thought was right. I admired her courage and persistence. She never gave up. When she set her mind to something, she did it. No matter what obstacles stood in her way.

This was a really interesting take on Biblical end times. It reminded me of some of my favorites in the genre, like The Uncloaked Trilogy by J. Rodes and Swipe by Evan Angler. I highly recommend it and can't wait to find out what happens next!

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

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Searching for Refuge: Book One of the Search Series by Britney Farr

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 Searching for Refuge by Britney Farr. I really enjoyed this faith-based dystopian novel. It was exciting and had some twists I didn't expect. I'll have my review up Monday.

About the Book (From the author's website)

“In a world where the government deems anyone without the mark an enemy, Amina and her community of Notzrim live each day hoping they won’t be found. But after nine years, their time is up. Amina’s only hope is to find a new refuge. Can she prove to everyone else the threat is real and get them to leave before it’s too late?”

For nine years twins Amina and Aiden survived, hidden in the underground tunnels. But when a mysterious newcomer appears, Amina realizes they are on the verge of being discovered. Now, they must make an impossible decision: stay and fight: risking their lives along with hundreds of others. Or escape to a new refuge that may hold more enemies than before.

Either way, the clock is ticking.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

"Run, keep moving."

"I'm moving as fast as I can."

"Shhh! They'll find us if we're not quiet."

Friday 56

Adrenaline surged through her body giving her new found strength. With the dagger drawn, Amina pulled herself up. Who brings a knife to a gunfight?

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Calor (The Nightingale Trilogy #1) by J.J. Fischer

About the Book

What if you could edit memories with a single touch?

The world-that-was is gone, lost to everything except living memory . . . but remembering comes at a terrible price. Sixty-two years after the apocalypse, a new society has emerged from the ashes of the old world where highly valued memories are traded and nostalgia is worth dying—and even killing—for.

Enslaved by a cruel master, Sephone Winter is forced to use her rare ability to manipulate memories to numb the darkest secrets of the ruling aristocracy.

Then Lord Adamo appears, speaking of a powerful relic capable of permanently erasing memories and recovering Sephone’s own lost childhood. But not everything about the young lord is as it seems, and soon Sephone must choose between helping Lord Adamo forget his past or journeying deep into the land of Lethe, where the truth about who she really is might finally be revealed . . . and a long desired future restored.

The Nightingale Trilogy is a fantasy transformation of Hans Christian Andersen's beloved 1843 tale The Nightingale, with echoes of the myths of Hades and Persephone.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This book was fantastic. I was captivated from the first sentence. The world building was fascinating. It felt wholly unique and, yet, there was something familiar about it, too. The post-apocalyptic atmosphere was harsh, cold, and unforgiving, but there were strong undercurrents of hope, love, and freedom, too.

I was incredibly intrigued by Sephone's gift of memory manipulation, not to mention all the other alters' powers too. The vast array of different powers, what they could do, and how they affected others was very interesting. There were plenty of characters to root for, many villains, as well. Of course, I liked Sephone and Dorian, Bear and Bas, even Cass, but my favorite character had to be Lady Jewel. She was just flat-out awesome.

This story was constantly on my mind. I was thinking about it even when I had to set it aside to do real-life things. It even invaded my dreams. If you're a fantasy fan, this book is a must-read. The next book can't come out soon enough.

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Daughter of Eden: Eve's Story by Jill Eileen Smith

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 Daughter of Eden: Eve's Story by Jill Eileen Smith releasing February 14.

About the Book

The first time she opens her eyes, Eve gazes on One whose beauty nearly blinds her, whose breath is in her lungs. Her Creator takes her hand and gives her to one like her and yet different. Together, she and Adam experience pure joy as they explore Eden. But her favorite moments are when the Creator comes to walk with them, day after day.

Until everything changes. With one act of disobedience, Eve finds that her world is no longer a friendly place. With remorse in her heart, she must face the unknown future--the births, the deaths, the sacrifices, the loss of the one home she has ever known. Perhaps worst of all is the loss of trust, not only with her Creator but with the man who shares her life. How will they ever survive out of Eden?

Bestselling biblical fiction author Jill Eileen Smith imagines the life of the first woman to ever live, unspooling a story of love, loss, and the promise of redemption.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin

About the Book

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden.

American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research--her life's dream. While printing resistance newspapers, she hears stories of the movement's legendary Havmand--the merman--and wonders if the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse has something to hide.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence. Bestselling author of more than a dozen WWII novels, Sarah Sundin offers pens another story of ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances with faith, fortitude, and hope for a brighter future.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

The Sound of Light was another stellar WWII romance from Sarah Sundin. I was glued to the pages and reading as fast as possible. I didn't want it to end. This is right up there near the top as one of my favorites from her. I wasn't very familiar with the history surrounding Denmark during the war, so I found all that fascinating.

Henrik and Else were such great characters. So likable and easy to root for. Henrik was a Baron who goes undercover as a manual laborer at a shipyard to help the resistance. He also had another secret, and I loved the tie-in to the Little Mermaid. There were a lot of mentions to that story that I really enjoyed. Else's work as a physicist was fascinating. And it was really cool that she worked with Niels Bohr. It was so inspiring watching her courage grow, and I loved how she learned to speak up for herself.

This story gets a huge recommendation from me. I loved it so much. Anyone who enjoys historical romance is sure to love it too.

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

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: The Crushing Depths (Coastal Guardians #2) by Dani Pettrey

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 The Crushing Depths (Coastal Guardians #2) by Dani Pettrey. I enjoyed the first book, so I was eager to dive into the sequel. It's just as good, maybe even a little better. 

About the Book

When an accident claims the life of an oil-rig worker on the first drilling platform off the North Carolina coast, Coast Guard investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are sent to take the case. Tensions surrounding the oil rig are high and the death has everyone on edge. Environmental activists are threatening to do whatever it takes to stop the structure from being completed, while rumors are being whispered about ancient curses surrounding this part of the ocean.

Mounting evidence shows the death may not have been an accident at all. Was he killed by one of the activists or, perhaps more frighteningly, a member of his own crew? Rissi and Mason have to sort through not only a plethora of suspects, but also their own past and attraction to each other.

Just as the case seems like it'll break open, worse news arrives. A tropical storm has turned their way and soon they're cut off from any rescue--and right where the killer wants them. It's a race to discover his identity before he eliminates the threat they pose.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Greg Barnes clinked along the grated metal steps, his boot heels rasping with each shuffle as he headed topside for a much-needed breath of smoke.

Friday 56

"All right. Everyone is here," Noah said. "Grab your coffees, and let's hit the case board. We've got some major updates."

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Killing Tide (Coastal Guardians Book #1) by Dani Pettrey

About the Book

When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer's boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.

When investigative reporter--and Finn's boss's sister--Gabby Rowley arrives, her unrelenting questions complicate an already volatile situation. Now that she's back, the tug on Finn's heart is strong, but with the risks she's taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.

Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can't ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them. But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

It took me a little bit to really get into this book. There are a lot of names and a lot going on, so it was hard to keep things straight at first. And while I usually appreciate shorter chapters, I think they might've been a bit of a hindrance here, especially in the beginning. They kept switching between different characters and settings, and it felt like I hardly got a grasp of things before it moved on to something else.

But don't let all that sway you away from this book. Once I got my bearings, I ended up REALLY enjoying it. The characters were great. Likable and authentic in a realistically flawed way. The mystery kept me on my toes. I was reading as fast as I could, trying to figure out what was really going on and who was involved. It was compelling, to say the least. An action-packed thrill ride to the very end. And I'm excited for the next one!

FOUR STARS