What Matters Most By: Kellie Coats Gilbert

Back of the Book

Leta Breckenridge is forced to drop out of college to care for her dementia-ridden mother. After learning a severely delinquent account may force her mother into a less desirable facility, Leta steps out of her comfort zone and lands a high-paying job at an Austin public relations firm. But her dream job turns into a nightmare when she learns the firm is a front for a political opposition machine--and that the research she's been collecting will be used against her new love interest, Nathan Emerson.

Nathan is a rising political star being pressured to run a bid to unseat the current governor of Texas. He's already in a relationship with a woman much better suited to be a politician's wife, but he's never met anyone like Leta. Could this feisty, challenging woman hold the key to his heart?

My Thoughts

Gilbert has written yet another stunning novel exploiting issues in corporate america.  What Matters Most focuses on some of the unpleasant aspects of government and elections.  Leta is an under educated florist at a local grocery store but with her talents in research she landed a job she would otherwise not be qualified for.  While Nathan seems like a nice person and he really stands for what be believes where politics are concerned, I struggled with the fact he has a girlfriend and yet is spending so much time with Leta.  In the end everything gets wrapped up with a nice bow on top yet I never felt the solid closure I have liked from Gilbert's past books.

What Matters Most is a fascinating read, that gives an intriguing glimpse into a side of politics not many write, or hear about. I just wish there was more on the relationship side of the book.

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

Missing (The Nikki Boyd Files) By: Lisa Harris

Back of the Book

Nikki Boyd isn't usually called in on homicides; her forte is missing persons. But when a case with two murdered and two missing pops up on a quiet suburban street, she's ready to start the investigation and find missing homeowners Mac and Lucy Hudson. When the first clues lead her to the boat of her friend Tyler Grant--and another dead body--Nikki must untangle what ties Tyler to the Hudsons. The clues pull her into a deadly maze of counterfeit drugs and a killer who will stop at nothing to silence anyone who threatens his business--including Nikki.

My Thoughts

Nikki Boyd is back in another gripping suspense novel that draws you in on the very first page and holds you captive until the very end.  Missing is full of twists and turns that kept me on my toes but, with the core investigation the same throughout, I never felt lost just shocked and entertained.  While I have never been a fan of series that keep the same main character from book to book, Lisa Harris has a way that seems to wrap up the story so it feels complete but with a little hint here and there that makes you eager for the next book.

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

A Beauty Refined (Sapphire Brides) By Tracie Peterson

Back of the Book

Phoebe Von Bergen is excited to accompany her father when he travels from Germany to purchase sapphires in Montana. Little does she know that her father's plans--for the gemstones and his daughter--are not what they seem.

Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie--a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.

Meeting Ian has changed everything. Phoebe is determined to stay in America, regardless of her father's plans. But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger as the deception begins to unravel.

My thoughts

I have really been enjoying the Sapphire Brides series and A Beauty Refined is no exception.  Phoebe is an intriguing character that comes across as a materialistic daughter who dotes on her father, but as the story progresses and her true nature comes out she truly develops into a lovable character.  Ian is humble from the start and while his back story doesn't really seem to fit with the man he is, it does help move the story along.  With great detail to scenes and a well developed plot A Beauty Refined is sure to be a best seller.

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