Sandpiper Cove Book Review

Hope Harbor Series

 Book Three

SUMMARY:  Wishing for things that can never be is foolish - or is it?

     Hope Harbor police chief and single mom Lexie Graham has zero time for extracurricular activities - including romance.  Ex-con Adam Stone isn't looking for love either - but how ironic is it that the first woman to catch his eye is a police chief?  When Lexie enlists Adam's help to keep a troubled young man from heading down the wrong path, sparks begin to fly.  Could it be that God may have a different - and better -  future planned for them than either could image?  Lauded by Literary Journal as "as master at character development," Irene Hannon welcomes you back to this charming Oregon seaside village.

REVIEW:  Irene Hannon did another great job with Lexie and Adam's story.  I like how both overcome many obstacles and stereotypes to just enjoy each other's company.  Adam's willingness to step out of his comfort zone, face his past and help a young man turn his life around while he still has a chance was inspiring. I like how, with Adam's advice and guidance, Lexie is able to face a painful part of her past and forgive herself.  I also like how, when faced with heresay and conjecture about Adam and the work he is doing with Brian, Lexie stands up for what is right and publicly supports Adam. 
     This is an excellent story and have really enjoyed this series.  This book, as with the others in this series, is an excellent stand alone.  I would encourage you to read the others, even though they only briefly refer to the main character of the other novels.  They will give you a better feel for Hope Harbor and its residents.  From what I understand, Ms. Hannon will write more set in this small town.  If she does, I so look forward to reading them.

This book was provided by Revell for review without any compensation.

Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than fifty romantic suspense and contemporary romance novels, including One Perfect Spring, Hope Harbor, Sea Rose Lane, and the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series.  Her books have garnered dozen of honors, including three coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America.  She is also a member of RWA's elite Hall of Fame.  In addition, she has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work.

Tangled Webs Book Review

 Men of Valor Series

Book Three

SUMMARY:  Finn has packed away his combat instincts - but he may need them again when danger begins to stalk his quiet hideaway . . .

     After a disastrous Middle East mission ends his six-year Army Ranger career, Finn McGregor needs some downtime.  A peaceful month in the woods sounds like the perfect way to decompress.  But peace isn't on the agenda once he crosses paths with publishing executive Dana Lewis, a neighbor who is nursing wounds of her own.  Someone seems bent on disrupting her stay in the lakeside cabin she inherited from her grandfather.  As Finn and Dana work together to discover who is behind the disquieting pranks, the incidents begin to take on a menacing tone.  And when it becomes apparent Dana's foe may have deadly intent, Finn finds himself back in the thick of the action - ready or not.

     Bestselling author and three-time RITA Award winner Irene Hannon draws readers into a web of psychological suspense where danger lurks in dark corners. . . and keeps them captive until the very last page.

REVIEW:  Another wonderful book from Irene Hannon!!!  This story starts out with a bang and just keeps the readers attention to the end.  There are three different points of view, with sometimes a fourth thrown in, but I was never confused or turned around.  I love how the stories and points of each main character are woven together in a seamless stream of intrigue.  At times, I thought I had the ending figured out, but then the author would throw something else in and I would have to change my thinking.  The conclusion of the conflicts was exciting, although a little sad, with how everything worked out.  This book is another keeper for my ever-growing collection!!
     Being the third book in the series, you don't have to read the other books to follow the story, but they do add information and background to Finn's brothers.

This book was provided by Revell for review without any compensation.

Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than fifty novels, including Buried Secrets, Thin Ice, and the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series.  In addition to many other honors, she is a seven-time finalist for and three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America.  She is also a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame.  Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

Sea Rose Lane Book Review

Hope Harbor Series

Book Two

SUMMARY:  Two people starting over . . . in a town known for second chances

     After a devastating layoff, attorney Eric Nash heads back to Hope Harbor - only to discover that his childhood home is being transformed into a bed and breakfast.  Instead of plotting his next career move in peace, he's constantly distracted by noise, chaos - and BJ Stevens, the attractive but prickly blonde architect who's invaded the house with her motley crew.  As for BJ, her client's son might be handsome, but after a disastrous romance, dating isn't high on her agenda.  Yet when they join forces to help Hope Harbor's older residents, might they also find healing, hope, and a new beginning themselves?

COME HOME TO HOPE HARBOR -

where hearts heal . . . . and love blooms

REVIEW:  Eric Nash learns that even if your perfect job ends, it is just the beginning for something new and exciting, if you let God work.  I like how the author uses the talents Eric hasn't used in years to help BJ work on a major project during his time off.  BJ's desire to help the elderly in Hope Harbor is admirable and stems from a painful time in her life.  The solution she comes up with to solve a problem the Helping Hands program faces is perfect for all involved.  Charlie is the perfect foil for Eric as he pushes him to think outside the box and beyond what he had hoped to accomplish.  I like how Charlie always seems to know when he is needed and always gives excellent advice, even if the recipient isn't receptive at the time.  The ending is perfect as it shows sometimes God does give us our cake and let us eat it too.  One warning though - you may not want to read this book if you are hungry.  The fudge cake and fish tacos mentioned repeatedly sound absolutely delicious and kept me wishing I had some.
     It is the second book in the Hope Harbor series but can stand alone.  The first book, Hope Harbor, goes into detail about the Helping Hands Program and how it gets started.  This is a great book.  It is a perfect summertime read at home or on the beach.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than fifty romantic suspense and contemporary romance novels, including One Perfect Spring, Hope Harbor, and the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series.  Her books have garnered dozens of honors, including three coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America.  She is also a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame.   Visit her website at irenehannon.com, on Twitter and Facebook.

Hope Harbor Book Review

SUMMARY:  COME HOME TO HOPE HARBOR -  Where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.
     Tracy Campbell never wanted to leave Hope Harbor, Oregon, or the idyllic three-generation cranberry farm where she grew up.  But life - and love - altered her plans.  Now she's home again - with a floundering farm to run . . . a tragic secret . . . and a wounded heart.  Romance is not on her agenda.  Nor is it on Michael Hunter's.  The visitor from Chicago has daunting secrets and devastating regrets of his own.  But when Tracy recruits him to help with a project that is close to her heart, winds of change begin to sweep through Hope Harbor, bringing healing, hope, and love to countless lives - including their own.

REVIEW:  Irene Hannon steps away from her usual suspense genre to pen her latest novel and does a wonderful job.  While it doesn't have the edge-of-your-seat content like her other stories do, this one shows you if you face the hurts and pain of past mistakes, it can and will bring healing to your present and change your future.  I like how the actions of one person touches and changes the lives of  more than ten people.  When one person steps out of their comfort zone, the ripple effects are never ending.  I like how Anna went from being the town recluse, shut away from everyone, to helping so many people all over town.  Michael and Tracy have to face the hurts of their pasts to figure out their future.  I like how they don't give up but support each other through their healing. 
     This is one book you need to check out, along with all of her other novels.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty-five romantic suspense and contemporary romance/women's fiction novels, including the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series, along with That Certain Summer and One Perfect Spring.  Her books have garnered dozens of honors, including two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America.  She is also a two-time Christy Award finalist.   

Buried Secrets Book Review

Men of Valor Series

Book One

SUMMARY:  They both wanted quieter, safer lives.  But crime never sleeps . . . and killers keep killing.

     After years as a Chicago homicide detective, Lisa Grant is ready for the kinder, gentler life of a small-town police chief.  But the discovery of a human skeleton by a construction crew at the edge of town taxes department resources.  Enter ex-Navy SEAL Mac McGregor, the detective sent by the county to assist on the case.  As they work to solve the mystery behind the unmarked grave, danger begins to shadow them.  Someone doesn't want this dead person telling any tales - and will stop at nothing to make certain a life-shattering secret stays buried.

REVIEW:  When I heard this book was coming out, I was eager to read it. As always, Irene Hannon's latest novel did not disappoint.  She has you sitting on the edge of your seat, quickly turning pages to see what happens next. While I was able to figure some of the ending, I was not able to figure out how all the twists and turns would play out, which was wonderful.  Like in real life, the bad guy doesn't get everything deserved, but just dues are paid handsomely.  My heart went out to the victim and her family.  Stories like her's are so sad.  I was very happy her family finally had some closure. 

     If you like wonderful suspense novels that keep you guessing, this is one you might want to pick up.  

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

 

Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty-five romantic suspense and contemporary romance/women's fiction novels, including the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series.  Her books have garnered dozen of honors, including two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America.  She is also a two-time Christy Award Finalist.  More information about her and her novels can be found on her webpage at www.irenehannon.com.

Deceived Book Review

A Private Justice Novel

Book Three

SUMMARY: A grieving mother.  A mysterious child.  And a dedicated PI who's determined to solve the puzzle.

     For three years, Kate Marshall has been mourning the loss of her husband and four-year old son in a boating accident.  But when she spots a familiar-looking child on a mall escalator, she's convinced it's her son.  With poice skeptical of her story, she turns to private investigator Connor Sullivan for help.  As the former Secret Service agent digs into the case, the boating "accident" begins to look increasingly suspicious.  But if Kate's son is alive, someone is intent on keeping him hidden - and may go to lethal lengths to protect a sinister secret.

     As Irene Hannon's many fans have come to expect, Deceived is filled with complex characters, unexpected twists, and a riveting plotline that accelerates to an explosive finish.

SUMMARY:  Everything I've come to expect in an Irene Hannon suspense novel is found in her latest book.  The story grabbed my attention right from the beginning and held it to the very end.  At first, I thought I had the story figured out regarding who took Kevin/Todd and why but I was quickly proven wrong.  The twists and turns, along with the emotional aspects of the story, kept me turning pages, anticipating what would happen next and if everything would work out positively.  Without trying to give anything away, I like how the kidnapper takes care of Kevin/Todd, how affectionate he was and that he wasn't abusive.  This is a wonderful book.  It is the third book in the Private Justice series but is also a stand-alone.  Check it out!!

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

 

Irene Hannon is the author of more than forty-five novels, including Vanished, Trapped, and the bestselling Heroes of Quantico and Guardians of Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, two HOLT Medallions, a Daphne du Maurier Award, two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine, a Retailer's Choice Award, and a National Readers' Choice Award.  In addition, she is a Christy Award finalist, and Booklist included one of her novels in its "Top 10 Inspirational Fiction" list for 2011.  Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

One Perfect Spring Book Review

SUMMARY:  Independent single mom Claire Summers is doing her best to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed her.  Workaholic Keith Watson is interested only in the bottom line - until a letter from Claire's eleven-year-old daughter reaches his desk and changes everything.
     As the executive assistant to a philanthropic businessman, Keith is used to fielding requests for donations.  But the girl isn't asking for money.  She wants help finding the long-lost son of a neighbor.  As Keith reluctantly digs into this assignment in his usual results-oriented style, he has no idea how involved he and Claire will become - nor how unusual the results will actually be.  Who could have guessed that a child's kindhearted request would bring love and hope to so many lives . . . including his own?
     Through compelling characters and surprising plot twists, fan favorite Irene Hannon offers this tenderhearted story that demonstrates how life is like lilacs - the biggest blooms come only after the harshest winters.

REVIEW:  There are so many things I loved about this book, I don't think I could cover them all.  This is going to sound silly but one of my favorite things was the relationship between Claire and Keith.  When they decided to acknowledge their mutual attraction and interest in one another, they were up front and honest with each other.  When past hurts and their histories were revealed, Claire and Keith faced them together and worked through any problems and/or difficulties that had developed because of it.  Instead of rushing into a relationship, they took time to get to know each other and didn't shut the other out when a new problem arose.
     There were quite a few twists and turns in the story that kept my attention.  Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the author would make a change.  This is a fabulous book and is on par with all of her other novels.  Fans of Irene Hannon will not be disappointed.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of over forty-five books, including That Certain Summer.  Her romance and suspense fiction has won many awards, including two coveted RITAs, a Carol, two HOLT medallions, a National Readers' Choice, a Daphne du Maurier, a Retailers Choice, and two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine.  In addition, she is a Christy Award finalist, and Booklist included one of her novels in its "Top 10 Inspirational Fiction" list for 2011.  She lives in Missouri.  Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

Trapped Book Review

Private Justice Series

Book Two

SUMMARY:  A runaway teen.  A desperate sister.  And an intrepid PI determined to discover the truth.

     When Laura Griffith's sixteen-year-old sister disappears on a frigid February day, leaving only a brief note behind, Laura resolves to do whatever it takes to track down the runaway teen.  That includes recruiting ATF agent turned private investigator James Devlin to help.  Dev knows time is of the essence with runaways - just forty-eight hours can mean the difference between recovery and ruin.

     But the deeper he and Laura dig, the more Dev begins to suspect that something sinister is at work in the girl's disappearance.  And in the icy winter weather, the trail is going cold . . .

     In her latest thrilling read, queen of romantic suspense Irene Hannon outdoes herself with a fast-paced tale of fear, deception, and just the right dose of romance.

REVIEW:  Darcy, thinking her older half-sister is too strict and wanting to just get away, runs away for what she thinks will be greener pastures.  But, after a massive snowstorm hits the city, Darcy finds out quickly that living on the street is dangerous in more ways than one and someone she thinks she can trust turns out to be the devil in disguise.

     Irene Hannon does not disappoint her readers in her latest novel.  She has you sitting on the edge of your seat, anxious to turn the page, trying to guess what happens next.  This is a great book and, even though it is the second in the A Private Justice series, it does a fantastic job on its own.  So many times I thought about having my twelve-year-old daughter read it to see what Darcy goes through and seeing how much Laura cares for her, but, even though the intense scenes are absolutely necessary, it is a little too much for her right now.
     If you like suspense novels, this is one for you. Check it out.

This review was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty novels, including Vanished and the Heroes of Quantico and Guardians of Justice series.  Her books have garnered many honors, including two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, and a Daphne du Maurier Award.  Booklist also included one of her novels in its "Top 10 Inspirational Fiction" list for 2011.  In addition, Irene is a Christy Award finalist.  For more information, visit www.irenehannon.com.

That Certain Summer Book Review

SUMMARY:  Two very different sisters . . .  an unexpected homecoming . . .  one unforgettable summer
     Karen and Val are family - yet they're anything but close.  Karen has carried the burden of responsibility for her aging mother ever since her sister left town years ago to pursue a career in theater.  But Val had other reasons for moving away - as well as a secret to keep - and coming home has never been an option . . . until their mother suffers a stroke.
     Reunited in their hometown, Karen and Val must grapple with past mistakes as they care for their ailing mother.  When two handsome men enter the picture, the summer takes on a surprising new dimension.  As their lives intersect, can each of them learn how to forgive, let go, and move on?  And strengthened by the healing power of faith, might they also find the courage to love?
     With her trademark compelling characters and heartwarming hope, award-winning author Irene Hannon pens an inspiring true-to-life tale of complex relationships, the search for forgiveness, and the life-changing process of finding love.

REVIEW:  Irene Hannon's suspense novels are wonderful so I eagerly anticipated her newest novel.  I was not disappointed.   The interaction between the sisters was refreshing.  I like how they faced their difference, embraced them, learned from each other and became better people.  I like how they did not hold onto grudges but let their relationship flourish.   I loved how Karen finally learned how to stand up for herself and found her voice, literally.  By doing so, she changed her relationship with those around her for the better.  Val had her own issues to deal with, trying to do it on her own.  Once she told her sister about them, she found sharing her burden with others who cared helped her put an end to some past hurt and was able to finally get to a better personal place.
     This book was an easy read and exceptionally written.  A great summer read!

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of over forty books, including more than two dozen contemporary romance novels and the Heroes of Quantico and Guardians of Justice suspense series.  Her books have garnered many honors, including two RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, and two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine.  In addition, Booklist included one of her novels in its "Top 10 Inspirational Fiction" list for 2011.  She lives in Missouri.  For more information, please visit www.irenehannon.com. 

Vanished Book Review

A PRIVATE JUSTICE Novel

SUMMARY:  A tenacious reporter.  A skeptical PI. And a secret that will shatter lives.

     Reporter Moira Harrison is lost.  In the dark.  In a thunderstorm.  When a lone figure suddenly appears in the beam of her headlights, Moira slams on her brakes - but it's too late.  She feels the solid thump against the side of her car before crashing into a tree on the far side of the road.

     A man opens he door, tells her he saw everything, and promised to call 911.  Then the world fades to black.  When she comes to, she is alone.  No man. No 911.  No injured person.  But she can't forget the look of terror she saw on that face in the instant before her headlights swung away.  And she can't get anyone to believe her story - except maybe a handsome ex-homicide detective turned private eye, who reluctantly agrees to take on the case.

     As clues begin to surface, it becomes obvious that someone doesn't want this mystery solved - and will stop at nothing to protect a shocking secret.

REVIEW:  Irene Hannon does it again.  Just when I thought I had figured the storyline out, she throws a curve ball and changes directions.  The storyline was engaging and never boring.  I like how the character were developed.  The only problem I had was with how the troublemaker (for lack of a better word) was dealt with.  It would have been great to see what happened when the information got out about everything that had been done by the troublemaker and see that person get their full due.  But, other than that, the story was awesome.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

 Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty novels, including the Heroes of Quantico and Guardians of Justice series.  Her books have garnered many honors, including two RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a National Readers' Choice Award, and a Daphne du Maurier Award.  For more information about her and her books, Irene invites you to visit her website at www.irenehannon.com.

Lethal Legacy Book Review

Guardians of Justice Series #3

SUMMARY:  A determined daughter ...  A skeptical detective ...  A deadly secret ...

     The police say her father's death was suicide.  Kelly Warren says it was murder - and she has new evidence to prove it.  Detective Cole Taylor doesn't put much credence in her claim, and nothing in his case review suggests foul play.  But when he digs deeper and discovers startling information linking her to a long-buried secret, the danger escalates.  Is history repeating itself?  And who wants Kelly silenced?

REVIEW:  In the last book of the Guardians of Justice series, Irene Hannon does not disappoint her readers.  Kelly is convinced her father did not commit suicide.  But getting the local police to reopen her father's case is difficult.  But, when a gift her father ordered the day before he died shows up, Kelly is determined to do what it takes to get someone to listen to her and to review the evidence again.  Cole Taylor was on duty when Kelly comes in and agrees to look through her father's file.  As Cole follows up different leads Kelly gives him, he discovers a deep secret that involves the Witness Security Program that could change Kelly's life forever.
     The twists and turns in this novel will keep the reader on his/her toes but are not too complicated that you get lost easily.  The ending of the story is sorrowful for two characters when you realize what could have happened for them had they made different choices, but it is fitting for the storyline.  I like how Cole tries hard to keep his developing feelings for Kelly separate from the investigation and he waits to pursues her when everything is over.
     This is the third book in the Guardians of Justice series but don't let it stop you from reading it.  The only reason you would need to read the other two books is to understand the relationships of Cole's brother and sister and their wife and fiance', respectively.  Even then, these characters are minor ones and their histories really don't impact this story.  This is a great book that I really enjoyed.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

  

Available August 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Two-time RITA Award winner Irene Hannon is the author of more than 35 novels, including the bestselling Heroes of Quantico series, Fatal Judgment, and Deadly Pursuit.  Her books have also been honored with a Carol Award, a HOLT Medallion, a Daphne du Maurier award, and two Reviewers' Choice Award from RT Book Reviews magazine.  She lives in Missouri.

Deadly Pursuit Book Review

SUMMARY:  A stalker with deadly intent...    A woman who protects children...    An ex-Navy SEAL turned police detective.

     Social worker Alison Taylor has a passion for protecting children.  But now it seems she needs protecting.  When her tormentor's attentions take a violent turn, she calls in reinforcements - her police-detective brother, Cole, and his new partner, ex-Navy SEAL Mitch Morgan.  As her relentless stalker turns up the heat and the danger intensifies, Mitch takes a personal interest in the case.  Because protecting Alison has become more than a job; his future depends on keeping her safe.
     Filled with nail-biting suspense and heart-melting romance, Deadly Pursuit is Irene Hannon's storytelling at its very best.

REVIEW:  This is the second book in the Guardians of Justice series but you would never know it.  The story is wonderfully told and kept me guessing how she was going to pull everything off up until the end.  The characters are very personable and real.  At times, I felt like I was right there in the midst of the story seeing everything unfold.  This book is one of two of the best I've read recently.  I will definitely be on the look-out for her other books and any upcoming ones.  I HIGHLY recommend this book.

Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Irene Hannon is the author of more than 35 novels, including the bestselling Heroes of Quantico series and Fatal Judgment.  Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, the HOLT Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier Award, and two Reviewer's Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine.  She lives in Missouri.  Meet Irene Hannon at www.IreneHannon.com.