Amazing! 'Ford' - Montana Marshalls 3 - by Susan May Warren

About the book:

Family…country…or the woman he loves…

Navy Seal Ford Marshall isn’t the kind to stand by and let a woman get hurt—especially when it involves his twin sister, RJ. So, when she makes the news, accused of sparking an international incident, he doesn’t care what it takes—he’s going to find her and bring her home.

But he might need a little help, so he calls on the woman who has had his back during the last three years—Petty Officer Scarlett Hathaway, former communications expert-turned Rescue Swimmer candidate. She’ll help him get into the country, watch his back, and…well, they might be able to have one last mission together before she leaves for a new life, a life he very much wants to be a part of now that she is off his team. Maybe he can convince her to give them a chance to kindle the spark that’s simmered between them for years.

Scarlett Hathaway isn’t sure what future she wants—not when she suddenly has to care for her little brother. Maybe she should quit the Navy and start a life with the man she can’t seem to get out of her heart. So yes, she’ll help Ford find his sister. And maybe, along the way, figure out if they have a future.

But finding RJ somewhere in the vastness of Russia with the FSB chasing them will push Scarlett beyond even her courage and make her question everything she thought she wanted…including Ford. What will it cost her to love a man who saves the world?

And when Ford is asked to choose between saving his sister, saving the world from a war, and rescuing the woman he loves…can he live with his decision?

My review:

This was an amazing story I didn't want to put down!  I fell for Ford in the last book as we were introduced to him and Scarlett in Tate's story and it was wonderful to see their relationship develop further in this story.  Ford was such a wonderful guy, protective and tough and self-sacrificing.  He was wonderful at putting Scarlett first as he knew what she'd gone through in her past and he wanted to be respectful of her.  I really liked Scarlett, too, as she was tough and could take care of herself.  I loved the adventure as they travel to Russia to save Ford's sister, RJ, as she's wanted and doesn't know who to trust.  We also get her story as she's on the run with York, the man who saved her life and is trying to protect her from everyone, it seems!  I liked both of them a lot, too.  RJ couldn't just sit idly by and do nothing to stop a terrible incident and I admired her a lot for that.  Ford was used to depending on himself and he needed to learn to depend on God instead.  Scarlett felt like God was never there for her and she had to learn that He really was.  There's some great action and some amazing kissing scenes.  I would recommend reading Tate first as Ford and Scarlett's story starts there.  I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read about Wyatt, the next Marshall brother!

I received this ebook from JustRead Tours.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

A Thrilling Ride! 'The Gryphon Heist' - by James R. Hannibal

About the book:

Talia Inger is a rookie CIA case officer assigned not to the Moscow desk as she had hoped but to the forgotten backwaters of Eastern Europe--a department only known as "Other." When she is tasked with helping a young, charming Moldovan executive secure his designs for a revolutionary defense technology, she figures she'll be back in DC within a few days. But that's before she knows where the designs are stored--and who's after them.

With her shady civilian partner, Adam Tyler, Talia takes a deep dive into a world where criminal minds and unlikely strategies compete for access to the Gryphon, a high-altitude data vault that hovers in the mesosphere. But is Tyler actually helping her? Or is he using her for his own dark purposes?

My review:

Well, talk about an exciting thrill ride full of spies, cons and heists!  You're never sure who to trust as Talia goes from new spy to being involved with a group of thieves looking for a payday.  Talia was a great character with a strong sense of justice, always trying to do the right thing and not believing in the end justifying the means.  She avoided God because she felt like He had punished her by taking her father so if she lived a moral life, He would leave her alone.  Her beliefs get turned on their head when she meets one of the thieves, who seemed to have a strong relationship with God and who knew forgiveness firsthand.  I admired Talia's smarts but on the other hand, sometimes she seemed a little too trusting.  I liked Eddie, too, for his chivalry and comedic relief.  He was her partner and resident tech geek/hacker.  The rest of the team were unique and interesting, too.  There's plenty of action, smaller cons leading up to the big one, cool technology and fast cars.  There were some funny one-liners, too, and a hint of romance.  If you like action and suspense, you need to check it out!

I received this book from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

           The Author

1. 

   DigiSmiles Photography

   James R. Hannibal

   James R. Hannibal is no stranger to secrets and adventure. A former stealth pilot from Houston, Texas, he has been shot at, locked up with surface-to-air missiles, and chased down a winding German road by an armed terrorist. He is a two-time Silver Falchion...
   

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Wonderful Debut! 'You Belong With Me' - by Tari Faris

About the book:

Realtor Hannah Thornton has many talents.
Unfortunately, selling houses isn't one of them.
When a business tycoon determines to raze historic homes in the small town of Heritage, Michigan, and replace them with a strip mall, Hannah resolves to stop him. She sets about helping Heritage win a restoration grant that will put the town back on the map--and hopefully restore her disgraced family name. But she'll need help to do it.

As a foster kid, Luke Johnson never truly felt he belonged. Now he has a chance to earn his place in his hometown. But he doesn't anticipate how his relationship with Hannah will set into motion events that reveal the truth about who he is--and who he was.

My review:

I absolutely loved this book!  Best friends who have secret crushes on each other and a bachelor auction!  What more could a girl ask for!  Luke was my favorite character, a good guy who wanted a family of his own and to belong, yet felt like he wasn't enough.  He's always supported Hannah but sometimes she goes too far with her ideas.  Hannah has tried to control everything ever since her mom left when she was a kid.  She would like a happily ever after for herself but doesn't want to be rejected again.  There were a lot of cute moments between Luke and Hannah as they fight their feelings for each other.  I liked that we got a second story line about Hannah's brother, Thomas, and his ex-girlfriend, Janie.  Janie was a strong Christian but was questioning what God was doing in her situation with Thomas and Hannah and Luke both were struggling a bit with their faith.  I loved Nate, the new pastor, a tattoo-wearing, motorcycle-driving guy who's full of wisdom for everyone but seemed to have a bit of a relationship problem himself.  He gave wonderful wisdom about putting God first.  The conversation about adoption brought tears to my eyes; there were also some funny parts in the story.  I loved the references to the movie, "Say Anything."  I highly recommend this book if you like romance!

I received this book from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

           The Author

1. 

   Tari Faris

   Tari Faris

   Tari Faris has been writing fiction for more than 10 years. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers and My Book Therapy, she works for My Book Therapy, manages learnhowtowriteanovel.com, and is a 2017 Genesis Award winner. She has an MDiv from Asbury...
   

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Supernatural Suspense! ' The Girl Behind the Red Rope' - by Ted and Rachelle Dekker

About the Book:

Ten years ago, Grace saw something that would forever change the course of history.
When a terrible scourge is unleashed on the world, she and others from their religious community are already hidden deep in the hills of Tennessee, abiding by every rule that will keep them safe, pure--and alive. As long as they stay there, behind the red rope.

Her older brother's questions and the arrival of the first outsiders she's seen in a decade set in motion events that will cause Grace to question everything she has built her life on. Enemies rise on all sides--but who is the real enemy? And what will it cost her to uncover the truth?

For the first time, bestselling authors Ted Dekker and Rachelle Dekker team up and deliver an intense, tightly focused ride through the most treacherous world of all.


In a world where the boundaries are clear and punishments severe, a young woman risks everything to break free from the system of fear and control to find freedom and love.

My review:

No surprise, this was definitely a suspenseful story!  It was a bit of a mind game, also, as cults often use some truth mixed in with the lies so it was hard sometimes to know who to trust.  There were supernatural and physical enemies in this story, which made it all the more unnerving.  I felt for Grace as she was torn between what she'd been taught since childhood and the new things she was starting to question.  It was also heartbreaking to see these people being deceived.  I loved the message of choosing love over fear.  The message really hit home because I know I give in to fear all too often.  I would recommend this book if you like suspense!

I received this book from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

           The Authors

1. 

   Ted Dekker

   Ted Dekker is the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of more than forty novels, with over 10 million copies sold worldwide. He was born in the jungles of Indonesia to missionary parents, and his upbringing as a stranger in a fascinating...
   

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2. 

   Rachelle Dekker

   Rachelle Dekker is the Christy Award-winning author of The Choosing, The Calling, and The Returning in the Seer series. The oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle was inspired early on to...
   

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Enjoyable Family Drama! 'As the Light Fades' - by Catherine West

About the book:

Sometimes we’re placed in the strangest of circumstances for the most important reasons.

After her carefully constructed life crumbles, Liz Carlisle finds herself back on Nantucket, picking up the pieces. With the family estate under renovations, the solitude she craves seems out of reach.

Matthew Stone intends to steer clear of his new tenant. She’s carrying a load of baggage, but as long as she pays the rent, he’ll let her be. He’s got enough to deal with caring for his wayward niece, Mia.

Liz doesn’t have time for teenagers and her track record with men is abysmal, but an unlikely friendship forms between the three.

When her former boyfriend is charged with assault, Liz is called to testify against him. But he knows the darkest secrets of her life—secrets she’d hoped to keep buried forever, and he’s ready to reveal them. Telling the truth is the right thing to do, but it may cost her everything she’s worked so hard for, and all she’s come to love.

My review:

I enjoyed this family drama, heavy on the drama!  Both Liz and Matthew have a lot to deal with as Liz tries to pick up the pieces of her life and decide on a new path and Matthew tries to help his niece who's been through who knows what with an addict for a mother.  Liz's family is also trying to renovate their family home to turn it into a B & B and her father has Alzheimer's.  Matthew has parent issues, too, as his somewhat estranged parents show up.  I liked the different viewpoints we get as not only do we have theirs but Mia's and Liz's father's as well.  That really gave a varied perspective to the story.  Matthew is such an amazing guy as he takes in his troubled niece, trying to parent this rebellious teen who's been through hell while dealing with his parents and money troubles.  I really admired his strong character.  He was definitely my favorite character in the book.  There's a little romance as Matthew and Liz are drawn to each other but resist due to all of the baggage they each carry.  I was a little annoyed with some of Liz's choices as she was so used to being independent she didn't want to ask for help, even when she really needed to.  They talked some about faith as Matthew believed in God and Liz wasn't sure.  Forgiveness was also a big issue for more than one character that they had to work through.  There were some heavier issues dealt with here, from physical and sexual abuse to drug addiction and cutting but nothing graphic or dealt with too deeply. They were more skimmed over or hinted at.  This seems to be in a series but it worked fine as a stand-alone.  I would recommend it if you like family dramas or romance!

I received this ebook from JustRead Tours.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Everyone Should Read This! 'Something Needs to Change' - by David Platt

About the book:

While leading a team on a week-long trek of the Himalayas, bestselling author and pastor David Platt was stunned by the human needs he encountered, an experience so dramatic that it "changed the trajectory of my life." Meeting a man who'd lost his eye from a simple infection and seeing the faces of girls stolen from their families and trafficked in the cities, along with other unforgettable encounters, opened his eyes to the people behind the statistics and compelled him to wrestle with his assumptions about faith. In Something Needs to Change, Platt invites readers to come along on both the adventure of the trek, as well as the adventure of seeking answers to tough questions like, "Where is God in the middle of suffering?" "What makes my religion any better than someone else's religion?" and "What do I believe about eternal suffering?" Platt has crafted an irresistible message about what it means to give your life for the gospel--to finally stop talking about faith and truly start living it.

My review:

This was a fascinating book that was hard to put down!  Part travelogue, part Bible study, part call to action, it grabbed my attention from the start.  The true stories of each person they met, along with that of some of the men travelling along, were just heartbreaking.  I thought it was interesting how he struggled with questions I struggle with, like do these people who have never heard of Jesus really go to hell and why don't they even know the name of Jesus and why do they have such hard lives when mine is so easy.  His reading and study of Scripture as he walks these trails correlates with questions he has and situations he finds himself in.  It's also fascinating to learn about possible jobs someone could take on in a foreign country to do good and be a witness, like a trout-poop expert!  The end of each chapter had a few questions to make you think.  He also challenged us at the end of the book to discover what we can do to alleviate earthly suffering and also eternal suffering where we are right now and also expand our view to the world further away.  I highly recommend this book!  Every Christian needs to read it!

I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.
   

The Art of Rivers - Coastal Hearts 3 - by Janet W. Ferguson

About the book:

Rivers Sullivan bears both visible and invisible scars—those on her shoulder from a bullet wound and those on her heart from the loss of her fiancé during the same brutal attack. Not even her background as an art therapist can help her regain her faith in humanity. Still, she scrapes together the courage to travel to St. Simons Island to see the beach cottage and art gallery she’s inherited from her fiancé. When she stumbles upon recovering addicts running her gallery, she’s forced to reckon with her own healing.

After the tragic drowning of his cousin, James Cooper Knight spends his days trying to make up for his past mistakes. He not only dedicates his life to addiction counseling, but guilt drives him to the water, searching for others who’ve been caught unaware of the quickly rising tides of St. Simons. When he rescues a peculiar blond woman and her sketch pad from a sandbar, then delivers this same woman to his deceased grandmother’s properties, he knows things are about to get even more complicated.

Tragic circumstances draw Cooper and Rivers closer, but they fight their growing feelings. Though Cooper’s been sober for years, Rivers can’t imagine trusting her heart to someone in recovery, and he knows a relationship with her will only rip his family further apart. Distrust and guilt are only the first roadblocks they must overcome if they take a chance on love.

My review:

I enjoyed this story featuring a topic I haven't read much about.  I felt like we really got into an addict's head as we see how much Cooper struggled with the shame and guilt of his choices and still struggled with his addiction even after five years of being clean.  I admired him a lot for all that he overcame and for all he was doing to help others.  I liked Rivers as well and admired her strength and willingness to forgive.  I liked the strong faith message as the gospel is clearly given and Rivers, Cooper and others encourage each other with Scripture and prayer.  Davis especially has a funny, direct way of encouraging a person and telling it like it is at the same time.  I also like how they knew they were fighting a spiritual battle.  There was some sweet romance and I thought there was going to be more suspense than there was but the story went in a different direction.  I liked how the past was brought in by the journal Rivers found and read that belonged to Cooper's grandmother but I wish more would have been done with it.  I liked the gorgeous setting of St. Simons Island.  I really liked the focus on art and art therapy.  I hadn't read the first two books in the series but I didn't feel lost at all.  Overall, I liked this story and it kept my interest.  I would recommend it if you like stories with more spiritual depth or that deal with issues.

I received this book from JustRead Tours.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.