No Where To Turn by Lynette Eason

The day Danielle Harding takes her 11-year-old son, Simon, and flees from her abusive husband, is the same day Kurt Harding dies. A relieved Dani believes she and her son are finally safe; but in reality, the danger has just begun. When Kurt was alive, he took something important to a mysterious person. That person wants the item back and believes Dani now has it. As she and her son run for their lives, they have nowhere to turn, until she hires Adam Buchanan of Operation Refuge and goes into hiding. Unfortunately, she won't be able to hide for long . . .

With three great series either finished or beginning, Lynette Eason is making her mark in the Christian Suspense genre.  Every 8 months or so I start looking out for the next novel from this talented author, and I’ve not been disappointed once.  This is the second book in the “Hidden Identity” series.  I would recommend that you read them in the correct order to understand all of the back information.

What seems to be the answer to her prayers, Danielle finally seems to be free from Kurt, her abusive husband.  Then the other shoe drops and she finds out that he husband was not only abusive to her and her son, he was also keeping someone from a mysterious person.  Even with Kurt dead, this person is not going to stop before he gets what he wants.  Running for her life and doing everything she can to keep her son safe, Dani turns to Operation Refuge and goes into hiding.  Is Kurt really dead or just in hiding?  Is Dani able to keep the mysterious person from harming her family?  What is the item they’re looking for and where is it?  Dani may not have “No Where To Turn”, but you need to turn around now and GO BUY THIS BOOK!!!

BOOM!!  That’s exactly how this book starts out and never turns you lose.  I found myself rooting for Dani, glad that she seemed to always stay a step ahead of danger.  Feeling my heart beat faster as the tension and suspense would mount.  That’s my opinion of a great book.  One that I can lose myself in and become so wrapped up in that it feels like I’m a part of the story, not just reading one.  Lynette has once again created that experience for me, and I’m sure she will do the same to you once you pick up one of her books. 

Is this a "Man’s Book"?   If you’re looking for never ending suspense, page after page of excitement and something to fill up your next 8 hours, then this is a book that you must run right out and buy now!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series and the Deadly Reunions series, as well as No One to Trust. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She has a master's degree in education from Converse College and she lives in South Carolina. Learn more at
www.lynetteeason.com

Slave Again by Alana Terry

Special Discount ~ Limited Time Only

Special Time-Sensitive Giveaway! The first 25 readers who enter the giveaway below will receive a free audiobook from award-winning author Alana Terry. She's also giving away a $100 amazon card, a hundred free audio downloads, and a free ebook to anyone who signs up! 

About Slave Again: After escaping a North Korean prison camp, Mee-Kyong is hustled over the border and sold into the Chinese underworld. She vows to survive, but sheer determination and willpower won’t save her this time. Is she fated to remain a slave forever?

Slave Again is a Christian suspense novel from award-winning author Alana Terry, whose debut novel, The Beloved Daughter, won awards from Women of Faith, Grace Awards, The Book Club Network, and Readers' Favorite.

NEW BOOK RELEASE: Slave Again by Alana Terry is hot off the press, and both the ebook and paperback are at a steep (30-60%) discount!! Prices will go up soon, so grab your copy today.

 Slave Again book trailer (contains one mildly violent image)

About the Author: Alana is passionate about human-rights issues in North Korea and has devoted her writing to raise both awareness and funds to help North Korean refugees find freedom and safety. You can learn more about her work with Liberty in North Korea at alanaterry.com/link.

Check out Slave Again now before the price goes up, and don't forget to enter the giveaway!


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Words of Conviction by Linda White

     There’s nothing as convicting as words that threaten your daughter’s life. You want your kid back? Do just as I say. You do not know who I am. But I’ve studied you, you and your family. I’ve been watching you. You’ve been using people. Because you’re greedy. Now, it’s payback time. Terrifying for any parent, these words are especially grim for Senator Bruce Grable, whose guilt may be the reason his five-year-old daughter, Zoe, has disappeared. Or is it because of his wife, whose words make her sound more the victim than their daughter? Or their nanny, whose silence harbors her own secrets? One thing is for sure: The words hold the clues to finding Zoe alive. And it’s up to Special Agent Mackenzie Graham, a forensic psycholinguist, and FBI agent John Crowfeather to decode the messages in time.

     Have you ever eaten something at a restaurant that’s touted as “for a limited time only”?  They’ve offered McRib sandwiches at McDonalds on a limited basis, and the pretzel burger at Wendys has been for a limited time.  Isn’t it exciting when you hear that one of these items are “back”?  Back in 2005, I picked up a book for the church library called “Bloody Point”.  I devoured it.  I couldn’t wait until the author came out with a new book……… It took 8 years for that to happen.  Last year Linda White was back with her first book in 8 years called “Seeds of Evidence” and she was just as exciting as ever.  Now, I have “Words of Conviction” to pour through.  This is one happy guy right here J

     Special Agent MacKenzie (Kenzie) Graham has just finished taking down Senator Grable in a sting to catch him taking bribes.  A successful win for the system and a chance to wind down from all of the intense work is interrupted with the notification that the Senator’s daughter has just been kidnapped.  Kenzie must now work side by side with Senator Grable as they track down the clues to where his daughter may be and who may have kidnapped her.  Using her expertise in linguistics, Kenzie works on baiting the kidnapper through an online bulletin board system.  Late word from the family doctor that his daughter has diabetes ratchets the situation up several notches.  Who is behind this kidnapping and what do they want? Can Kenzie read into the messages to convince the kidnapper to keep the girl safe? Do they find the girl before her diabetes takes over? Put away the dictionary and go BUY THIS BOOK!!!

     To say that this book is a great book is like saying the Eiffel Tower is a great landmark.  This book does what I enjoy most in a great work of fiction, it teaches me at the same time that it entertains me.  I’ve always been fascinated by words and word usage, guess that’s why I’ve always been a voracious reader.  In the character of Kenzie, we see some of the inner workings of wordsmithing and how what we say really can tell more than just what’s on the surface.  The characters in this book aren’t all Christians, but they have a regular interaction with someone that is.  The story is very fast-paced, even considering that a lot of what the book is about it the waiting game concerning a kidnapping.  There is enough going on in the side stories that tie everything together to keep it moving.  I will say that I didn’t really like Kenzie, she seemed a bit aloof, but in the end I found out that her traits were a result of who she was and the environment she was raised in, but that with the right motivation everyone can overcome their past. 

     Is this a "guy's book"?  If you consider a book concerning bribery stings, kidnappings, motorcycles and more to be books that guys would enjoy, then yes, this is definitely a guy’s book.  Throw in suspense and intrigue and murder, oh my!  You’ve got the makings of a great work of Christian fiction.

Linda was nice enough to sit down with us a minute and answer a couple of questions:

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

Jeremiah 29:11—“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (ESV)

  Over thirty years ago, when I was just barely a believer, I was in a really dark spot. Discouraged and disheartened, I despaired of ever feeling happy again. Uncharacteristically one day I was watching a TV evangelist, and he quoted that verse.  That promise sounded so good to me! But I could not have told you where Jeremiah was for the life of me, nor could I remember the verse number! My huge, thin-page Laymen’s Parallel Bible lay nearby. I walked over to it and flipped it open … straight to Jeremiah 29:11. I felt like God was speaking to me and encouraging me. I’ve clung to Jeremiah 29:11 ever since.

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?

My mission statement is “spreading a passion for Christ through White-knuckle fiction.” I want my readers to enjoy a great story in which they see the grace of God infusing our fallen world. Why? Because that’s real life. We live in a dark, dark world, but God is present, working out his purposes, and his glory is evident if we just look for it.

Besides writing, what are some of your favorite hobbies? 

I love the beach, and I also love training dogs. Right now, I have a Sheltie with whom I working in Rally Obedience. She’s also almost a certified therapy dog.

What advice would you give to a beginning writer?

Persist, and keep your priorities straight. Persistence is key—it isn’t easy to break into this industry. But don’t let publication become an idol: the goal is to know Christ, and sometimes setbacks are a better way to do that. So “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33 ESV)

Favorite memory from childhood?

Walking home from elementary school and embarrassing my older sister: I had read and re-read Albert Payson Terhune’s books about his Sunnybank collies, and I wanted to learn to whistle really loudly so I could call my collies some day. (Our dad was allergic so we couldn’t have dogs.) Learning to whistle that way takes a lot of blubbering and Karen was mortified! Today, she and I joke about it—and I use that whistle to call my Sheltie!

Favorite comfort food?

Oh, goodness: Chocolate anything!

About The Author

     Linda J. White writes "white-knuckle fiction," FBI thrillers with a twist of faith (shaken, not stirred). Her goal in life is to keep readers up all night turning pages. Born in Washington, D.C., her great aunt dated J. Edgar Hoover. A national-award winning journalist, Linda lives in rural Virginia now, near the FBI Academy where her husband worked for 27 years. They have three grown kids, two grandkids, two cats, and a Sheltie who tries to keep everyone moving in the same direction. When she's not writing, Linda loves being with her family, at the beach, or doing something (anything) with dogs.

You Can Connect with Linda Here:
Facebook
Twitter
GoodReads
Linda's Webpage

Firewall by DiAnn Mills

After a whirlwind romance, Taryn Young is preparing to board a plane at Houston International Airport, bound for a dream honeymoon, when a bomb decimates the terminal. Injured but still alive, she awakens to discover her husband is missing and they’re both considered prime suspects in the attack. Further, the FBI is convinced her husband isn’t who he appears to be.

Agent Grayson Hall’s number-one priority is to catch those responsible for the day’s act of terror. All evidence is pointing to Taryn and her new husband. But his instinct tells him her pleas of innocence are genuine. Is her naiveté just for show, or could she truly be another victim of a master scheme, possibly linked to the software she recently developed for her company?

With both their lives and reputations on the line, and the media outcry for justice increasing with each passing minute, Taryn and Grayson have no choice but to trust one another . . . and pray they can uncover the truth before they become two more casualties.

What do you get when you mix a best-selling author of over 25 fiction and non-fiction books with a terrific plot and an unforgettable cast of characters?  Why, you get the “Firewall” by DiAnn Mills.  And let me tell you, you won’t want to pass this one up! 

There’s nothing more exciting than getting ready to board an airplane for your honeymoon.  Sometimes, during that excitement, nature takes over and a restroom break is needed.  In this instance, nature was the only thing that kept Taryn from being one of those killed in the deadly explosion at the airport.  After she comes to, not only is she trying to figure out what happened, she’s trying to find what happened to her new husband.  Agent Grayson Hall finds all of the evidence against Taryn and her husband to be a slam-dunk to solving this heinous crime.  His instincts, though, tell him something different.  As Taryn begins to uncover clues that may point to her husband being a completely different person then she thought she had married, she must turn to Agent Hall and hope that they can work together to solve this mystery.  Did her husband have something to do with the explosion? Can Taryn and Agent Hall work together or will he find evidence against her as well?  Is Taryn safe or is someone still after her?  Put away your fertilizer and go BUY THIS BOOK!!

I guess the thing that keeps me interested in a good book is one that is very fast paced.  “Firewall” is one that has that kind of a pace.  Starting you with the airport explosion and then weaving you through plot twist after plot twist, this book never gives you a chance to catch your breath.  Although there is some minor romance in this book, it is more of a passing part of the story, not enough to give a second look or to worry about.  I loved the character of Taryn and the tenaciousness that she showed as she tried to get to the bottom of the mystery.  The turmoil of Agent Grayson as he reconciled his job and the evidence with his gut instincts was interesting.  I enjoyed the witty banter that the author threw in between the characters.  It not only showed a human side of them but provided some much needed comic relief and a chance to catch my own breath every once in a while.

Is this a "guy's book"?  Yes, Yes and YES!!  Explosions, gun-fire, hidden identities and more will keep you turning the pages of this book well into the night.  I hope that you start this book when you don’t have anything planned for the next couple of hours, because you are sure to be glued to the chair until you finish.

About The Author

DiAnn Mills is a best-selling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She currently has more than fifty-five books published.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists and have won placements through the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Carol Awards and Inspirational Reader’s Choice awards. DiAnn won the Christy Award in 2010 and 2011.

DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Romance Writers of America, and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is also the Craftsman mentor for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild and is the 2014 president of RWA’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter.

She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

You can connect with Ms. Mills at the following locations:

 Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.  

Fatal Exchange by Lisa Harris

   

 Emily Hunt might come from a family of cops, but she never goes looking for an adrenaline rush. She lives the quiet--well, relatively quiet--life of a teacher and thrives on making a difference in the lives of her students. But she'll have to draw on a well of strength and savvy she didn't know she had as student Rafael Cerda takes her class hostage for ransom money to save his brother's life.

     Undercover cop Mason Taylor has been working with Rafael to find his brother and bring the cartel thugs who hold him to justice. Can he talk Rafael down from his impulsive actions? And is there something more sinister at work here than he realizes?

     Don’t you just LOVE finding a new author?  Lisa Harris, while maybe not a NEW author, is definitely a new one to me.  With over 25 published books to her credit, counting anthologies and her own novels, this is going to be fun picking out my next title by her.  “Fatal Exchange” is book 2 in the Southern Crimes series, with book 1 being “Dangerous Passage”.  I would strongly suggest you read the books in order so that you are aware of how the characters are connected.

     Mason Taylor, an undercover policeman, has been working diligently to keep his streets safe as well as providing needed mentoring to Rafael to keep him from going down the same path that so many in the neighborhood end up.  Emily Hunt loves her nice, safe life as a teacher.  She’ll gladly leave the adrenaline-filled life to that of her family members.  And when it comes to dating, she makes sure that is simple and organized too.  Yes, the simple life may not be for everyone, but it certainly is for Emily.  All of that changes when they are thrust together due to a hostage situation.  Rafael’s brother has been kidnapped and he’s reached out to Mason for help.  Before Mason can help, though, Rafael shows up at his classroom, Emily’s room, with a gun demanding 2 million dollars in cash.  As the situation goes from bad to worse, Mason and Emily have to work together to diffuse this explosive situation.  Afterward, just when they think it’s all over, there’s another kidnapping.  This time, though, it’s personal.  They’ve grabbed Emily’s niece and the time is running out.  What happened to Rafael?  Is Emily the next target? Can Mason keep all of them safe?  Don’t wait for the bell to ring, go BUY THIS BOOK!!!

     As a man, a little romance is more than enough sometimes.  Ms. Harris is labeled as Romantic Suspense, a title that doesn’t scare me off at first glance.  Not having read her other books yet, I would put this book more in the Suspense rather than Romantic Suspense, but who am I to quibble.  Ms. Harris provides you with plenty of depth to her characters, showing you flaws and concerns as the story progresses.  She gives you enough of the backstory as you go through the book that you never seem overwhelmed with trying to remember all of the story at once.  The plot line is believable with enough of a twist every so often to keep you reading well into the night.  The story is wrapped up tightly all the while leaving you with hopes of a new book in the series.

     Is this a "guy's book"?  Putting aside any remnants of romance, this book would definitely be the kind of book that any guy needs to read.  Kidnapping, hostages, gun battles and more, this story has all of the makings of a perfect book for any guy.

Lisa gave us a couple of minutes of her valuable time to respond to a couple of questions:

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

My favorite verse changes with seasons of my life. Currently I’ve been thinking a lot about persevering no matter what, like Paul talks about in Philippians 3:12-14. “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. . . Forgetting what is behind, and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?

I want my stories to not just entertain, but to inspire. I want my readers to enjoy the journey, and for that journey to spark a discovery within them about who they are, or maybe who they want to be. And I want it to be a way as well to make them think about God and people around them differently.

Besides writing, what are some of your favorite hobbies? 

I love trying out new recipes and taking photos in the African bush!

What advice would you give to a beginning writer?

Never give up! I learned early on that writing isn’t for the faint of hard. It’s a journey, a long-term commitment full of highs and lows. There will be days you won’t feel inspired. Write anyway. There will be days you get one of those not-so-fun rejections letter. Keep writing anyway. And when it does get tough, try and rediscover your love for writing. Remember what inspired you to start. Remember the joy of creating characters and stories and emotions on the page. And then keep writing!

Favorite memory from childhood?

Sitting high up in a tree in our back yard and reading. I think I always had my nose in a book!

Favorite comfort food?

Homemade tapioca pudding!

About The Author

I’m a wife, mom,  teacher, author, dreamer, photographer, but most importantly a follower of Christ Jesus.

I currently live with my husband, Scott, near the Indian Ocean in Mozambique as church-planting missionaries. Two of our three children are attending a missionary boarding school, while I homeschool our daughter.

 

As a homeschooling mom, life is never dull, but I see my writing as an extension of my ministry which also includes running a non-profit organization. 

The ECHO Project works in southern Africa promoting Education, Compassion, Health, and Opportunity and is a way for us to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” (Proverbs 31:8)

When I’m not working l love hanging out with my family at the beach,  playing games, cooking different ethnic dishes, and heading into the African bush on safari. 

I received this book from the publisher in partnership with the Book Fun Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

Seagrass Pier by Colleen Coble

When Elin Summerall contracted a virus that damaged her heart, she was lucky to get a transplant. At first it was an overwhelmingly good gift. But then she began to remember a murder she never witnessed—the murder of her heart's donor.

When she reveals what she knows to a disbelieving police officer, she's exposed as a witness and must flee for her life to a remote cottage on Hope Beach.

Fearing what might happen to her daughter and mother, she asks Marc Everton for help, though she hasn't seen him since the night her father died. She remembers that night with shame, and she never told Marc about their daughter.

Marc is less than convinced that Elin's "memories" are real. He is blindsided by the news about his daughter, but for her sake, he agrees to help. Then he begins to notice the small ways Elin is different. She now likes coffee, her musical tastes have changed, and she's ditched her jeans and sneakers for dresses and high heels.

As Elin tries to stay alive and bring the killer to justice, she begins to doubt her own identity. Did her new heart save her life only to cause her to lose herself? And if she's really changed, why does her new heart love Marc just as much as her old one did?

“Never judge a book by its cover”.  This is a great quote that we have all heard for a long time.  I believe that quote fits this book perfectly, as judging by its cover, I think this is a book that a lot of men would overlook.  If you did, though, you would be missing a pretty terrific story.

Elin has had a difficult life between her father dying, her husband dying and being diagnosed with heart disease.  The only good thing has been being able to get a heart transplant.  That is, until she starts “seeing” scenes from a murder that she never witnessed, the actual murder of the person who’s heart now resides in her chest.  Making statements to the police about her visions only causes her to look crazy, something she doesn’t want to put her daughter through.  As a result, she moves to Hope Beach and there she runs into Marc who has heard about her visions and reaches out to see if there’s more to them then what he’s been hearing.  Running into Marc was the last thing Elin wanted.  Not only did he elicit bad memories of the night her father died, but also the fact that he is the father to her daughter, a fact she never let him know.  As they work together to find out what her memories mean and if they are truly memories from the murder, they find their feelings for each other rekindling.  Throw in an equally great storyline with Marc’s cousin, Sara, and the suspense never ends.  Are the memories really from her heart donor? What troubles can Sara get into? Can they track down the killer before its too late?  Shake off the sand and go BUY THIS BOOK!!!!

This genre of “Romantic Suspense” is getting under my skin.  I do like me some suspense, but I guess that I’m also getting to be a closet romantic.  This is the third book in the Hope Beach series.  While they may have been written as stand alone, there are characters that you reconnect with from each book.  The suspense is accelerator to floor excitement that never lets up once.  While I’m not 100% sure about some of the “coincidences” that happened for plot lines, but they weren’t so overtly unrealistic that they detracted from the story.  The romance is pretty evenly distributed throughout the book but it does wind up with a typical ending.

Is this a "guy's book"?  If you rank the suspense from 1 to 10 with 10 being the most suspenseful novel ever, I would rate this as a 7.  Some great suspense blended with touches of romance will make this book one that should be added to your “needs to be read” pile.

About The Author

Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. 

You can connect with Ms. Coble at the following locations:

Colleen's Website
Twitter
Facebook

Don’t miss Colleen Coble‘s latest release in the Hope Beach series, Seagrass Pier. The book releases July 1st, and Colleen's publisher is offering the ebook at a special pre-order price of just $4.99 between now and 6/30 everywhere ebooks are sold.

PLUS . . . between 6/9 – 6/30 Colleen will be hosting a Kindle giveaway.

One winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire HDX
• Seagrass Pier and the rest of the Hope Beach series by Colleen Coble

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 30th. Winner will be announced on Colleen's blog on July 1st.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning and be sure to stop by Colleen's blog on July 1st to see if you won!

I received this book from the publisher and Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my honest opinion.  

Sky Zone by Creston Mapes

Jack and Pamela Crittendon have hit the breaking point. After months out of work as a reporter, Jack is playing Mr. Mom and working part-time at Festival Arena with his survivalist friend Brian Shakespeare. Meanwhile, Pamela has gone back to work full-time while eight months pregnant. Having her recently widowed mother on hand isn't making matters any easier.

With financial pressures boiling, Jack reports for duty at a rally for controversial presidential candidate Martin Sterling where he expects a mindless night on the job. But when Homeland Security picks up intel about a potential terrorist threat, Jack and Shakespeare are thrust into a life-or-death battle to save their own lives--and the lives of thousands of innocent people

Who doesn’t love a triple treat?  3 scoops of ice cream or 3 different types of seafood or pasta on your plate.  Yes, the world is a much better place when you get to enjoy them in threes.  And not you get that in the reading world as well.  The third book in the Crittendon files by Creston Mapes is out just a few short months after the second book was released.  This will make for some terrific Summertime reading if you haven’t read any books in this series.  Yes, I will admit it openly and proudly that I just finished both of these books this past weekend.  The second book, “Poison Town”, has been in my To Be Read pile since it came out, but I always had something else to pick up to read instead.  When I got my copy of “Sky Zone”, I knew that I had a great weekend of reading planned, I just had to find the right weekend.  This weekend was it, and I wasn’t the least bit disappointed

Jack Crittendon is back in the third installment of the Crittendon Files.  We pick up the story that Jack has now been laid off as the newspaper he worked for has succumbed to the economy and shut their doors.  With work scarce to come by, this puts the full-time work back onto his wife, Pam.  Pam, now 8 months pregnant, is also maneuvering around her recently widowed mother and making sure that she is taken care of.  Jack, in order to get some kind of work, signs up for a rally of presidential candidate Martin Sterling featuring a well-known Christian musician.  His hopes of spending a quiet night at the rally ends when terrorists take over the arena.  Can Jack and his friend Brian team up to stop the terrorists before its too late?  How does Pam figure into this mess?  Haven’t I seen that Christian musician before?  Take off your earphones and run to your nearest bookstore and go BUY THIS ENTIRE SERIES!!!

Do you ever finish a book and just wonder how the author does it?  How does an author put together not one book, but three books that contain such great writing and intrigue, that you can never get enough?  In this last book from Creston Mapes in the Crittendon Files, Creston gives us a novel that is current in its theme and relevant to society today.  As we grapple with emotions over terrorism and how it can change our everyday lives, he provides us with a book that is emotionally engaging and spiritually inspiring   I always try to find a moral or a thought to live by out of each of Creston’s stories.  In this story, I feel that he is reminding us of the importance of living out our faith because people are watching us and realizing that what is the most important in life is right in front of us at all times.  This is fast-paced fiction with plenty of twisting and turning and more hair-raising adventures. I'm fairly certain that this will be one book that you won’t be able to put down.

Is this a "guy's book"?  This is another great “guy’s books” by Creston that should be in every guy’s pile of books to read.  With terrorists, adventures, and continuous intrigue this is one book that you will be glad you picked up.

About The Author

Creston Mapes is the author of the #1 Amazon bestselling Christian fiction mystery, Nobody, along with the bestselling Christian fiction thrillers Fear Has a Name, Dark Star and Full Tilt. His early years as a reporter inspire many of his novels.

A journalist, copywriter, and editor, Creston works from his home-office in Atlanta for some of the nation's top media companies, Christian ministries, and nationally-recognized corporations, including Chick-fil-A, Coke, ABC-TV, and The Weather Channel. In addition to Creston's novels and freelance writing, he has ghostwritten and edited seven non-fiction titles.

Creston is married to his hometown sweetheart, Patty. They have a close-knit family, with four great children, several pets, and a growing number of cars.

I received this book from the publisher in partnership with the Book Fun Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

Poison Town by Creston Mapes

     People are sick and dying. Rumors are swirling. Some claim chemicals leaking from a manufacturing plant are causing the cancer that's crippling people on the poor side of Trenton City, Ohio. Yet nothing at the plant appears amiss. The problem remains a mystery until reporter Jack Crittendon's long-time mechanic falls ill and he investigates. Soon Jack becomes engulfed in a smokescreen of lies, setups, greed, and scandal. The deeper he digs, the more toxic the corruption he uncovers. As he faces off with the big-time players behind the scenes and tries to beat the clock before more people die, he realizes the chillingly unthinkable-he knows too much.

     Jack Crittendon is back in the second book in the Crittendon Files.  And if reading this book doesn’t whet your appetite, the third book in the series, “Sky Zone” is already out as well.  Some great Summer reading is coming your way.  These books are meant to be stand-alone books and the author does a good job of including history and back story to give the story a more steamlined feel.  But why not just buy them all!

     Fresh off of “Fear Has A Name”, Jack Crittendon is back in this new thriller.  Jack is still drifting away from God due to the circumstances he and his family faced in the first book (no, I won’t tell you so that you can buy that book, too!)  His work is suffering as he struggles along.  A friend of his becomes ill and Jack attaches onto the illness as a much needed shot in the arm as an investigation.  As he continues to dig, he finds more mysterious illnesses that seem to be connected to the manufacturing plant on the poor side of town.  There’s a lot at stake as the investigation exposes greed and corruption concerning some several big players in the area.  Is there a correlation between this plant and the cancer in the town?  Does Jack’s friend recover from the illness? How far will Jack go to get to the bottom of this conspiracy? Can Jack finally forgive himself for what happened to his family?  Put down the newspaper and go BUY THIS BOOK!!!

     I love picking up a book that is filled with solid writing and with plot pacing that carries it smoothly from the start to finish.  Creston Mapes beautifully blends Christian themes with a great investigative novel that isn’t preachy, but is a page-turner which shows every day Christian struggles with faith and family issues. When you mix in characters that grapple with very real issues such as forgiveness you get a book that is very powerful.  Once you start this book, you won't want to put it down until you've turned the last page.  As a disclaimer, the author is not responsible for the other areas of your life that you neglect while you read this book.  So chose a nice weekend to begin to read because this book will have you hanging on right to the end.

     Is this a "guy's book"?  This book, in my opinion, is the essential book that every Christian man needs to read.  Yes, yes, I know that there is a great plot and subplot involved too, but it always spreads the message that even as Christian men we struggle with things daily.  Our weakness isn’t in asking someone else to help us as we struggle through these times, but our weakness is in not asking for help.   

About The Author

     Creston Mapes is the author of the #1 Amazon bestselling Christian fiction mystery, Nobody, along with the bestselling Christian fiction thrillers Fear Has a Name, Dark Star and Full Tilt. His early years as a reporter inspire many of his novels.

     A journalist, copywriter, and editor, Creston works from his home-office in Atlanta for some of the nation's top media companies, Christian ministries, and nationally-recognized corporations, including Chick-fil-A, Coke, ABC-TV, and The Weather Channel. In addition to Creston's novels and freelance writing, he has ghostwritten and edited seven non-fiction titles.

     Creston is married to his hometown sweetheart, Patty. They have a close-knit family, with four great children, several pets, and a growing number of cars.

You Can Connect with Creston Here:

Facebook

Twitter

Creston's Webpage

Blind Trust by Sandra Orchard

Kate Adams had no idea she was carrying counterfeit money, and she can't believe that it came from her sweet neighbor. Or that it lands her in the middle of another one of Detective Tom Parker's investigations. Determined to prove her neighbor's innocence, Kate stumbles into a pit of intrigue that is far deeper than a two-bit counterfeit operation--and strikes too close to home for comfort. As family secrets come to light, her world--and her budding romance with Tom--begin to crumble. To Kate, it's clear that she won't be safe until she uncovers all of Port Aster's secrets. But is it too late for her and Tom?

It’s always fun, to me, in meeting new authors through different book banters or book chats.  Last year, I was lucky enough to “meet” Sandra Orchard, the author behind last year’s popular book, “Deadly Devotion”.  It was during that chat that Sandra agreed to send me the second book in the series, “Blind Trust”, closer to its release date this year.  Finally, release date is here and I have the book in hand. 

Kate Adams is back, and this time it appears that she is circulating counterfeit $10 bills around Port Aster.  Detective Tom Parker is called in to head the investigation and right away things don’t seem to add up.  Kate may be a lot of things, but a counterfeiter is not one of them.  The investigation continues and the twists and turns come around every corner.  In a side story, Kate’s neighbor is continuing to exhibit bizarre mental behavior and her son is in town pushing for her to be taken to a “home” for her own safety.  As Kate continues nosing around the son, things seem as if his intentions aren’t as true as he lets on.  The mayor is still negotiating to bring GCP Pharmaceuticals to town, a move that will bring a lot of high paying jobs to Port Aster.  Kate is seen as standing in the way as her investigation doesn’t look well and her findings may spell the end of the pharmaceutical companies move.  Throw in a stalker and the suspense never ends.  Is Kate really passing the counterfeit money? What becomes of her neighbor and her son? Does the mayor land his coveted new company? Don’t take any counterfeit money with you when you GO BUY THIS BOOK!!!!

Sandra Orchard’s second book in the thrilling “Port Aster” series takes off what the same gusto as the first book in the series.  We are reintroduced to Kate and Tom, the two main characters and get to catch up several months after the end of the first book.  For this reason, I highly recommend that you read the first book in the series before tackling this second novel.  Ms. Orchard lays out a good synopsis of what happened in the first book, but for me it was much clearer having already read the first book.  There are enough Red Herrings in this book to stock even a pretty good size lake, and I took the bait on each one of them.  With several side stories running in conjunction with the main story, it would be easy to get bogged down in details and other distractions.  But not when Sandra Orchard is the author.  She handles the every fluid story lines like a pro.  While this book doesn’t wrap up completely, it does whet your appetite for the last book in the series.  Which is what I’ve always heard in a good book or movie, “Leave’em wanting more”.  Wanting more is definitely what I want.

Is this a "guy's book"?  Action, suspense, intrigue, danger and a little bit of romance.  This book has it all.  From the first page to the last, this book will take any man on a twisty-curvy path of overall enjoyment.  A must read for any man out there.

 

About The Author

Sandra Orchard is an award-winning author of inspirational romantic suspense with Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense imprint, and Revell Publishing. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America and The Word Guild (Canada). A mother of three grown children, she lives in Niagara, Canada with her real-life-hero husband and now writes full time…when not doting on her young grandchildren.  You can learn more about Sandra’s books and bonus features at www.SandraOrchard.com or connect at www.Facebook.com/SandraOrchard.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Sidetracked by Brandilyn Collins

     If you had to choose between protecting all you hold dear in your own life or saving an innocent person from going to prison what would you do?

Thirty-four-year-old Delanie Miller has fled her dark past and is now settled into a quiet life in small-town Redbud, Kentucky. She has friends, a faux "family" who lives in her house, and a loving boyfriend who may soon ask her to marry him. Her aching dream of a husband and future children are about to come true. But protecting this life of promise means keeping a low profile and guarding the truth of her past from everyone.

     The town's peace is shattered when Delanie's friend, Clara, is murdered, and Delanie finds her body. The police chief quickly zeroes in on Billy King, a simple-minded young man whom Delanie knows would never hurt Clara. She can hunt down evidence and speak out publicly against the chief only at great risk of her own exposure. But how can Delanie, who suffered such injustice in her past, keep silent now? She must find a way to uncover the real murderer yet save the life she's created the deceit-ridden life that will forever distance her true self from others and God.

     With page-turning intensity, Sidetracked hurtles between Delanie's trauma in Redbud and the chaos of her past. Those experiences forced Delanie to reinvent her present but at what cost to her future?

It has been a true pleasure over the last several years to be associated with The Book Fun Network and for the development of the Book Fun Magazine.  I always keep an eye open for any new Brandilyn Collins and was excited when this new book came up for adoption in the month of May.  I knew that I couldn’t pass this one up, course I also knew that I would be getting any sleep until it was finished.

Finding a dead body was the last thing that Delanie Miller wanted to do, check that, find the her best friend’s dead body was the last thing Delanie Miller wanted to do.  Thrust into the middle of the investigation because of what she saw that night, Delanie is being forced where she doesn’t want to be.  Can’t the police just take her statement and follow the leads?  Why is she being looked at as the bad guy just because she doesn’t believe their number 1 suspect is truly guilty.  Running concurrently to this story is another story of Laura Denton that seems to be faced with the same dilemma that Delanie sees happening.  Laura has been accused of murdering her mother, but it doesn’t seem like anything can be done to prove her innocence.  Can Delanie keep the investigation on track to ensure the right person is convicted of the crime?  Will Laura be sentenced for a murder she claims she didn’t commit?  Is there a connection between these two girls and their story lines?  Find all of the right clues so you can BUY THIS BOOK!!!

From the start, this book grabs you with the story of Delanie’s eyewitness account of finding her best friend’s body just minutes after leaving the bridal shower.  And off it goes, never letting you rest for just a moment.  The additional story line that is running about Laura Denton and her murder trial, is equally as breath-taking as you get to see her murder trial, sentencing and life behind bars.  This is like getting two great stories in one and both of them edge of your seat excitement.  These two stories are clearly explained for their connection at the end and it is truly amazing how the author has managed to put these stories together and make them end up so cleverly.  The attention to detail and plot twists make this a must read for anybody.

Is this a "guy's book"?  This is ANYBODY’s book, which makes it even sweeter.  The guy’s will enjoy the pulse-pounding, heart-throbbing suspense that reaches out from the front pages of this book never relinquishes control of you till the last page.  Make sure you have a full day to finish this, because you won’t want to put it down till your done.

About The Author

Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®--fast-paced, character-driven suspense with myriad twists and an interwoven thread of faith. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline "Don't forget to    b r e a t h e . . ."®  She also writes insightful

contemporary novels, often laced with humor. Brandilyn's first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn's awards for her novels include the ACFW Carol Award (three times), Inspirational Readers' Choice, the Inspy, Christian Retailing's Best Award, and Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice. She is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). The Writer magazine named Getting into Character one of the best books on writing published in 2002. When she's not writing, Brandilyn can be found teaching the craft of fiction at writers' conferences.

Brandilyn's Website

Brandilyn's FaceBook Page

Brandilyn's Twitter

I received this book from the publisher and the Book Fun Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest opinion.

Spirit Bridge by James Rubart

The warriors riding have battled in astounding supernatural realms. Set captives free. And awakened thousands of hearts. But now their only chance of survival depends on calling forth the spirit bridge.

Reece, Dana, Brandon, and Marcus have achieved staggering success in spiritual realms . . . but each is reeling from recent vicious attacks. They need rest. 

A break from the war.

But the warlord Zennon is raging and will give them no quarter. The demon holds what he believes is a trump card—a hidden strategy set in motion before the Warriors Riding even began—that will detonate the team from the inside out. And he’s just set it loose.

The street-magician Simon—finally free of Zennon’s alternate-reality prison—is racing to remember his past before his ignorance obliterates his destiny. Then there’s Miyo, a brash young warrior with advanced knowledge of spiritual realities and supernatural armor even Reece doesn’t know about. They will be pivotal in the final war against the Warriors Riding.

If only the Warriors knew which side Simon and Miyo are truly on.

The epic battle is coming to an end, and I for one can’t wait to see the results!  Hang on, this is going to be a wild ride.

The Warriors, back from defeating Zennon, are ready for a little R&R, or so they think.  A new Prophecy has been revealed to Reece and this one may be the one that brings the world to an end.  Simon’s world is in turmoil as he struggles to find his place in the world now that he is free from the alternate-reality that has kept him a prisoner for so long.  Brandon is still confused with his direction as the Voice and his feelings for Dana.  Marcus and Dana are still exciting over their part in the success they had in the spiritual battle against Zennon.  With this new prophecy, though, things are about to change.  Zennon is raging from his most recent defeat and will stop at nothing to gain the power to defeat the Warriors.  This time, though, there is a new Warrior and they’ve never seen anything like her.  Will Brandon ever get his voice back? What is the history of Simon and how does he fit into the battle?  Who is this mysterious new Warrior and where did she come from?  Run across the bridge and BUY THIS BOOK!!

I feel like saying that Jim Rubart continues to amaze me, but I feel like that would do a disservice to this great writer.  I shouldn’t be amazed that he continues to impress me or that he continues to fill my head with great Fiction.  From the first book that I read by him (“Rooms”) to this one, each one is definitely getting better and better and cements my “Favorite Author” nomination (Yeah, yeah, it’s all in my head, but ok since no one’s really listening).  I continue to enjoy how his characters have everyday conversations with Him, just like they are old friends.  But I also love that his characters are fallible (just like me) but are continuously loved by our Father.  The story line is finally wrapped up in this final book clearly and concise, but not to such a point that he can’t bring us a reunion book later in life (hint, hint Mr. Rubart!) 

Is this a "guy's book"?  This book, this whole series, heck, anything written by Jim Rubart is a definite “guy’s book” and should be read, reread and read again.  If there are any men out there looking for a book for their book club, this series of books is the best series to start with.  The intrigue, the stress, the spiritual battle, the fallacy of the human mind, are all wrapped up into a great book that every man should read.

About The Author

After an early rejection in the 8^th grade, I listened to the lie that had its deep in my heart, “You Can’t Write”.

I believed the lie. But the dream refused to die throughout my teens. I subscribed to Writer’s Digest magazine. I dabbled in short stories. In my 20s I even went to a few one-day writing seminars. But I never showed my writing to anyone.

Then in 2002, my wife announced she was going on a fast. Why? She didn’t know. How long? Same answer. After two and a half days a light bulb exploded over my head as I rode next to my wife in our car. I felt God say, “I’ve given you the skill and desire to write, when are you going to step into your destiny?”

I turned to Darci and said, “I know why you’re fasting. I’m supposed to be a novelist.”

She stared at me and said, “I’m hungry for three days, and you get the answer?”

We both burst into laughter. It was the perfect response to lighten a moment where I had to make a serious decision. Would I choose to step in? The obvious answer is yes. I dove in full-force to writing my first novel (ROOMS) and finished it in late ’05.

I won’t bore you with the details of how it was rejected and ultimately purchased (in early summer 2008) so suffice it to say it took significant perseverance and belief. That’s why, whatever your dream is, I encourage you to keep pressing in.  They can come true.

Jim Rubart can be contacted on the following social media sites:

Jim Rubart's Website

Jim Rubart's Facebook

 Jim Rubart's Twitter

Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig

Captain Dean Watters keeps his mission and his team in the forefront of his laser-like focus. So when Dean’s mission and team are threatened, his Special Forces training kicks into high gear. Failing to stop hackers from stealing national security secrets from the military’s secure computers and networks isn’t an option. Zahrah Zarrick is a missionary teacher to Afghan children in Mazar-e Sharif. And a target. When Zahrah is captured because of her expertise in quantum cryptology, compromising the US military, Dean is forced to crack the lockbox around his heart—a move that might come at the highest cost.

I’ve read practically all of the novels that Ronie Kendig has written, so I will say that I’m never disappointed once I crack open that cover.  Today, I’ll finally put pen to paper and spend a couple of minutes and tell you what makes her writing so great.

Captain Watters is clearly focused on the mission and his men.  His marriage to the military rivals no other and his men that report to him and that he reports to are all better because of it.  There can be no distraction and no time to hesitate when lives are on the line.  Zahrah Zarrick, American father and Afghani mother, has returned to Mazar-e Sharif as a missionary teacher to help the children to betters lives through increased education.  When Zahrah is kidnapped, her General father is the second to turn the screws to the local military contingent to get to the bottom of where she is.  That local contingent, of course, includes Captain Watters and his men.  As time continues to go against them, the danger in the area ratchets up to new heights.  Can Captain Watters get to the bottom of the computer thefts in the area?  Is Zahrah able to fight off the kidnappers or will she have to give in to their demands?  Can Captain Watters and his team find Zahrah before time runs out?  Lock and Load and go BUY THIS BOOK!!!

As expected, Ronie Kendig delivers a book that is easy to read, easy to follow but very hard to put down.  She writes dialogue that is humorous, honest and banter-filled.  Her characters have depth and leave you rooting for them to succeed against all of the bad that she throws at them.  The description of the surroundings makes you feel like you are right there with them and seeing things through their eyes.  All in all, this book is everything you could ask for in a great adventure novel.

Is this a "guy's book"?  This book is a true “guy’s book”.  Between the military might and muscle, the continuous show of force, explosions, gun-fire, WHEW!!!  There’s enough action and adventure in this book for any guy to enjoy.

About The Author

Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat. After twenty-plus years of marriage, she and her hunky hero husband have a full life with four children and a Maltese Menace in northern Virginia. Author and speaker, Ronie loves engaging readers through her Rapid-Fire Fiction. .

Don't miss the first book, Raptor 6, in Ronie Kendig's new Quiet Professionals series. Ronie combines a dangerous romance and explosive action for a thrilling and satisfying ride. "Lock and load for this Spec Op, fighting under God’s 'rules of engagement.'" —Bob Hamer, veteran FBI undercover agent and award-winning author

Ronie is celebrating with a Kindle HDX Giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 15th. Winner will be announced June 16th on Ronie's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Ronie's blog on June 16th to see if you won.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.