Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon

SUSPENSEFUL STORYTELLING YOU CAN’T PUT DOWN!

From the Publisher

As a social worker, Alison Taylor has a passion for protecting children and seeing that justice is served on their behalf. But when she starts getting harassing phone calls and bizarre "gifts," it seems she may be the one in need of protection. When her tormentor's attentions take a violent turn, her brother Cole comes to her aid, along with his new partner, Detective Mitch Morgan. As her relentless stalker turns up the heat, Mitch takes a personal interest in the case. Protecting Alison has become more than just a job--because his own happiness now depends on keeping her safe. 

Chock full of nail-biting suspense and heart-melting romance, Deadly Pursuit is Irene Hannon's storytelling at its very best. Fans old and new will not want to miss the next story in this series starring siblings fighting for justice.

My Take

 

I couldn’t wait to get this book since I had read (and reviewed) Fatal Judgment, the first book in the Guardians of Justice series. That one was a great read and I was looking for the same action-packed and intense story line. I certainly was not disappointed!

Starting with the first chapter of Deadly Pursuit, I was hooked.  Although this is a continuation in the Guardians of Justice series, it can also be read as a stand-alone book. Ms. Hannon gives enough background to entice the new reader but doesn’t become overly repetitive to the reader from Fatal Judgment. After the background on the characters, you’re pulled right into the storyline.

I like how Hannon gave us details about the bad guys—for most of us, it’s an unknown way of life. Many addicts blame the bad things in their lives on someone else instead of taking accountability. Seeing how their minds work was illuminating. I loved how Hannon got into their heads and actions to explain the “why” behind what they do.

On the flip side, the Taylor clan is the antithesis of the “villains”. Hardworking, compassionate, and faithful (for the most part) make an interesting contrast to the bad guys.  Although this is a Christian novel, it’s not “preachy”. It’s moving how each character trusts God to intervene and lead them in the right direction, even if they don’t know what direction that is. To me, that’s true faith and that’s one of the reasons I enjoy Ms. Hannon’s books.

One thing that did disturb me was a couple of the graphic situations---I won’t spoil the story but if you are squeamish, beware! That’s about the only negative I have on Deadly Pursuit---it’s definitely a book you can’t put down, especially the last few chapters. Grab one for yourself—you won’t be sorry!

Overall, I give Deadly Pursuit 4 stars. Thank you Ms Hannon! I look forward to the next installment!

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


I received this book free from Revell as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

About the Author

Irene Hannon is the best-selling author of more than 35 novels. Her books have been honored with the coveted RITA Award from Romance Writers of America, the HOLT Medallion, the Reviewer's Choice Award from Romantic Times BOOKreviews magazine and the Daphne du Maurier Award for mystery/suspense. Irene and her husband make their home in Missouri, USA. Irene invites you to visit her at her website, www.irenehannon.com

The Queen by Steven James

Thrilling! Suspenseful twists & turns!

 

From the Publisher

While investigating a double homicide in an isolated northern Wisconsin town, Special Agent Patrick Bowers uncovers a high-tech conspiracy that twists through long-buried Cold War secrets and targets present-day tensions in the Middle East. A pulse-pounding thriller that explores the rippling effects of the choices we make!

My Take

WARNING: This book contains violence and graphic descriptions of disturbing crime scenes.  It is not for the faint-of-heart who may be offended by such written images.  For more on this topic, please read Steven James’ blog article entitled “Why I Write about Evil” .

I was so excited to see The Queen had been released since I’ve read all 4 prior novels in the series. Steven James has become one of my favorite authors with his thrilling plots and suspenseful twists & turns.  The first book I read was The Pawn and I think it’s still my favorite. All the books in the series can stand alone but I had to go back and start from the beginning to read what had happened in the beginning. That’s the beauty of this series—you can read them in any order. I just liked seeing the journey of the character’s lives from the start.

The Queen is the only book from James that I thought started slowly. It was really hard for me to get into the book until about Chapter 5 or 6. I kept pushing through knowing James would eventually grab my attention (he had to—all his other books did!). Once I hit the point of “getting involved”, I had a hard time putting the book down!

I think there was more about personal relationships in this book than in the others. Maybe that was the reason I had a hard time. I was expecting an explosive start and that just didn’t happen.  In prior books, the plot revolved around a serial killer and all his victims. The Queen wasn’t really about a serial killer but more about conspiracy. Maybe my expectations got the best of me. Who knows—I just know that it didn’t give me the same feeling when I read it.

By the time I got near the end, I was carrying the book with me everywhere! I couldn’t wait to see who was involved in the conspiracy although I had an idea of who it was.  Boy was I surprised!!! I’m glad I made it to the end to find out “who done it”. Now I can’t wait for the next book to come out!

Based on everything, I would give The Queen 4 out 5 stars. Mr James always delivers—sometimes more than others—and I always recommend his writing to other booklovers.

Read an excerpt and find out for yourself! You’ll have to have this book!

I received this book free from Revell as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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

About the Author

Critically acclaimed author Steven James has written more than twenty books, including The Pawn, The Rook, The Knight, and The Bishop, all part of the bestselling thriller series The Bowers Files. The Pawn is the basis of a TV series currently in development. One of the nation's most innovative storytellers, Steven developed his skill as a performer at East Tennessee State University (MA in storytelling). He lives in Tennessee with his wife and three daughters.

Jest....It waits no longer by David Warren

Spine-Tingling!! Mesmerizing!

From the Publisher

Nicole Carzon is an average, young college student, trying to cope with everyday life and an alcoholic father. Life has not been easy since her mother left; in reality, it was the source of the problem. Nevertheless, everything changed the day she received the letter. Her grandfather, having been estranged with his own son for years, shocks everyone when he bypasses her father and names Nicole as heir to his castle in England.

With an angry father and the summer off, Nicole and her friends decide now is the perfect time to fly overseas and meet with her late grandfather’s solicitor, Andrew Willis. Once they arrive, they are overwhelmed with the history and nostalgia pulsating from the 600-year-old Bodlum Castle. However, as Nicole and her friends soon come to realize, this castle has an ancient occupant. One that has been lying dormant and patiently waiting for hundreds of years…

It waits no longer……

My Take

Jest….it waits no longer starts out as an innocuous story about a sick old man and a group of college kids looking for their trip of a lifetime. Disneyworld would have been a much better choice…….

David Warren definitely has a talent for spinning a sweet little tale into a spine-tingling thriller. His writing keeps the reader mesmerized in the activities going on at Bodlum Castle—putting the book down is next to impossible. I had no idea when I started Jest that I would rush through my life just so I could get back to the book. I made up excuses so I could sit down and turn some pages, especially near the end.

Reading is my passion so I have read a ton of thrillers and most of the time I have either an idea who the killer is or can eliminate “suspects”.  I thought I had the killer all figured out in Jest—all the way to the last 10 pages. Needless to say I was completely shocked when the real killer, and the reasons for the killings, was revealed. When I finally put the book down, I had to sit for a minute just to take it all in!

This book undeniably rates 5 out of 5 stars. Mr Warren is an author to watch—he is certainly an up-and-comer in the literary world. I, for one, can’t wait for the second book in the series Jest 2: Welcome Home.
 

Brighton Publishing has provided me with a complimentary copy of Jest in exchange for my personal, unbiased review.

About the Author

David Warren first started writing at the age of nine after he discovered Franklin W Dixon’s Hardy Boys Series. Some of David’s mystery stories appeared in the local school newspaper. As he grew older so did his writing tastes and soon Stephen King and Dean Koontz replaced his adolescent heroes of Frank and Joe Hardy. 

He was born and raised in southern New Jersey but now resides in Blandon, Pennsylvania with his wife and three young children. When he’s not writing, you can find David spending time with his family or curled up with a good book. Jest is his first published novel.

David Warren wants to hear from you!

Amber Grey: Calm Before the Storm by Jennifer Coalwell

Captivating!! Riveting!! Mesmerizing!!

From the Publisher

Tom and Dara Grey knew their baby daughter was special when she entered the world on a hot, muggy morning in June. A delightful child, Amber possessed the ability to brighten any room with her mere presence. But, when her mother began to notice the correlation between unexplainable weather changes and the baby’s moods, she realized it was so much more. Dara observed how lightning flashed at the child’s cry, rain fell with her tears, and the atmosphere seemed to glow when Amber expressed joy. Tom was enchanted with his new daughter, but refused to admit he knows why Amber holds this incredible link with the skies.

Amber Grey bears the burden of this extraordinary connection because she trails a long line of gift possessors who, for generations, have sought to protect the rights and freedoms of the human race. Despite her efforts to control her thoughts and to hide behind a mask of normalcy, her abilities are discovered and she is cruelly betrayed, becoming the victim of a vicious witch hunt. Pulled into a thousand year old conflict between the Protectors and the Misusers, she learns it is the power behind her choices that will lead her friends and family to safety—or to death.

It is inevitable that Amber’s power will be unleashed against dark and elusive enemies, but will she discover the secrets of her nature in time? The storm is coming . . .

My Take

". . . it is never the task of the oppressed to change for the oppressor . . . in other words, we live our lives giving mankind the best we have to offer, and if our best offends another, we cannot change it—nor should we. It is a part of us . . . it is what makes us who we are."  Amber Grey: Calm Before the Storm

Amber Grey: Calm Before the Storm definitely has it all – fantasy, thriller, action & adventure, romance, historical fiction, comedy, and plenty of twists and turns. It’s a fantastic young-adult novel because of its imaginative and exciting story line. You can’t be sure what’s around the next corner for Amber.

When I first picked up this book and saw it had a fantasy themed plot, I was skeptical since that’s not my usual genre. However, after the first chapter, I was hooked! It was hard to put it down—I took my Nook with me everywhere because I was so absorbed in it. Even if I only had 5 minutes to read before an appointment, Amber was with me.

We all have our own “special gifts”—maybe not quite as flamboyant as Amber’s—that are given to us at birth. The challenge, as with Amber, is to use those gifts in a way to better ourselves, others, and possibly the world. Even a simple, small gift as being able to make others smile is a contribution to society. The trick is to find that gift within yourself, grow it, and use it in a positive manner—exactly the way Amber was taught to use her “special gift”.

The ending of the book (read it to find out!!!) was certainly not what I was expecting! But it’s made me want to learn more about Amber and her gifted journey. I’m really looking forward to Book 2—Amber Grey: The Lost City.  Hopefully it comes out soon so I can dive right in!

I’m giving this one a 5 out of 5 stars – it’s definitely a “must read” for young adults (and ahem…older adults….) with active imaginations and a yearning to read.

Brighton Publishing has provided me with a complimentary copy of  Amber Grey: Calm Before the Storm in exchange for my personal, unbiased review.

About the Author

Jennifer Coalwell was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and attended a French immersion school until her high school years. In her education, she focused primarily on language art, and, ultimately, music.

“Writing has always been like breathing, to me,” she says. “In another perspective, I see each sentence mimicking a musical phrase, defined by balance and beauty, carrying with it the power to alter or enhance opinions and ideas.”

She’s built small businesses encompassing piano and music instruction, catering, and co-boutique ownership. Over the years, she and her family have hosted a myriad of foreign students, inviting the Chinese, Russian, Ukrainian, and Japanese cultures and—what she describes as—truly wonderful children and adults to their home.

J. L. Coalwell lives among the Rocky Mountains in Utah with her husband and five children.

The Brotherhood by Jerry B. Jenkins

From the Publisher

Boone Drake has it made. He’s a young cop rising rapidly through the ranks of the Chicago Police Department. He has a beautiful wife and a young son, a nice starter house, a great partner, and a career plan that should land him in the Organized Crime Division within five years. Everything is going right. Until everything goes horribly wrong. His personal life destroyed and his career and future in jeopardy, Boone buries himself in guilt and bitterness as his life spirals out of control. But when he comes face-to-face with the most vicious gang leader Chicago has seen in decades, he begins to realize that God is a God of second chances and can change the hardest heart . . . and forgive the worst of crimes.

My Take

Thought provoking!! Powerful life lessons! Unexpected plot resolution!

Jerry B. Jenkins has started a new police thriller series in the Precinct 11 novels. The first installment, The Brotherhood, introduces us to Boone Drake as a young go-getter cop who wants to impede gang activities on his beat. He and his partner, Jack Keller, work the night shift and put their lives on the line each and every night. When he’s moved to the day shift, he’s not home when a tragic accident hits his family.

Boone has to make the unimaginable decision to keep his wife alive or let her go. His guilt and sorrow so deeply affects him that he questions his life and faith. How can God allow such bad things happen to such good (and devoted) people? While he questions God’s actions, his bitterness grows. Jenkins asks the hard questions and makes the reader really think about their own faith—he doesn’t provide a cliché explanation like so many other Christian novels do. The lesson I took from this is to cherish each and every day with your loved ones because you never know when God will call them home.

Fast forward to a year later……Boone’s partner is up for promotion in the Organized Crime Unit and Boone wants to follow him to bring down the gangs, drug lords, and the “mob”. Why should these lowlifes live to kill while his faithful family is destroyed? Why should these criminals be rewarded for their evil ways? Again, Jenkins allows the reader to dig deep and reflect on their own beliefs without providing a pat answer.

The Brotherhood dives right in to gang and mob activities that are probably more real-life than we care to admit. Boone works with one of the high ranking gangbangers who has turned his life over to God and wants to atone for his sins. Seeing the change in this criminal helps lead Boone back to the Father he once knew. Although Boone is skeptical about God’s plans, he realizes there’s a reason for those plans and a reason that certain people come into your life. A second lesson I learned is that God knows what he’s doing and it’s not our job to question His plans for us.

The book has an interesting plot and Christian theme. I’ve never read any of Jenkins’ other works (Left Behind series in particular) so I didn’t quite know what to expect. I liked the way he integrated Christian beliefs without being cheesy or preachy. It was also kind of an eye-opener to frightening organized crime activities that are out there.

That said, I did have a couple issues with the book. Not that I want to discount the tragedy with Boone’s family, but it took up the first 200 pages of the book. Personally I thought the organized crime case should have been more developed. Also, there was a jump in the time line that I thought should have been included—the year between the tragedy and the beginning of Boone’s move to the organized crime division is pretty well glossed over. However, even with those issues, the book was still interesting and unexpected (no spoiler here!). I couldn’t wait to get through the last few chapters just to see how it all ended!

I give The Brotherhood 4 out of 5 stars!

Would you like a copy of The Brotherhood? Leave me a comment & you can have a chance to win a gift certificate for your own free copy!

I received this book free from Tyndale Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (January 24, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1414309224