If you are looking for hardcore edge of your seat suspense then you will want to pass on this story, but if you enjoy a mystery with lots of quirky characters, chuckles and even a few tears then this book is a must read.
This is the second in the La Tisha Barnhart Mysteries. These stories are "fun." They are lighthearted and entertaining and relaxing to read.
I appreciate the author providing both this book and her first book
Murder on the Ole Bunions
You can learn more about the author at:
http://web.mac.com/sdionnemoore/sdionnemoore.com/Home.html
A Triple Threat Novel that gives you triple the entertainment. This book gives you an excellent story, strong characters, brought together extremely tight writing. Lis Wiehl and April Henry introduces us Allison Pierce, Federal Prosecutor, Nicole Hedges, FBI Special Agent, and Cassidy Straw, television reporter, three women who have known each other since they were children but recently reconnected forming a strong friendship. The three of them find themselves caught up in the case of missing seventeen year old Senate Page, Katie Converse.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. They style of writing was very engaging. I found myself relating with the different characters and rooting for them as they faced different situations. The chemistry between the characters is realistic and I found myself wanting to join them for dessert. I also enjoyed the fact the authors portrayed the women by showing their fears and hopes.
This book does have an edge to it and may surprise some, might even offend a few. But the one that comes to mind is well written and tastefully done. A couple of times secondary characters use profanity (PG).
I would recommend this book to people who enjoy Brandilyn Collins or Steven James.
I would like to thank Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read and review this book.
If you would like to win a copy of this book, please leave a comment with your contact information. The contest is open to residents of the US and the chances of winning are based on the number of entries. The winner will be chosen Feb. 12, 9:00 PM PST.
| Lonestar Sanctuary, Lonestar Series #1
By Colleen Coble / Thomas Nelson
Fleeing a vengeful stalker and desperate to help her daughter, Betsy, speak again, Allie Siders finds a safe place for them at the Bluebird Ranch, a home for troubled children---and abused horses. Owner Elijah DeAngelo welcomes them, but foreman Rick Bailey is guarded. Can Allie and Rick put aside the past to save all they hold dear? 320 pages, softcover from Nelson.
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My Review: I bought this book because it was written by Colleen Coble. I have enjoyed everything I've read by her, but I was a doubter. After all, this looked like a western, sounded like a western, I don't like westerns. However, I have learned a good writer is a good writer regardless. This book is back with heartaches and joys, mystery and the power of hatred, but most of all it shows love and forgiveness and the importance of trust.
I was a little surprised at the direction Colleen took the characters, it was unique but yet through it she reminded me of an important truth. Love is more than an emotion. Yes, the ending made me cry, but it was a good cry.
If you have never read Colleen Coble's books this a great one to start with, you'll be hooked! I find it difficult to compare Colleen Coble with other writers, she tells a wonderful love story much in the style of Karen Kingsbury but she creates some nice suspense in the flavor of Terri Blackstock. She's a good writer.
You can win a copy of this book by leaving a comment with your name, email, and your favorite bird. The contest is open to US Residents, and the chances of winning are based on the number of entries. The drawing will be February 6, 2010 9:00 PM PST.
Four books down and 48 more to go!! Here are the next four in my reading challenge:
| Lonestar Sanctuary, Lonestar Series #1
By Colleen Coble / Thomas Nelson
Fleeing a vengeful stalker and desperate to help her daughter, Betsy, speak again, Allie Siders finds a safe place for them at the Bluebird Ranch, a home for troubled children---and abused horses. Owner Elijah DeAngelo welcomes them, but foreman Rick Bailey is guarded. Can Allie and Rick put aside the past to save all they hold dear? 320 pages, softcover from Nelson.
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| Face of Betrayal, Triple Threat Series #1
By Lis Wiehl & April Henry / Thomas Nelson
While home on Christmas break, a seventeen-year-old Senate page takes her dog out for a walk and never returns. Reporter Cassidy Shaw is the first to break the story. The resulting media firestorm quickly ensnares Federal Prosecutor Allison Pierce and FBI Special Agent Nicole Hedges. The three unique women are life-long friends who call themselves The Triple Threat - a nickname derived from their favorite dessert and their uncanny ability to crack cases via their three positions of power. Though authorities think Katie might have been kidnapped or run away, those theories shatter when Nicole uncovers Katie's blog. They reveal a girl troubled by a mysterious relationship with an older man. Possibly a U.S. Senator. As the three women race against time to find Katie alive, their increasing emotional involvement brings out their own inner demons and external enemies. There are many faces of betrayal, but they must find one face in a crowd of growing suspects before they become the next victims. In Face of Betrayal, Lis Wiehl's expertise in law, politics, and criminal investigation merges with April Henry's narrative genius to create a gripping mystery filled with rich characters, real danger, and a shocking yet satisfying final twist.
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Should be a good month of reading!
Dr. Nick Polchak is back and this time he's helping out FBI Agent, Nathan Donavon of
Plague Maker . They are trying to determine why there are two bodies buried in single graves at the sight of a new mall. Lots of secrets are buried with those bodies.
This is the fourth in the Bug Man series and probably the best. Nick has mellowed in very positive ways. He's still quirky and clever but not as obnoxious as in previous books. He seems to be growing up and becoming more comfortable with himself.
Again Tim Downs delivers a fast paced story with solid characters and a clever storyline. This story is not as dark as previous stories either. It was also nice not to have "the guy in the red shirt." (See http://bestchristianbook.blogspot.com/2009/08/first-dead-tim-downs.html )
Another excellent story by Tim Downs.
Click here to check out this book on Christianbook.com (Price as of 1/22/10 - $10.99)
This is such a delightful book! It's been about a year and half since I read the first book in this series, Boo. I had forgotten just how much fun this series is. The characters are quirky, some more so that an others, yet in many ways the exemplify our own quirkiness.
Skary Indiana has been overrun with cats, thanks to a botched "fix" job on the Sheriff's beloved cat, Thief. But Skary has bigger problems because horror writer turned Christian, Wolfe Boone, has decided to stop writing horror novels. Which causes the tourism of the town to dry up.
This is a story about survival or rather renewal, which takes on many different forms in this story and well as redemption.
Although this is an older series if you haven't read it, it is well worth adding to your list.
This book was purchased by the reader. (Who plans to purchase the rest of the series!!)
Once again Brandilyn Collins gives you one wild ride. This times she tackles our fears. Kaycee Raye writes a column that is a humorous look at her own fears, which are many.
This is another fast paced story with strong characters, though I did find myself wanting to shake Kaycee and say, "Get a grip!" In true Brandilyn Collins fashion there were secondary stories that add to story. Although you will find gripping suspense that is typical of Collins' Seatbelt Suspense you won't find as many dead bodies in this story as some of her others.
Again true to her style this book gives you more than a heart racing storyline. You will find yourself examining your own fears and examining how those fears might affect your children.
There is a great quote that Brandilyn uses in the book, "
Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death." by Unknown.
| Exposure
By Brandilyn Collins / Zondervan
Everybody knows newspaper columnist Kaycee Raye is a little crazy. So why should anybody believe her when she says she's being watched? Kaycee has no proof of her suspicion---evidence mysteriously disappears before the police can investigate! Is she going over the edge? Or is she being pushed? A story of suspense---and desperate faith. 352 pages, softcover from Zondervan.
As of 1/8/2010 CBD Price $11.99
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This book was purchased by the reviewer.
You can win a copy of Exposure by leaving a comment with contact information. Open to US Residents, chances of winning are based on the number of entries. The winner will be chosen January 18th at 9:00 PST.
