Rebecca Reviews ~ The Deadly Shallows | Coastal Guardians 3 | Dani Pettrey

From Goodreads:

A DEADLY ATTACK.
A STOLEN WEAPON CAPABLE OF IMMENSE DESTRUCTION.
A PAINFUL SECRET THAT THREATENS TO TEAR TWO HEARTS APART.

CGIS Agent Noah Rowley is rocked to the core when several of his valued team members come under fire on his Coast Guard base. He and his remaining team race to the scene and end the attack, but not before innocent lives are lost. Furious and grief-stricken, he vows to do whatever is needed to bring the mastermind behind the attack to justice.

Stunned by the ambush, Coast Guard flight medic Brooke Kesler evacuates in a helicopter carrying the only surviving gunman. The gravely wounded man whispers mysterious information to Brooke that immediately paints a target on her back.

As Brooke and Noah race to uncover answers, emotions between them ignite. Noah struggles to protect Brooke at all costs and to conceal the secret that prevents him from becoming what he longs to be--the right man for her.

Everything is at stake as a horrifying truth emerges. . . .

The attack wasn't the end game. It was only the beginning.

Bestselling author Dani Pettrey again delivers a fast-paced story in an acclaimed style readers have come to love: full of snappy dialogue, thrilling adventure romance, and unexpected plot twists.  

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Rebecca's Review 3.5 stars

"Cold water rose from below. Deeper water. She dove, bullets straying farther from her. . . . Her breath nearly burning in her lungs, she swam as fast as she could towards shore."

There was death in those shallows, and Coast Guard flight medic Brooke Kesler knew exactly what was riding on reaching solid ground, and then . . . . she would have very little time to figure out the "what next"; her body had been brutally abused, plus, she had seen one of their faces. Under extreme duress, when she thought her life might end then and there, the name that whispered from her lips had been . . . . Noah. . . . . . . would they ever have a conversation about "what next".

CGIS Special Agent Noah Rowley had a lot on his plate; a mass shooting, a toxic waste dump, a highly classified weapons theft . . . . and Brooke. The fact that she had been through such a traumatic experience broke his heart, making Noah more determined than ever to stand by her side; forever, if she would let him. Unfortunately, Brooke didn't have all the facts about Noah's past, totally his fault. Would knowing more keep their relationship in the "good friends" category? He sincerely hoped not, but time would tell.

What I enjoyed most about this book were the relationships, they were woven deeply and securely into everything that happened, definitely softening the jagged edges of a plot line that included more body bags than I could count. It's always nice when a series closes on a very high note!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

Anne's Top Reads 2020

2020 has been a beast of a year in more ways than one. But there have been many blessings too. Some days it seems hard to see them (right?) but when we are faithful followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we know in our hearts we are blessed. 

I want to share some really great books I read this year. I'd set a goal on Goodreads of 30 books and I actually read 70 books—physical, electronic, and audio. I read more than that but these are the ones I 'officially' logged for the challenge. 😉

My Top Reads are all 5 STAR books! 

A few of the books may not have been published in 2020 and some were gifts from friends.

Top Ten Eleven Reads 2020 

(in no particular order)

The Best We’veBeen (Thatcher Sisters 3) by Beth Vogt

Like Flames in the Night (Cities of Refuge 4) by Connilyn Cossette

*The Lost Lieutenant (Serendipity & Secrets 1) by Erica Vetsch

On Wings of Devotion (The Codebreakers 2) by Roseanna White

At Love’sCommand (Hanger’s Horsemen 1) by Karen Witemeyer

*The Express Bride (the Daughters of the Mayflower #9) by Kimberley Woodhouse

*Just Let Go (Harbor Pointe 2) by Courtney Walsh

A Dazzle of Diamonds (Georgia Coast Romance) by Liz Johnson

**Once Upon a Christmas: Inspirational Romance (The Christmas Card Series Book 3) by Amanda Tru

The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright

*End Game (Capital Intrigue #1) by Rachel Dylan

 

 Honorable Mentions
Parish Orphans of Devon series by Mimi Matthews…ALL of them on audio!!!
Whatever Happens Next (Everyday Love 4) by Jaycee Weaver
Miss Fanshawe's Fortune (The Brides of Mayfair #2) by Linore Rose Burkard 
The Red Ribbon by Pepper Basham
Bride by Blackmail (Moonlight & Magnolia 1) by Debbie Lynne Costello

Stay with Me (A Misty River Romance 1) by Becky Wade

Did you read any of these books this year? Or maybe you have some favorites you'd like to share in the comments. 

* Gift from friend

** Borrowed on KU (Kindle Unlimited)

Review ~ Bride by Blackmail by Debbie Lynne Costello

Coming Soon!!!

A broken heart, a controlling father, and an intrusive Scot leave Charlotte Jackson reeling. Accused of stealing an heirloom pin, she must choose between an unwanted marriage and the ruin of her family name. With the futures of her three younger sisters at stake, as well as her own reputation, Charlotte must navigate through injustice to find forgiveness and true happiness.

Eager to find the traitor that caused the death of his brother, Duncan Mackenzie comes to America and attempts to fit in with Charleston society. But when the headstrong Charlotte catches his eye, Duncan takes on a second mission—acquiring the lass's hand. After being spurned several times, he uses unconventional ways of winning her heart.

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My Review 

4.5 STARS!!!

Costello has penned an intriguing novel. I’ve read marriage of convenience and mail order bride stories but bride by blackmail? That’s a new one. And it’s funny. Not the circumstances surrounding the blackmail but the man doing it. Duncan has a great sense of humor but he’s also an overbearing Scot who runs roughshod over people sometimes. I loved him in the beginning of the book, then disliked him a lot for a while, and eventually came back to liking him because you know he has to find redemption. If there’s one weakness in his story that stands out it was that. I really would like to have been privy to his private confession and repentance before the Lord. The emotional element of that experience was missing. It would have made me fall in love with him all over again. 

(UPDATE: The author expanded Duncan's conversion scene and it's well done!)

Charlotte is the epitome of a  fictional debutante in that she has eyes only for a scoundrel, unbeknownst to her, of course. She is willful and forward-thinking for a woman of her time and yet remains submissive on a certain level. Her family is everything to her and she will go to great lengths to see that her sisters have choices in life, which she feels she doesn’t have, and rightly so. The lessons she learns about herself are brought through a harrowing experience and that is one of my favorite parts of the story. Costello brought me right into, and through the storm with her descriptions.

I enjoyed the cast of characters and see several who need their own books. Hopefully that will be the case. :-) Fans of historical fiction will be delighted with the drama and romance that ensues in 

Bride by Blackmail. It’s an easy, entertaining read.

I was provided an early electronic copy from the author. No compensation has been received.

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*As soon as I find out a release date, I will let y'all know. 

This really is a lovely story for Christian fiction fans!

Review ~ The Blizzard Bride (Daughters of the Mayflower #11) by Susanne Dietze

A Blizzard Changes Everything

Abigail Bracey arrives in Nebraska in January 1888 to teach school…and to execute a task for the government: to identify a student as the hidden son of a murderous counterfeiter—the man who killed her father.

Agent Dashiell Lassiter doesn’t want his childhood sweetheart Abby on this dangerous job, especially when he learns the counterfeiter is now searching for his son, too, and he’ll destroy anyone in his way. Now Dash must follow Abby to Nebraska to protect her…if she’ll let him within two feet of her. She’s still angry he didn’t fight to marry her six years ago, and he never told her the real reason he left her.

All Dash wants is to protect Abby, but when a horrifying blizzard sweeps over them, can Abby and Dash set aside the pain from their pasts and work together to catch a counterfeiter and protect his son—if they survive the storm?


Purchase:
Amazon
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Isn't that just the most beautiful cover??? 

Barbour Publishing has produced some exquisite covers for this series 

and I have to say this is my favorite, by far!!

My Review

4 STARS!!!

The Blizzard Bride is a winsome historical novel in The Daughters of the Mayflower series. I loved Dash! He's a great guy and has a super protective streak that I found romantic. His sense of humor was something I especially enjoyed too. Abigail tended to be a bit obstinate but that just made Dash shine all the more in my book. :-)

Dietze's fans are sure to find lots to like in this story filled with intrigue, mystery, romance and faith. I received a copy from the author and publisher. All views are my own. 

Leave a comment and let me know if you've read any of the books in this series. I've read several and Susie's book is definitely one of my favs.

Review ~ On Wings of Devotion (The Codebreakers #2) by Roseanna White

Paperback, 400 pages

Published January 7th 2020 by Bethany House Publishers

All of England thinks Phillip Camden a monster--a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But as nurse Arabelle Denler watches the so-dubbed "Black Heart" every day, she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their paths twist together and he declares himself her new protector, she realizes she has her own role to play in his healing.

Phillip Camden would have preferred to die that day with his squadron rather than be recruited to the Admiralty's codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily are no great surprise and, in his opinion, well deserved. What comes as a shock is the reborn desire to truly live that Arabelle inspires in him.

But when an old acquaintance shows up and seems set on using him in a plot that has the codebreakers of Room 40 in a frenzy, new affections are put to the test.

Purchase:
Amazon
CBD

I am not affiliated with Amazon or CBD. Links are a courtesy only.

My Review

5 STARS!!!

"You'll either be a villain or a hero, Phil. Try to pick the right one, will you?"

On Wings of Devotion is an incredible story of compassion and redemption! White has significantly raised the bar in Christian fiction with this one. Even with a tad slow start, it didn’t take long for Phillip and Arabelle to take purchase in my heart. Both so different and yet so in need of the other; their love story is one that I will long remember.

This book has a strong Christian theme expertly woven throughout. Phillip’s agony over “The Incident” is palpable and blots out any color in his life…until Arabelle.  

Arabelle Denler has an incredibly strong faith in the Lord and her compassionate nature is prominent as a nurse. She’s seen the atrocities and toll war takes on soldier’s so it’s only natural she recognize the deep hurt in “Black Heart” Phillip Camden.

I’ve always known White has a special gift when it comes to writing conversion scenes but the way she built up the emotional tension and turmoil leading to Camden’s conversion is exceptional. And may have caused a tear or two.

I was delighted to see Barclay Pearce and “the girls” (from White’s Shadows Over England series) make brief appearances. It definitely deepened my pleasure in the story. I hope they show up in the next book too.

Roseanna White fans are going to love this newest offering! It’s brimming with danger, intrigue, and romance. If you haven’t read her books, I highly recommend them.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own. No compensation has been received.

Rebecca Reviews ~ End Game (Capital Intrigue #1 ) by Rachel Dylan

Paperback, 320 pages

Published January 7th 2020 by Bethany House Publishers

When elite members of the military are murdered on the streets of Washington, DC, FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan and NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini must work together to bring the perpetrator to justice. Unfortunately, all evidence points to a Navy SEAL sniper whom Bailey refuses to believe is guilty.

When Bailey and Marco start to connect the dots between the victims, including a link to a powerful defense contractor, they wonder if there's a deeper cover-up at play. Then Bailey is targeted, and it becomes clear that someone is willing to kill to keep their dark secrets.

With the stakes getting higher by the moment in a twisted conspiracy, there's a rush against the clock to determine whom they can really trust. As allies turn to enemies, the biggest secret yet to be uncovered could be the end of all of them. 

Rebecca's Review

4 STARS!!!

"These people are willing to kill to protect their secrets."

One by one, members of the most highly trained branches of the US military are being murdered in cold blood; not to mention that one of their own is the prime suspect, although the Navy SEAL vehemently insists upon his innocence. When NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini and FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan form an investigative team to track down the killer or killers, the clues they unearth multiply into questions that quickly spiral out of control. They've stumbled onto something bigger than they ever imagined; including their own unexpected attraction.

"End Game" proves to be an exacting blend of story and character, and although the plot moves quickly, the reader has no reason to feel rushed in and out of the story. The secondary characters are beautifully layered in between the primary ones, and the inspirational elements; although light, are strategically placed. But what seals the deal, so to speak, is the brilliant plotting, which is nearly impossible to crack, which makes this "end game" all the more enjoyable.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated are entirely my own.

Rebecca is a graduate of Bryan College with a degree in Christian Education, and is currently serving at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina as the Director of Children's Ministry. With over 30 years of experience in her field, she has had many opportunities to use her love of reading and writing in creative ways across the generations. A wife, mother of four "nearly" grown children, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren, Rebecca has been able to return to her love of reading and more recently reviewing, with a renewed passion for the "beauty of story".

Review ~ Underestimating Miss Cecilia (Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley #2) by Carolyn Miller

Paperback, 352 pages

Published July 23rd 2019 by Kregel Publications

Shy, sweet Cecilia Hatherleigh has always been in love with Edward Amherst, the boy next door. Yet he’s never seen her as anything but the quiet girl in the background as he flirts with the other vivacious women of the ton. 

When a near tragedy brings Edward’s attention to his family duties, this prodigal son decides he needs to settle down with a proper wife. Cecilia hopes to convince him to choose her—but God may want her to forget the wayward nobleman and put her future in His hands alone. 

These two try to find their way toward happiness, but prejudice, political riots, and the changing face of England’s societal structures begin to block them at every turn. Can their struggles turn to triumph—or will their paths permanently diverge? 

My Review

4 STARS!!!

Underestimating Miss Cecilia is classic Regency with engaging characters, clever conversation, and sweet romance.

While Cecilia Hatherleigh may seem complicit to her family and peers, she is a young woman who feels deeply and passionately toward social issues of her time. She’s also fancied herself in love with her childhood friend, Edward, but he doesn’t seem to feel the same way. Cecilia writes passionately in her journal all that is in her heart and when she has an ah-ha moment of realizing she has put her love for Edward before her love for God, it touched me deeply. 

Edward is clueless about Cecilia’s feelings but of course, through various events and challenges, he comes to realize he loves Cecilia. At a pivotal and tension-filled moment in the story, his declaration is one of the most heartfelt and moving I’ve read in a long time. 

There is much more to this story but I was absorbed with the unrequited love and how that was going to play out. The character growth in both Edward and Cecilia was satisfying to me. I'm looking forward to the next novel highlighting Verity Hatherleigh. She is a pistol. 

Miller has proven she is a student of the Regency period and writes it well. Genuine expression graces the pages and effortlessly brings to life the language and attire of the day. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

If you've read any of Carolyn Miller's books, please share in the comments which one is your favorite. If not, recommend a book!

Review ~ The Killing Tide (Coastal Guardians 1) by Dani Pettrey

Paperback, 352 pages

Published August 6th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, CGIS special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous and volatile crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer's adrift cutter, and the direction the clues point will test him and the guard to their limits.

Complicating matters further is the arrival of investigative reporter Harper Grace. An unrelenting journalist who was nearly killed as the result of her last expose, Harper has been sent to Wilmington on the hunch of her boss that the Coast Guard is stonewalling the truth about the officers. An interview with the dead victim's wife convinces her there's a story worth uncovering, even if it means risking her life again.

Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Harper can't ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them, but will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer before they become his next mark?

Purchase link:

Amazon

CBD 

Purchase links are for softcover but The Killing Tide (Coastal Guardians 1) is also available in hard cover, e-book, and audio. I am in no way affiliated with any vendors. Links are provided as a courtesy only.

My Review

3.5 Stars

The Killing Tide has an amazing cover and it’s even better in print. I’m visual, so I base whether or not I want to read a book on the cover first and the blurb second. Both of these things made me anticipate the release of The Killing Tide (Coastal Guardians 1). The mystery and suspense is good too. Anyone who has read a Pettrey book knows she is one of the “big fish in the sea” when it comes to writing compelling stories.

So this was how she was going to die…

Quite a first line, huh? Waves of intrigue crash onto the page right from the beginning. The plot is believable as far as the Coastal Guardians go with their extensive training and investigative techniques.

Gabby, the heroine, is an investigative reporter with a back story involving Finn, our hero. While Gabby is not afraid of danger, many of her attitudes and actions seemed irresponsible and bratty to me. She’s constantly going against wise counsel where her safety is concerned. I just couldn’t connect with her character. And I would have found her inclusion in every aspect of the CGIS case more plausible if she had been introduced as official support personnel.

Regardless of my disconnect with Gabby, I still liked the story and I learned a lot about the United States Coast Guard while reading The Killing Tide. I’m anticipating book two highlighting more of our brave Coastal Guardians.

I recommend this book to fans of contemporary romantic suspense interlaced with strong faith. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

If you've read any of Dani Pettrey's books, please share in the comments which one is your favorite. If not, recommend a book!

Review ~ The Number of Love (The Codebreakers 1) by Roseanna White

Paperback, 368 pages

Published June 4th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

Three years into the Great War, England’s greatest asset is their intelligence network—field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the first time in her life numbers aren’t enough.

Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy that just won’t give up. He’s smitten quickly by the too-intelligent Margot, but how to convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life’s answers lie in the heart?

Amidst biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them, but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save them all from the very secrets that brought them together. 

My Review

4 STARS!!!

“Don’t be absurd. One is never greater than twelve.”

“It is when you love the one.”

There is much to like in this first offering of the new The Codebreakers series set in WWI England. The Number of Love is filled with interesting characters, some I liked more than others. Drake Elton is one I very much like. He is a protector by nature with a determined personality, a sharp wit and is not afraid to take risks. I loved how he cared for Dot’s wellbeing and was sensitive to her anxiety issues, always showing kindness and patience. Some may think he was being overprotective but who knows you better than a sibling, right? Only in this case, it took someone who doesn’t relate to others well, thinks in numbers, and shows very little emotion to enlighten him to the strength that was within his sister.

Margot De Wilde is like no young woman Drake has ever met. A friend of Dot’s, she has the ability to look at people and circumstances unencumbered by emotions. Margot was definitely a character I had a hard time connecting with but people are worth getting to know. It takes time and patience. Not everyone has the ability to verbalize their feelings. It’s much harder for some but it doesn’t mean they don’t feel. You have to put aside self and enter into their world, looking for ways to connect with them because in the end you will find a person who very much feels things deeply and has incredible insights on life.

White is adept at drawing detailed word pictures and always has me believing I have been transported back in time and place. I enjoyed the book and recommend it to fans of historical fiction and especially those who want to know more about The Codebreakers in Room 40. I especially enjoyed the author notes at the end of the book clarifying what was actual history. I want to know more about this time in England’s past.J

I wouldn’t normally do this but I emailed the author to ask her why she chose to make her characters Catholic and she graciously answered me saying that in Belgium during this time, something like 98% of the people practiced Roman Catholicism. Margot is from Belgium and it was easier to make the Elton’s RC as well, in order to avoid the whole “Can we get married, belonging to different churches?” question.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.