Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Recovered Secrets 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 Recovered Secrets by Jessica R. Patch.

About the Book

When a woman with amnesia is targeted by assassins, a Mississippi detective is out to piece together her past in this inspirational romantic thriller.

Two years ago, Grace Thackery washed up on a small-town Mississippi riverbank with no memory of who she was or how she got there. But now she has just discovered the first clue about her past: someone wants her dead. And while search-and-rescue director Hollis Montgomery is determined to protect her, the secrets of her mysterious life are darker than they expected. Can the bond between Grace and Hollis survive her true identity . . . and an assassin?

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Grace Thackery was living on a borrowed name; she'd lost every single memory prior to the past year and a half since she'd awakened from a six-month coma.

Friday 56

Hollis put a finger to his lips, then motioned with two fingers his intent to sneak up on whoever had kicked in the door and disable him.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Body Electrocution (Bobbi Sue Baxter Mysteries Book 2) by Marissa Shrock

About the Book

Bobbi Sue Baxter has a serious choice to make because both love and murder are on the line.

The summer of 1988 is possibly one of love, and that’s the problem. Aspiring journalist Bobbi Sue Baxter has feelings for a man who’s engaged. But then again, he seems to return the vibe. Adding more mud to the already unclear waters, his fiancée might be involved in a murder that happened in the building where Bobbi Sue was taking an aerobics class. So should Bobbi Sue get involved?

That’s a definite yes.

Not with Hemi Miller—the flutters-in-the-stomach producing guy—but with the investigation of his fiancée, who screamed at Hemi’s ex-girlfriend to stay away. Because that ex-girlfriend wound up electrocuted in the community center locker room the next day.

So Bobbi Sue starts asking questions. What she discovers is a tapestry of intrigue—a secret love decades past, the supposed ghost of a custodian that stalks the community center halls, and a motive for murder that neither Bobbi Sue nor anyone else in town saw coming.

Return to Wildcat Springs, Indiana, for a Bobbi Sue Baxter tale even more riveting than the first!

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was so much fun! I loved the first book in this series. In fact, it was one of my favorites that I read last year. So I was super excited when I saw this sequel. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. I enjoyed it just as much!

Bobbie Sue is a great character. She's determined to find the truth and has really good instincts when it comes to solving a mystery. Her grandma was a hoot. She had to be one of my favorite parts of this story. She's brutally honest and a master at guilt-tripping. She made me laugh nearly every time she appeared on the page.

The mystery kept me guessing right up to the reveal. I liked the fact that it tied into an old mystery too. It added another interesting element to the story.

I love that this series is set in the 80s. There are so many fun references! If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, this series is a must read! This book does stand alone, but I'd still recommend reading Close Encounters of the Murderous Kind first because it's such a fantastic book.

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

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Counter Attack (Pearl River Book #1) by Patricia Bradley

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 Counter Attack (Pearl River Book #1) by Patricia Bradley releasing May 16.

About the Book

No sooner has Alexis Stone been sworn in as the interim sheriff for Russell County, Tennessee, when a serial killer dubbed the Queen's Gambit Killer strikes again--this time in her hometown. Pearl Springs is just supposed to be a temporary stop along the way to Alex's real dream: becoming the first female police chief of Chattanooga. But the killer's calling card--a white pawn and a note with a chess move printed on it--cannot be ignored.

Pearl Springs chief of police Nathan Landry can't believe that his high school sweetheart Alexis (he refuses to call her Alex) is back in town, and he can't help wanting to protect the woman he never stopped loving. But as the danger mounts and the killer closes in, can Nathan come through on the promises he makes to himself to bring a killer to justice before it's too late.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Bounty Hunter Down Under (Magical Midlife Crisis #1) by S.C. Stokes

About the Book
My mother always warned me about the creatures of the Otherworld, but I never expected an ice troll to show up at my work.

Now I’m out of a job, bills are piling up, and magical monsters keep showing up in my town.

When a hotter than Hades bounty hunter crosses my path, I see an opportunity to solve all my problems. He needs an apprentice, and I need a pay check.

As usual, my timing couldn’t be worse. The Fae Courts are on the brink of war and they’re bringing magic, mayhem, and murder to my little town.

They say life begins at forty, but if I can’t figure out what the Fae want, my forties are going to be the death of me.

Fans of Shannon Mayer and K.F. Breene will love this binge-worthy new Paranormal Women’s Fiction adventure from S.C. Stokes. It’s fabulous forties with an Aussie flavour that you’ll adore.

Amazon / Goodreads

Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting

MY THOUGHTS

This was a fun start to a new series set in Australia. While it took me just a minute to get into, it wasn't long before I was hooked and loving it.

Nora is exactly the kind of heroine I love to root for. She's strong, protective, and has a take-charge attitude that I envy. The other characters were great too. I'm curious to learn more about the Old One and Alasdair too. And I can't forget to mention Sleet and Bran. They're awesome!

I'm excited to find out what happens next! This was the first book I've read by S.C. Stokes, but it won't be my last.

NOTE: This book does contain some strong language. (Not a lot, but there's some.)

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: The Study of Poisons by Maria V. Snyder

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 Study of Poisons by Maria V. Snyder. Poison Study is my favorite book and this is a retold version of the story from Valek's POV. And y'all! It's even better than I thought it'd be! I can't even tell you how happy reading this book has made me. It's awesome!

About the Book

Fierce, determined, dangerous. No wonder her soul called to his.

As Chief of Security of Ixia, Valek has spent the last fifteen years keeping Commander Ambrose and his citizens safe. With his complex network of spies, informers, and soldiers, it’s his job to hunt down and capture criminals, including the intriguing Yelena.

Sensing there is more to the story of why she killed a general’s son, Valek arranges for Yelena to become the Commander’s new food taster, training her in the delicate art of detecting poisons. As mysteries and a devious plot to harm the Commander unravel, Yelena’s presence becomes crucial. Will her intelligence, stubbornness, and survivor instincts be a help to Valek’s investigation, or a hinderance?

A companion novel to Poison Study, The Study of Poisons reveals Valek’s side of the story. Return to the world of Ixia and discover just how the lovely Yelena got Valek’s cold heart pumping!

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

The body hit the floor with a loud thud.

Friday 56

"Trust her or don't trust her, which one is it, Valek?" the commander asked in exasperation.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: In Her Sights (Pink Pistol Sisterhood #1) by Karen Witemeyer

About the Book

He's sworn off love, but she has his heart in her sights and doesn't intend to miss.

Stained by his wastrel father's legacy, Jackson Spivey lives on the fringes of society. Townsfolk tolerate him since he keeps the local hotel supplied with fresh game, but mothers coach their daughters to avoid him. After tasting consistent rejection, Jackson spurns all attempts at courtship. The only things he can count on are his guns and his God.

Tessa James has been secretly in love with Jackson for ages, but trying to gain his favor only pushes him further away. When she learns Annie Oakley is traveling through Texas, Tessa seeks lessons from the famed markswoman. If Jackson's life revolves around guns, taking up shooting might help her engage his interest. Too bad she can't hit the broad side of a barn.

When Annie loans Tessa a custom pistol, however, things begin to change. The lore behind the mysterious weapon fosters hope that Tessa might finally hit the target of Jackson's heart. But when danger threatens, she might be forced to use the pistol for something other than finding love.

Amazon / Goodreads

Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting

MY THOUGHTS

What a fun novella! I don't read many westerns, but there's just something about Karen Witemeyer's books that I can't resist. They're always so good, and this one was no exception. While it may be short, it lacks nothing. It's full of a lot of heart, wonderful and likable characters, laugh-out-loud moments, a sweet romance, and a strong inspirational message. I loved the whole idea behind the "courtship pistol". And I really enjoyed the appearance of Annie Oakley. If you're looking for a quick and entertaining read, I highly recommend this story.

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Soul Mark (The Soul Mark Duology #1) by J.J. Fischer

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 Soul Mark (The Soul Mark Duology #1) by J.J. Fischer releasing May 15. I loved this author's book, Calor, and am intrigued by the sound of this new series.

About the Book

Nineteen-year-old Sela is a murderer.

After being sentenced to death for the accidental killing of a wealthy, well-connected man, Sela Meriweather is offered another option—to be stripped of her soul and sentenced to lifetime exile on Azazel, the vast prison-island. There, alongside "dangerous" criminals like herself, firstborn children of the Old Town chosen by the lot are sent to atone for the sins of their families.

As one of the elected Righteous, Caleb Alexander's path to widespread renown is guaranteed so long as he can endure a year as an overseer on Azazel, preventing the other guards from fraternizing with the prisoners. But as he finds himself drawn to Sela, Caleb wrestles with the implications of his new role and the laws forbidding contact between jailer and prisoner. Could a woman like Sela truly be soulless?

While Caleb tries to resist his growing attraction, Sela struggles with the weight of her sins and the past she has kept from Caleb. But when mutiny against the Old Town brews on Azazel, Sela and Caleb must work together to stay alive...and to uncover the truth behind the very powers that created Azazel in the first place.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: When I Wasn't Looking (Big Prairie Romance Book 4) by Jennifer Rodewald

About the Book

Sage Greene loves a good story, especially if it has a dashing and romantic hero.

But her family’s legacy of broken relationships has convinced her that romance is strictly for fiction. Take her great-grandfather Harold Teller, for example—a selfish drunk who rejected his wife and son. But if that were so, why would he leave his house and property to her? Sensing there’s more to his story, Sage heads to Big Prairie determined to discover the truth for herself. Not even a quixotic encounter with a handsome stranger will sway her from her purpose.

Grant Hillman knows what makes for a healthy relationship.

After all, he is a counsellor. But he’s certain that he’s a long way from being anyone’s romantic hero. Quiet, observant, and slightly fastidious seems to translate to boring, quirky, and too different, and he’s just about given up on finding love. So he shouldn’t be surprised when the one time he rescues a damsel in distress, it turns out she didn’t need a hero and she isn’t looking for romance.

Despite their inauspicious meeting—or perhaps because of it—Sage determines she and Grant will become the closest of friends.

As they work together to learn the truth about Grandpa Teller, Sage discovers there’s more to Gramps than the bitter, grumpy old man he presents on the surface. And the more time she spends with Grant, the more she begins to wish she believed in romance after all. But Grant knows that the maxim “opposites attract” doesn’t mean “opposites will have a lasting, healthy relationship.” Especially when one of them doesn’t believe in romance to begin with.

As Sage and Grant work to untangle the threads of Grandpa Teller’s story, is it possible they could unravel a few assumptions of their own and write the beginning of another story altogether?

The Big Prairie Romance series is a collection of gentle contemporary romances set in a small town. Come and visit, meet the people who make Big Prairie special, and follow their emotional journeys of faith, forgiveness, and love. If you are a fan of deeply moving romances, and heartfelt Christian love stories, then you’ll love this beautiful small town romance series by Jennifer Rodewald.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Wow! What an absolutely beautiful story! I always feel a comforting sense of home when I read a Jennifer Rodewald book. The characters are so authentic as they deal with real-life issues. There's a real honesty about her stories that I love so much.

Grant has got to be one of my favorite characters ever. Where do I even begin? He’s a great guy, one of the best, but he doesn’t really fit in. He’s a bit of a loner who doesn’t do well in social situations. A self-professed odd duck. And y’all! I’ve never felt such an immediate connection with a character before. I'm that odd duck of a person that doesn't really fit in, so I really appreciate reading about characters like that. Sage was sociable, outgoing, random, weird and proud of it. She was Grant's opposite in practically every way, but they were so good for each other. And Old Man Teller? What an intriguing guy! He had quite the reputation as a reclusive curmudgeon, but there were glimpses of a man who cared. I was desperate to learn more of his story, and what made him the way he was.

This story made me laugh and cry. It made me feel seen. The spiritual aspect really spoke to me and was something I needed to hear. If you're looking for a heartwarming, faith-filled romance, pick up a copy of this book. You won't be disappointed.

FIVE STARS

Favorite Quotes

Grant was an odd duck. He had always been an odd duck. He did not do well in crowds or in most social settings, yet, though it seemed a contradiction, he battled loneliness. He owned an ever-present longing to be seen. To be accepted, even in his oddities.

To be loved.

Though he felt, on many occasions, alone and misunderstood, God—the one who’d made Him, who’d knit him together in his mother’s womb, and who’d entrusted him with this unique personality that usually set him apart from others—God knew him.

Having one person, even if it was only one, determined enough to get past the rough edges, to care enough to stay and to learn the truth, was enough.

To be truly known would be near everything.

God saw, and He cared. He had been Grant’s refuge in the loneliness, a shelter in the hurt. And not only that, the path of Grant’s life bore evidence of God’s tender care.

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: In Her Sights by Karen Witemeyer

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 In Her Sights by Karen Witemeyer. This was a sweet and cute novella. I really enjoyed it. (We got a new dog a couple of weeks ago, so I haven't had as much time for reading lately. I've gotten a little behind here on my blog, but I think things are starting to get back to normal.)

About the Book

He's sworn off love, but she has his heart in her sights and doesn't intend to miss.

Stained by his wastrel father's legacy, Jackson Spivey lives on the fringes of society. Townsfolk tolerate him since he keeps the local hotel supplied with fresh game, but mothers coach their daughters to avoid him. After tasting consistent rejection, Jackson spurns all attempts at courtship. The only things he can count on are his guns and his God.

Tessa James has been secretly in love with Jackson for ages, but trying to gain his favor only pushes him further away. When she learns Annie Oakley is traveling through Texas, Tessa seeks lessons from the famed markswoman. If Jackson's life revolves around guns, taking up shooting might help her engage his interest. Too bad she can't hit the broad side of a barn.

When Annie loans Tessa a custom pistol, however, things begin to change. The lore behind the mysterious weapon fosters hope that Tessa might finally hit the target of Jackson's heart. But when danger threatens, she might be forced to use the pistol for something other than finding love.

Book Beginning / First Line Friday

Every legacy started from a single act of courage. Holding tight to what little bravery he possessed, Josiah Hartman strode through the trampled fairgrounds of Buffalo Bills western extravaganza the morning after the show's closing night, determined that his daughter's legacy would start today.

Friday 56

He'd acted as if her rudeness hadn't bothered him at all as he turned to show himself out, but Tessa had caught the hint of embarrassment in his cheeks and the slight sag in his shoulders. It broke her heart and fired her indignation.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Fraser (Minnesota Marshalls #1) by Susan May Warren

About the Book

Fraser Marshall is pretty sure his career as a Spec Ops fighter is over. Yes, he’s gone into private security, working for Jones, Inc, but his last gig ended with him wounded and taken captive. And those wounds just won’t heal. The last thing he wants to do is stick around his family’s winery pressing grapes. But what choices does he have?

The answer comes via a panicked phone call from his kid brother, Creed.

Help, Fraser. I’m in over my head…

Yeah he is, because he’s run away with a princess, with her bodyguard hot on the trail. And said bodyguard, Pippa Butler is going to hunt them down, no matter the cost.

Even if she has to join forces with a bossy, arrogant former American SEAL. But Pippa has her own set of lethal skills, and if Fraser gets in the way, she’ll leave him on the side of the road. Still, maybe he’s not a terrible side-kick. He is handsome, and he makes her laugh…

No, no, bad Pippa! She has no room for a man—an American—in her life. And Fraser hasn’t ever considered slowing down. Even if Pippa has him wondering if there is a different future ahead.

But there’s more to the story than a Romeo-and-Juliet runaway romance. Princess Imani has seen a murder, and the perpetrator isn’t going to let her get away. Will Fraser and Pippa find the couple first?

And if they do, can they work together to keep them safe?

It’ll be tough if their hearts get in the way…

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

What a great start to this new series! Fraser has appeared in some of Susan May Warren's previous books, so I was excited that he finally got his own story. And while it took me a couple of chapters to really be pulled in, it wasn't long before I became fully invested and was zooming through the pages as fast as possible. In fact, there were times when I forgot I was reading. I was so into it, and things were so lifelike, that I felt like I was right there in the thick of it all. I love when that happens.

I've always liked Fraser, and this book just reiterated that fact. I really felt for him as he dealt with a potentially career-altering injury. It was a tough thing to come to grips with, but I loved his tenacity.

Pippa was a royal bodyguard for Princess Imani of Lauchtenland. (And can I just say how cool the tie-in to Rachel Hauck's True Blue Royal series was!) She seemed very serious and no-nonsense in the beginning. I admired her commitment to her job, and I loved getting to know her better as the story progressed.

The first time Fraser and Pippa meet? Talk about memorable, lol! Their chemistry was off-the-charts right from the get-go. And I loved their banter! They made such a great pair!

I highly recommend this book to fans of romantic suspense and am so excited for the next one in the series!

FOUR STARS

Favorite Quotes:
“God hasn’t forgotten you. There’s a plan. You just don’t know it yet. But when you’re ready to get back into the game, He’ll tell you.”

“Fraser, the strength of your faith hinges on your faith that God is still doing good in your life despite all the challenges. It’s now that you have to dig deep into your foundation of truth.”

Faith is what holds us together. It’s our foundation when the world is shattering around us. It’s the belief in a bigger picture. A bigger reason. It’s the hope that we have when we realize we are not enough.”

“Evil won’t win. It never really wins. It only looks that way from the ground. But that’s what it feels like when all we trust in is ourselves.”

Can't Wait Wednesday: Radiant (Color Theory Book 2) by Ashley Bustamante

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 Radiant (Color Theory Book 2) by Ashley Bustamante releasing May 9. I loved the first book, Vivid, and have been so anxious for the sequel. Not long to wait now!

About the Book

Secrets Come in Every Shade

After the introduction of Yellow magic in a society accustomed to only Red and Blue magic, the world inside the barrier has become more complicated than anyone imagined. Ava, Elm, and the former students of Prism navigate life in hiding. They face discord, secrets, betrayal, and danger that looms ever closer as the Benefactors narrow in on their hideaway.

Ava is determined to keep everyone protected, even at the cost of her own safety. She explores dangerous aspects of her new Mentalist abilities—against Elm’s dire warnings.

Tensions escalate when a new visitor arrives claiming to know a way out of the barrier. While this may be the only way to escape the Benefactors, what awaits them on the outside? Will they gain allies or make an entirely new set of enemies?

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Blind Trust (The SNAP Agency Book #3) by Natalie Walters

About the Book

Lyla Fox knows she has a reputation at the SNAP Agency for impulsivity, but when she receives a threatening letter from a man she helped put in prison, she can't stop herself from going all in to find out why he's coming after her. Unfortunately, she's going to need the help of the one person who questions her reckless choices more than anyone else.

Explosives and weapons specialist Nicolás Garcia agrees to help Lyla in order to keep her safe, but her recklessness continues to be a major concern, especially when her investigation into a conspiracy puts a target on her back. Dealing with bombs is dangerous. Working with Lyla is proving to be just as treacherous--to both the mission and his heart.

Natalie Walters closes out her SNAP Agency series with a bang with this nail-biting story of a deadly government conspiracy, an unlikely couple, and an ending that will leave you breathless.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

What a great conclusion to this series! I've been looking forward to Lyla and Garcia's story and it lived up to my high expectations. It was fast-paced with a boatload of suspense and a mystery that kept me guessing. The intrigue kept ramping up and there were quite a few twists and reveals that I never saw coming.

I loved getting to know Lyla and Garcia better. Lyla's always been impulsive. Rushing into dangerous situations without thinking through the consequences of her actions. And while there were times I just wanted to shake some sense into her, make her slow down and think things through, I appreciated the fact that she stayed true to herself. I understood her a lot better after reading this book and I could see where she was coming from. Garcia's more serious and cautious, so while that often clashed with Lyla's impulsive nature, they made a great pair.

My favorite part of this series has been the dynamic between the SNAP agents. They have such a special bond and are more like family than coworkers. They take their work seriously but they know how to have fun too. Their banter had me laughing on numerous occasions. If you're a fan of romantic suspense, I highly recommend this series.

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: When I Wasn't Looking (Big Prairie Romance Book 4) 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. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday.

This week I'm featuring When I Wasn't Looking (Big Prairie Romance Book 4) by Jennifer Rodewald. Y'all, I can't say enough good things about this book. 

About the Book

Sage Greene loves a good story, especially if it has a dashing and romantic hero.

But her family’s legacy of broken relationships has convinced her that romance is strictly for fiction. Take her great-grandfather Harold Teller, for example—a selfish drunk who rejected his wife and son. But if that were so, why would he leave his house and property to her? Sensing there’s more to his story, Sage heads to Big Prairie determined to discover the truth for herself. Not even a quixotic encounter with a handsome stranger will sway her from her purpose.

Grant Hillman knows what makes for a healthy relationship.

After all, he is a counsellor. But he’s certain that he’s a long way from being anyone’s romantic hero. Quiet, observant, and slightly fastidious seems to translate to boring, quirky, and too different, and he’s just about given up on finding love. So he shouldn’t be surprised when the one time he rescues a damsel in distress, it turns out she didn’t need a hero and she isn’t looking for romance.

Despite their inauspicious meeting—or perhaps because of it—Sage determines she and Grant will become the closest of friends.

As they work together to learn the truth about Grandpa Teller, Sage discovers there’s more to Gramps than the bitter, grumpy old man he presents on the surface. And the more time she spends with Grant, the more she begins to wish she believed in romance after all. But Grant knows that the maxim “opposites attract” doesn’t mean “opposites will have a lasting, healthy relationship.” Especially when one of them doesn’t believe in romance to begin with.

As Sage and Grant work to untangle the threads of Grandpa Teller’s story, is it possible they could unravel a few assumptions of their own and write the beginning of another story altogether?

The Big Prairie Romance series is a collection of gentle contemporary romances set in a small town. Come and visit, meet the people who make Big Prairie special, and follow their emotional journeys of faith, forgiveness, and love. If you are a fan of deeply moving romances, and heartfelt Christian love stories, then you’ll love this beautiful small town romance series by Jennifer Rodewald.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday (From the Prologue)

June 1957

My Dearest Clara,

I feel like the stars are within reach. These hills lift me up, and anything is possible.

Friday 56

She'd known few to no people who were able to be honest about their foibles. Most were more set on pointing out the shortcomings of others rather than owning their own. If they did own them, they used them as some sort of humble brag, which Sage found annoying.

Not the case with Grant. He simply knew who he was and was honest about it.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Enhanced by Candace Kade

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?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

What an imaginative and fast-paced debut! I've been in the mood for a sci-fi book for a while, and this was exactly what I was looking for. The world-building was fascinating and so detailed. There's a lot of really interesting and futuristic tech. I started out trying to read this slowly, to take it all in and acclimate myself to this intricately detailed world. I was worried I'd be a little overwhelmed by it all, that it might be confusing, but that wasn't the case at all. It wasn't long before I was zooming through the pages. It came to a point where I got frustrated with myself because I couldn't read it fast enough. There were so many twists and turns and quite a few surprising revelations that had my jaw on the floor. This was not a predictable read by any means. I'm very interested in finding out what happens next. If you're a fan of science fiction, grab a copy of this book. You won't be disappointed.

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Broker of Lies by Steven James

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 Broker of Lies by Steven James releasing April 11.

About the Book

The man who knows all our secrets has a secret of his own.

When Travis Brock, a high-level Pentagon redactor with an eidetic memory, finds a clue to solving the tragic arson that took his wife from him, he risks everything to find the truth—and chances losing himself in the process.

With a terror attack looming on the horizon and a pair of assassins on his tail, Brock drops off the grid and joins forces with a disavowed Homeland Security operative. Together they race to stop the attack before Brock is neutralized by the people he trusts the most.

From critically acclaimed, bestselling novelist Steven James comes a smart, wire-tight, and emotionally resonant thriller that asks just how far across the line we might go to see justice carried out.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: The Vanishing at Castle Moreau by Jaime Jo Wright

About the Book

A haunting legend. An ominous curse. A search for a secret buried deep within the castle walls.

In 1870, orphaned Daisy François takes a position as housemaid at a Wisconsin castle to escape the horrors of her past life. There she finds a reclusive and eccentric Gothic authoress who hides tales more harrowing than the ones in her novels. As women disappear from the area and the eerie circumstances seem to parallel a local legend, Daisy is thrust into a web that could ultimately steal her sanity, if not her life.

In the present day, Cleo Clemmons is hired by the grandson of an American aristocratic family to help his grandmother face her hoarding in the dilapidated Castle Moreau. But when Cleo uncovers more than just the woman's stash of collectibles, a century-old mystery and the dust of the old castle's curse threaten to rise again . . . this time to leave no one alive to tell the sordid tale.

Award-winning author Jaime Jo Wright seamlessly weaves a dual-time tale of two women who must do all they can to seek the light amid the darkness shrouding Castle Moreau.

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MY THOUGHTS

This was another hauntingly good tale from Jaime Jo Wright, one of the masters of Gothic fiction. This story pulled me in right from the very first page. The real world faded away, and I found myself completely enveloped in the chillingly creepy pages. There were some spooky moments. I got goosebumps several times. But one of the things I love most about Wright's books is how she weaves a powerful message of faith and hope into them. Despite the darkness of the world, God's light shines bright!

I was equally invested in both timelines. I've said this before, but I'm usually drawn to one timeline over the other in books like this. Not here, though. I loved how they both connected. It was really interesting seeing all the parallels. And I loved how the Castle seemed to become a character too. I liked both Cleo and Daisy. They were interesting characters with complicated histories. I enjoyed watching their growth. The grandmothers from both timelines were my favorite characters, though. They were both so intriguing. They held many secrets and were more than what first met the eye.

I can't say enough good things about this book. The mystery was superb. And the ending? What a complete surprise! It wasn't what I was expecting, but wow! So powerful and poignant. I might've even shed a tear or two.

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

FIVE STARS