Oath of Honor Book Review

Blue Justice Series

Book One

SUMMARY:  A murdered partner.  A missing brother.  Will Isabelle's silence protect those she loves . . . or delay justice?

     Police Officer Isabelle St. John loves her crazy, loud, law-enforcement family.  She knows they'll be there for her when things get tough.  Like when her partner is murdered and she barely escapes with her own life.

     Izzy is determined to discover exactly what happened, and her investigation sends her headfirst into a criminal organization, possibly with cops on the payroll - including someone from her own family.  With her dead partner's brother Ryan, a handsome homicide detective, shadowing her every move, Izzy's head is spinning.  How can she secure justice for her partner when doing so could mean sending someone she loves to prison?  And how will she guard her heart when the man she' had a secret crush on for years won't leave her side?

REVIEW:  Do you like stories that keep you guessing, keep you turning the page to see what happens next with twists and turns that leaves you breathless? If you do, this might just be a novel you need to read.  Lynette Eason is a fabulous story teller who will wrap you up and keep you entwined until the end.  There were a few times I had to stop and think about what was happening and what had happened before moving on to keep everything straight.  The detail she gives made me feel like I was right there in the midst of the action.  I like how early on the author gives you glimpses into situations and events that play out in the end.  Probably the only complaint I have is she should have included a list of characters.  Izzy has quite a few brothers and sisters, along with friends, acquaintances and other characters who were important to the story.  Because of this, it was difficult for me at times to keep track of who was who.
     Lynette Eason has become one of my favorite suspense writers that gives you a touch of romance with the story.  Check out her latest novel.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series, the Deadly Reunions series, and the Hidden Identity series, as well as the Elite Guardians series.  She is the winner of two ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Readers' Choice Award.  She has a master's degree in education from Converse College and lives in South Carolina.  Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.

The Lacemaker Book Review

SUMMARY:  It is the eve of a new age of freedom in the colonies.  But can a proper English lady dare hope for her own independence?
     Lady Elizabeth "Liberty" Lawson has nearly everything a lady of her position could want.  Daughter of the British lieutenant governor of the Virginia Colony and a darling of fine society in a rugged land, she is anticipating an advantageous marriage.  That her betrothed is a rake and love is lacking is of little consequence - or so she tells herself.
     Though her own life seems in order, colonial Williamsburg is a powder keg on the verge of exploding, and her fiance's cousin Noble Rynallt carries the flame of revolution in his heart.  Those with connections to the British nobility are suspected as spies, and Liberty soon finds herself left with a terrible choice.  Will she stay true to her English roots? Or side with Noble and the radical revolutionaries?

REVIEW:  Laura Frantz's latest novel transported me back to the beginning of our great nation and the difficulties that were faced by all citizens - both British and Colonial.  Liberty has to make a difficult decision - go with her father and wait for this uprising to end or support the locals she has grown up with in their pursuit of freedom.  I like how the author shows her reader Liberty's struggles and how she finds a way to support herself during this difficult time.  In doing so, she discovers a way serve her new country and show support for her fellow Colonists. 
     I like how Nobel Rynallt is a gentleman and a Patriot at all times. He helps protect Liberty when events turn ugly.  When standing for what he believes in comes at a great cost, Nobel doesn't hesitate.      As I read this story, I had envisioned some things I thought might happen with different characters and during certain events.  Ms. Frantz kept me on my toes and guessing as to how she would work things out.  I like that the story was not predictable but was engaging and kept my interest throughout.  This is a wonderful book that I highly recommend.

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

Laura Frantz Laura Frantz is a Christy Award finalist and the author of several books, including The Frontiersman's Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Colonel's Lady, The Mistress of Tall Acre, and the Ballantyne Legacy series.  She lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky.  Learn more at www.laurafrantz.net.

Imperfect Justice Book Review

Hidden Justice series

Book Two

SUMMARY:  The police say the woman was a murderer.  Emilie Wesley knows they can't be talking about her client . . . can they?

To the world it seems obvious:  Kaylene Adams killed her daughter and then was shot by police.  Attorney Emilie Wesley knows a different story:  Kaylene would never hurt anyone and was looking for a way out of a controlling, abusive relationship.  Her death shakes Emilie's belief that she can make a difference for women in violent marriages.  Self-doubt plagues her as she struggles to continue her work in the wake of the tragedy.

Reid Billings thought he knew his sister - right up until he learned how she died.  He discovers a letter from Kaylene begging him to fight for  custody of her daughters if anything should happen to her.  No attorney in her right mind would support an uncle instead of the father in a custody case, but Kaylene's letter claims Emilie Wesley will help him.

Thrown together in the race to save Kaylene's surviving daughter, Emilie and Reid pursue the constantly evasive truth.  If they can hang on to hope together, can they save a young girl - and find a future for themselves in the process?

REVIEW:  Cara Putman's latest legal drama is wonderful.  I really felt a part of the story.  As I read, I kept trying to figure out ways Emilie and Reid could prove Kaylene's innocence and save her young daughter.  Just as the main characters would get frustrated by the lack of evidence, I did too.  I like how Emilie tried to keep evidence finding above board so it wouldn't get kicked out of court and how she was determined to look under every rock and in every nook and cranny to help her former client.  Her diligence paid off.  

The secondary story of Emilie's stalker was interesting.  Having only read the last book, I was a little confused at times because some incidences that occurred in the other one that were referred to.  But the author did a good job going back over some details to help the reader.  Because of her past dating relationships, Emilie was empathetic to her clients trying to leave difficult and abusive relationships.  She could offer something other attorneys couldn't.  

Cara Putman does another amazing job.  If you like legal dramas, this might be a series for you to check out. 

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Bethany House 

for review without any compensation.

Cara Putnam is the author of more than 25 legal thrillers, historical romances, and romantic suspense novels.  She has won or been a finalist for honor including the ACFW Book of the Year and the Christian Retailing's BEST Award.  Cara graduated high school at 16, college at 20, completed her law degree at 27, and recently received her MBA.  She is a practicing attorney, teaches undergraduate and graduate law courses at a Big Ten business school, and is a homeschooling mom of four.  She lives with her husband and children in Indiana.  She can be found on Facebook at cara.putmanwww.facebook.com/cara.putman and Twitter at @cara_putman.

Deadly Proof Book Review

Atlanta Justice

Book One

SUMMARY:  Standing for what's right could cost her everything.

Tapped as Lead Counsel in a corporate cover-up lawsuit against Mason Pharmaceutical, Kate Sullivan knows this case cold make her career.  What really drives her, though, is getting justice for the victims whose lives were ruined by the company's dangerous new drug.  But when a whistle blower turns up dead, it paints a target on the back of everyone involved. 

Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James steps in to handle security for Kate.  He's still haunted by mistakes in his past and is determined never to let something like that happen again.  But it soon appears someone is willing to do anything - even commit murder - to keep the case from going to trial.  

As danger closes in, Landon can't help but admire Kate's courage and resolve - but will her determination not to back down become too great of a risk?

REVIEW:  This book captured my attention and kept it until the end.  There were many twists and turns that I had to read slowly, and sometimes go back a few pages, to make sure I didn't miss anything.  The details that the author included made me feel like I was part of the action.  

I love how Kate kept her faith in Jesus at the forefront of everything she did.  She wanted justice for those affected and family members whose lives had been changed by this drug but she wanted to do it the correct way.  Instead of going rogue and trying to get information through questionable means, she stuck to her guns, did everything by the book, and in the end, it paid off.  Her integrity is one to be admired.

Even though Landon didn't agree with Kate on faith matters, I like how he honored Kate's boundaries and listened to her when she spoke of how God brought her through difficult times.  

If you like to read page turners and good legal suspense, check this book out.  It was very enjoyable and I look forward to reading the other books in this series as they are released.  

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Bethany House 

for review without any compensation.

Rachel Dylan writes Christian fiction including legal romantic suspense. She has practiced law for over a decade and enjoys weaving together legal and suspenseful stories. She also writes the Windy Ridge series including Trial & Tribulations and Fatal Accusation. Trial & Tribulations was a Selah finalist in 2016. She lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids--two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers. You can find Rachel at www.racheldylan.com.

Christy Book Review

SUMMARY:  The train taking nineteen-year-old teacher Christy Huddleston from her home in Asheville, North Carolina, might as well be transporting her to another world.  The Smokey Mountain community of Cutter Gap feels suspended in time, trapped by poverty, superstitions, and century-old traditions.
     But as Christy struggles to find acceptance in her new home, some see her - and her one-room school - as a threat to their way of life.  Her faith is challenged and her heart is torn between two strong men with conflicting news about how to care for the families of the Cove. 
     Yearning to make a difference, will Christy's determination and devotion be enough?

REVIEW:  This book was first published fifty years ago and has been loved by millions of readers since.  Having watched and enjoyed the television series based on the book, I was excited to finally get a chance to read this beloved story for the very first time. 
      Catherine Marshall retells the stories told by her mother, the women the book is based on, with some added twists.  She doesn't hold back any punches and shows life in its full, raw, and rough form.  But, she also shows the love Christy developed for the people of Cutter Gap, how they opened her eyes to God and His love for us in ways she never could have living in Asheville.  Sometimes it was not pretty; many times I thought about putting the book down because it was very difficult to read.  But, I stuck with it and I am so glad I did.  This book gave me a new outlook on life and a new appreciation for the area of Tennessee I have grown to love.  If you have never read the book, or if you read it as a young person, pick it up and read it.  It is well worth the time.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group for review without compensation.

Catherine Marshall, New York Times best selling author of 30 books, is best known for her novel, Christy.  Based on the life of her mother, Christy captured the hearts of millions and became a popular CBS television series.  Around the kitchen table at Evergreen Farm, as her mother reminisced, Catherine probed for details and insights into the rugged lives of these Appalachian highlanders.  Catherine shared the story of her husband, Dr. Peter Marshall, Chaplain of the United States Senate, in A Man Called Peter.  A decade after Dr. Marshall's untimely death, Catherine married Leonard LeSourd, Executive Editor of Guideposts, forging a dynamic writer-editor partnership.  A beloved inspirational writer and speaker, Catherine's enduring career spanned four decades and reached over 30 millions readers.

Rescued Hearts Book Review

SUMMARY:  Children's clothing designer Mary Wade Kimball's soft spot for animals leads to a hostage situation when she spots a briar-entangled kitten in from of an abandoned house.  Beaten, bound and gagged by the two thugs inside, Mary Wade loses hope for escape when a third villain returns with supplies.
     Discovering the kidnapped woman ratchets the complications for undercover agent Brett Davis.  Weighing the difference of ruining his three months' investigation against the woman's safety.  Brett forsakes his mission and helps her escape, the bent-on-revenge brutes following behind.
     When Mary Wade's safety is threatened once more, Brett rescues her again.  This time, her personal safety isn't the only thing in jeopardy.  Her heart is endangered as well.

REVIEW:  Something I really liked about this book was how the author did not give everything away in regards to the suspense in the book.  Reading through the story, when I thought I had everything somewhat figured out, a new twist was added.  The characters are likeable and relateable, except for the kidnappers.  One of my favorites was Brett's grandma.  She is someone I want to be like when I am much older. The ending was great.  I like how everything Mary Wade was worried about works out because she stood up for what she believed, even though it was not what her parents wanted.  This was a good book that keeps you turning pages.  Check it out.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group for review without compensation.

Hope Toler Dougherty holds a Master's degree in English and taught at East Carolina University and York Technical College.  Her publications include two novels, Irish Encounter and Mars . . . With Venus Rising, as well as nonfiction articles.  A member of ACFW, RWA, and SinC, she writes for SeriousWriter.com.  She and her husband live in North Carolina and enjoy visits with their two daughters and twin sons.  Visit her at hopetolerdoughterty.com.

The Gift of Christmas Past Book Review

SUMMARY:  At twenty-seven, Hadley is still trying to get free of the weight she's carried all her life - entering foster care at age five, getting arrested at seventeen for arson, and losing her boyfriend, Monroe, when she needed him most.
     Monroe never wanted to walk out on Hadley.  He'd understood her, from her desire to help children with speech issues to her intense temper.  But when she was arrested, he became haunted by what he knew and convinced his only choice was to end their relationship.
     Almost ten years later, Hadley and Monroe are both specialist in the field of speech therapy.  They meet again...thrown together to help a four-year-old girl who's been rendered mute after being rescued from an apartment fire.
     Years of secrets and anger beg to be set free as Hadley and Monroe try to push aside past hurts and find common ground in order to help the traumatized young girl and her family.
     Can the love of Christmas past drift into the present, bringing healing and hope for all?

 REVIEW:  Some people never get a break in life.  It seems like everything is against them and everyone judges them for things they didn't do, just by how they are perceived.  Hadley is one of those people.  Facing struggle after struggle, Hadley uses the experiences to make herself a stronger person who is more attuned to those hurting around her and those not given a fair chance.  Her faith in God is what gets her through the most difficult circumstances.  I like how Hadley is determined to give others the benefit of the doubt no matter how many others disagree.  She also is determined to help Chloe overcome her speech difficulties and to give her her voice back, even if it means she has to work with Monroe to accomplish it.  I also like how resourceful Hadley and Elliott, her best friend, are.  They stretch the little bit they have (food, clothes, housing, etc) and are very creative.  This and their amazing work ethics are something we all should aspire to do.  These things help Hadley and Monroe navigate the troubled waters of their past and give them strategies for the future.
     This book shows second chances are possible, if you just give them the opportunity.  This is a fabulous story with a wonderful ending.

This book was provided by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall 

for review without compensation.

Cindy Woodsmall is the New York Times and CBA best-selling author of eighteen works of fiction.  She's been featured in national media outlets such as ABC's Nightline and the Wall Street Journal.  Cindy has won numerous awards and has been a finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards.  Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains.  She can be found online at cindywoodsmall.com.

Erin Woodsmall is a writer, musician, wife and mom of three.  She has edited, brainstormed, and researched books with Cindy for almost a decade.  She is very excited about their first coauthored book.  How could a Southern gal not enjoy research time in Asheville, North Carolina, as part of the job?