THE TWO OF US by Victoria Bylin

Inspirational Romance

THE TWO OF US

Victoria Bylin

4 stars

Written in the third person, this fast-paced novel overcomes many emotional, physical and spiritual obstacles. Readers see the characters’ spiritual struggles and how they prevail over their doubts and fears. This great inspirational romance follows two couples in very different situations. Job well done!

SUMMARY:

Nurse practitioner Mia Robinson gets a call one day from her young sister Lucy with some life-changing news. Not only is Lucy planning to marry her boyfriend Sam in Las Vegas, but she is also pregnant! Determined to stop the wedding, Mia has no idea that the man she meets hours before the ceremony has strong ties to Sam. Police officer Jake Tanner has vowed to support Sam in any way he can after Sam’s mom died in the line of fire, including being his best man and helping the couple convince Mia to take a chance on love, like they did. Sam, who is still in school, worries about being away from his new wife for extended periods of time. Lucy agrees to live with Sam in the guest room of Jake's home and care for Jake's mother, who has dementia, during the day, giving each the companionship they need. Jake wants nothing more than to create a camp for boys like Sam, to honor his partner and teach other individuals simple things like how to change a tire. Will Jake see his dreams realized or will the town stop him, letting past events, and Jake's mothers mental decline, influence their judgement? Will Mia be able to step out of her comfort zone in order to find her own happiness or will she let her fears overwhelm her and ruin everyone else's happiness? (BETHANY HOUSE, Aug., 352 pp., $13.99)

Jenny Flacone

9780764217388

August 8, 2017

WHISPERING PINES by Scarlett Dunn

RT Rating:

  

Genre:

Inspirational, Historical Romance

Published:

July 25 2017

Publisher:

Zebra

Dunn writes this enthralling, mostly fast-paced suspense in the third person omniscient point of view, giving the reader a clear knowledge of the characters’ thoughts and actions. There are many unexpected twists and turns throughout. This book leads the reader to strong emotions and opinions. We feel happy, sad, scared, annoyed and irritated, just to name a few, some at the same time. There are points where we sympathize with one character and not the other, and then reconsider when we get more information. We wonder, along with the female main character, which information is accurate. Recommended to all who love a good romantic mystery.

SUMMARY:

In this first book of the Langtry Sisters series, we meet Rose Langtry, who has been sent away, along with her two sisters, to receive schooling and is now returning after five years. She returns to two brothers who don't know what to think of her now, and don't much care if she lives or dies, even at the hands of one of them. On her journey home, Rose stumbles upon Morgan, her very tall, imposing, intimidating neighbor, trying to hang her brother for stealing animals from his spread. Due to the shortage of staff at the Sheriff's office, Morgan and some other men have been deputized into service. She remembers Morgan as having a grudge against her brother, and pleads with him to let her brother go, thinking that Morgan is out of line and telling lies. Against Morgan's better judgement, he releases Rose's brother, which leads to many negative ramifications. Rose vows to find out the truth of her brother, and Morgan, whether she likes it or not, while Morgan takes it upon himself to try to protect Rose. (ZEBRA, Jul., 352 pp., $7.19)

Jenny Falcone

9781420144482

July 25, 2017

THE LIES WE TELL by Theresa Schwegel

Crime Mystery
THE LIES WE TELL
Theresa Schwegel
4 stars MILD

Schwegel writes this enthralling, mostly fast-paced suspense in the first person limited point of view.
There are many unexpected twists and turns throughout but Schwegel makes the reader feel what the main character is thinking, feeling and experiencing. Many well-rounded characters add to the story and Schwegel writes it in such a way to not confuse the reader. Recommended for readers who like a good crime mystery. 

SUMMARY: Gina Simonetti is a Detective in Chicago and is keeping a major secret from her department. When running down a perp, she gets into an altercation and ends up in the hospital. Will her secret be revealed when she catches up to the perp and has to testify? While doing research, she discovers a much bigger issue that can get her killed to stop the public from finding out. Doctors and police seem to be involved and she doesnt know who she can trust. When it comes right down to it, she decides to trust the last person she wants to in order to protect her secret and her 2-year-old niece she cares for. Will this person be what she needs or will he betray her also? 

(MINOTAUR BOOKS, July 2017, 368 pgs, $25.99)

Reviewed by: JENNY FALCONE

• ISBN-13: 978-1250001788

OVER MAYA DEAD BODY by Sandra Orchard

Inspirational Romantic Mystery
OVER MAYA DEAD BODY
Sandra Orchard
4 stars MILD

Orchard writes this thrilling mystery in the first person limited point of view, which gives the reader a focused perspective of what the main character is thinking, feeling and experiencing. Mostly moderately paced, with some fast, blood-pumping scenes, there are many twists and turns throughout. Recommended for readers who like a good mystery. This is the culmination of the Serena Jones Mystery series, it can either be read as book 3 or as a standalone, Orchard does a great job of informing readers of past book occurrences. 

SUMMARY: FBI Special Agent Serena Jones arrives on Martha's Vineyard with her family for a much needed vacation. Little does she know that she is arriving to find her uncle dead, her cousin missing and a distraught ex-fiance. She throws herself into helping which puts her in the path of the person or persons who have something to hide. Will she be able to figure out how her uncle died before someone gets to her first? When her father ends up in the hospital, her caring landlord shows up to help her. When she stops answering her phone, her FEB partner flies in as well to check on her. Emotions brew between the trio while they investigate. May the best man win over Serena's heart.

(REVELL, Jul, 352 pgs, $14.99)

Series: Book 3 of the Serena Jones Mysteries

JENNY FALCONE

• 978-0800726706
• July 4, 2017

THE CAPTAIN'S DAUGHTER BY JENNIFER DELAMERE

Historical Christian Romance
THE CAPTAIN'S DAUGHTER
Jennifer Delamere
4 stars MILD

England 1879

Delamere writes this heartfelt novel in the third person head hopping point of view, which gives the reader a clear
overview. Mostly moderate paced with some blood-pumping, high-action, fast paced scenes. Delamere does a great job of pulling the reader into the characters emotions' and circumstances. Recommended for readers of historical romance novels.

SUMMARY: Rosalyn Bernay and her sisters lost their parents at a young age and were brought up in an orphanage. Once she ages out, she must venture out find herself. Many unfortunate situations leave her with only the clothes on her back. Nate Moran had tried to help Rosalyn but she took it the wrong way and ended up in a worse mess. When she meets up with him again, will she be leery or more willing to accept his help?

(BETHANY HOUSE, June 2017, 352 pgs, $14.99)

Series: London Beginnings

Reviewed by: JENNY FALCONE

ISBN:  978-0764219207

REVIEWED FOR RT BOOK REVIEWS

SHATTERED MINDS BY LAURA LAM

Futuristic Science-Fiction Thriller
SHATTERED MINDS
Laura Lam
3 stars MODERATE

Lam creates an enthralling thriller with a futuristic setting and references. Written in the third person, head hopping point of view. Readers will recognize phrases and occurrences from book 1, however, this can be read a book 2 or as a standalone. Filled with homosexual and transgender relationships, this novel has flesh parlors that perform surgery at the drop of a hat whenever someone wants to change something.Discretion due to an unnecessary, mildly descriptive intercourse scene as well as crude and harsh language throughout. Recommended for readers of thriller novels.

SUMMARY: Carina went from one of the best brain hackers to an extreme (dream) druggie, all within 8 months time. During one of her dream sequences, an old acquaintance sends images into her brain before he is brutally murdered. Will Carina help the team who are trying to stop the murders or will she continue on her downward path? Dex is one of a group of 4 trying to take down the Sudice corporation, that runs everything, before someone else dies. Will they succeed before its too late? With the images in Carina's brain, and the teams knowledge, they should be able to do it if everyone learns some trust and works together.

(TOR, June 2017, 400 pgs, $25.99 HB)

Series: Pacifica book 2

Reviewed by: JENNY FALCONE

ISBN:  978-0765382078

Reviewed for RT BOOK REVIEWS

MY HEART BELONGS IN RUBY CITY, IDAHO: REBECCA'S PLIGHT by Susanne Dietze

Historical Christian Romance
MY HEART BELONGS IN RUBY CITY, IDAHO: REBECCA'S PLIGHT
Susanne Dietze
4 stars MILD

Summer 1866

Dietze opens this novel with a hold-up that sets everything in motion. Fast to moderately paced throughout, Dietze
creates descriptive come-to-life scenes and characterization. Written in the third person point of view, this is a Mail-Order Bride novel that has an original story-line. Although there are other My Heart Belongs... novels, this one is perfect as a stand-alone. Recommended for fans of historical mail order bride romance.

SUMMARY: Rebecca Rice answers an ad for a mail order bride and travels to meet her shopkeeper intended. Upon arrival to Ruby City, she is met at the stage, taken on a brief walk and married. To her surprise, when the Justice announces them husband and wife, he calls her new husband by a different first name. In walks her intended. The judge is out of town to annul the marriage so they have to wait. While they wait weeks for the judge to return, Rebecca gets to know her intended and her husband. When the judge finally returns, will she go through with the annulment or will she choose to stay with the man she accidentally married?

(SHILOH RUN, May 2017, 256 pgs, $12.99)

Reviewed by: JENNY FALCONE

ISBN:  978-1683220114

REVIEWED FOR RT BOOK REVIEWS

THE CHAPEL CAR BRIDE BY JUDITH MILLER

Inspirational Historical Romance
THE CHAPEL CAR BRIDE  
Judith Miller 
3 Stars MILD 

Finch, West Virginia 

Written in a head-hopping, third person limited point of view, Judith Miller creates well defined characters in this moderately paced romance that shows God's love throughout. This book flows steadily with no unexpected surprises and may even be slow at times but is an enjoyable read that is perfect for a relaxing day. Recommended for all.

Summary: After her aunt passes, Hope Irvine travels in a chapel-converted railroad car with her father to the mining town of Finch, West Virginia where they are to minister to the townspeople. Luke Hughes takes it upon himself to protect Hope from getting in trouble with some of the illegal activities that go on in town. All goes well until the son of the mine owner shows up and causes havoc behind the scenes. Will Hope see his true colors and steer clear or will she fall for his cover act and lose Luke and possibly get hurt in the process?

(BETHANY, Apr. 2017, 352 pp, $15.99)

Reviewed by: JENNY FALCONE

• ISBN-13: 978-0764219054

Reviewed for RT BOOK REVIEWS 

• 
  

MISSING by Kelley Armstrong

Young Adult Romantic Thriller
MISSING
Kelley Armstrong
4.5 stars TOP PICK MILD

Kelley Armstrong creates an enthralling story-line in this blood-pumping romantic thriller. Written in the first person limited point of view, this book flows seamlessly from one scene to the next, with many twists and surprises. You will laugh and cry throughout this fast-paced tale. The whole book takes place over a few short days and keeps you guessing. We share the shocks and confusions of well-portrayed characters. You will not want to miss this one and will be up late in the night just to see what happens next. Written as a young adult novel for ages 14 and up, this is a well-written, clean book recommended for all who love a good thriller. Please use discretion when purchasing due to violence/mild gore and items found by main characters to prevent pregnancy. There is also a minor discussion about religion.

SUMMARY: Winter Crane is in her last year of high school and can not wait to leave her town, just like her sister and numerous others have. A run down cabin in the woods is her secret place away from her father and his drunken temper. One day, she stumbles across a bleeding, battered, unconscious guy in a tree, who claims he knows one of Winter's friends. Once she nurses him back to health, he disappears saying he will fix everything. Has he and everyone else truly left on their own or has something happened to them all? Winter is determined to uncover what happened to everyone, even if she doesn't like the answers she uncovers.

(CROWN BOOKS, Apr. 2017, 384 pp, $17.99)

Reviewed by: JENNY FALCONE

ISBN: 978-0399550324

REVIEWED FOR RT BOOK REVIEWS

LOVE'S SACRIFICE BY KELSEY NORMAN

Paranormal Christian Romance
LOVE'S SACRIFICE
Kelsey Norman
4.5 stars TOP PICK MILD

Norman begins this sequel with a bang and keeps the fast pace until the end. Heart pounding violent dreams Norman portrays great descriptive come-to-life scenes and characterization that leaves you with a clear character voice. Written in the first-person limited point of view with italic thoughts throughout, this is an outstanding Christian paranormal Romance. Discretion is advised due to violence. Can be read as a stand-alone novel but you get a better portrayal having read the first book. This book gives the feeling of completion. Recommended for fans of romance with a paranormal twist.
plague our main character.

SUMMARY: Nina Anderson is lucky to be alive after the abuse of her boyfriend, who tried to kill her. He was killed at the end of the first book but Nina is haunted by new dreams of him. Nina lives in Despair, Kansas on her grandparents farm. Liam had been sent to be Nina's protector and after his assignment was complete, is allowed to visit Nina for 2-hours every day. Nina is not happy with the time limit and begins to think about the future. Strange things begin to occur in Despair and Liam is released from the time limit to investigate. Will Liam be able to figure it out before its too late?

(MOUNTAIN BROOK, April 2017, 221 pgs, dl $2.99)

Series: Mystic Hope book 2

Reviewed by: JENNY FALCONE

REVIEWED FOR RT BOOK REVIEWS

LONG TIME GONE BY MARY CONNEALY

Inspirational Historical Romance
LONG TIME GONE 
Mary Connealy 
4 Stars MILD 

Skull Gulch, New Mexico Territory, 1880 

Another amazing, fast-paced, suspenseful, page-turning novel by Mary Connealy. Written in the third person, this can be a stand-alone novel but is the second in the Cimarron Legacy series. You will recognize characters from the first book as well as from a past series. A must read that will stick with you long after you finish. Recommended for fans of historical suspense.

Summary: Rancher Justin Boden is now in charge of running his fathers ranch after a severe accident sends him to a highly trained doctor in the city. Now, after yet another accident, Justin's older brother is laid up and everyone must watch their backs. Since the doctor can not sit with Justin's brother for the amount of time needed, accident prone Angie DuPree comes to assist. The Boden's try to figure out who is trying to do them harm before another accident occurs. Justin has a difficult time focusing on the danger surrounding the ranch and not on Angie, who only wants to help. Will Justin and Angie be able to figure out who is creating these accidents before anyone else gets hurt?

(BETHANY HOUSE, Feb. 2017, 304 pp, $14.99)

Series: Cimarron Legacy Book 2

Reviewed by: JENNY FALCONE

• ISBN-13: 978-0764211829

REVIEWED FOR RT BOOK REVIEWS

NO WAY UP by Mary Connealy

Inspirational Historical Romance

NO WAY UP
Mary Connealy 

4 stars MILD

Setting: Skull Gulch, New Mexico Territory, November 1880

Mary Connealy provides us with another amazing, fast-paced, suspenseful, page-turning read. Written in the third person, this is a stand-alone novel and the first in the Cimarron series, however you will recognize our male lead, as well as the family members he refers to, from a past series. A must read that will stick with you long after you finish.

Summary: Hired hand, Heath Kinkaid, saves ranch patriarch who is caught in an intentionally-set avalanche. He will do anything to protect Sadie Boden from further danger. Sadie doesn't want to be protected, she wants to be involved every step of the way in discovering who is trying to harm her family in order to get the ranch.

(Bethany House, July 2016, 304 pages, $14.99)

REVIEWED BY JENNY FALCONE

Series: Cimarron book 1

• ISBN-13: 978-0764211812

REVIEWED FOR RT BOOK REVIEWS

UNBROKEN SPIRIT by Kelsey Norman

Paranormal Christian Fiction

UNBROKEN SPIRIT
Kelsey Norman
4 Stars

Norman makes a grand, remarkable story that opens with a bang and keeps the fast pace until the end, you won't

want to put it down. Heart pounding violent memories plague our main character. Norman portrays great descriptive come-to-life scenes and characterization that leaves you with a clear character voice. Written in the first-person limited point of view with italic thoughts throughout, this is an outstanding Christian paranormal Romance that you won't want to miss. Discretion is advised due to sexual references and violence in some memories.

SUMMARY: 24-year-old Nina Anderson is lucky to be alive after the abuse of her boyfriend, who tried to kill her. He is now in prison but Nina is still haunted by the memories of their time together. Nina moves to Despair, Kansas for a fresh start on her grandparents farm. Liam is sent to be Nina's protector and try to restore her faith in God. He tries to help her be rid of her ex once and for all but then her worst fears come true. Will Liam be able to protect and help her through it all?

(Mountain Brook, August 2016, 250 pgs, dl $2.99)

• ISBN-13: 978-1943959099
• 
  

Reviewed by Jenny Falcone

REVIEWED FOR RT BOOK REVIEWS

GRACE AND THE PREACHER BY KIM VOGEL SAWYER

Inspirational Historical Romance
GRACE AND THE PREACHER  
Kim Vogel Sawyer 
4 Stars MILD 
From Missouri to Kansas, 1882 

Written in a head-hopping, third person limited point of view, Kim Vogel Sawyer weaves a compelling tale that will keep you guessing until the end. You will grow and learn with the characters as the book progresses. Throughout, we see the characters struggle with a quest to find God and how love and grace conquers all. While moderately paced, with some fast paced scenes, we encounter many unexpected surprises that keep the book interesting.  Recommended for all.

Summary: Grace Cristler is postmistress in the town of Fairland, Kansas, where her uncle is the Preacher. It is up to Grace to inform Reverend Rufus Dille about the town as he prepares to step into her uncles shoes, all the while falling in love with someone she has yet to officially meet. On his way to Fairland, the reverend gets immensely sick and a good Samaritan, Theophil Garrison, helps get him to a doctor. Theophil has left home after his cousins are released from prison, knowing that they wish to impart their revenge on him for what they consider betrayal. After the reverend passes, Theo must deliver a message to the good people of Fairland; they mistake him for the new reverend. Once the townspeople find out of his deceit, will they accept him for who he is or turn on him? Will his cousins catch up to him before he has a chance to straighten himself out with God, Grace and the townspeople he has come to care about?

(WATERBROOK, Mar. 2017, 352 pp, $14.99)

Reviewed for RT BOOK REVIEWS

• ISBN-13: 978-0307731418

Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones

Historical Young Adult Fantasy
WINTERSONG
S. Jae-Jones
4.5 stars TOP PICK MILD
Turn of the 19th Century in Bavaria

S. Jae-Jones creates an enthralling story-line in her debut novel. This is a coming of age novel written in the first person limited point of view. You will laugh, cry, be shocked and annoyed in this reality blended with fairy tale. A young adult novel that is for ages 12 and up, however, due to some language and non-descriptive intimacy scenes, that use musical terms as descriptions, discretion should be used on the younger side. This book will leave you with some questions as to what happens next, setting up for a second installment. Suggested recommendation for ages 15 and up for lovers of romantic fantasy, you will not want to miss this amazing tale; you will be up late in the night just to see what happens next.

SUMMARY: Liesl and her brother and sister have heard tales all their lives about the Goblin King and the Underground where the Goblins live. Liesl must figure out how to get to the Underground to save her sister after she is abducted by the Goblin King. Liesl has a deadline but magic clouds her memories and delays her. The Goblin King must take a bride to save the world from eternal winter. Will Liesl be able to keep her wits about her while the magic is working against her?   (THOMAS DUNN, Feb. 2017, 448 pp, $18.99)

Reviewed for RT Book Reviews
ISBN: 978-1250079213

A HARVEST OF THORNS by Corban Addison

Mystery
3 stars

Corban Addison begins with a bang by creating an outstanding, utterly shocking prologue that sets the tone for the rest of the book. Written in the third person omniscient point of view, we encounter lies, deceit, self preservation and more while we explore many underprivileged areas around the globe. Addison works many characters in which can lead to some confusion if you are not reading closely. Recommended for those who like a good who-done-it story with legal undertones; this is a compelling, captivating and moderately paced read. Discretion due to hints of past affairs and some gruesome memories.

SUMMARY: Presto, a major clothing company, has factories around the globe making garments to be sold in the United States. Some factories, when inspected without proper safety measures, are marked with a red flag and are no longer contracted by Presto to produce garments. How did a red-flagged factory that is destroyed by fire end up with Presto's garments? Hundreds of workers die, some from fire and some from jumping out of windows. Who will discover the answers first, Presto's own General Counsel, Cameron Alexander, or Joshua Griswold, a journalist who is trying to repair his tarnished professional reputation?   (THOMAS NELSON, Jan. 2017, 400 pp, $24.99)

Reviewed by: JENNY FALCONE
ISBN: 978-0718042387

Reviewed for RT BOOK REVIEWS

The Refuge by Regal Walker

Inspirational Historical Romance
THE REFUGE
Regan Walker
4.5 stars TOP PICK MILD
Scotland 1072

Walker creates an enthralling story-line, opening with a vicious attack that will make you as upset as the main character. Written in the third person head-hopping omniscient point of view, you will laugh, cry, be shocked, nervous and annoyed. The author throws in many terms that would be used at that time in Scotland, but describes everything well enough so you dont get lost. With many characters and lots of travel happening, make sure to read the 'Author's Note' and 'Characters of Note' at the beginning as well as look over the map given to keep everything straight in your mind. Recommended for lovers of historical romance as well as those of travel and war. Discretion should be taken due to implied intimacy scenes as well as descriptive violent battles.

SUMMARY: Catríona of the Vale of Leven has arrived at the King of Scotland's court with her cousin to be the Queen's ladies. She spent the last year in Atholl with her uncle after seeing the brutal murders of her father and everyone at the Vale of Leven. Steiner of Talisand, who also has sought refuge in the King's court, had been injured and is now the King's scribe and is trying to build his body back up to be a warrior. Catríona reminds Steiner of the sister he left behind. He loves everything about her, the way she questions everything and has an opinion. Could she ever be matched to a lowly scribe? Will she have a choice once the King makes up his mind for a match for the Queen's ladies? (REGAN WALKER, Nov. 2016, 286 pp, $14.99)

Reviewed for RT Book Reviews

ISBN-13: 978-0996849586

GUIDE ME HOME by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Historical Inspirational Romance

4 stars MILD

1907 Kentucky

Kim Vogel Sawyer creates a tale of an amazing woman who decides to dress like a man in order to help support her family, with no gain to herself. Written in the third person omniscient point of view, ou will fall in love and also be annoyed with the clearly depicted characters. We encounter many unexpected surprises.  This book will stay with you long after it is over. Recommended for all.

SUMMARY: Rebekah Hardin loses her eldest brother in a cave accident where he was working to help their parents support the household. Now, financially struggling, Rebekah decides to see if she can find a job. When the only thing available is a mans job, she dresses as a man and works as hard as anyone else. One of the tasks she is assigned to help with is helping a young cartographer, Devlin Bale, to map the caves. Someone seems to be out to sabotage everything Devlin is doing. Will he make his deadline with all these setbacks?  (WATERBROOK, Aug. 2016, 352 pp, $14.99) 

Reviewed by: JENNY FALCONE

ISBN: 978-0307731395

Reviewed for RT BOOK REVIEWS