Dark Deception Review and Giveaway

Looking for a great murder mystery, suspense thriller? Then look no further than Nancy Mehl's latest novel, Dark Deception, which is the second novel in the Defenders of Justice Series. It must be read in order because the case begins in the first novel Fatal Frost. As readers take a look at the ongoing serial killer case known as the Blue Eyed Killer or B.E.K. for short, the case is just beginning for Kate O'Brien who survived the attack that should have claimed her life. She is the only witness who can identify the serial killer and now it is her turn to be a witness in putting the man behind bars.

He took the life of her twin sister Kelly, which is one of the reasons why he has been caught. Before this mistake, all the cases were cold because B.E.K. left no traces of evidence behind. It has baffled the efforts of not only the FBI but also the local police as well. She is relying on the strength from the officer responsible for ensure she remains alive and protected but will help her endure her testimony while facing the man who killed her sister and tried to kill her, U.S. Marshall, Tony DeLuca. Just as the trial is about to get underway with her testimony the courtroom erupts in gunfire as the prosecutor is murdered right before her eyes and just as he is about to kill her, Tony is able to stop the man.

As evidence begins to mount against the man convicted of being the B.E.K., Kate takes the offer to join the witness protection program and for the last four years things have been relatively calm. She has started a new life and a new name for herself. But Tony is asked to bring Kate back in, as a witness as the man convicted of multiple murders is seemingly let go for evidence that has now been tampered with rendering the conviction and arrest out of their hands. Now the killer has been released and Tony needs to find her and bring her in before the killer can locate her. It will truly be a race against time as the killer draws closer to her and the body counts begin to rise. But have they caught the right man?

I received Dark Deception by Nancy Mehl compliments of Bethany House Publishers and TLC Book Tours. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. This is such a great series and I only wish I had read the first novel before jumping into this one to understand not only the killer's motives, but also the efforts of the police to arrest the man they believed to be B.E.K. Rest assured, this one has another sequel at least before they catch the elusive killer and in the meantime, the body counts will continue to rise and a twisted reason for the killer to keep Kate close will be revealed. I can't wait for the third novel in this series. It had me hooked at the very beginning and couldn't put it down til I figured out what was going to happen. Such a great story line and by far one of the best murder mysteries I have read in a long time. For me, this one rates a 5 out of 5 stars.

Now for the best part, thanks to the generosity of TLC Book Tours and Bethany House Publishers, they are giving a copy of this novel away. Here is all you need to do to enter:

1. "Like" Nancy Mehl's Facebook page. 

2. Be a resident of the US or Canada. Please No P.O. Boxes.

3. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of Dark Deception. Don't forget to include your email address so I can notify you if you are the lucky winner of this giveaway. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols if you wish.

I will notify the winner of this giveaway by June 30th by email so don't forget to include it.

For more information about Dark Deception, Nancy Mehl or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Dark Deception by Nancy Mehl

You can find Nancy Mehl on Facebook to stay on top of her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Dark Deception, please visit TLC Book Tour's page. 

Gathering Shadows

"Some people are willing to protect their secrets at all costs."

For investigative reporter Wynter Evans, she has never given up hope of finding her brother Ryan who was kidnapped when he was only seven from their neighborhood. That one even destroyed more than her faith in God, it quite literally destroyed the family as she knew it. Her father soon divorced her mother and moved on to start his life with another woman. For Wynter's mother, she feel into a dark depression believing that her husband was the reason for Ryan's kidnapping and can't find forgiveness in her heart. For Wynter, she is plagued by nightmares where Ryan is begging her to not give up the search to find him. So she won't.

Now if she can only convince the station manager to go out on a limb for a community interest story involving a small Mennonite town known as Sanctuary. She hopes his interest in finding remote locations that he can highlight on their news station to garner public interest will give her just the break she is looking for. She has more than one motive for gaining time away to head to Sanctuary. Besides the human interest story for her station, she has been sent a photo of a young Mennonite teen who bears the remarkable similarities of her missing brother. But before she can involve the police, she must find a way to meet with this young man to know for sure. She only hopes it is him and perhaps finding him will help restore the family she has lost.

What she didn't plan on was the town treating her arrival with less than heart warming intentions. It seems that the residents of Sanctuary would rather their town be kept remote and quite like the name suggests. It seems that people who live in Sanctuary have a reason for wanting to settle in a town that pretty much keeps to itself and protects their own at all costs. Still Wynter has to try and with the help of the town's unofficial mayor, Rueben King, she hopes he can connect the dots and find a way to meet the young man who now goes by the name of Elijah Fisher. Only it's not just the town of Sanctuary who holds secrets as Wynter's investigation into the disappearance of her brother, now leads to a threat on her life. Will she be able to uncover what she is looking for before she loses her own life?

I received Gathering Shadows from Nancy Mehl 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 opinion. This is the first novel in the Finding Sanctuary series from Nancy and for me, it was a hit. I can't imagine what it must be like for someone like Wynter who wonders if every person she sees is really her missing brother. As the search draws closer, soon she and Rueben are the targets of someone who wants their investigation to come to a halt and if they don't, they will stop at nothing to ensure secrets remain in the shadows. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars and I can't wait for more in this series. If you love a great mystery coupled with romance, than you will love this one.

For more information about Gathering Shadows, Nancy Mehl or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Gathering Shadows by Nancy Mehl

You can also find Nancy Mehl on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Gathering Shadows, please visit the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Book Tour page. 

Unforeseeable

The best part of the Road to Kingdom Series by best selling author - Nancy Mehl has been the unique blending of two of my favorite genre's to create something unforgettable in each of the novels that keeps me coming back for more. In this series of novels Nancy has taken your typical Christian Amish Fiction and twisted it so seamlessly with a great suspense murder, you think this is how all novels should be written. I think you shouldn't be able to tell the genre's apart and I think Nancy has created a unique nichè that is all her own.

While Unforeseeable is the third and final novel in the series, you can definitely pick this one up and read it as a stand alone and still gain the appreciation that fans from the beginning have experienced along the way. Callie Hoffman is the owner of town's cafè and works alongside her soon to be sister-in-law, Lizzie Housler. She is anticipating her upcoming wedding to the newly elected pastor, Levi Housler, Lizzie's brother, but some in the town of Kingdom believe he is far too young to take on the responsibilities of leading the church.

When the body of a woman is found just outside of town, soon the true nightmare begins. The sheriff comes to the local town gathering in the cafè to inform the residents that he believes that a serial killer has once again emerged and has begun to take his killing spree into the heart of Kingdom. He advises all women to make sure that they are with someone and never to venture outside alone. Pretty soon, like most small towns gossip gets the best of people and fingers are pointed into who may be the killer living among the small town of Kingdom. Just when you think you have it figured out, Nancy spins the tale into a completely different direction and soon you'll be left wondering just who is it and how many more lives of the women living in Kingdom will be claimed to the person responsible for committing the crimes just as a monsterous blizzard makes a direct path into town.

I received Unforeseeable by Nancy Mehl compliments of Bethany House Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I have not received any monetary compensation for a favorable review. By far, this is my favorite of all three books in the series. Not only have I gotten the chance to know each of the main characters in the previous novels, I absolutely loved the elements that Nancy has twisted together to make this one work and compel me to finish the final page before setting it down. That to me, is a sign of a great book. I give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my personal opinion.

For more information about Unforeseeable, Nancy Mehl or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Unforeseeable by Nancy Mehl

You can follow Nancy Mehl on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

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

• Series: Road to Kingdom (Book 3)
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (September 1, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764209299
• ISBN-13: 978-0764209291
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1 inches

Unbreakable

You've probably heard the phrase, "turn the other cheek," however is it possible to still turn the other cheek when the life of someone you love may be in danger? How long would you be able to remain passive even if your core religious beliefs were founded on those very principles. To not return violence with violence?

Yet in the small Mennonite town of Kingdom, removed from most of society to maintain those solid religious beliefs, the town suddenly finds violence has stepped inside the borders of the town. First with the burning of a church just on the outskirts of town and now when Hope Kauffman, has become the latest target of violence. She was returning home when a red truck forced her off the road in her buggy, but she was able to leap clear just in time. As the truck attempted to run her down again, she was saved by her answered prayer when Jonathan Wiese shows up in his truck and scares the driver off. Had it not been for Jonathan's quick actions, Hope might be dead.

Jonathan reminds her that the violence is growing towards those who hate Christians, burning churches, running drivers off the road and knowing that the people of Kingdom will not retaliate against them no matter how bad it gets. He advises Hope to please speak with the Elders of the church to see if there are so precautions that they can take to prevent the violence from getting out of hand. He offers to follow Hope back into town to her quilt shop, Kingdom Quilts but learns that not everyone is glad to see him, even if he did save Hope's life. Jonathan was a young man who moved to Kingdom with his family a year ago. He had immediately started sharing his ideas about reforming the Kingdom Mennonite Church and had caused some in the church to be upset with him and his beliefs. Her father was not at all pleased with the amount of time that Hope was spending with Jonathan even if they were only friends. Hope was engaged to marry Ebenezer Miller or Ebbie for short, but found herself wondering just what were her true feelings for Jonathan.

However will her father's opinions change now that Hope's life was threatened? Will he be able to stick with his foundational beliefs when the violence continues and the best they can hope for is praying for God's divine intervention? Is it possible to remain sincere to your religious beliefs and yet still protect those you love? All these answers are found in the latest novel, Unbreakable from Nancy Mehl's Road to Kingdom series. This is the second book in the series and can be read as a stand alone. Nancy's exceptional detail she pours into her characters will make you truly care about them as though you knew them personally and will make you want to go back to the beginning and read her first book, Inescapable.

I received Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl compliments of Bethany House Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. This is such an amazing novel because it shows how truly devoted some people are to their faith, despite the fact that the world around them is changing and they can't remain locked away forever without having the world intrude upon them. It takes you behind the scenes through the eyes of Hope Kauffman and teaches us that sometimes it's alright to question the things you have been taught instead of simply accepting them at face value. It makes them easier to hold onto and shows that often times compromise can be achieved without losing your foundations in the process. I proudly give this novel a 5 out of 5 stars and look forward to the third book in this series coming soon. There is also a discussion guide included at the end that works perfectly for book clubs to enjoy this one as well.

For more information about Unbreakable, Nancy Mehl or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl

You can also stay up to date with all of Nancy Mehl's novels on Facebook. 

To read more reviews from the Litfuse Publicity Book Tour for Unbreakable, please click here.

Unbreakable

You've probably heard the phrase, "turn the other cheek," however is it possible to still turn the other cheek when the life of someone you love may be in danger? How long would you be able to remain passive even if your core religious beliefs were founded on those very principles. To not return violence with violence?

Yet in the small Mennonite town of Kingdom, removed from most of society to maintain those solid religious beliefs, the town suddenly finds violence has stepped inside the borders of the town. First with the burning of a church just on the outskirts of town and now when Hope Kauffman, has become the latest target of violence. She was returning home when a red truck forced her off the road in her buggy, but she was able to leap clear just in time. As the truck attempted to run her down again, she was saved by her answered prayer when Jonathan Wiese shows up in his truck and scares the driver off. Had it not been for Jonathan's quick actions, Hope might be dead.

Jonathan reminds her that the violence is growing towards those who hate Christians, burning churches, running drivers off the road and knowing that the people of Kingdom will not retaliate against them no matter how bad it gets. He advises Hope to please speak with the Elders of the church to see if there are so precautions that they can take to prevent the violence from getting out of hand. He offers to follow Hope back into town to her quilt shop, Kingdom Quilts but learns that not everyone is glad to see him, even if he did save Hope's life. Jonathan was a young man who moved to Kingdom with his family a year ago. He had immediately started sharing his ideas about reforming the Kingdom Mennonite Church and had caused some in the church to be upset with him and his beliefs. Her father was not at all pleased with the amount of time that Hope was spending with Jonathan even if they were only friends. Hope was engaged to marry Ebenezer Miller or Ebbie for short, but found herself wondering just what were her true feelings for Jonathan.

However will her father's opinions change now that Hope's life was threatened? Will he be able to stick with his foundational beliefs when the violence continues and the best they can hope for is praying for God's divine intervention? Is it possible to remain sincere to your religious beliefs and yet still protect those you love? All these answers are found in the latest novel, Unbreakable from Nancy Mehl's Road to Kingdom series. This is the second book in the series and can be read as a stand alone. Nancy's exceptional detail she pours into her characters will make you truly care about them as though you knew them personally and will make you want to go back to the beginning and read her first book, Inescapable.

I received Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl compliments of Bethany House Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. This is such an amazing novel because it shows how truly devoted some people are to their faith, despite the fact that the world around them is changing and they can't remain locked away forever without having the world intrude upon them. It takes you behind the scenes through the eyes of Hope Kauffman and teaches us that sometimes it's alright to question the things you have been taught instead of simply accepting them at face value. It makes them easier to hold onto and shows that often times compromise can be achieved without losing your foundations in the process. I proudly give this novel a 5 out of 5 stars and look forward to the third book in this series coming soon. There is also a discussion guide included at the end that works perfectly for book clubs to enjoy this one as well.

For more information about Unbreakable, Nancy Mehl or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl

You can also stay up to date with all of Nancy Mehl's novels on Facebook. 

To read more reviews from the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Book Tour for Unbreakable, please click here. 

Inescapable

I'm watching you. It's just a matter of time before I get you
and your little girl. You'll never get away from me.

Fear and panic rose inside of Elizabeth Lynn Engel once again as she held the blue envelope now torn open in her hands and read the note again. Just who is this person outside her home with a red cap lingering in the shadows watching her? What does he want?

She will do anything she can to protect her and her six-year-old daughter, Charity. Despite all the accusations of Lizzie stealing money from Harbor House, she can't prove she didn't do it. The evidence is so overwhelming against her, she fears the only answer now is running back to Kingdom, Kansas.

Back to the life she lived in her childhood. She ran away from there once when she learned she was pregnant and her father refused to let her live there any longer. Ashamed and lost, she feels her life has come full circle and the only place remaining she can turn to is back to her home and hopes that the last five years has healed the wounds in her parents hearts.




In the latest suspense novel from author Nancy Mehl, Inescapable takes us into the heart of a prodigal daughter returning home to escape a threat that seeks to bring harm not only to her but to her daughter as well. Lizzie's only hope is that enough time has passed and perhaps her parents are ready to make amends. But there is more awaiting her in Kingdom besides her family, her childhood friend Noah Housler is still there and has vowed since childhood to always protect her. Is it possible he still feels the same way as he did when he was a child towards her? Will Lizzie and her daughter, Charity find a safe haven or will every place they turn, be a place they can no longer hide from the terror that continues to pursue them and put everyone she loves in danger?

I received Inescapable, the first novel in the Road to Kingdom Series by Nancy Mehl, compliments of Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I was captivated from the first chapter and could not put this one down until I knew who was hunting down Lizzie and Charity Engel. If you love a bit of suspense in your novels along with some Romance, then I just know you will want to pick this one up. I will be following this series through to the end. Nancy creates such amazing characters and details in her story, you feel as though you've been there and know these people personally. You'll find yourself rooting for them the entire way through the novel. I for one, would love to visit a place like Kingdom. It seems times are a changing, and the changes are definitely going to make the town a perfect place to live and raise a family. This one rates a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information on Inescapable, Nancy Mehl or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Inescapable by Nancy Mehl

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

You can also find more reviews on this book tour by clicking here.

Win a Handmade Mennonite Quilt from @NancyMehl! RSVP for her INESCAPABLE Facebook Party 7/26!

Celebrate with Nancy by entering her "Inescapable" Giveaway and connecting with her during the Author Chat Party on 7/26!




Find out what readers are saying here.

One winner will receive: A Handmade Mennonite Quilt A copy of Inescapable by Nancy Mehl Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 25th. Winner will be announced at the "Inescapable" Author Chat Facebook Party on 7/26. Nancy will be hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills (how much do you know about the Mennonites?) and giving away some great prizes!

So grab your copy of Inescapable and join Nancy on the evening of the July 26th for a chance to connect with Nancy and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 26th!

Inescapable

I'm watching you. It's just a matter of time before I get you
and your little girl. You'll never get away from me.

Fear and panic rose inside of Elizabeth Lynn Engel once again as she held the blue envelope now torn open in her hands and read the note again. Just who is this person outside her home with a red cap lingering in the shadows watching her? What does he want?

She will do anything she can to protect her and her six-year-old daughter, Charity. Despite all the accusations of Lizzie stealing money from Harbor House, she can't prove she didn't do it. The evidence is so overwhelming against her, she fears the only answer now is running back to Kingdom, Kansas.

Back to the life she lived in her childhood. She ran away from there once when she learned she was pregnant and her father refused to let her live there any longer. Ashamed and lost, she feels her life has come full circle and the only place remaining she can turn to is back to her home and hopes that the last five years has healed the wounds in her parents hearts.

In the latest suspense novel from author Nancy Mehl, Inescapable takes us into the heart of a prodigal daughter returning home to escape a threat that seeks to bring harm not only to her but to her daughter as well. Lizzie's only hope is that enough time has passed and perhaps her parents are ready to make amends. But there is more awaiting her in Kingdom besides her family, her childhood friend Noah Housler is still there and has vowed since childhood to always protect her. Is it possible he still feels the same way as he did when he was a child towards her? Will Lizzie and her daughter, Charity find a safe haven or will every place they turn, be a place they can no longer hide from the terror that continues to pursue them and put everyone she loves in danger?

I received Inescapable, the first novel in the Road to Kingdom Series by Nancy Mehl, compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I was captivated from the first chapter and could not put this one down until I knew who was hunting down Lizzie and Charity Engel. If you love a bit of suspense in your novels along with some Romance, then I just know you will want to pick this one up. I will be following this series through to the end. Nancy creates such amazing characters and details in her story, you feel as though you've been there and know these people personally. You'll find yourself rooting for them the entire way through the novel. I for one, would love to visit a place like Kingdom. It seems times are a changing, and the changes are definitely going to make the town a perfect place to live and raise a family. This one rates a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information on Inescapable, Nancy Mehl or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Inescapable by Nancy Mehl

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

You can also find more reviews on this book tour by clicking here.

Simple Secrets

My Review:

At first I wasn't sure how I would like this book about a Mennonite town set in the town of Harmony, Kansas, but after reading this book, I would love to move anywhere like this small town describes. Just the love of the people for one another within a small town is something I've been searching for my whole life. A simple town much like Mayberry from the old Andy Griffith show. Grace Temple finds herself the lone heir of her old Uncle Benjamin's home when he dies. Since he hasn’t spoken to anyone in his family since Gracie's parents left the town of Harmony, Gracie was the only family left he wasn't angry with.

Gracie's plans are to head to Harmony and collect what family heirlooms remain, sell the house and be back in Wichita in two weeks. What she discovers in the town of Harmony is that it isn't as harmonious as the name implies. Someone has a secret to hide. One that has been buried by the town's inhabitants and one that may very well put Gracie's life in danger after she arrives.

I received Simple Secrets by Nancy Mehl, compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and absolutely fell in love with the story from page one to the very end. It has also opened my eyes to the old ways of the Mennonite people and the strong faith that ties families and friends together with the grace of God. I would highly recommend this book as the perfect story to lose yourself in. All the characters are believable and lovable from the harsh, old neighbor, Sweetie to the new pastor of the church Abel and his wife Emily. I would rate this book a perfect 10 out of 10. Trust me, this is one to keep in a permanent home in your library or to give as a gift for someone who questions their faith in God.

For more information on this book, the author, where to purchase a copy and even a first chapter preview, read below:

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Simple Secrets Barbour Books (June 1, 2010)

by

Nancy Mehl
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband Norman and her son, Danny. She’s authored nine books and is currently at work on her newest series for Barbour Publishing.


All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “It’s a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”

CREATING FICTION FULL OF FAITH, HOPE AND HEART…

Nancy Mehl is a mystery writer who loves to set her novels in her home state of Kansas. Her three-in-one book, COZY IN KANSAS, contains the first three Ivy Towers’s mysteries: IN THE DEAD OF WINTER, BYE BYE BERTIE, and FOR WHOM THE WEDDING BELL TOLLS which was nominated for the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year Award in mystery.

She and her husband attend Believer’s Tabernacle in Wichita.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Graphic designer Gracie Temple wants it all: the big city lifestyle and a successful job in advertising. And it looks like her life is on the right track when she takes a job at a struggling, midsize firm in Wichita.

But Gracie Temple's uncle left her a house in a rural Mennonite community. She soon learns he secluded himself for years to protect a secret about her own father. Now it's up to Gracie to decide if she'll keep the secret or if she can afford to expose it.

Sam Goodrich loves his fruit farm in Harmony, Kansas. But when he meets city-girl Gracie, he begins to wonder if he could leave it behind for a woman who makes him feel things he's never felt before.

When someone tries to keep Gracie from discovering the truth behind the town's collection of secrets, will Sam and Gracie cling to their faith to help them decide what's most important...before it's too late?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Simple Secrets, go HERE.