Tag Archives: Revell Reads

#BookReview: The Raven by Mike Nappa

26 Sep

the-raven

The Raven by Mike Nappa

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2d3Ob8K

As part of his street performance, a deception specialist who goes by the name The Raven picks his audience’s pockets while they watch. It’s harmless fun–until he decides to keep the wallet of a prominent politician, hoping for a few extra bucks. When he finds compromising photos of the councilman and his “personal assistants,” The Raven hatches a plan to blackmail the man. However, he quickly finds himself in over his head with the Ukrainian Mafia and mired in a life-threatening plot code-named “Nevermore.”

Private investigators Trudi Coffey and Samuel Hill must scramble to sort out the clues to rescue The Raven from a wild card bent on revenge.

 

My thoughts:

The Raven is a page-turning suspense! Continuing the Poe theme, this second Coffey & Hill novel features a deception specialist who performs under the name The Raven. While Trudi and Samuel reprise their PI roles, they are a bit more secondary to the overall story line, which also involves the Ukrainian Mafia and a secret plot.

A fast-paced story, The Raven is filled with intrigue, and its twists and turns offer more than a few surprises. Mike Nappa skillfully crafts unique stories and memorable characters, and I’m eager to discover what will happen next as this thrilling series continues!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

#BookReview: Without Warning by Lynette Eason

29 Aug

Without Warning

Without Warning by Lynette Eason

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2bHmbst

Katie Singleton, a partner with the Elite Guardians Protection Agency, stumbles upon her next assignment quite by accident. Spotting blue lights at a familiar restaurant, she stops to investigate, only to discover that owner Daniel Matthews has become the target of someone who will go to any lengths to put him out of business.

Daniel might be concerned, but he’s not convinced that a bodyguard–and a female one at that–is necessary. A new attack and his niece’s urgings are enough to make him reconsider. He and Katie must figure out who’s behind the intimidation and threats–before a would-be killer strikes again.

 

My thoughts:

Without Warning is an action-packed suspense! When Katie Singleton stumbles into an assignment, she finds herself protecting local restaurant owner Daniel Matthews. As tensions build and threats escalate, Katie and Daniel must work together to stay safe and uncover the identity of this relentless attacker. Enjoying the drama, intrigue, and romance of their story, I eagerly turned the pages to find out what would happen next. Now, I’m already anticipating Quinn and Maddy’s story in the next exciting adventure with the Elite Guardians Protection Agency!

While this is the second book in the Elite Guardians series, Without Warning easily reads as a stand-alone story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

#BookReview: Honor Redeemed by Christine Johnson

27 Jul

Honor Redeemed- cover

Honor Redeemed by Christine Johnson

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2abnLnY

Her future–and her heart–hang in the balance.

Two years ago, Prosperity Jones waved farewell to her beloved David as the army sent him to faraway Key West. Now with her parents gone, she has but one prospect for the future: make the dangerous journey from Nantucket to Key West to reunite with David and secure a happier life.

But when Prosperity arrives penniless in the South, she is dismayed to find David has not been eagerly awaiting their reunion. In fact, he is married to someone else. Scrambling to survive and nursing a broken heart, Prosperity gains the friendship–and the affection–of a kind doctor. Could he be the answer to her loneliness? Or will her life be upended by circumstance yet again?

 

My thoughts:

Honor Redeemed is a beautiful and stirring story! Christine Johnson swept me away to historic Key West, and her imagery brought the island setting to life. I loved the complexity of the characters and was captivated by their dramatic stories. Prosperity and David’s story is a wonderful tale of “honor lost, honor redeemed, and a love forged in adversity.”

Although it is the second book in the Keys of Promise series, Honor Redeemed can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story. However, those who have read Love’s Rescue are sure to delight in the opportunity to revisit Rourke and Elizabeth O’Malley.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

#BookReview: Missing by Lisa Harris

26 Jul

Missing

Missing by Lisa Harris

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/29ZYeZd

Nikki Boyd isn’t usually called in on homicides; her forte is missing persons. But when a case with two murdered and two missing pops up on a quiet suburban street, she’s ready to start the investigation and find missing homeowners Mac and Lucy Hudson. When the first clues lead her to the boat of her friend Tyler Grant–and another dead body–Nikki must untangle what ties Tyler to the Hudsons. The clues pull her into a deadly maze of counterfeit drugs and a killer who will stop at nothing to silence anyone who threatens his business–including Nikki.

 

My thoughts:

Rich in characterization and content, Missing is an exciting romantic suspense! Although I have not read the first book in the Nikki Boyd Files, I had no trouble following the storyline. I loved the twists and turns of Nikki’s fast-paced pursuit of a missing woman, compromised pharmaceuticals, and a gang of killers. These threads, intricately woven through the narrative, kept me hurriedly turning the pages to discover what would happen next. I also delighted in Nikki and Tyler’s relationship and look forward to reading Vendetta to learn how their story began and Pursued (Spring 2017) to see where their journey leads.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

#BookReview: Sea Rose Lane by Irene Hannon

29 Jun

Sea Rose Lane

Sea Rose Lane by Irene Hannon

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/28YgelT

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

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

 

My thoughts:

Irene Hannon brings the coastal Oregon community of Hope Harbor to life, and it’s always a pleasure to visit this special place! Eric Nash and BJ Stevens are complex characters, and I really enjoyed their chemistry and the development of their relationship. Their visits with Charley were among the highlights of the story, and I delighted in the wit and wisdom he dished up with his tacos. Themes of hope and healing resonate through this narrative creating a lovely story that warmed my heart. I thoroughly enjoyed Sea Rose Lane and look forward to continuing this enchanting series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

#BookReview: All Summer Long by Melody Carlson

25 Jun

All Summer Long

All Summer Long by Melody Carlson

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/28T9eZv

She’s ready to take on a new challenge.
What she doesn’t expect is an old flame.

Tia D’Amico is thrilled to move to San Francisco to help her aunt transform an old luxury yacht into an upscale floating restaurant. What’s not to love? Sunset dinner cruises, posh wedding receptions–the possibilities are endless and far more appetizing than staying in a monotonous job in her Podunk hometown. Besides, some of her best memories are tied to San Francisco–especially the memory of Leo Parker, her crush from a long-ago sailing camp.

When Leo Parker himself turns out to be the yacht’s captain, Tia is floating on air. But will it all come crashing down around her when she discovers his heart belongs to someone else?

 

My thoughts:

All Summer Long is a fun, light-hearted romance! In the second Follow Your Heart novel, Melody Carlson invites readers on a journey to the Golden Gate City. Bringing San Francisco’s sights and sounds to life, I reveled in the lovely ambiance she created.

Tia D’Amico is charting a new course, when a blast from the past sails back into her life. Sweet and romantic, Tia and Leo’s story entertained me and made me smile. All Summer Long is a delightful tale, perfect for summer reading!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

#BookReview: More Than Rivals by Ken Abraham

20 Jun

More Than Rivals

More Than Rivals by Ken Abraham

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/28PaLSN

In 1970, one small southern town was a powder keg ready to erupt.
But it was also on the verge of something incredible.

Eddie Sherlin and Bill Ligon grew up on opposite sides of the tracks in Gallatin, Tennessee. They knew the barriers that divided them–some physical landmarks and some hidden in the heart–but those barriers melted away when the boys were on the basketball court. After years of playing wherever they could find a hoop, Eddie and Bill rose as leaders of their respective high school teams. And at the end of the 1970 season, all-white Gallatin High and all-black Union High faced each other in a once-in-a-lifetime championship game. What happened that night would challenge Eddie and Bill–and transform their town.

 

My thoughts:

“To me, it’s just basketball. The sport is the common denominator that brings us all together. Colored or white, it doesn’t matter. It’s just a game.”

More Than Rivals is a poignant story! Ken Abraham brings the time period to life as he shares the story of an unlikely pairing and a championship game that transformed a Tennessee community. I was immediately drawn into the lives of Eddie Sherlin and Bill Ligon, and I enjoyed their amazing journey.

Based on a true story, More Than Rivals is an informative glimpse of history, as well as a touching tale of friendship!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

#BookReview: The Quieting by Suzanne Woods Fisher

30 May

The Quieting

The Quieting by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1UpvPxH

The Stoltzfus family faces serious problems, both in the church and at home. Everyone in the community expects minister David Stoltzfus to fix things–fast. But David doesn’t work fast. He prefers to wait for God to work in individual hearts. However, even he is left wondering if the solution to their most pressing problem might be a Quieting.

When David’s mother arrives, uninvited, more upheaval is in store. She has matchmaking plans for everyone in the family, including David and her eligible granddaughters–and especially for David’s niece Abigail. When Abigail stumbles onto a curious connection during her genealogical research, it could help David solve one problem–but will it create another?

 

My thoughts:

The Quieting is a great story! Suzanne Woods Fisher welcomes readers back to Stoney Ridge in this second installment of The Bishop’s Family series. While The Quieting continues a story line that began in Book 1, The Imposter, it can easily be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel.

As problems continue to plague the church and community, David Stoltzfus struggles to find the right solutions. I really enjoyed David’s journey, as well as the relationship that developed between his niece Abigail and Dane Glick. Fisher brings this story to life with memorable characters, an engaging plot, and wonderful wit and wisdom. I delight in spending time in the quaint community of Stoney Ridge and look forward to returning as the series continues!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

The Quieting graphic

#BookReview: Silence in the Dark

27 May

Silence in the Dark

Silence in the Dark by Patricia Bradley

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/25mzQrW

Bailey Adams is running for her life . . . again.

When Bailey Adams left Logan Point two years ago she thought she was getting away from her problems. Running into her ex-fiancé Danny Maxwell was not part of the plan–neither was being chased through the city by the local drug cartel, the Calatrava. Now despite her best efforts, Danny is her only chance of escaping the people chasing her and getting back to Logan Point safely. Can Bailey find the strength to face what’s coming? And in the midst of the chaos, can she keep herself from falling in love with her rescuer all over again?

 

My thoughts:

Silence in the Dark is an intriguing tale! Patricia Bradley takes readers from Mexico to Mississippi in a fast-paced story of suspense and second chances.

The action and adventure start on the first page and continue until the very end! The diverse cast of characters kept me engaged, and I enjoyed the relationships that developed as the story unfolded. While fans of the Logan Point series are sure to enjoy Bailey and Danny’s story, this novel can also be enjoyed independently of its predecessors.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

#BookReview: The Magnolia Duchess by Beth White

26 Apr

The Magnolia Duchess

The Magnolia Duchess by Beth White

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1T7mdEA

As the War of 1812 rages across the newly formed United States, another war rages in Fiona Lanier’s heart–one that threatens to tear her family apart.

Fiona can scarcely take in the news of her brother’s capture and imprisonment by the British Navy. It is almost as unbelievable as the half-drowned British sailor who is washed ashore on the beach of Navy Cove.

Charlie Kincaid claims to have no memory of his life before being discovered by Fiona, but in a world that seems saturated with treachery, she cannot be sure he is telling the truth.

As Charlie’s memory returns in agonizing jags and crashes, he and Fiona discover that falling in love may be as inevitable as the tide. But when political allegiances collide, they’ll each have to decide where their true loyalty lies.

 

My thoughts:

The Magnolia Duchess is an intriguing story! Although I haven’t read the first two books in the Gulf Coast Chronicles, I had no trouble enjoying Book 3.

Fiona and Charlie share a compelling journey as war rages all around, and they struggle to discover the truth of their loyalties and their love. I really enjoyed the history of this story and the intricate details White uses to bring it to life. From action and adventure to drama and danger, The Magnolia Duchess is a well-told historical romance. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the first two books in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the author:

Beth White’s day job is teaching music at an inner-city high school in historic Mobile, Alabama. A native Mississippian, she writes historical romance with a Southern drawl and is the author of The Pelican Bride and The Creole Princess. Her novels have won the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award, the RT Book Club Reviewers’ Choice Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award. Learn more at http://www.bethwhite.net.