Whispers in The Reading Room

"He had returned.

Lydia Bancroft peeked over the stack of books she was cataloging, trying her best to see what new book her favorite patron was reading that afternoon.

For the past year, the debonair man had come into the reading room several times a week. And for the last three months, he'd sat in his favorite chair in the corner and kept his nose in a series of books detailing the adventures of Lewis and Clark.

She still remembered the expression on his face last week when he'd finished and closed the last tome. He'd looked pleased and just a bit melancholy. She knew those dual feelings well- the satisfaction of completing a well-written piece of litereature while also coming to terms with the fact that those few moments of pure bliss would be replaced with a longing for more.

That was when she realized they were kindred spirits, even though she had no business observing him so intently. At long last, she was an engaged woman, and though Jason had never stepped foot in here, if he did, he undoubtedly would not appreciate the sight of her gazing upon another man.

But it seemed she couldn't help herself." (pg 2)

This passage from Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Gray was what hooked me in her latest novel. This is how I feel whenever I read an exceptionally well written novel. It is both a happy moment and also a bittersweet one, because they always come too soon. This is the third novel in the Chicago World's Fair Mystery Series, that I am glad I got the opportunity to read, but failed to catch the first two, something I plan on correcting!

As most of you know, Shelley Gray for me, was an author I often associated with her Amish romance novels, but let me tell you, she can master murder mystery with a historical flair that is beyond what I can accurately capture in this review. The only thing I can say is pick this one up of you love a flair for a bit of romance with your historical murder mysteries!

Lydia Bancroft has fallen on hard financial times living in the late 1800s in Chicago! With the recent death of her father, they have had to sell of valuable pieces of art and furnishings to stay afloat. Now their own member of the household staff that remains is the cook and the only way they have been able to manage is thanks to Lydia's income at the Reading Room. Her mother has been keeping up appearances in an effort she can find someone to marry Lydia and relieve them from this burden. She has hopes that Jason Avondale will be the one.

Lydia knows that everything for her future and her mother's rests on her ability to maintain the level of social class that Jason expects. She is drawn to a mysterious man who frequents the reading room, but never speaks or socializes with anyone. He never even checks the books out, but picks up where he leaves off from his last visit. She is hoping she can find someway  to speak with him and perhaps find out why she is so drawn to him. She is torn between her feelings for this man she has never met and the life she lives outside of the library. If only there was another way to secure their future besides marriage. After all, who would marry someone like her, they haven't up to this point, so perhaps she should be content with what they have with her proposal from Jason. After all, a man like that can only lead to trouble right?

I received Whispers in the Reading Room from Shelley Gray compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review. I was so captivated by this novel, I inhaled it in one sitting. It was that great! Now I intend to go back and read the previous two novels in the series as well. This would be perfect for anyone who loves murder mysteries with a flair for historical accuracy and romance woven in between to create a best selling novel in my opinion and well worth all 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Whispers in the Reading Room, Shelly Gray or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Gray

You can find Shelley Gray on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Whispers in the Reading Room, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page. 

Hidden in the Stars

Robin Caroll's name is synonymous with Christian suspense and if you have ever read any of her novels you know just what I mean. For those of you that haven't and love a great novel that literally will keep you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next proverbial shoe to drop, you might want to check her out. She is also the latest author contributing her writing talents to the Quilts of Love Series, in her addition, Hidden in the Stars. Even though these are all part of an ongoing series, they are truly stand alone novels and can be read in any order, but what a way of introducing readers into the talented writing styles of some great Christian authors.

Hidden in the Stars involves Sophia Montgomery, an upcoming new Olympic gymnast who has finally taken all her hard work and is on her way to the Olympics. At least she was until two men showed up at her home with what looked like a home invasion, and began to assault her and her mother Nina, speaking in Russian. Knowing enough Russian, she had the basic understanding that the men wanted something from her mother and would not leave until they got it. What she didn't plan on, was that they would stop at NOTHING to get it, even torturing her daughter Sophie, first with crushing her hands, and then choking her to the point of dying.

All Sophie knows when she wakes up is she can't talk, her hands are badly damaged and bandaged and she is facing a detective who has a load of questions for her to answer. But how will she be able to convey what she saw if she can't speak or write? Detective Julian Fraiser knows that the person he is looking at in the hospital bed is more than lucky to be alive. He has seen car accident victims look less beat up and still die. He isn't sure just how much time he has, but he knows this, he will do whatever it takes to find out who did this to Sophie and why!

I received Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll compliments of Abingdon Press and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. This is such an intense novel because there is that unknown element of wondering just what the men wanted who brutally assaulted Sophie and her mother and what is the meaning behind the Russian language that was spoken. You are turning pages as fast as you can read in an effort to know what will happen. Like all great suspense stories, if you can twist the plotline enough to keep the reader engaged but not so lost they give up, but still leave them surprised at the end, I believe you have succeeded as a suspense author and Robin Caroll clearly has done that in this novel. This is the 21st novel in the Quilts of Love series and includes a Reader Discussion Guide at the conclusion. Well worth 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. You also get a sneak peek at Quilted for Christmas, the next novel in the series coming soon.

For more information about Hidden in the Stars, Robin Caroll, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll

You can find Robin Caroll on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Hidden in the Stars, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour page.


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!

Beneath a Navajo Moon

For as long as I can remember I love reading about the Native American people, their cultures and their love for the land and for the living things that dwell on the earth. Lisa Carter has taken this aspect, combining both contemporary and historical storylines to produce an amazing murder mystery and a bit of romance in her latest novel Beneath a Navajo Moon.

Cultural anthropologist Erin Dawson has been following the story of Olivia Thornton, from 1906 through her journal that captures a time from her life when she was taken captive by an Navajo Indian known as Silver Eagle. What she discovers is that this started out as a kidnapping but instead love was found. Despite the fact that Olivia's family tried to discourage her from reuniting with Silver Eagle, she made an attempt to find him at all costs when marriages between white women and Indians were frowned upon. Erin knows that there is more to this story that what is in the journal and she is going to do everything she can to unlock the mystery.

What she doesn't plan on is falling for tribal policeman Adam Silverhorn. He is in the process of investigating the murder of the chief of police in Cedar Canyon on the Navajo Reservation. Armed with a handful of clues he's been learning more about an undercover operation that has been threading its way through the police department and even he has his own secrets to hide. The one thing he hadn't planned on is becoming friends with Erin in the process and with them spending more time together, he has to remind himself where the boundaries of their relationship are, despite her uncanny ability to appeal to his appetite for a great meal!

I received Beneath a Navajo Moon by Lisa Carter compliments of Abingdon Press for my honest review and did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable one. The opinions contained here are strictly my own. This is such a great novel because of how Lisa has written this from two perspectives, one from Olivia Thornton's as she comes to terms with being kidnapped by a Navajo Indian who wants to learn more about the God she believes in and from Erin's perspective as she tries to figure out what happened to Olivia when she set forth to find the man she had fallen in love with despite the prejudices from both families based on their cultural differences. It is a great example of the power of love and how nothing can stand in the way. For anyone who loves a bit of mystery steep in Indian heritage, you will definitely love this one. I easily give it a 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Beneath a Navajo Moon, Lisa Carter or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Beneath a Navajo Moon by Lisa Carter

You can also find Lisa Carter on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Beneath a Navajo Moon, please visit Abingdon Press' website. 

The Devil Walks in Mattingly

As I finished the latest novel from Billy Coffey, The Devil Walks in Mattingly, I remember what he told me when I interviewed him on what the reader would find in this one. He told me it will be much darker. And it is. Much darker!

To those of you that are looking for a happy story of some facet of Billy's walk in life, this is NOT that novel. Ir reminds me in fact of the opening line that Jude Law narrates for Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, "Dear reader, there are people in the world who know no misery and woe. And they take comfort in cheerful films about twittering birds and giggling elves. There are people who know that there's always a mystery to be solved. And they take comfort in researching and writing down any important evidence. But this story is not about such people.The movie you are about to see is extremely unpleasant. If you wish to see a film about a happy little elf, I'm sure there is still plenty of seating in theatre number two."

This novel is actually the prequel to Billy's third novel, When Mockingbird Sings. I've been a huge fan of Billy's since the days I first came across his stories on his Blog, "What I Learned Today", and fell in love with his uncanny abililty to do more than just tell a great story. He makes it come alive and makes you part of the action. I wanted to run ahead and read The Devil Walks in Mattingly as fast as possible, because you will always come away changed after reading ANY of his books. This one was NO different, however much like a race horse yearning to run ahead at the start of the gun, this one held me back restrained. No matter how much I wanted to run ahead, this one made me go slow. To say this novel is deep and dark, is an understatement. I believe it's Billy's finest examples of just how versatile of a writer he truly is.

I liken this novel to something a bit of a blend between Stephen King, Edgar Allen Poe and M. Night Shyalmalan's Sixth Sense. This is about what we all face when dealing with the guilt of sin in our lives. Especially in this case where the murder of a young boy, Phillip McBride that happened twenty years ago, is now being felt in the town of Mattingly, Virginia by those with guilty consciences, the local sheriff, Jake Barnett, his wife, Kate, and the recluse that lives in Happy Hollow, Taylor Hathcock. Each of them believes that they have had a hand in the murder of Phillip and each have found a coping method that is slowly unraveling at the seams.

For Jake, he is trying to avoid confrontation at all costs in his job as Mattingly's sheriff, including the apprehension of his own father, Justus wanted for the murder of three men. Jake is haunted by nightmares of that fateful day by Phillip to deprives him not only of sleep but in moving forward in his life. Phillip is the spectre with a warning that he is coming back for him and Kate, and no one will escape. But is it really happening or it just the over active imagination of a guilty conscience?

Kate is stuck making amends for her guilt, one I related to the most. She keeps a notebook of all the young people she has helped to atone for her sin. She is hoping one day, she will achieved enough good deeds to make up for the one she can't apologize for and for the innocent loss of life she claimed that day when her prank took an unexpected turn on the last day of high school.

For Taylor, he spends his days waiting for just the right moment to "wake" them all up. He suffers from a mental snap and believes that the life his is living is merely a dream and that he is the only one who can help them all. He cautiously spies upon the sleepy residents of Mattingly knowing that the day is close at hand. The one event that brings things to life is the day footprints appear in the Hollow from a protective grove that Taylor is the keeper of, that lead back to Mattingly and back to her. Now he just needs to find the clues to piece it all together, but this will also bring to the town of Mattingly, an evil they have never experienced before and one that will forever change the town.

I received The Devil Walks in Mattingly by Billy Coffey, compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own, unless otherwise noted. This is a novel that showcases much more than a well written story. It shows how far guilt can carry us if we allow it to fester unresolved. It also teaches us the power of forgiveness. People often say that forgiveness is for others, but I beg to differ, it is for us that have been wronged instead. There is freedom in being able to forgive those who have wronged us, no matter what has happened. Those who can't are likely Jake, Kate and Taylor who are stuck feeling justified in keeping those feelings locked inside, and thus become more trapped and tormented than anyone should ever have to. By the time, you get to the end of this one, you will understand what grace truly is and how much freedom there is in forgiveness before you can ever move forward. In my opinion, by far, Billy's finest novel to date. There is such maturity in his writing this novel that is unparallelled in anything I have read and thus the reason for my 5 out of 5 stars. Looking forward to going even deeper Billy!

For more information about The Devil Walks in Mattingly, Billy Coffey or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Devil Walks in Mattingly by Billy Coffey

You can find Billy Coffey on Facebook to stay up to date will all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Devil Walks in Mattingly, please visit Thomas Nelson Publisher's website. 

To read more reviews on The Devil Walks in Mattingly, please visit Litfuse Publicity Book Tour Page. 

Billy Coffey is celebrating his new book, The Devil Walks in Mattingly, with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway.







 



One winner will receive:




• A Kindle Fire HDX


• The Devil Walks in Mattingly by Billy Coffey


Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 5th. Winner will be announced April  7th on Billy's blog. Watch Billy give the backstory of the book here.







Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Billy's blog on April 7th to see if you won.

Tide and Tempest

Sometimes the hardest thing to deal with besides the loss of love is trying to find a way to move forward and find a way just to get through the day. But for Tillie McGrath, she's still carrying the past around with her trying to find a way to make restitution for her unforgiven sin. When she arrived in America two years ago with her fiancè Braedon McKillop, she had hoped for a much different life than the one she received. Leaving Ireland against her parents wishes and running away with Braedon promised her a life of love and adventure. But life would rob her of all that happiness. Braedon died during their trip aboard Caitriona Marie leaving her alone and with their child. They never even had a chance to be married, but no one else knew that. It seemed that this life was due to be and she even lost her baby never having had the chance to get to know her.

Tillie now feels that looking back it was a series of bad mistakes that God is punishing her for and vows to do anything she can to get back into His good graces again, volunteering at the local church, and attempting to open a orphanage to help care for the cities children in an effort to earn her penance. But when Captain Keondric Morgan returns after two years to check on her welfare, she isn't quite sure what to make of concerns. But Captain Morgan has never forgotten Tillie and even he carries a guilt that he must now resolve. During a deathbed confession of the ship's doctor, he learns that Braedon's death wasn't an accident, he was murdered by the doctor. What he didn't realize in providing Tillie the opportunity to spend Braedon's final moments together would cost her her life.

Now it seems whoever was responsible for her husband's murder is concerned that Braedon confessed something to Tillie during his final moments, something that could lead the authorities straight to them if word gets out. Now when they realize she is living at the boarding house, it makes her an easy target to eliminate. But Captain Morgan and his younger brother Cass agree to stay at the boarding house in an effort to figure out who is trying to kill Tillie and protect her against all costs. But is it possible that both of them can fall in love with her at the same time and will either one be willing to accept whomever she choose and bow out gracefully? Or will their love blind them to protect Tillie in the process?

I received Tide and Tempest by Elizabeth Ludwig compliments of Bethany House Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This is the third book in the Edge of Freedom series and is a must read for Historical fiction fans. I must add the beginning of the book started out really slow for me and I struggled to find a rhythm to keep on going through the novel. However by the time you get through the first handful of chapters you get hooked. I haven't had the pleasure of reading the first two books in this series, but I was able to pick this one up and get an idea of what happened earlier thanks to Elizabeth's introduction in the beginning chapters of this novel. Perhaps that is why it was so hard at the beginning to get into. However, that being said I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Tide and Tempest, Elizabeth Ludwig or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Tide and Tempest by Elizabeth Ludwig

You can also find Elizabeth Ludwig on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Tide and Tempest, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance's book tour page. 

Scraps of Evidence

Just what does a beautiful sewn blue quilt have to do with the latest serial murders running rampant in Florida? Just another mystery waiting to be discovered by best-selling author Barbara Cameron in her latest novel Scraps of Evidence that joins the Quilts of Love Series as book 14. The readers of this novel are bound to a true treat if you have read any of Barbara Cameron's novels. There is always an element of mystery and suspense to keep you reading long past it's time to head for bed because of your compelling urge to know who did it.

Join Detective Tess Villanova as she teams up with her new partner who just happens to be amazingly good-looking as well as single, Detective Logan McMillian from Chicago. Now they must work together when the latest case reopens the serial murder case when Tess lost her best friend as the first murder victim. Working hard to try and find the killer, when the latest body turns up, Logan gives the case a whole new perspective and a fresh set of eyes.

Like most colleagues that work together and spend so much time together, you get to know someone in ways you never would if you had met in a bar, and this gives Tess and Logan time to unwind and compare notes over lunches and dinners working their case. What they find is that they have more in common than simply being partners working together and the more time they spend with one another the more things begin to heat up and not just in the romance department.

I received Scraps of Evidence by Barbara Cameron compliments of Abingdon Press and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own unless otherwise noted. The best thing about any of the novels you find in the Quilts of Love series is why they do have a common thread running through them, you can pick up any of them and read them. They are not linked in any way other than having a quilt at the central theme. I've been a huge fan of Barbara Cameron's novels and was thrilled to read and review this one. I love the romantic tension that builds up between Logan and Tess and you just hope by the time you get to the end, they both come around to realize love is in the air. I easily give this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. Included in this novel at the conclusion are some excellent discussion questions just perfect for book clubs as well as sneak peek into the next book in the series A Sky Without Stars.

For more information about Scraps of Evidence, Barbara Cameron or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Scraps of Evidence by Barbara Cameron 

You can also find Barbara Cameron on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

For more reviews on Scraps of Evidence, please visit Litfuse Publicity Book Tours.

• Series: Quilts of Love (Book 14)
• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (January 21, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426752784
• ISBN-13: 978-1426752780
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches 

Barbara Cameron's Scraps of Evidence is the newest book in the Quilts of Love line, and Barbara is celebrating with an "intriguing" Kindle HDX giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Scraps of Evidence by Barbara Cameron
• Tempest's Course by Lynette Sowell
• Aloha Rose by Lisa Carter

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 8th. Winner will be announced on the Quilts of Love blog on March 10th.

Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Scraps of Evidence

Just what does a beautiful sewn blue quilt have to do with the latest serial murders running rampant in Florida? Just another mystery waiting to be discovered by best-selling author Barbara Cameron in her latest novel Scraps of Evidence that joins the Quilts of Love Series as book 14. The readers of this novel are bound to a true treat if you have read any of Barbara Cameron's novels. There is always an element of mystery and suspense to keep you reading long past it's time to head for bed because of your compelling urge to know who did it.

Join Detective Tess Villanova as she teams up with her new partner who just happens to be amazingly good-looking as well as single, Detective Logan McMillian from Chicago. Now they must work together when the latest case reopens the serial murder case when Tess lost her best friend as the first murder victim. Working hard to try and find the killer, when the latest body turns up, Logan gives the case a whole new perspective and a fresh set of eyes.

Like most colleagues that work together and spend so much time together, you get to know someone in ways you never would if you had met in a bar, and this gives Tess and Logan time to unwind and compare notes over lunches and dinners working their case. What they find is that they have more in common than simply being partners working together and the more time they spend with one another the more things begin to heat up and not just in the romance department.

I received Scraps of Evidence by Barbara Cameron compliments of Abingdon Press and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own unless otherwise noted. The best thing about any of the novels you find in the Quilts of Love series is why they do have a common thread running through them, you can pick up any of them and read them. They are not linked in any way other than having a quilt at the central theme. I've been a huge fan of Barbara Cameron's novels and was thrilled to read and review this one. I love the romantic tension that builds up between Logan and Tess and you just hope by the time you get to the end, they both come around to realize love is in the air. I easily give this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. Included in this novel at the conclusion are some excellent discussion questions just perfect for book clubs as well as sneak peek into the next book in the series A Sky Without Stars.

For more information about Scraps of Evidence, Barbara Cameron or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Scraps of Evidence by Barbara Cameron 

You can also find Barbara Cameron on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

For more reviews on Scraps of Evidence, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Book Tours.

• Series: Quilts of Love (Book 14)
• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (January 21, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426752784
• ISBN-13: 978-1426752780
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches

Rules of Murder

For those mystery fans of such notable authors like Agatha Christie or even the famed Sherlock Holmes, you will absolutely adore Julianna Deering's latest Drew Farthering Series, beginning with Rules of Murder. In this enchanting novel we take a look back at Farthering Place, a well-to-do estate set in the early 1930's. Drew Farthering and his friend Nick have arrived home in the late evening only to find out that their rooms have been given to guests staying with the family over the long weekend.

When Drew learns that the guest residing in his room is none other than David Lincoln, the same man who reportedly rumors in town have speculated that his mother, Constance was having an affair with. He rushes to the bedroom and drags the poor man out of bed, much to the shock of not only Mr. Lincoln but also to his mother and his step father, Mason Parker, who reminds Drew that he doesn't believe those rumors are even true. Fortunately for Drew, Mr. Lincoln agrees to follow the butler, Dennison to another guest room for the remainder of his stay.

Drew spends the weekend getting more than he ever bargained for when he finds himself attracted to a group of three American girls who are also staying at the family home. Madeline Parker is the niece of his step father Mason and soon it is apparent that both of them are attracted to one another. When he arrives to save Madeline from the not so gentlemanly advances from Mr. Lincoln, he offers to take her for a stroll in the garden to wait for the firework display to begin. A sudden rainstorm catches them of guard and they find shelter in the greenhouse, where the search for something to keep them warm til the rain lets up. It is there that the body count begins when they uncover Mr. Lincoln's body under some coats.

It sets the stage for an investigation into the cause and effects of why someone is apparently murdered the guests staying at the Farthering estate and it will also reveal that everyone seems to have a motive for the bodies that keep showing up in the most unexpected places. Even Drew and Madeline apparently also suspects while the investigation begins into not only who the murderer or murderers are but also for what reason. The twists and turns lead on a simply wild goose chase and just when you think you have this one figured out, you wind up in a dead end. That to me, makes the perfect novel for a great murder mystery along with a bit of suspense and a touch of romance for good measure. Fans of historical murder mysteries will definitely love this one that takes place in London!

I received Rules of Murder by Julianna Deering compliments of Bethany House Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not received any monetary compensation for a favorable review. This is the first novel in the Drew Farthering Mystery series and I think that Julianna Deering did an exceptional job at both keeping the setting of the book and it's characters in perfect sync so much that you simply forgot you were reading a book and not really living it. For me, that is the hallmark of an exceptional murder mystery and thus the reason for a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. I can't wait to see where this series will be headed next and I was completely caught off guard with my own investigation into this series of murders.

For more information about Rules of Murder, Julianna Deering or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Rules of Murder by Julianna Deering 

You can also follow Julianna Deering on Facebook to stay up to date on all the novels in this exciting series.

To read more reviews on Rules of Murder from the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Book Tour, please click here.

Stress Test

What would you do if while walking to your car after a long night at work, you suddenly found yourself being beaten and thrown in the trunk of your own car? What if you managed to escape only to find yourself waking up in a hospital accused of a murder, you are quite certain you didn't commit? What if all the evidence seemed to point to you and everything you claim had happened, can't be proven?

Welcome to the life of Dr. Matt Newman! He was about to begin a new job as assistant professor of surgery at Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and give up his private practice. He was in a thriving relationship with Jennifer who worked for the District Attorney and was making plans to marry her and begin a family. Just when it all seemed like everything was going his way, he found himself being kidnapped and the last words he recalled hearing before being thrown in the trunk of his own car was "Get rid of him."

Matt did what he had to before they were able to follow through with his plans and managed to escape into a dark alley. When his captors finally gave up trying to find him, he managed to fall off a pile of pallets and wound up in the hospital with a head injury that required surgery. It's when he woke up that life changed in an instant. Suddenly the police were there asking him about a body they found in the trunk of his car along with his wallet. Despite Matt's pleas for innocence, the police believed they had an iron clad open and shut case against Matt for the murder of one of his colleagues. They informed him that he might want to obtain a lawyer.

Sandra Murray considered herself one of the best criminal defense lawyers now they she branched out and formed her own practice. When she received Matt's call from the hospital, something told her that despite all the evidence piling up against him, he might just be innocent. Knowing that everyone deserves a chance at being represented, she agrees to take the case and before long, it seems as if Sandra is finding a hard time, believing that Matt didn't commit murder based on the evidence that keeps working against him. No matter what he claims, there is no proof that anything Matt claims really happened to him.

In the novel Stress Test by Dr. Richard L. Marby, M.D., the author once more takes the readers through the world of medicine to an intense thriller when Matt is wanted for murder. All of those around him, suddenly wonder if he is really innocent. His girlfriend fears that being associated with a possible murder suspect will put her own career at the District Attorney's office at risk, his future job is placed on hold until Matt's case is resolved which means he is literally out of a job with no viable way to pay for a defense attorney. What is even worse is that the people who are out to kill him are still out there and soon Matt learns that he is the next victim. They won't be allowed to let him escape again.

I received Stress Test by Dr. Richard L. Marby, M.D. compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review and received no monetary compensation for a favorable one. This is the second book, I've had the opportunity to review one of his fictional novels and LOVE every single minute. It is heart-stopping and adrenaline rushing excitement from the very first page. While you have a guess at what could be going on, you won't believe the unbelievable ending. For those that LOVE a bit of medical drama along with a touch of romance and suspense, you'll definitely want to pick this one up. It's definitely a 5 out of 5 star winner and I literally stayed up too late to finish it. I just had to know how it ended. I couldn't wait for morning.

For more information about Stress Test, Dr. Richard L. Marby M.D., or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Stress Test by Dr. Richard L. Marby M.D.

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To read more reviews on Stress Test from the Litfuse Publicity Book Tour, please click here.

Richard Mabry is celebrating the release of Stress Test with a Nook HD Giveaway! Enter today.

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• A brand new Nook HD
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Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 27th. Winner will be announced on 4/29/13 at Richard's blog.

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• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (April 9, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401687083
• ISBN-13: 978-1401687083
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.4 inches

Shattered

Mystery book lovers who are looking for a great Christian Romantic Suspense series need look no further than Dani Pettrey's Alaskan Courage Series! In her latest novel, Shattered, the second book in the series, we find the McKenna family dealing with a possible murder conviction of their brother, Reef. He was found holding Karli Davis in the women's locker room covered in blood and with the murder weapon next to him. Sheriff Slidell is facing a reelection campaign and believes this is an open and shut case. However Deputy Landon Grainger has been a family friend of the McKenna's forever and knows that just because the evidence appears to point one way, you still have to conduct a thorough investigation to cover all your bases. What he doesn't look forward to, is telling his sister Piper McKenna that he needs to arrest her brother, Reef. Piper still holds the keys to his heart even though she has moved on in her love life.

The one thing that Reef has going against him is fleeing the scene of the crime and heading straight for his sisters house. Piper would be the one person who would believe Reef no matter what and knowing her, she will find out who really murdered Karli and left her brother holding the bag of evidence. However when Landon questions Reef about what happened that night and learns that they had an argument of sorts, he wonders if it's possible that Reef could have killed her in a moment of heated anger. He wouldn't be able to face the McKenna's if he had to be the one to tell them. Worse yet, the Sheriff feels so strongly that Reef's the murderer without considering all the evidence, he's pushing for a speedy trial. They only have a few weeks to find enough evidence to prove Reef didn't kill Karli and find the person or persons who did.

When the Sheriff feels that Landon is too close to the case to remain objective, Landon takes a leave of absence to continue to follow whatever leads he can find, and that may in fact put the entire family at risk when their investigation begins to get too close to the answer. But how can Landon work with Piper when he finds himself falling more and more in love with her the more time they spend together? Sometimes however, God can take our shattered pasts and restore them like new. Yet first Landon will have to come to terms with accepting whether God is real or not and it may take an unfortunate accident with Piper to bring him to his knees and believe.

I received Shattered by Dani Pettrey compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. This is my second book in the Alaskan Courage series I have been honored to review and once again think Dani did an exceptional job at keeping the reader on the edge of their seats but also second guessing themselves just when they think they know all the answers. This book has all the earmarks of a classic suspense thriller with the element of romance woven in to keep you hoping for a positive outcome between Piper and Landon despite all the odds working against them. Truly a roller coaster ride set in the wild outback of Alaska and a must read for Christian Murder Mystery Genre Lovers! This one hits home with a 5 out of 5 stars!

For more information about Shattered, Dani Pettrey or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Shattered by Dani Pettrey

You can also find Dani Pettrey on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books.

To read more reviews from the Litfuse Publicity Book Tour on Shattered, please click here.

A Perfect Square

Shipshewana, Indiana is about to be involved once more in a mystery that will rock the entire town and change people's lives forever. When Deborah and Esther along with their younger children, stop just outside of the Fisher farm to pick some flowers, they find a body of a young girl floating face down in the pond. Not knowing who she is, Deborah runs to call for help. As they wait for the police to show up, Reuben Fisher and Deborah wonder just who the girl is. It seems as though she isn't from around here based on the details in her Amish attire.

When the county sheriff, Shane Black arrives on scene, Deborah and Esther cringe based on their previous encounters with the sheriff involving other murders involving them both. Seems like murder just follows them around. However when the sheriff begins to question Reuben, he maintains his silence and refuses to answer. Is it possible he knows more than he's willing to say and that leads Shane Black to believe that Reuben might be the murderer. When a search reveals blood inside the Fisher's family home, Shane has no other choice but to arrest Reuben.

Esther Zook believed that God finally was blessing her life with a new future until her fiance's cousin, Reuben is arrested. Just two weeks from her wedding she now feels that Tobias will put it on hold while he attempts to figure out what happened at the farm and why Reuben refuses to talk. Unless he does, he will be sentenced for murder and spend the rest of his life in jail.

Deborah believes that there is more to this story that just what the evidence is pointing to, so she begins to investigate alongside the local reporter from the Gazette, Trent McCallister to show the town that Reuben is innocent and for her best friend, Esther to finally have the happiness she truly deserves after the death of her husband, two years earlier.



I received A Perfect Square by Vannetta Chapman compliments of Zondervan Publishers and Net Galley for my honest review. This is a different take on your standard Amish novels and deals with both the English and Amish working together to figure out just who murdered the girl in the pond and who she is. It appeals to lovers of both Amish Fiction and Crime/Mystery genres and involves a couple of different plots buried withing the pages of this book. I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars and it does have a great moral lesson to be gleaned by the end. This is the sequel to Falling to Pieces but can be read as a stand alone!

For more information on A Perfect Square, Vannetta Chapman and where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

A Perfect Square by Vannetta Chapman

You can also stay up with the latest from Vannetta Chapman by becoming a follower of hers on Facebook.

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (March 31, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310330440
• ISBN-13: 978-0310330448

Hush, Little Baby

Rarely does a book come around that makes you gasp as you read it, because you can't think the horrors it brings you to confront face to face will get any worse. In Hush, Little Baby by Deborah M. Piccurelli does just that and more as the story grows.

Amber Blake is a journalist who has been sent to work undercover at the Cedarview Women's Center in South Jersey, under the watchful eye of Dr. Albert Hines. Hardly believing she landed the job, she is sent on a mission to bring to justice the killer of her sister, Ashley who died during complications she received when she got an abortion.

Given inside information that there may be more going on at the clinic that what appears by a co-worker named Maggie, who tells her that fetal harvesting is taking place as well. When patients show up for their procedure they are asked to give up the rights of their fetus to science, which many are more than willing to do as a way to feel better about what they are doing.

Now all Amber has to do is bring back enough evidence on the clinic to have it shut down and Dr. Hines arrested, but at just 4-foot-tall, that appears to be a larger order than she planned. Especially when the good Doctor is more than attracted to her. What she doesn't tell anyone is that she is married, but separated from Evan, her husband, who is working on the undercover article. Evan wants to work with Amber at reconciling their marriage but when he doesn't want to have children because of the ridicule it may cause their children if they are drawfs, Amber is forced to look at divorcing him. What would he think if he knew she had a daughter with him that he doesn't know anything about?

I received Hush, Little Baby compliments of Christian Fiction Book Reviews and Deborah M. Piccurelli for my honest review. Being a huge pro-life, Christian, I had to see where this book was going and how it would end. It does make the reader wonder just what really goes on behind the back doors in those women's clinics even today and sees just how real and true this story could be. I applaud Deborah's efforts to bring a breathable, likeable character to life, in Amber, who is struggling with her own personal convictions of working at a clinic being a believer in God. She tries to make sure that women who arrive are given all opportunities to keep their child, but when the Doctor informs her she's going against policy and is subject to being fired, she finds she is up against a rope that only God can help her out of. I rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars and remind the reader that the subject matter may be a bit intense but overall provides a great story to engage the reader with its suspense.

For more information about this book, the author and where you can purchase a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Hush, Little Baby by Deborah M. Piccurelli

The Chase

Kariss Walker has seen the worst of the worst when it comes to crimes as a TV news anchor. Some of those crimes unfortunately never got solved and one in fact continues to haunt her dreams, one called Cherish Doe. A young girl who was found starved and left to die in the woods behind a Houston apartment complex, has never been solved. Now Kariss has decided to change career paths and become New York Times best selling fiction author. But the nightmares continue to haunt her.

The fact lingers that this poor girl is still an unknown while her murderer lies free to carry on with who knows what other crimes. Now Kariss wants to write Cherished Doe's story in the form of a suspense crime novel and hopes that along the way it might spark new interest in this cold case and hopefully bring justice to this case. She teams up with FBI Special Agent Santiago Harris, or Tigo as he is known to his colleagues, to shadow him in his daily activities to see what the FBI is really like to bring about some positive publicity through her book and make it more realistic than simply writing a fiction based book.

Since both Agent Harris and Kariss are extremely passionate about this case, they succeed in getting it reopened and schedule a press conference using the media to get the word out that they are offering a $25,000 reward for information regarding who the missing girl is and the arrest of her killer. Yet what neither of them realize is that there are those that would want to keep this case cold and unsolved and one that will put both of their lives and careers on the line.

I received The Chase by DiAnn Mills compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I can say that I love the writing style of DiAnn Mills because the pace of the story never lags, it completely carries the reader along for some heart-stopping action and thought-provoking crime solving to figure out where this one is headed. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and for those that love a great crime/murder mystery, then this is perfect for you.

For more information on this book, the author and where to pick up a copy of this book, please click on the links below:

The Chase by DiAnn Mills

You can also check out more reviews and information through Christian Fiction Blog Alliances website by clicking here.

The Reluctant Dectective

As vicar Alistair Ingram was giving the blessing over communion and taking a drink from the communion cup, he clutches his chest and falls to the ground in front of the congregation. Knowing that he has had issues with his heart, the members of the church believe he has had a heart attack.

When Faith Morgan attempts to revive the vicar, she notices some redness and swelling on his lips and a strange order coming from the wine stain on his chest. She will later find out from the Detective Inspector in charge, Ben Shorter, that he was poisoned.

Faith was about to decide whether to join Little Worthy, the name of the church, since receiving her ordination as a vicar before the death of Alistair Ingram. She had left the police force where she worked with Ben Shorter not only as a colleague but as a former boyfriend as well. Their relationship ended on a sore note, when Faith decided to pursue a high calling in her life.

In the latest Faith Morgan Mystery, The Reluctant Detective by Martha Ockley, the reader will be taken along the mysterious investigation into the murder of Alistair Ingram. Working together as the newest member of the congregation, Faith and Ben will slowly uncover events that will leave the reader completely horrified.

I received The Reluctant Detective compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and for those of you that love church murder mysteries, than this one is a must for you. You will be left wondering just who did it as you uncover clues that seem to point one way but lead to a dead end. This one rates a 4.5 out of 5 stars and is well on it's way to a great series with Faith Morgan. She is a likeable character who isn't afraid of her faith and in being able to listen to the voice of God and follow.

Here's even more great information about this book, the author and even where to get a first chapter glimpse!!

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Reluctant Detective Monarch Books (April 30, 2011) by Martha Ockley

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Martha Ockley is the pen-name of Rebecca Jenkins. She read history at Oxford University, and spent several years working alongside her father, the Rt. Revd. David Jenkins (Bishop of Durham 1984-94) during the turbulence of the 1980s. She lives in Teesdale in the North East of England where the landscape and history provide the inspiration for her Regency detective, F R Jarrett. Since September 2009 she has been Royal Literary Fund Fellow and Writer in Residence at York St John University. She is a full-time author, writing both fiction and non-fiction. (She should not be confused with a Canadian actor and singer, also called Rebecca Jenkins.)





ABOUT THE BOOK

The Reluctant Detective sees Faith Morgan arriving back in the region of her birth - Winchester in Hampshire. Recently ordained, she had been working as a curate in an Anglican inner-city church. Within an hour of her arrival at Little Worthy, she witnesses the sudden shocking death of a fellow priest during a communion service at St James's. He had been poisoned with a pesticide mixed with the communion wine. The senior police officer who arrives at the scene turns out to be Detective Inspector Ben Shorter, Faith's ex long-term boyfriend.



She is urged by the Bishop to stay on to look after the parish of Little Worthy. As she meets her parishioners she learns some surprising facts about her apparently well loved predecessor, and starts to suspect a motive for his death. And it is she who finally identifies the murderer.

The story gets off to a dramatic start with the previous vicar collapsing as soon as he drank the communion cup, and it holds the interest throughout. There is some romantic interest too. Inspector Ben Shorter starts by sneeringly telling his sergeant, "Ms Morgan is a vicar. One of the ordained," Ben emphasized the word. “She's a card-carrying professional at the touchy-feely stuff.” But he soon starts to feel differently about her again, although she is well aware that he "didn't understand the reality she experienced through her faith. He didn't even recognize its existence. That was the gulf between them." Her own beliefs and doubts are convincingly described, for even she can't help wondering, "What if there is no truth to it?" But for her, as for Pascal before her, it was a gamble worth taking.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Reluctant Detective, go HERE