Deceived - Private Justice 3 - by Irene Hannon

About the book:

A grieving mother. A mysterious child. And a dedicated PI who's determined to solve the puzzle.
For three years, Kate Marshall has been mourning the loss of her husband and four-year-old son in a boating accident. But when she spots a familiar-looking child on a mall escalator, she's convinced it's her son. With police skeptical of her story, she turns to private investigator Connor Sullivan for help. As the former Secret Service agent digs into the case, the boating "accident" begins to look increasingly suspicious. But if Kate's son is alive, someone is intent on keeping him hidden--and may go to lethal lengths to protect a sinister secret.
As Irene Hannon's many fans have come to expect, Deceived is filled with complex characters, unexpected twists, and a riveting plotline that accelerates to an explosive finish.

My review:

This was another very enjoyable story in the Private Justice series!  I really liked getting to know Kate and learning more about Connor, while also getting to revisit the other characters from the PI firm.  I loved reading about the investigation and the steps they took to figure out if the boy was her son.  The suspense kept building as more clues were uncovered and I wondered if a certain person would be a hindrance or a help to their cause.  The different viewpoints were great, from Kate to Connor to the man with the child.  The romance was great, with immediate chemistry, but they were trying to maintain a professional relationship while the case was ongoing.  They both had a strong faith, along with the other main characters, though it's not preachy.  It works as a stand-alone, but I wouldn't suggest missing the first two in the series.  I definitely recommend this book if you like romantic suspense!

I received this book free from Revell in exchange for an honest review.

 The Author

1. 

   © DeWeesePhotography.com

   Irene Hannon

   Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty romantic suspense and contemporary romance novels, including the Heroes of Quantico and Guardians of Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of...
   

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The Sea House - by Elisabeth Gifford

About the book: 

Scotland, 1860.

Reverend Alexander Ferguson, naive and newly-ordained, takes up his new parish, a poor, isolated patch on the Hebridean island of Harris. His time on the island will irrevocably change the course of his life, but the white house on the edge of the dunes keeps its silence long after Alexander departs. It will be more than a century before the Sea House reluctantly gives up its secrets. Ruth and Michael buy the grand but dilapidated building and begin to turn it into a home for the family they hope to have. Their dreams are marred by a shocking discovery. The tiny bones of a baby are buried beneath the house; the child's fragile legs are fused together --- a mermaid child. Who buried the bones? And why? Ruth needs to solve the mystery of her new home --- but the answers to her questions may lie in her own past.

Based on a real nineteenth-century letter to The Times in which a Scottish clergyman claimed to have seen a mermaid, The Sea House is an epic, sweeping tale of loss and love, hope and redemption, and how we heal ourselves with the stories we tell.

My review:  This story caught my interest because of the unique subject of a mermaid child, but it took too long to find out the truth behind the baby's origins and about Ruth's mother.  I would have liked there to be more happening in the story to move it along.  I liked that the story moved back and forth in time.  I really felt for Ruth and the hard childhood she had and I'm glad that it wasn't graphic or dwelt on too much, and that there was a feeling of hope.  I really didn't like that the reverend believed in Darwin's theory and was trying to prove it.  He seemed to have a hero worship for the man and the things I've read say that he wasn't a nice person, so I didn't like this rosy view of the man.  I'm also surprised that he was so willing to believe in the theory of evolution.  I liked that the reverend was shown as human, with human failings.  There was some language in the book, including the f word, which I really didn't appreciate for a book from a Christian author, though this isn't a Christian publisher.  I'm fine with saying a character swore and I feel that should be as far as it goes; I can use my imagination and don't need it spelled out.  There was also some sexuality/nudity that was stopped almost immediately and was important to the plot.  There wasn't much to the Christian message.  Overall, the story was okay, and if the subject really interests you, you might like it.

I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

More reviews at Litfuse!

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/ZSbs53

About the Author: 

Elisabeth Gifford grew up in a vicarage in the industrial Midlands. She studied French literature and world religions at Leeds University. She is the author of The House of Hope: A Story of God's Love and Provision for the Abandoned Orphans of China and has written articles for The Times and the Independent and has a Diploma in Creative Writing from Oxford OUDCE and an MA in Creative Writing from Royal Holloway College. She is married with three children. They live in Kingston on Thames but spend as much time as possible in the Hebrides.

Find Elisabeth online: website, Facebook

Don't miss The Sea House, a stunning fiction debut from the UK. Set in a house on the windswept coast of the Outer Hebrides, Elisabeth Gifford's haunting tale effortlessly bridges a gap of more than a century. Adeptly interweaving two tales involving residents of the titular house, Gifford sets up an absorbing mystery revolving around local lore and myths about mermaids, selkies, and sealmen. Stretching seamlessly back and forth through time, layers upon layers of secrets are slowly and effectively peeled away in this evocative debut (Booklist).

Celebrate with Elisabeth by entering her Kindle giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• The Sea House by Elisabeth Gifford

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 19th. Winner will be announced October 20th at Elisabeth's Blog.

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Free for kindle!

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Heaven Touching Earth: True Stories of Angels, Miracles, and Heavenly Encounters - compiled by James Stuart Bell

About the book:

God Is Closer Than You Might ThinkA thin curtain separates the physical world from the unseen spiritual realm. And sometimes God pulls it back to give us a glimpse of the other side. In Heaven Touching Earth, ordinary people share more than forty all-new stories of miracles, healing, divine provision and protection, and encounters with angels and demons.

These true, uplifting stories will remind you that even when you don't see obvious evidence of God at work in your life or get quick answers to prayer, there is a loving Father who protects and provides and is always working on your behalf in the invisible realm.

Whether you're simply curious about the supernatural world or longing for a fresh experience of God's presence, these inspiring stories will touch your heart and strengthen your faith in the God of miracles.

My review:

This was such an encouraging book that I did not want to put down!  I liked the variety of stories, from seeing angels to being healed to dealing with spiritual warfare; there was never a dull moment and I wasn't sure what would happen next!  Some of the stories brought tears to my eyes and most made me rejoice!  One of the stories that really stuck out for me was about a couple women who were praying for another woman and realized she was possessed by an evil spirit.  I can't imagine how scary that must have been, but she was delivered!  Even though God tells us He is always with his people, it's nice to have a reminder now and then, as the people in these stories can attest to personally, and we can be encouraged as we read these stories.  Sometimes it can be easy to question why God doesn't share this type of experience with all believers, but He is God and we are not and our role is to trust Him, no matter what.  He has a purpose for it and a plan.  This wasn't a reward because these people were superspiritual or church leaders, as the editor points out; they were just ordinary believers who prayed and asked for help.  Who knows, maybe one day something like this will happen to you!  I love books like this and it did not disappoint.  I highly recommend it!

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

 The Author

1. 

   © David Vosburg

   James Stuart Bell

   James Stuart Bell is a Christian publishing veteran and the owner of Whitestone Communications, a literary development agency. He is the editor of many story collections, including the Cup of Comfort, Life Savors, and God Encounters series, and the coauthor of...
   

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The Stress Cure: Praying Your Way to Personal Peace - by Linda Evans Shepherd

About the book:

We live in a world filled to the brim with advice, and when it comes to dealing with stress, there's plenty of advice to go around. Sleep more, eat better, avoid this, seek out that. But more ideas about how to cope are not necessarily what we need if we're stressed and anxious.

What we need is a cure.

The true remedy to stress, Linda Evans Shepherd says, is prayer. In this inspiring book, she shows you how to recognize God's continual presence in your life and yield your troubles to the Prince of Peace. Through captivating stories, explorations of fascinating biblical characters, and examples of deeper-than-ever prayers, she brings within your grasp the peace that passes understanding. If you are overwhelmed by all of the urgent demands on your time, this book offers you a lifeline to true peace.

My review:

This was an amazing book!  Shepherd starts the book with showing us we need the Holy Spirit to "give us the supernatural  peace of Christ that will help us de-stress, " and the way to do that is to yield through prayer. There are chapters that focus on being overwhelmed, frustrated, anxious, etc., with the author looking at what caused us to feel this way in the first place and what we can do to get out from under it.  At the end of each chapter, she has a verse or verses to read with a couple of lines to write how it applies to you, then some prayers where you ask God to reveal areas you're struggling in, yield these things to God, ask for help forgiving, a prayer for healing, a prayer where you exchange the enemy's work for God's peace, and then a thank you for being free.

I loved the interesting stories she told both from her life and other people, including well-written fictionalized accounts of stories from the Bible.  The story of her disabled daughter was especially inspiring.  Shepherd is no stranger to stress!  I also liked the quotes and passages she used from other authors, such as Max Lucado.  This book really made me look at my stress and how I'm reacting to my circumstances.  It definitely challenged me in my attitudes and what I need to do to find peace.  I liked that she kept pointing out we need God's help to make these changes.  This is a book I'll be referring to again and again, since I'm sure I'll need the reminder!  I definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for relief from stress!

I received this book free from Revell in exchange for an honest review.

Linda Evans Shepherd is an award-winning author, a popular speaker, and a radio personality. The president of Right to the Heart Ministries, she is the author of When You Don't Know What to Pray and Experiencing God's Presence. She and her husband live in Colorado. Learn more at www.stressprayers.com.

Review of Quilts of Love | HIDDEN IN THE STARS – $200 Giveaway & “Fall into Fall” Facebook Party!

About Quilts of Love: Quilts tell stories of love and loss, hope and faith, tradition and new beginnings. The Quilts of Love

 series focuses on the women who quilted all of these things into their family histories. A new book releases each month and features contemporary and historical romances as well as women's fiction and the occasional light mystery. You will be drawn into the endearing characters of this series and be touched by their stories.

About the book: 

A quilt holds the secret to a killer still at large---and who his next victim will be.

Following an attack that killed her mother and stole her ability to speak, 21-year-old Sophia Montgomery has no choice but to accept her estranged grandmother's offer to return to their family home. Although detective Julian Frazier is working hard on the case, Sophia unknowingly frustrates him because her inability to speak thwarts her eyewitness evidence. The fact that Julian is undeniably attracted to Sophia doesn't help either, so Julian hides his feelings as concern for a trauma victim and focuses instead on finding the killer.

Little do they know, the clues to solving the case may be right in front of them, displayed in Sophia's mother's "special" quilt design. Who will realize the secret Sophia's unwittingly been hiding in plain sight? When the truth comes to light, will Sophia find her voice again? Or will the murderer---still at large---silence her forever?

My review:  I liked this story featuring a world you don't see much in Christian fiction, the world of ballet.  I don't know that much about ballet and there was just enough information about some of the dances and the Russian view of it to hold my interest, but not so much as to bore me or be overwhelming.   I liked the Russian words thrown in to make it feel more authentic.  It was interesting to learn about Sophia's mother and grandmother and the choices they made before Sophia was even born. It's sad what an obsession with a career can do to people.  I also thought it was unique that Sophia couldn't talk for almost the whole book, though they do find a way to work around that.  While I liked the police investigation aspect of the story, I did feel that some things were very obvious that Julian and his partner should have figured out.   I liked that Sophia had a strong faith and that Julian is struggling with faith he's lost.  I admired Sophia's strength after all she'd gone through.  I did wish for more to the romance.  If you like suspense stories, you might want to check it out!

I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

More Reviews at Litfuse!

Learn more about this book and the series at the Quilts of Love website.

About the Author: 

Robin Caroll is the author of 22 published novels. When she isn't writing, Robin spends time with her husband of 20-plus years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home in Little Rock, Arkansas. She gives back to the writing community by serving as conference director for ACFW. Her books have been named finalists in such contests as the Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer's Choice Award, Bookseller's Best, and Book of the Year.

Connect with Robin: website, Facebook, Twitter

Don't miss the newest Quilts of Love book, Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll. September's QOL release is a wonderful combination of mystery, romance, and family love bound together by a quilt and the story it tells.

Enter to win a "Night on the Town" (a $200 Visa cash card!) and RSVP for the "Fall into Fall" Quilts of Love Facebook party on 10/7.
One winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa cash card (The perfect accessory for a "night on the town"!)
• A Grand Design by Amber Stockton
• Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 7. Winner will be announced at the October 7th author chat party with Amber Stockton and Robin Caroll! RSVP for an evening of book chat, quilting tips and tricks, prizes, and more!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on October 7th!

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