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.

Rebecca Reviews ~ The Catch (US Marshals #3) by Lisa Harris

About the Book

After a harrowing attempt on a judge's life at the courthouse, Deputy US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn are tasked with finding a missing woman and an endangered child in connection to the murder of the judge's wife. What seems like a fairly straightforward case becomes hopelessly tangled when the marshals discover that the woman they are searching for is in witness protection and the Amber Alert put out for the missing child has put two lives in danger.

Madison and Jonas are forced into a race to find the woman and the child before the men who want her dead discover her location. And in a final showdown that could cost her everything, Madison will come face-to-face with the person who murdered her husband.

USA Today bestselling author Lisa Harris concludes her thrilling US Marshals series with this breathless tale of secrets kept, lies exposed, and ultimately, justice prevailing.

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Rebecca's Review - 3.5 stars

"Four months ago Madison had been shot in her own home. He'd found her lying on the kitchen floor in a pool of blood . . . . . But the most puzzling part of her injuries had the been the partial amnesia. . . she still didn't know who had pulled that trigger."

Now U. S. Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn are tasked with finding the killer of another woman shot in her own home; a local judge's wife . . . . except when confronted with video evidence of who had been in his home, Judge Saylor insists that his young mistress could never have pulled the trigger. But case gets even more curious; not only has Becca Lambert gone on the run, but the woman tasked with baby-sitting her newborn son is missing . . . along with the infant.

Being thrown into a new case wasn't exactly how Madison and Jonas had expected to be re-united after Jonas' lengthy absence. They had missed each other during the weeks Jonas underwent rigorous training for a Special Operations Group, and yet Madison was still struggling with the same underlying circumstances; until she solved her husband's murder, she wasn't willing to put someone else that she loved (yes, loved) in the cross-hairs of a killer . . . . and Madison knew without a shadow of doubt that she was being watched.

"I'm learning there is a point where I have to simply let go and let God take over . . . . I'm tired of living as if I died that day as well."

Nearly entirely plot driven, this series conclusion oozes with multiple layers and endless amounts of surprising connections . . . . giving the reader, as well as the characters . . . plenty of reasons to "catch up" to the truth.

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

Anne's 2021 Top Reads

While I wasn't any kind of marathon reader in 2021, I did read some really good books! I had set a goal on Goodreads to read 20 books. I managed to exceed that and read 36. Now mind you, they weren’t all fiction. I actually read and reviewed several non-fiction titles that consisted of devotionals and journals, an Amish cookbook, and a lovely photography book. I only read 28 fiction books in 2021, of which three or four were audio books.

I have found that as much as I love to immerse myself in a good book, when my creative side suffers, I suffer, so I put aside my desire to read many of the popular CF books available to learn the art of slow stitching and beading. My sister is a master craftswoman in anything to do with a needle so through many texts, images, and video chats she helped me along the way to learning a new craft that I absolutely love!! I have a lot to learn but I was pretty pleased with how my first piece turned out and my granddaughter loves it so that’s all that matters, right?!

My husband and I officially moved back to NC just before Christmas after six years in VA. We just couldn't let our little "hobby farm" go over the years so we're back in the same place we fell in love with almost 23 years ago. There is a lot to do to get rid of extraneous items we don’t need so we can start back a couple of the things we enjoyed so much the first 18 years we lived here, like raising chickens and starting our greenhouse back up.

Oh yeah, back to books, right? In no particular order, I’ve listed seven books that I would highly recommend to my friends. One author made the list twice!!! Each book title is a hyperlink to my review on Goodreads, in case you want to see what I thought. J

When Forever Fades (Spencer Family 2) by Andrea Boyd

 

Sword of Trust (Winds of Change 2) by Debbie Lynne Costello

 

Hours to Kill (Homeland Heroes 3) by Susan Sleeman

 

Let It Be Me (A Misty River Romance 2) by Becky Wade

 

Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong

Hope Between the Pages by Pepper D. Basham

The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper D. Basham

Thanks for hanging in here! If you’ve read any of these books, let me know in the comments. If not, share what you read this year and enjoyed. Do you have any recommendations for me?

Have a blessed New Year!!

Christian Fiction Book Recommendations for the Book Lover on Your Christmas List...in Book Graphic Form

This is not an extensive list but a few that I thought to share with y'all that I've enjoyed reading, whether this year or in the past. Some  are part of a series so be sure and check them out on your favorite book info site.

I've also read some really fun novella compilations, especially last year's Something Borrowed with authors Teresa Tysinger, Andrea Boyd, Jaycee Weaver, Toni Shiloh and Mikal Dawn. Each of these authors has since released the novellas independently. I think they're all available on Amazon. Here are the graphics I did for those with updated book covers.

Can you recommend any books that you've enjoyed this year to give as gifts?

Leave a comment and let's chat!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Just popping in here to let y'all know about this awesome giveaway from author Susan Sleeman in celebration of her latest release, Hours to Kill (Homeland Heroes 3). You can read my reviews for each book by clicking on the corresponding image but be sure and click on the giveaway image at the bottom in order to be taken to Susan's website to enter. 

https://www.susansleeman.com/hours-to-kill-week-five-giveaway/

I am in no way affiliated with this giveaway. I'm only sharing the link because I absolutely LOVED this series and I want you to have an opportunity to read it!!!

Review ~ Hours to Kill (Homeland Heroes 3) by Susan Sleeman

Just as Homeland Security Agent Addison Leigh reaches the pinnacle of her cyber investigation into a firearms smuggling ring, she's attacked and left for dead. Her estranged husband, ICE Agent Mack Jordan, is notified that she's at the hospital in a coma. He may have let his past military trauma ruin their short marriage, but she never gave up on their relationship, and he remains her next of kin.

Mack rushes to her bedside, where he promises to hunt down the man who attacked her. Mack failed her once when he bailed on their marriage, and he's not about to let her down again. But when she wakes up in the hospital, she remembers neither the attack nor ever being married to Mack. And when a second attempt to take her life is made, it's clear something very sinister is going on, and Mack and Addison are in for the ride of their lives. 

My Review ~ 5 STARS

If you are looking for an exciting and suspense-filled book, look no further than Hours to Kill! Sleeman knows how to draw readers into a story and keep us honed in on the suspense. I loved how the mysterious case Addison is having trouble remembering is pieced together with the help of the RED team. My mind was pretty blown away by the possibility (or maybe it’s actually real) of the technology that Cam works on. It’s kind of scary but completely realistic in this day and age.

There is so much tension between Addison and Mack it fairly leaps off the page. Addy can't remember Mack and their marriage but her heart hasn’t forgotten. The romance of it is sigh-worthy.

“He beamed a smile at her and she almost gasped at the sharp jolt of awareness that plunged through her. He was a fine-looking man—she’d figured that out already—but when he smiled? Oh, man. Wow. Just wow. She was putty in his hands.”

This has been a great series for any fan of romantic suspense. Sleeman isn’t afraid to grapple with authentic struggles in her characters lives. I highly recommend it!

I received a copy of the book from the publisher. No review required. No compensation received.

Review ~ Obsession (Natchez Trace Park Rangers 2) by Patricia Bradley

Paperback, 384 pages

Published February 2nd 2021 by Revell

Natchez Trace Ranger and historian Emma Winters hoped never to see Sam Ryker again after she broke off her engagement to him. But when shots are fired at her at a historical landmark just off the Natchez Trace, she's forced to work alongside Sam as the Natchez Trace law enforcement district ranger in the ensuing investigation. To complicate matters, Emma has acquired a delusional secret admirer who is determined to have her as his own. Sam is merely an obstruction, one which must be removed.

Sam knows that he has failed Emma in the past and he doesn't intend to let her down again. Especially since her life is on the line. As the threads of the investigation cross and tangle with their own personal history, Sam and Emma have a chance to discover the truth, not only about the victim but about what went wrong in their relationship.

Purchase: Revell Books

*I am NOT affiliated with any vendors. Purchase links are for your convenience only. 

My Review - 3.5 STARS

This is the first book by this author I have read. Suspense laced with a hefty dose of creep is always good and Obsession certainly provides that.

Whether or not I am missing something because this is the second book in the series, I do not know but I did feel a little lost about Emma’s brother being gone.

I enjoyed the relationship between Emma and Sam. They try to fight their old attraction but their chemistry is electric on the page.

Regretfully, I figured out who the villain was very early on. I am not sure why but I think showing their POV is what gave it away. I was quite disappointed by that and feel like in this instance, if that particular view point had been left out, I would not have guessed so soon and enjoyed the story even more.

Bradley came highly recommended so I would say if you are a fan of hers, or even just the genre in Christian fiction, you will likely enjoy it. The faith theme is well done and there is plenty of action, intrigue, and romance!

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Review ~ Point of Danger (Triple Threat 1) by Irene Hannon

Paperback, 384 pages

Published October 6th 2020 by Fleming H. Revell Company

Radio talk show host Eve Reilly is used to backlash from her pot-stirring on-air commentary and interviews, but now it seems a disgruntled listener is resorting to more than angry words to express their displeasure. When a suspicious package arrives on her doorstep, Eve turns to law enforcement for help.

Police detective Brent Lange can't find any evidence to link the string of unsettling incidents that follows, but he's convinced they're connected. As the harassment grows more menacing, it becomes clear someone wants Eve's voice silenced--permanently.

But unless he can track down her foe, fast, the gutsy woman who is willing to take risks for what she believes--and who is swiftly winning his heart--may not survive.

Purchase:

Amazon

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Sticky tabs are mine ;-)

My Review 3 STARS

As I was making afternoon tea, I thought Eve Reilly, the heroine in Point of Danger, needs a good cup of hot tea to help her de-stress after the week she's had! It’s a wonder she survived all the high stakes drama but she’s got plenty of experience with overly dramatic people calling into her radio talk show and venting about politics and other controversial topics.

The story has a quick pace, snappy dialogue, and romance. The plot line is easy to follow but not elemental. Hannon drew me into the story in spite of it being very political and reading like a conservative news show on paper. It wasn't what I was expecting so I was a bit disappointed. That being said, I would be interested in reading the next book in the series in hopes that it won't reflect what's taking place in our society at the time.

A copy of the book was provided by the publisher for this review. No compensation received.

Review ~ Night Fall (Nighthawk Security 1) by Susan Sleeman

 

She faces dangerous situations all the time…

Olympic downhill skier, Harper Young, knows what it’s like to look danger in the face. After all, she does it every time she races down a ski slope. She’s fine with that danger and even excels under the pressure, winning Olympic gold. And as a governor’s daughter, she’s familiar with receiving threats from the general public. But when a stalker turns his sights on Harper, she possesses zero skills to protect herself.

But she has no idea what lurks in the shadows.

Former Navy SEAL and ATF Agent, Aiden Byrd of Nighthawk Security is well versed in protection skills and knows the dangers she faces. Problem is, there’s an instant attraction between Aiden and Harper, and Aiden has to fight hard to remain professional. As the stalker grows bolder and tries to end Harper’s life, Aiden’s only hope in keeping her safe is to deny his feelings. Something that borders on impossible. 

Purchase:

Amazon

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My Review

4 STARS!!!

 

Tight writing, fabulous pacing, and well-developed characters, all make Night Fall an intriguing romantic suspense. Harper Young faces life head on but when it comes to a stalker, she’s going to depend on Aiden Byrd and Nighthawk Security to keep her safe. I was on pins and needles several times while reading this book. Sleeman is a pro at weaving realistic suspense and the romance thread is just as heart thumping. I also appreciated a good level of wit in many scenes.

I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. I recommend Night Fall to fans of contemporary romantic suspense containing solid faith elements.

I received an electronic copy of the book from the author. No review was required. No compensation received.

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If you enjoyed my review, please consider going to Goodreads and Amazon and 'liking' my review there.

Thanks!!!

God bless you,

Anne

Review ~ Minutes to Die (Homeland Heroes | Book Two) by Susan Sleeman

 

Paperback, 384 pages

Published August 4th 2020 by Bethany House Publishers

It's the intel every agent fears--terrorists have been smuggled into the country, intent on unleashing the most deadly attack since 9/11. With the threat imminent, FBI Agent Kiley Dawson and ICE Agent Evan Bowers are charged with taking down this terrorist cell. The only problem is Kiley blames Evan for the death of her former partner, and she can barely be in a room with him. But with millions of lives on the line, she has no choice.

If it wasn't for a bad call Evan made, Kiley's former partner would still be alive, and Evan has to live with that guilt for the rest of his life. When he starts falling for her, the agent's death seems an impossible obstacle--but it's also the last thing he needs to think about. As the terrorist plot targets Kiley's family, the two are pushed to the breaking point in a race to save countless lives.

Purchase:

Christian Book

 

I am not affiliated with Christian Book and make no money if you use the link to purchase. 

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My Review

4 STARS!!!

If I let it go, God, then what?

I'm a slow reader and for once I was glad about that. It gave me more time to embed myself with Kiley, Evan and the RED team. They're on an adrenaline-laced assignment with very little time to figure out the logistics of who, what, when, and where a monumental terrorist attack is going to occur. Time is ticking and the big question is will they save millions of lives or not?

The analytical and problem-solving techniques incorporated in this type of investigation boggled my mind. I had a hard time keeping up with the ins-and-outs and everyone involved (there are a lot of characters) but still gained a new appreciation for what our federal law enforcement officers might go through and the sacrifices they make to keep us safe. I can't imagine having to coordinate something like this and the immense pressure each team member is bound to be under while optimally performing their duties. Sleeman has created a dynamic atmosphere that kept me completely ‘on the scene’.

I'm looking forward to Mack's and Addison's story in Hours to Kill and the conclusion to the ongoing Montgomery Three case that began in book one, Seconds to Live. If you enjoy contemporary romantic suspense incorporated with faith themes of trust and forgiveness, I definitely recommend Minutes to Die.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own. 

~ Happy Reading ~

Rebecca Reviews ~ Don't Keep Silent (Uncommon Justice, #3) by Elizabeth Goddard

Justice comes easy for these two. But forgiveness? That's another matter altogether.

Investigative reporter Rae Burke will do anything to find her missing sister-in-law, even if it means facing Liam McKade, a man who almost lost his life saving hers. A former DEA agent, Liam thought he could find peace at his Wyoming ranch, but he doesn't feel at home anywhere anymore. When the reporter who blew his cover on an important investigation inserts herself back into his life, he's less than thrilled. But Rae's keen investigative skills have led her down the right path--and directly into the dragon's mouth--leaving Liam no choice but to protect her.

As the danger increases, the past they both tried to flee catches up to them, along with the feelings they once had for each other.

Purchase:

Revell Publishing

*I'm not affiliated with any vendors. Links are provided as a courtesy only.

Rebecca's Review
4 STARS!!!

"Investigating is excruciating when you have a personal stake in it." . . . . .

And for Rae Burke, the stakes are incredibly high; not only has her sister-in-law gone missing, but the one man who has the skill set to investigate Zoey's disappearance probably won't even speak to her. Approaching Liam McKade is risky business, for both are now "formers" in their fields because of Rae's previous missteps; she was fired and Liam nearly lost his life. What makes her think that this time will be any different? . . . . . . except that keeping silent is not an option.

This story is incredibly layered, not only with complicated character relationships but with ping-ponging plot lines that propel readers to the edge of their seats and back, while remaining completely perplexed . . . and that's a good thing. There's the fast pace that romantic suspense enthusiasts expect and appreciate, but the story also breathes in a way fits the tender moments. And there are those . . . "he knew this moment was meant to be - proof that things happened for a reason, after all. . . . Could they resurrect what they'd shared before?"

A great finish to the series!

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

Senior Reviewer, Rebecca Maney

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".