Still Life By: Dani Pettrey

Back of the Book

Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime scene photographer. She expected to be laughed at, but crime scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright--and changed her life. But six months ago, when her feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart. 

Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit and support her best friend, who modeled for the show. But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead--and the photographer insists he didn't take the shot. Worse, her friend can't be found. She immediately calls Parker for help. As Avery, Parker, and his friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.

My Thoughts

Perfection!  Dani Pettrey has done an outstanding job at writing a novel that is as close to perfect as you can get.   Still Life has everything, wonderful characters, a plot that was unique and well planned, and don't forget the chilling scenes that kept me on the edge.  Both Avery and Parker are return characters from Cold Shot, as are all the main characters, so you might want to go back and refresh your memory (I know I did). While this book takes place months after the last one ends it never feels like you missed any part of their lives.  The plot was so well planned nothing felt out of place, overlooked or missed.  This is a must read for anyone looking for an exciting entertaining novel with romance and mystery blended in.

I was given a complementary copy of this novel from the publisher.

Justice Delayed by: Patricia Bradley

Back of the Book

It's been eighteen years since TV crime reporter Andi Hollister's sister was murdered. The confessed killer is behind bars, and the execution date is looming. But when a letter surfaces stating that the condemned killer didn't actually do it, Detective Will Kincaide of the Memphis Cold Case Unit will stop at nothing to help Andi get to the bottom of it. After all, this case is personal: the person who confessed to the crime is Will's cousin. They have less than a week to find the real killer before the wrong person is executed. But much can be accomplished in that week--including uncovering police corruption, running for your life, and falling in love.

With the perfect mixture of intrigue and nail-biting suspense, award-winning author Patricia Bradley invites her readers to crack the case--if they can--alongside the best Memphis has to offer.

My thoughts 

Have you been wishing the Logan Point series never ended because you can't find another book series with the same edge, chilling scenes and unforgettable plot twists?  Well Patricia Bradley with an all new series not only delivers the same edge of her last series, but brings in all new twist and characters.  

  Justice Delayed is a step above all other suspense novels and with a perfect romance to keep every reader happy.  I was hooked from the first chapter and couldn't put the book down.  As I devoured each page Bradley easily weaved the characters and their back stories thru the twists and turns of the book.  Andi and Will make the perfect team as they work together to uncover the truth behind her sisters death.  Life and murder are not always what they seem, as you will soon discover in the pages of this Memphis Cold Case novel.

I was given a complementary copy of this book from the publisher.

Maybe it's You by: Candace Calvert

Back of the book

ER nurse Sloane Ferrell escaped her risky past―new name, zip code, job, and a fresh start. She’s finally safe, if she avoids a paper trail and doesn’t let people get too close. Like the hospital’s too-smooth marketing man with his relentless campaign to plaster one “lucky” employee’s face on freeway billboards.

Micah Prescott’s goal is to improve the Hope hospital image, but his role as a volunteer crisis responder is closer to his heart. The selfless work helps fill a void in his life left by family tragedy. So does a tentative new relationship with the compassionate, beautiful, and elusive Sloane Ferrell.

Then a string of brutal crimes makes headlines, summons responders . . . and exposes disturbing details of Sloane’s past.

Can hope spring from crisis?

My Thoughts

Candace Calvert shows you harsh realities of organized crime and how it's grasp never seems to let go.  Yet throughout the book there is a glimmer of hope not only for the main characters and their budding relationship, but for everyone no mater their past.  Maybe It's You was a thrill to read, with a few shocking twists that kept me on the edge of my seat.  Sloane and Micah were both likable yet in a guarded way that kept me wanting to know more.  Calvert has outdone herself with this book and I can't wait for her next one.

Maybe it's You is the 3rd book in the Crises Team series, with its gripping plots and christian themes they are like watching a better version of E.R. and the endings can't be matched.

I was given this novel free from the publisher.

In the Shadow of Denali By: Tracie Peterson & Kimberly Woodhouse

Back of the Book

Cassidy Ivanoff and her father, John, work at the new and prestigious Curry Hotel outside Mt. McKinley. While John will be expedition and wilderness exploration guide for the wealthy tourists, Cassidy has signed on as a cook's assistant. Both are busy as the hotel prepares to welcome the president of the United States on his way to drive in the golden spike to officially complete the railroad.

Allan Brennan travels to the Curry Hotel to be an apprentice of a seasoned Alaska mountain guide. Ever since his father's death climbing Mt. McKinley, he's worked to earn enough money to make the trek to the Alaska territory himself. His father's partner blames their guide for the death of his father, but Allan wants to find the truth for himself. He finds an unlikely ally in Cassidy, and as the two begin to look into the mystery, they suddenly find that things are much less clear, and much more dangerous, than either could ever imagine.

My Thoughts

 In The Shadow of Denali is entertaining from start to finish.  You will quickly get engulfed in the plot, charactors, and the area.  The writing in this book is supurb Peterson/Woodhouse, and will put a desire in you, not only to respect those who risked their lives to climb Denali, but also those who lived and toiled in his shadow.  Cassidy has such a love for the area and a possitive disposition that she strengthens everyone around her.  While Allan has come to Alaska to learn about his fathers death but also to learn to love the area as his father did.  The love between Cassidy and Allan is sweet and smoothly slides into the story and the drama that comes living in the shadow of Denali.

I was given a complementary copy of this book by the publisher.

For The Record By Regina Jennings

Back of the Book

Betsy Huckabee might be a small-town girl, but she has big-city dreams. Writing for her uncle's newspaper will never lead to independence, and the bigger newspapers don't seem interested in the Hart County news. Trying a new approach, Betsy pens a romanticized serial for the ladies' pages, and the new deputy provides the perfect inspiration for her submissions. She'd be horrified if he read her breathless descriptions of him, but these articles are for a newspaper far away. No one in Pine Gap will ever know.
 
Deputy Joel Puckett didn't want to leave Texas, but this job in tiny Pine Gap is his only shot at keeping his badge. With masked marauders riding every night, his skills and patience are tested, but even more challenging is the sassy journalist lady chasing him.

My Thoughts

For The Record is, by far, the most entertaining historical novel I have read in a while.  Jennings character descriptions are so well written that it's not hard to picture yourself right there in the middle of Pine Gap.   Betsy is an amazing, tenacious, main character with both spunk, kindness, and an entertaining imagination. Then there is Joel, the poor man is just trying to figure out this quirky town and the people in it. With Betsy and Joel's different personalities, and Betsy's desire for great writing material, you are guaranteed some entertaining scenes between the two.

True to Jennings novels, there is more to this story than meets the eye, with love, mystery, and secrets, this story will grab your attention right from the start.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.

Fatal Frost By: Nancy Mehl

Back of the Book

Mercy Brennan followed in her father's footsteps in a law enforcement career, but she has no interest in any other connection to him. A U.S. Marshal in St. Louis, Missouri, she's assigned to a joint task force with the St. Louis PD that puts her back into contact with her father and in the sights of St. Louis's most powerful gang.

When the gang has reason to believe Mercy has possession of some highly sensitive and incriminating information, her boss assigns Mark St. Laurent--a Deputy U.S. Marshal and Mercy's ex-boyfriend--to get her out of town until they can guarantee her safety. 

Initially unaware of the danger she's in and uncomfortable working with Mark, Mercy's frustration escalates when she discovers the extent her boss and Mark have been keeping her in the dark. It isn't until a freak ice storm hits, stranding them at a remote location and out of contact with the district office, that the full severity of their situation becomes clear. As the storm worsens, the forces of nature combine with a deadly enemy closing in to put their lives at imminent risk. Can they survive long enough for help to arrive--if help is even coming at all?

My Thoughts

If you have not read a Nancy Mehl novel you are in for a treat.  Fatal Frost has everything, love, and suspense with twist that will keep you turning pages into the wee hours of the night.  Mercy and Mark are a great blend but as the list of people who can't be trusted continues to mount, Mercy questions if there is anyone she can put her faith in to help her survive.  With chilling scenes so real you can feel the frost and Mehls unique ability to create a plot that keeps you guessing, this book should be at the top of your must read list.  Now the wait begins for the next installment..

I received a complementary copy of this book from Bethany house publishing.

Wild Montana Skies ( Montana Rescue #1) By: Susan May Warren

Back of the Book

Bestselling Author's New Series Delivers Romance and Adventure as an SAR Team Searches for Others--and Finds Themselves
Search and rescue pilot Kacey Fairing is home on leave in Mercy Falls, Montana, twelve years after she joined the military to escape the mistakes of her past. With a job waiting for her as the new lead pilot of Peak Rescue in Glacier National Park, Kacey hopes to reconnect with the now-teenage daughter she sees only between deployments. What she doesn't realize is that someone else is also back in town.

Ben King has been building his country music career since the day Kacey shut him out of her life. Now all of that's on hold when his injured father calls him home to help run Peak Rescue until he's fully recovered. It doesn't take long, though, to discover his father's ulterior motives as Kacey Fairing walks into the house and back into his heart.

With Mercy Falls in a state of emergency due to flash floods, Kacey and Ben are forced to work together to save lives. But when floodwaters turn personal, can they put aside the past to save their future?

My Thoughts

If you have been struggling to find a book series as good as The Christiansen series and couldn't, the search is over.  The story is fantastic but you MUST read the prequel, If Ever I Would Leave You or you will be lost from chapter two.  Kacey is a dynamic woman with strength, and a stubborn streak.  Ben is a kind, patient, well rounded character.  Twists and turns in the plot will entertain you as Kacey and Ben mend their hearts, and must work together to figure out what matters most.  Montana Rescue is shaping up to be a wonderful series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing.