Enduring Justice, Defenders of Hope Series, by Amy Wallace

This might have been my favourite of the three novels in this series! 
Hannah is in trouble and nobody can help her.  At least that's how she feels.  She finally decides to do something about it but the man who might love her may not be able to handle her secret. 
Michael is in the Crimes Against Children Unit of the FBI.  He's learning that the world is an even uglier place than he thought.  Michael is handling a very difficult case and then he gets pulled from the investigation.  His whole team is put on a new case.  Dealing with his angry father, his injured girlfriend and her cranky big brother, and a case that keeps him awake at night is enough to drive him nuts.  But Michael needs to be strong.  Can he accomplish such a feat?

This book was heart wrenching.  Mostly because this kind of thing happens all over the world every day.  And it's wrong and it's tragic. 

I have to say I love a happy ending!  And I'm glad this series ended on a positive note.  Sometimes the good guys win. Definitely recommend.

Healing Promises, Amy Wallace, Defenders of Hope Series

I, having helped my mom walk through a cancer diagnosis, can totally feel for the main character of this book.  Clint works for the FBI.  He's strong, he's manly, he's married to the love of his life and everything is going his way.

Now, he's weak, and his wife is trying to take care of him, but Clint feels that's his job.  She's an oncologist and can't fix her own husband.  She feels like a total and complete utter failure!  And now, she is trying to burn the candle at both ends and she starts to feel a little sick herself. 

Then there is work, another venue where he feels like a loser.  And where is God is this whole mess?  Chemo brain is affecting his memory and his work.  Something plays around the edges of his consciousness and he knows it's important but he can't seem to grasp the memory. 

The case is heading south and they are running out of time.  Can he trust God to take care of him?  Of his family?  Of this case?

Suspenseful from start to finish, I recommend this novel.

Deirdre, by Linda Windsor

Deirdre is book number three in a fantastic series set in the sixth (or seventh?) century.  She is attempting to negotiate her brother's ransom and along the way falls prey to pirates. 
Alric's mother prophesied shortly before dying that Alric would meet a woman and she described Deirdre.  She described her clan's colours and her character.  Is this unbelieving Alric going to believe they were put together by God?  Will he make her his wife?  And what about the sinister plot that is afoot.  Someone is after the very kingdom.

A really great read.  I have mentioned that I enjoy Linda Windsor's writing.  I was sad to see the series end and I don't lightly say that.  Often when a series ends, I'm ready for it to end.  This time, I wanted there to be another novel! 

Highly recommended!

Heart of Glass, by Jill Marie Landis

I had been waiting for this book!  I read book number one and was hooked by the storyline.  Book number two was also fascinating so of course, I couldn't WAIT for book number three.  And I was not disappointed! 

Heart of Glass, the third book in the Irish Angel Series finds us rooting for Kate Keene.  She arrives at her friend's childhood home to find it in ruins.  After paying the back taxes, she determines that she'll fix it up.  But Belle Fleuve's owner, Colin Delany, doesn't want anything to do with her or her new pet project.  He wants her off his property and away from his injured self.

This book was so much different than book one and two yet totally an interesting read.  Jill Marie Landis knows how to write a great novel.

I will warn you that some titles by this author are not Christian fiction.  I'm assuming that, somewhere along her path, she had a come to Jesus moment because her works now have a Christian flare.  I prefer this style of writing so heartily recommend this author.  I do challenge you, however, to thumb through her novels to find out if it's worth your read.  For myself, I can be assured by the publisher.  If it's put out by Zondervan, I'm pretty sure I'm getting a 'clean' novel.  If you're diligent, you won't pick up one of her older works by mistake.

A Duke's Promise, by Jamie Carie

I picked this book up on sale at The Treasure House and started reading it.  I was a few pages in when I realized this must be part of a series.  I found out it's book number three.  While a tiny bit confusing as it hinted at past events, I was able to read it as a stand alone and I actually enjoyed it quite a bit. 

I have read a few of Jamie Carie's books and I enoy the writing style.  It just seems to flow from one page to the next and I liked the edge of suspense.

The newly married Duke and Duchess of St. Easton set out to find her missing parents.  They travel under the guise of their 'honeymoon' so they can get away to Italy.  Many trials and tribulations along the way  make for a great storyline.

I recommend this book.

Lethal Legacy by Irene Hannon

Irene Hannon is in my top ten list of favourite authors.  I definitely recommend her writing.  She has a fantastic blend of suspense, mystery and a touch of romance.  Lethal Legacy is the final book in the Heroes of Quantico Series.  I have read all three books in the series and enjoyed each one.

Lethal Legacy follows Detective Cole Taylor.  Disgruntled by a past event, he has fallen away from God and finds himself attracted to a woman on the case he is working.  He wants to get to know her better but has a personal work ethic and she doesn't want to get involved with anyone that lives in the fast lane.  She wants a solid, Christian man....can Cole BE that man?

I loved Cole's character.  He is honourable and strong but doesn't crush a girl with his expectations.  He treats his love interest with gentleness and determines to watch out for her.  Kelly has had so many rough moments but is such a trooper.  I hoped they would get together in the end as I am a complete sucker for a happy ending.  I won't tell you how it ended but I will say that I was impressed with how the crime was resolved.

Aging with Gracie, by Heather Hunt

This book was cute.  Syrupy sweet and a cast of delightful characters! 

Grace has basically been shipped off to do an overhaul of an old-age home in the middle of nowhere. Nothing prestigious about the old folks' home!   But then she meets someone.  Throw in two sinister villains and a bunch of nosy old people along with Grace, a super klutzy twenty-something, and you have yourself a fun, delightful afternoon read.

I would totally recommend this and will likely read book number two. 

Cecelia, by Patricia Strefling

This must be book two of a series.  It can be read as a stand alone but there were moments when you know you missed something - nothing huge - and most of the blanks are filled in at one point or another.

Brief Outline:
Cecelia is busy organizing her life.  She is successful in business but not in relationships.  She is somewhat cold and aloof.  Spencer might as well be invisible.  What will it take to get her to notice him in that way?  Learning to let go and let God has been a serious struggle for him.  And Cecelia has no interest in God.  She does wonder what she is missing and why her accomplishments don't seem to be enough.  Flitting from one project to the next keeps her busy.  Always busy.

I didn't like Cecelia.  I wanted Spencer to move on to a 'worthy' girl.  I thought he deserved better.  She treated him terribly in the beginning and another girl, Becca, in my opinion, was more soft, kinder, and she loved God.  She and Spencer would have made a fantastic power couple with the common ground of a solid foundation.
The writing was good, although I found some descriptions lengthy and irritating.  Honestly, I don't really care what fantastic outfit they are wearing and I felt like I was reading a Birkenstock commercial at times.  Seriously, they should be paying the author because she plugs the name so often and with such glowing review. 

I liked the story of forgiveness and acceptance and I did end up liking Spencer and Cecelia as a couple in the end when she was more open and likable.
I thought the character Evan was a great addition, although I would have liked Cecelia to stand her ground, but that wouldn't have made it as good a storyline as what the author penned.   And I liked that the author wasn't afraid to show that life is not always a happy ending for all in the way we assume it should be.  God works all things together for good and I loved that we see just how God does that in this story.

I would read the original book and I bet I would prefer it to this one because Cecelia will not be the main character.  I know I'd like Edwina as a main character; she seems approachable and kind, although a bit insecure.

Overall, an okay read on yet another rainy day.

Changes of Heart by Paige Lee Elliston

Just finished reading another book.  I was not at all happy with the ending.  It was a very well written book and did really keep me guessing till the end! 
It's about a recently widowed woman who has two very different men interested in her.  At first she can't even fathom looking at someone romantically.  Eventually she realizes she has a decision to make.
I wanted her to pick the opposite person.  I won't say much more because I don't want to wreck the ending.  Suffice to say, there is a happy ending but that it wasn't the man that I would have picked.  Maybe you will feel differently!

Honor Redeemed by Lorie Lough

Normally, I love Lorie Lough.  Her characters are rich, she writes in a way that you can actually feel what the characters feel.  Her stories are great, intriguing and gripping.

But I'm having an issue with her First Responder Series.  I read the first one, From Ashes to Honor, and enjoyed it.  But it didn't end the way I would have chosen.  Enter book two, Honor Redeemed.  It lets you know what happened to the characters from book one.  But it was done in such a way that I felt like I had missed out on something.  I didn't like that part but since Honor Redeemed was a book about a new couple, I figured I'd give it a try.  Except this book ended just like the first, with things left hanging in the balance.  That is not my kind of book.  You become so invested in the characters that to jump forward to such a degree without reading what happened, at the time it happened, and not in retrospect, left me feeling somewhat removed....or empty.
I'll likely read the third of the series.  Eventually there will be a happy ending.  At least I hope there will be!  This series is worth reading, but it's not the type of series where one feels absolutely compelled to get the next book.  It's more of an "It's on my list; I'll read it someday"...which I will.

Having said that, not all people like a happy ending.  So if you want angst and a dangling ending, this is just the book for you!

Maire, by Linda Windsor

Okay, Linda Windsor is my new favourite author of the week.  This is the first book (of hers) that I have read and I have already determined I will be adding others to my collection as soon as possible.

A Brief Synopsis: 
Maire, warrior queen has come to invade.  She pillages, she plunders, but she really does not have a taste for violence. Conquering? Yes, absolutely; but violence, not so much.  And then she meets Rowan.  Rowan is a warrior and he has the scars to prove it.  But he refuses to kill.  He doesn't even want to fight.  So, being the smart, sassy woman that she is, she decides he will make a great hostage husband - even if he is a Christian.  And she will rule.  But along the way, something happens.  Rowan is not easily controlled.  He really does become king in his own right.  But danger lurks.  Evil is waiting.  The horrid Morlach is ready to curse the two of them in order to take over all the land.  Will they ever be one in spirit?  Will they overcome the evil of the enemy? 

This was a great read.  The characters were gripping.  The heroine was real; she had confidence, she had doubts, she was human; she was not just a warrior or a queen but she was a woman.  The hero, was a perfect blend of strength and softness.....and the 'bad guy' was really bad!   The other characters all had distinguishing personalities and they were each very easy to get to know.  The village of Glennmara is quaintly described and the peasants are just everyday folk trying to eke out an existence in a land that has been robbed of its value. I found myself really gripped by this book and found myself wanting to read the next in the series right away.  The book was serious, engaging, often fun and light-hearted and at times heart-wrenching....which makes a great recipe for a novel. 

I highly recommend this book.

A Necessary Deception by Laurie Alice Eakes

I read A Necessary Deception yesterday afternoon.  I enjoyed the book, of course, as I enjoy MOST books.  I did find it a little hard to follow.  This is the first book I have read by Laurie Alice Eakes and I have to say that I would definitely read more of her work.

A brief synopsis:  The book started with a widow woman helping a fellow out of jail.  Little does she know that he is a spy; or is he?  He suddenly shows up at her home, looking to be introduced to the upper echelon of society.  Begrudgingly she helps him and begins to fall for his handsome ways.  And he is totally smitten with her.  Danger is all around them and then upon them.  Will the two ever be free to express their feelings? Will a man be named traitor?  Will they even survive to tell the tale?  The intrigue builds.

I felt maybe I didn't give this book enough of my brain space.  I was looking for a quick easy read but this, for me, required me to take things a bit slower.  Would I recommend it?  Yes, actually, I would.  It had a plotline that kept me guessing and I really liked that aspect of it and I found the writing to be very well done.  The descriptions were good without being too flowery.  I found the one sister's role almost unnecessary except for the redeeming part where she dispenses some good advice.  Overall, I enjoyed it even though I think she could have cut out a character or two.  Since this is the beginning of a series, though, I'm guessing we'll be seeing more of these 'side characters' at a later date.  I would definitely continue the series.