Delayed Justice by Cara Putman

Jaime Nichols went to law school to find the voice she never had as a child, and her determination to protect girls and women in the path of harm drives her in ways both spoken and unspoken. As Jamie, now a criminal defense attorney, prepares to press charges against someone who wronged her long ago, she must face not only her demons but also the unimaginable forces that protect the powerful man who tore her childhood apart.

Chandler Bolton, a retired veteran, is tasked with helping a young victim who must testify in court-and along with his therapy dog, Aslan, he's up for the task. When he first meets Jaime, all brains, beauty, and brashness, he can't help but be intrigued. As Chandler works to break through the wall Jaime has built around herself, the two of them discover that they may have more to offer one another than they ever could have guessed-and that together, they may be able to help this endangered child.

This is the third book in the Hidden Justice series by Cara Putman.  It seems as if it is getting harder and harder these days to find Christian Fiction with a suspense/intrigue angle.  But I can tell you this, Cara Putman has nailed it again!

I won’t bore you with another synopsis of the story, but I will tell you this.  Ms. Putman has created, in this entire series, not just this one book, characters that are believable, broken and human.  This isn’t a “rah,rah” look how great of a Christian I am, this is a story told of characters that don’t feel worthy and struggle daily.  This is a story of characters that are saved and try to walk a path of faith daily and still struggle.  This is a story of grace and how much we need it and what He does to provide it to us.  Twists and turns and suspense and intrigue, I could go on and on.  But I’ll just stop right here so that you’ve got plenty of time to get to the bookstore and BUYTHIS BOOK!!

 

Is this a "guy's book"?  Yes, yes and double yes!  A book that grips you from the start, a book that hits on sensitive subjects but keeps its distance and a book about grace.  If you were wondering what might be lurking ahead to take time away from your household chores, this book, this entire series is a must read!

About the Author:

The award-winning, best-selling author of more than 30 books, Cara Putman graduated college at 20 and completed her law degree at 27. FIRST for Women magazine called Shadowed by Grace “captivating” and a “novel with ‘the works.'” Cara is active at her church and a full-time lecturer on business and employment law to undergraduate and graduate students at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Putman also practices law and is a second-generation homeschooling mom. Putman obtained her Master’s in Business Administration from Krannert and her J.D. from George Mason University Antonin Scalia School of Law. She serves on the executive board of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization she has served in various roles since 2007. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana. You can connect with her online at: caraputman.com

Dead Drift by Dani Pettrey

Burning debris littering the ground . . . smoke pluming in the acrid air . . . this is just the beginning if he fails.

Seven years ago, operative Luke Gallagher vanished to become part of an elite team set on capturing a deadly terrorist. When Luke returns to face those he left behind, their help becomes his only hope of stopping his target's latest threat of an attack that would shake America to its core.

Private investigator Kate Maxwell never stopped loving or looking for Luke after he disappeared. But she also never imagined he left her or his life by choice. Now he's back, and together they must unravel a twisting thread of secrets, lies, and betrayal, all while on the brink of a biological disaster. 

Will they and their love survive, or will Luke and Kate become the terrorist's next mark?

What a mix of emotion as I picked up “Dead Drift”, the final book in the Chesapeake Valor series.  Excited to have a new book in my hand by Dani Pettrey, but saddened that I have to say “Goodbye!” to some great characters.  Book 4 in this incredible series brings us back full circle as we find out that Luke is alive!  With Luke back in the picture, Katy’s heart is in trouble as she never gave up on finding Luke again one day.  Can they work together to stop the latest attack against America?

Is this a "Guys Book"?   Definitely!  Yes, yes, I know that it’s technically “Romantic Suspense”, but let’s just put that aside for now and tell it like it is…… A must read for anybody!

Connect with Dani!

Dani's Facebook Page

Dani's Webpage

Dani's Twitter Page

Dani's GoodReads Page

Dani's Author Page on CBD

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and I was under no obligation to post a review.

The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep

Mercy Lytton is a lady like none other. Raised amongst the Mohawks, she straddles two cultures, yet each are united in one cause. . .to defeat the French. Born with a rare gift of unusually keen eyesight, she is chosen as a scout to accompany a team of men on a dangerous mission. Yet it is not her life that is threatened. It is her heart.  Condemned as a traitor, Elias Dubois faces the gallows. At the last minute, he is offered his freedom if he consents to accompany a stolen shipment of French gold to a nearby fort—but he is the one they stole it from in the first place. It turns out that the real thief is the beguiling woman, Mercy Lytton, for she steals his every waking thought.   Can love survive divided loyalties in a backcountry wilderness?

This is the third book in the Bride series by Barbour Publishing.  This series centers around history, romance, adventure and faith and continues here in 1760 during the French and Indian war.

Anyone with a love of historical novels mixed with a tinge of romance will thoroughly enjoy this book as well as the other books in this series.  A very descriptive historical novel, Ms. Griep continues what the other authors have started with riveting adventure and a compelling storyline.  Hang on to your hat as once again we are taken into an exciting time in our country’s history and provided with a fantastic story to share with the author.

Is this a "guy's book"?  Any guy that appreciates history will enjoy the book.  The romance is a “part” of this book, but it isn’t the only part.

No Less Days by Amanda Stevens

David Galloway is blessed…or cursed. He simply cannot die, or so it seems. Others around him pass away or leave him. Yet David continues to exist in his used bookshop in Michigan, more isolated than ever. Until one day when he stumbles on a story about another like himself. David has at last found community…but at what cost? What David wants to know now is what God requires of him.

I enjoy finding a new author that I haven’t read before.  Especially when this new author has older books that I may have to discover as well.  This new novel by Amanda Stevens is one such new to me author and I think you’ll enjoy her as well.

This book, in my opinion, read like a movie.  The kind where it’s a little slow to get into until you’ve been introduced to all of the characters and learn their backstories and how they figure into the story.  The plot/story was intriguing and caused me to pause as I read the synopsis.  Never dying?  I wasn’t sure where that fit into my religious belief, but that’s the great thing about Fiction, it’s all made up J  Anyway, I think the pace of the story works, I think the characters were believable and I think this book is one that you need to pick up and read.

Is this a "guy's book"?  Yes and yes.  This book is terrific and this is one topic that will allow us years of debate.

Connect with Amanda Stevens on

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and I was under no obligation to post a review.

Things I never Knew by Beth Vogt

Peyton Thatcher copes with the loss of her twin sister by keeping busy with her work as a party planner and keeping her family at a distance.  When middle sister Jillian announces her engagement, Peyton dreads working on the wedding with her oldest sister, Johanna.  Then Jillian shocks the family with the report of a frightening diagnosis, and everyone must deal with past losses and present fears.

I'll admit I'm not much of a reader of women's literature, not because there aren't a lot of great authors/storylines out there, just because I already have enough on my plate with my normal genres. I took the opportunity to review this book to stretch my reading thoughts and I'm glad I did. 

To say this subject is heavy would be an understatement. Dealing with death is always hard, but dealing with the death of a sister, a twin sister, makes this even harder. I think the author kept this plot moving well, even though it was a very tough subject to tackle and I think she provides readers with a sense of being totally connected to the characters. 

Is this a man's book? Not really, but I'm not going to give this book any bad marks because it isn't. This book, if read by passionate readers of women's christian fiction, would be one that no one would be able to put down. 

Purchase the book HERE
Connect with the author Webpage; Facebook; Twitter



I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review.

The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo

When they first met, Jean-Luc Valmont was a privateer and Maribel Cordoba a mere youth being whisked away to the Caribbean.  Years later, Jean-Luc, now a successful attorney in New Orleans, comes face to face with the grown up Maribel, who is swiftly capturing his heart.  But if she remembers their first encounter, his hidden past could come to light, and all he’s worked for could be lost.

This is the second book in a new series titled “Daughters of the Mayflower” by Barbour Publishing.  This series centers around history, romance, adventure and faith.  While this is book 2 in the series, it is a stand-alone title that can be read in any order.  This book occurs around 1725 in New Orleans.

Adventure and love on the high seas!  Well, mostly adventure, which is good for this guy.  The setup of the story takes a lot of time to develop and causes the wrap up to feel a little rushed.  Thanks to a very descriptive author, though, you do get the feeling that you’re right there with the characters.  I would have liked to have seen a little more character development (and a tad bit older Maribel).  All in all, a nice quick easy read and a great addition to this series

 

Is this a "guy's book"?  With more swashbuckling this would have been a great guy’s book.  There isn’t a lot of romance, so this would be one that any man would want to pick up.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and I was under no obligation to post a review.

Starting From Scratch by Kate Lloyd

At age twenty-nine, that's what Eva Lapp considers herself. And who could argue with her? Finding a good Amish husband at her age will be next to impossible. Plus, Eva's unwarranted bad reputation in Lancaster County precedes her. Maybe living the Englisch life would be better.

Squeezed out of her childhood home by her brother's boisterous family, Eva finds lodging and a new job managing a small café at a local plant nursery. But the challenge of her new position isn't enough to distract from her current predicament.

To Eva's surprise, her first love, Jake Miller, suddenly returns to Lancaster County. Flooded with emotions and filled with questions about Jake's past, can Eva trust what she's feeling?

Jake and Eva face many obstacles in their quest for a fresh start in the community, but perhaps with God's help, they can find the redemption they both desperately need.

There’s something about the simple life of the Amish that is very intriguing.  Here in “Starting From Scratch”, we see Eva leaving her family home to live and work elsewhere and at the ripe old age of 29, start her life from scratch.  Soon after, unbeknownst to Eva, the suitors begin to stack up.  Should she see what she has left in the past or should she venture out to see what new hearts she can find?  A tried and true recipe for romance along with some great twists and turns makes for one book you won’t want to miss.

Is this a "Guys Book"?   Not really, as this genre has romance written all over it.  But you never know, you pick this book up and you might learn a thing or two about romance J

Connect with the Author

Kate's Webpage

Kate's Facebook Page

Kate's Twitter Page

Go BUY THIS BOOK!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for my honest opinion. 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.”

Loose Ends by Jennifer Haynie

Hot off her first mission as a Unit 28 contractor agent, Alex Thornton wants nothing more than to focus on building a life with Jabir al-Omri, her best friend and boyfriend of five months.
A secret chains Jabir, one with such dire consequences that seeking freedom from it will cost him dearly. He finds himself caught between honoring those he cares about and being completely truthful with Alex.
Hashim al-Hassan craves vengeance against the woman who deceived him ten years before. The target of his wrath? Alex.
When Alex and Jabir receive an assignment to find the murderers of a shipping executive, their investigation brings them to the attention of Hashim. He begins stalking her. The bodies pile up, and people disappear.
Now, with Alex squarely within Hashim’s crosshairs, Jabir yearns to tell her what he knows. Yet the truth may destroy both her and those she loves the most.

Following up to last year’s novel, “Panama Deception”, Jennifer Haynie brings us the second book in the Unit 28 series, “Loose Ends”.  I would recommend reading them in order so as to keep up with all of the backstory that is brought out in this new book.

The author brings back the characters that you were introduced to in the first novel, so a feeling of familiarity envelopes you as you start into this book.  The characters continue to face adversity based on their chosen vocations but they endure them in believable story arcs.  The transitions from scene to scene is smooth and doesn’t appear forced, almost as if you are being lead down the story rather than pushed through plots.  All of this culminating in a plausible ending that is wrapped up nicely, with all of the questions throughout the book being answered.

Is this a "Guys Book"?   You name any spy/operative/military/espionage novel that you’ve enjoyed and I’ll tell you this one stacks right up there with them.  Do yourself a favor, pick up a copy of this book.

Connect with the author:

Author's Website

Jennifer Haynie's Facebook Page

Jennifer Haynie's Twitter

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.  I was not required to write a positive review. 

Coldwater by Samuel Parker

Having forfeited his youth to the state prison system, Michael moved back to the only home he'd ever known. An empty shell of a man who now lived--if it could be called living--in the still vacant house of his parents in a town with one stoplight. A town that hated him. Had always hated him. And was ready to pick up where the prison system had let off.

Now he's on the run from men who've tried to kill him once; but Michael is more than an ex-con. A powerful, sinister force creeps inside him, threatening and destructive. Who--and what--it will destroy next is the only real question.

From the author that brought you “Purgatory Road”, here’s a new addition to the suspense genre in Christian fiction. 

Ok, I’ll admit that, even though I thoroughly enjoy a great suspense novel (Have enjoyed Stephen King and Dean Koontz for years), I never could totally wrap my hands around this one.  I tried seeing this from a good vs evil viewpoint, but that was even hard to do at times.  The main character is surrounded by hate and evil and the guys in the town that tried killing him weren’t any better.  I kept waiting for that intersection of all of this evil with a redemption plot and an introduction of a “good” character to help Michael weave through all of the anger.  Alas, I never did find that.  From a secular standpoint, this novel is full of all of the normal triggers that would make you enjoy it from start to finish.  From a biblical/spiritual standpoint, I think this is one you should stay away from.  If you want to read it, just keep in mind that there is no battle here, just evil showing that it can win some of the time.

Is this a "guy's book"?  It does have suspense and intrigue but it also has a lot of darkness.  Be careful with this one.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion, as part of their Book Review Blogger 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:

Samuel Parker  was born in the Michigan boondocks but was raised on a never-ending road trip through the U.S. Besides writing, he is a process junkie and the ex-guitarist for several metal bands you’ve never heard of. He lives in West Michigan with his wife and twin sons.

Under a Cloudless Sky by Chris Fabry

A novel set between 1933 and 2004 about the coal-mining town of Beulah Mountain, West Virginia, and the people who live there in danger of being destroyed by a horrific massacre of miners during a conflict between the workers and management for the sake of profit. Years later, many neighbors are forced sell their land to a coal and energy company or face rising property taxes. One man tries to keep his family legacy while a mining executive offers to revitalize the dying town paying homage to the past while positioning the company for growth at all costs.

New book by Chris Fabry?  Yes, I think I will pick it up and spend the weekend reading this one.  Thank you very much!

I’ll admit that I’m not a big fan of books that flip back and forth from one time period to another.  Heck, I don’t even like watching shows on TV that go back and forth like that.  For this book, though, it really worked and I was able to stay with the story line without getting lost (that’s saying a lot of me).  There’s always something about a new Chris Fabry book that envelopes me when I sit down and crack it open.  The story flows, the plot is flawless and the characters are flawed but redeemed in the end.  Throw in a great twist at the end of this book and you have something that will make you GO BUY THIS BOOK!!!

Is this a "guy's book"?  I won’t say that this is a must read for any guy, but I will tell you that you will have missed out on a terrific story if you don’t pick this one up.

About the Author:

Chris Fabry is an award-winning author and radio personality who hosts the daily program Chris Fabry Live! on Moody Radio. He is also heard on Love Worth Finding, Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, and other radio programs. A 1982 graduate of the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism at Marshall University and a native of West Virginia, Chris and his wife, Andrea, now live in Arizona and are the parents of nine children.

Chris' novels, which include Dogwood, June Bug, Almost Heaven, Not in the Heart, Borders of the Heart, Every Waking Moment, and his latest release, The Promise of Jesse Woods, have won three Christy Awards, an ECPA Christian Book Award, and Christianity Today's Book Award of Merit, but it's his lyrical prose and tales of redemption that keep readers returning for more.

He has also published more than 65 other books, including nonfiction, film novelizations, and novels for children and young adults. He coauthored the Left Behind: The Kids series with Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, as well as the Red Rock Mysteries and The Wormling series with Jerry B. Jenkins. RPM is his latest series for kids and explores the exciting world of NASCAR.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion, as part of their Book Review Blogger 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.”

Oath of Honor by Lynette Eason

            Police officer Isabelle St. John loves her crazy, loud, law-enforcement family. With three brothers and two sisters, she's never without someone to hang out with--or fight with. And 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.

Determined to discover exactly what happened, Izzy's 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 handsome homicide detective brother Ryan 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's had a secret crush on for years won't leave her side?
 

The Tide of Times by C Kevin Thompson

Supervisory Special Agent Blake Meyer is at an impasse. Bound and beaten in a dilapidated warehouse halfway around the world, Blake finds himself listening to an unbelievable story where right and wrong have warped into a despicable clash of ideologies. Life is quickly becoming neither black nor white. Nor is it red, white, and blue any longer.

Every second brings the release of the contagion closer, promising to drag the United States into the Dark Ages. Tens of millions could be dead within a few months.

Every moment adds miles and hours to the expanding gulf between him and his family. What is he to believe?
Who is he to trust?

For in this tide of times, his most trusted allies must be condemned. His most feared enemies must be trusted. And those he loves must be found before the world’s generals cry “Havoc!” and let slip the dogs of war.

 This is book three in the exciting Blake Meyer Thriller Series. If you thought the first 2 were heart pounders, you haven’t seen anything yet. I’ve always enjoyed a great spy/counter spy, government conspiracy, double agent, world is coming to an end any second novel. This book builds upon the intrigue and action of the first two books and never looks back. As usual, Mr. Thompson has delivered well developed characters fighting against very timely world issues. The phrase that comes to mind is “Ripped From The Headlines” as I see these scenarios in the book happening as we speak in our world.

 Is this a “guy’s book”? You’d better believe it!! The stakes in this book are high with danger around every corner. With a relentless pace, this book is one that you won’t put down until you read the final page. And even at that point, knowing that book 4 will be released soon, you’ll only be able to catch your breath for a minute.