Rising Darkness By nancy Mehl

Back of the Book

Sophie Wittenbauer left her strict Mennonite hometown under a cloud of shame and regret. Certain she's left her past far behind her, she's now focused on her job at a newspaper and is shocked when she stumbles upon the name of someone she knew in her old life. But when she learns the man--a prisoner--claims a suspect from a decades-old unsolved crime is hiding out in the small town of Sanctuary, Missouri, she can't resist following the lead in hopes of furthering her career. 

Almost immediately upon her arrival, Sophie's confronted with a face from her past and fears her intention of using a false identity to investigate is doomed. But with the help of Sanctuary's charismatic young pastor, Sophie knows she's getting close. Will she be able to conceal the truth of her own past long enough to find the suspect before someone puts a stop--fatal or otherwise--to her investigation?

My thoughts

Oh, this is a good book.  Rising Darkness is the perfect blend of suspense and romance.  Great details make this book truly come to life, and scenes that will make your skin crawl with anticipation.  Sophie was an interesting character, and while I wished I had known more of her back story at the start of the book, I think it helped build the suspense that I didn't.  Being the 3rd book in the 'Finding Sanctuary' series, it has a lot of characters from past books, so I would definitely read at least the first book to learn about the town and the people who live there.  

If you are looking for a great thriller, look no further than this.  

I was given Rising Darkness for free from Bethany House publishing for my honest review.

The Christmas Joy Ride By: Melody Carlson

Back of the Book

Miranda did not put adventure on her Christmas list, but thanks to her eighty-five-year-old neighbor Joy, that's exactly what she's getting this year. When Joy tells Miranda that she plans to drive an old RV decked out in Christmas decorations from their Chicago neighborhood to her new retirement digs in Phoenix--in the dead of winter, no less--the much younger Miranda insists that Joy cannot make such a trip by herself. Unemployed and facing foreclosure, Miranda feels she has nothing to lose by packing a bag and heading off with Joy toward Route 66. But Joy has a hidden agenda for their Christmas joyride--one that could derail the whole venture.

No one captures the heartwarming fun of the Christmas season quite like Melody Carlson. Fasten your seat belt, because it's going to be an exciting ride!

My thoughts

If you are looking for a cute and entertaining book to get you into the holiday spirit, look no further than The Christmas Joy Ride.  Full of entertaining characters and heart warming scenes, this book was a delight to read.  While this book is entertaining, it also has a great underlining theme.  It highlights worries and strains that anyone can relate to at the holidays, as well as simple acts to help others find joy.   You might want to purchase two copies, because once you loan this out you might never get it back.

I was given this book free from Revell Publishing for my honest review.