"Still Life" by Dani Pettrey

Still Life (Jan. 31, 2017) by Dani Pettrey.*

When one door closes, another opens. When Avery Tate was blacklisted in the photography world, she answered an ad for a crime-scene photographer and, much to her surprise, nabbed it. Crime-scene analyst Dr. Parker Mitchell changed her life and her heart, so she left his employ after only six months.

            Avery has returned to the photography world to support her childhood friend, Skylar Pierce, as she headlines an “it” photographer’s Black-Dahlia-esque showing. But Skylar doesn’t show up, and all Avery sees is a chilling photo that the photographer didn’t take featuring a friend who appears dead. With the photographer dramatically calling foul, the FBI is called in, and Special Agent Declan Grey arrives on scene, covering for the coworker who usually handles art theft. And Skylar calls Parker when she can’t find Skylar, and it’s obvious that someone has cased her trailer home. In the search for Skylar, one of their suspects has perverse interests and stalker tendencies. But is he a cold-blooded killer? Avery, Parker and their friends will have to solve that mystery and bring the solution into focus.

            With appealing protagonists, a complex plot, certain creatively eccentric (that’s putting it nicely) characters and a probable killer, this second inspirational romantic suspense fiction story in Pettrey’s Chesapeake Valor series is both harrowing and exciting. The story was fast-paced from the Prologue to the end. There was a sub-plot that didn’t entirely seem to fit, one involving Declan, but I’m guessing it is setting up the next story. Whether or not you’re a reader of inspirational novels, Pettrey’s stories are standouts if you enjoy suspense fiction. It’s a rollercoaster that drops you, takes you upside down and goes at high speeds, but also has moments like you might find in a Disney ride when you move calmly through nice, happy scenes … and then get dropped down a waterfall. When the next story is released, I’ll happily hop on that rollercoaster ride again!

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Moving Target" by Lynette Eason

Moving Target (Jan. 31, 2017) by Lynette Eason.*

While his friends know that he’d oppose a birthday party in his honor, they also know that something’s very wrong when Detective Quinn Holcombe and bodyguard Maddy McKay don’t show up. No word, no heads up. Nothing. Nada. Zip. Maddy and Quinn awake in a cement room with a map mural of an island. A madman calling himself the Chosen One abducted them for his games. His hunting games are like something out of “The Hunger Games,” except there’s only one killer, and his games are one-sided. As in, he wins, and his victims die. Always.

            Until Maddy and Quinn win the first round – so far, the only prey to do so – and now they have the “honored privilege” of advancing to the next round. The killer declares that it’ll get personal now, though fighting for one’s life and survival seems rather personal already. It’ll take the combined efforts of Maddy’s Elite Guardians coworkers and their other friends to outwit this killer. In his twisted beliefs, the killer believes that he is called to kill for a specific purpose. He’s twisted biblical numerology to fit his death system.

            The third book in the Elite Guardians series hits the ground running. An inspirational romantic suspense novel, there is a romance budding between Maddy and Quinn, who’ve been friends now for years, but the suspense is not for the faint of heart. If you’ve a very active imagination, there are certain scenes that may overwhelm your psyche and sour your stomach, even though they’re not explained in great detail. This story is a race with many obstacles, and it’s a turbulent ride. It makes for fast reading, as the active plot grabs you. But there is also warmth in the camaraderie of the Elite Guardians and their friends and in the strong faith of many of the characters, though there are those, like Quinn, who are struggling to keep their faith above water. We’ve all had to tread water at some point, and, like Quinn, hopefully we’ve come out the stronger for it.

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"In the Shadow of Denali" by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

In the Shadow of Denali (Jan. 3, 2017) by Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse.*

Six years prior, John Ivanoff lost a man on a mountain. It is now 1923, and he continues his expert work as a wilderness and exploration guide. He works for the new and prestigious Curry Hotel where his daughter, Cassidy, works as Cook’s assistant. It is a busy time with the planned visit of the President and his elite entourage. They’re dedicating the new national park at Mount McKinley (“Denali, as it’s still called by the natives.”). This is an honor, and it will also put Curry, Alaska, on the map. During the hubbub leading up to the President’s arrival, Allan Brennan arrives at the Curry Hotel. He is apprenticed to John, though at first neither is aware of their connection – Allan’s dad, Henry, is the man who died on the mountain and whose body was never recovered. Allan bears much anger toward God and John, whom he’s been told is at fault for his dad’s death. But as Allan gets to know John, he sees a far different man from the version told to him by Frank Irving, his late father’s friend and business partner. He finds a good friend in Cassidy, and, in the shadow of Denali, they discover that Henry’s death wasn’t an accident.

            This novel is the first out of the gate in the dual authors’ “The Heart of Alaska” series. While Curry was an actual place in Alaska, it now belongs to a bygone era, but one that you can’t help but wish you could visit after reading this story. Filled with historical realism and a setting ripe with details, “In the Shadow of Denali” is smartly written. I found the story to move swiftly forward. The characters were distinct, including the supporting characters. I would love to stand in the middle of this Curry Hotel and bask in the bustle and busyness of it all at such an historic phase. But, since I can’t go back in time and do that, I will take this story and its successors any day!

Extra (maybe learn something new!):

• Ahtna-Athabaskan: Alaska Native of the Athabaskan-speaking ethnolinguistic group of Alaska’s Copper River a.k.a. Ahtna River. (Wikipedia)

• Denali = the High One (a.k.a. Mount McKinley); Sultana = the Wife (a.k.a. Mount Foraker). (p. 38)

• “I’m part Athabaskan. That’s one of the native peoples in this part of Alaska. There are many groups – tribes, if you would. Those normally thought of as Eskimo are actually Inuit, Inupiat, and Yuit.” (pgs. 122-123)

• tsistl’unni (sounds like chist-loo-nee): hill snowshoes. “What you will need to climb the glacier.” (p. 270)

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"For the Record" by Regina Jennings

For the Record (Dec. 6, 2016) by Regina Jennings.*

In the [fictional] town of Pine Gap, Missouri, Betsy Huckabee has dreams of writing for a major newspaper and has written off the notion of finding a special someone. What single men there are in the area have long since moved on, and no one catches her eye anyway. That is, not until Deputy Joel Puckett arrives in town by order of the governor. He’s a bona fide cowboy, he is, from his Stetson hat to his shiny cowboy boots. And, to boot, he hails from Texas. But he has a past that he’d rather not share with the residents of Pine Gap, probably especially the Bald Knobbers, who work toward their own justice in perhaps not the most lawful of manners. And when Betsy finds herself creating a character based on the deputy’s dashing good looks, her Dashing Deputy stories may dash the small sliver of reputable reputation Joel has gained in Pine Gap, for word may get back to the wrong people.

            I found myself quite enjoying this historical fiction novel. Jennings creates a storyscape filled with all the things we’d expect of a good story: strong characters, a detailed setting, a robust plot and a satisfying conclusion. I’ve said this before, but I appreciate stories that feature a strong female lead, and Betsy is definitely that. Full of sass and verve, Betsy is an independent young woman who loves the Lord. She has dreams, but isn’t all head-in-the-clouds, either. As she points out, “God made her for trouble, equipped her for hardship.” Like us, she’ll overcome obstacles as need be and buttress others when times arise. Betsy’s faith is strong, but Joel’s has waned. Someone tells him through his struggle, “You didn’t expect this blow, but if it’s gonna knock you down, make sure you fall toward God, not away.” And that’s sound advice for any year, whether it’s 1885 or 2017!

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Positive Page-turner's Challenge: Take 2

Happy February! The picture I’m sharing reflects many of the books I’ve had on hand since the photo I posted on November 1^st. I have not made a big dent in this pile, and I’ve already discovered a novel that I had settled elsewhere that I would’ve liked to include in this photo. Ah, well, maybe next time.

            If you read the post’s title, you’ll know that I’m again trying my “Positive Page-turner’s Challenge.” I’ve made a couple major changes, which make up my challenge. Instead of donating $50 for every 875 pages I read, I’m going to donate $25 for every 500 pages I read. I’m hopeful that I’ll do much better this month than in November/December, even though February is the shortest month. My donation will again go toward the Haiti Project through my home church.

            What is going on in your life? Do you have a passion project you’d like to share? If you’d be interested in learning more about GoServ Global in Haiti or want to get involved at any level, please let me know! (FYI in the random: While getting cat food today, I also bought three 10-packs of bar soap. Again, I am ALWAYS collecting bar soap to send to Haiti via GoServ Global.)

            Blessings and happy reading to you all. Love, Lisa.

"Fatal Frost" by Nancy Mehl

Fatal Frost (Nov. 1, 2016) by Nancy Mehl.*

Although her father was mostly absent during her growing up years, U.S. Marshal Mercy Brennan still followed in his law enforcement footsteps. Her father’s recent reappearance in St. Louis (STL) has put Mercy in the sights of STL’s most powerful gang, and this puts her in danger enough that could end her career. Or worse, her life. Because of these very valid concerns, Mercy’s boss assigns Deputy U.S. Marshal Mark St. Laurent – Mercy’s ex-boyfriend – and the St. Louis PD allows her best friend, Lieutenant Tally Williams, to provide protection for her. She does not know the true story, but when they are stranded in a remote, unknown location during a blizzard/ice storm, the seriousness of their situation becomes crystal clear. They have not reached their destination of Piedmont, MO, and they have no way to contact their bosses with communications down. Mother Nature and the potential enemy lurking nearby (maybe in that barn over there) puts everyone in significant danger. How do you find someone when you don’t know where they are?

            A remote location, danger in the storm and bad guys stir the pot to brew up this suspenseful, inspirational fiction caper. This story throws you right into the action from the first chapter and keeps going. I could do without the romantic plight, but that is trivial. The tension can be gripping, and you root for Mercy, the strong female lead who’s so good at hiding her emotions, but that you can also tell struggles, especially with her faith. Like all of us, she has room to grow, and Mehl displays that, while balancing Mercy’s obvious strength and independence. This romantic suspense series is one I wouldn’t mind following as this literary journey continues beyond this first story in her ‘Defenders of Justice’ series.

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"A Primary Decision" by Dr. Kevin Leman & Jeff Nesbit

A Primary Decision (Oct. 18, 2016) by Dr. Kevin Leman and Jeff Nesbit.*

There are secrets. Secrets are powerful, especially in the wrong hands where they may be used with malicious intent and/or manipulation. As an attorney working for the Department of Justice, Sarah Worthington is used to being incredibly good at ferreting out secrets and getting to the bottom of everything. Unfortunately, there is a secret, even within her family, that she’s yet to hear. It’ll be a tough pill to swallow, since some secrets “had so many interweaving threads that they could only be pulled one at a time without making a mess of the complete tapestry.” Still, nothing will deter Sarah from moving forward. She’ll make a mark on the world, overcoming threats to her family and possibly balancing a personal life (cue Jon Gillibrand), but with honesty. “Secrets breed gossip, mistrust, and even hatred. We’ve had enough of that in American politics.” Well said, Sarah Katherine Worthington, well said!

            With this inspirational, contemporary fiction novel focusing on politics, I’ll readily admit that I didn’t have high initial hopes for liking this story. But after reading it, I stand corrected. I found this story to be very smart with high energy.  There are perils to overcome, battles to be won, and mysteries to be solved.  There is strong faith and faith tested.  There is political intrigue, apparently centered around a homicide featured in one or both of the previous books, this story being the final book in The Worthington Destiny trilogy. There are definitely back stories that I am missing, but overall this book read smoothly, and I didn’t feel totally lost not having read either of the previous books. I was actually impressed by the prose and how well it flowed, able to capture my interest even though I don’t naturally gravitate toward politics-centric material. Sarah is a strong, brilliant female character, and I appreciate that they created her in such a light, including staging her in an arena dominated by men. She’ll show them!  Is Sarah Worthington too good to be true? Well, sure, why not? She is a fictional character, after all, but she’s still got my vote!

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"The Fred Factor" by Mark Sanborn

The Fred Factor (Apr. 20, 2004) by Mark Sanborn.*

Who is Fred? The author’s Fred, Fred Shea, the first Fred, was a mail carrier (Sanborn was one of his customers).** What is the significance of a Fred? That is up to you -- not just to strive to be a Fred but to recognize other Freds. The simple answer is that a Fred is anyone who is taking pride in one’s work – no matter the profession – and turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. That does not mean running yourself ragged to go above and beyond at full throttle, giving 200%, and wearing yourself so thin that you get stress hives. No. It can be as simple as offering someone encouragement in a time of need or standing out in the winter cold for ten more seconds to hold the door open for someone.

            The author, Mark Sanborn, is a motivational speaker. His former mail carrier inspired him to “be a Fred.” The book has distinct focuses on defining Freds, how to become one and even how to develop other Freds. It’s a book of advice, encouragement and leading by example.

            Of the many examples, one shines out at me. He was relaying the story of a man who was dying of cancer. Even at his most frail, just days before passing, he said to a visitor, “How can I serve you?” And this leads me to a memory from college where one of my hall-mates had a handwritten sign in her room right above her door that read, “Servant’s Entrance.” To her, it signified being a servant and child of God and reminding herself to be as such when she left her dorm room each day, but it is fitting to this slim book as well. For anyone in customer service or who works with people on a frequent basis, to be a servant isn’t a chore. It can also be about making the best better, continually reinventing yourself to serve others more effectively and transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.

            I don’t tend to read books “like this.” And by that I mean books that focus on motivation and encouragement (but also non-fiction literature in general). I appreciate the insight that Sanborn has. Anyone who ever deals with people should read this book. To be a Fred isn’t a mundane thing, but a remarkable one. To have Fred moments isn’t tedious but noteworthy. To witness Fred moments isn’t lackluster but inspiring. Life is a work in progress, so why not work to be a Fred while you’re going about it all?

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I was loaned this book by my boss. I was not required to write a positive review, nor a review of any kind. The opinions are expressly my own and do not reflect the opinions of my boss, the author, the publisher or any entities associated with any of the aforementioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

** Fred Shea retired in 2013. [Google linked me to a post on the author’s Facebook page.]

"Storm" by Bonnie S. Calhoun

Storm (Nov. 1, 2016) by Bonnie S. Calhoun.*

TicCity isn’t safe and so the sooner Selah and company can head west, the better. Selah is attempting to complete the Third Protocol. Selah is a novarium. Those who understand the full process are very difficult to find, and those that don’t understand tend to want to harvest novariums’ blood and, at the worst, kill them. But for Selah to complete the Third Protocol would mean the end of novarium and all people could live as just that: people. Novarium are imbued with certain exaggerated abilities: from seeing objects clearly 20 miles away to being amazingly agile. But those abilities also deteriorate as the Second Protocol comes to a close. Selah, if she can’t reach the Third Protocol, will lose her mental capabilities and eventually perish.

            The world Selah lives in is a United States that doesn’t look so great anymore. Most of the country is desolate and there are dangerous storms that frequently crop up. Naturally, she travels into these perilous parts to the only protected areas she’s heard of – specifically, the domes at Cleveland and Chicago, though they, of course, involve their own inner perils. She travels with her mom, brother, sister and Bodhi, her apparent love interest, along with a few others. No one has before completed the Third Protocol. Why should Selah be able to accomplish what so many before her haven’t?

            This teen fiction novel from an inspirational publisher was unexpected in a positive way. The world Selah lives in is a dystopia. Even without her personal struggles as a novarium, it is still a very dangerous world to live in. And with her abilities, which include energy-thrusting, the story has elements of the supernatural, which I enjoy. Because of this supernatural dystopia, I found myself engaged in the story. On the downside, I have not read the previous two books, this being the third in the Stone Braide Chronicles, so I am missing back-story. For example, something went down in the Mountain. What, exactly? Also, what does an AirWagon look like? (Thank goodness for imaginations!) Maybe it’s addressed in other books, but I would’ve liked to know more about the supporting characters. Overall, I found this story to be intriguing. It’s a world I don’t want to live in, but it’s a fascinating literary landscape!

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Where Two Hearts Meet" by Liz Johnson

Where Two Hearts Meet (Oct. 18, 2016) by Liz Johnson.*

Rolling to the rhythm of her favorite Broadway soundtracks, Caden Holt is the master of the kitchen. And she really is. As executive chef of Rose’s Red Door Inn in North Rustico, Prince Edward Island (PEI), Caden is a picture of calm competency and culinary creativity who exudes an obvious love of her home, having grown up on PEI. Unfortunately, it’s been brought to light that the inn is in dire straits, according to her boss, Marie Sloane, proprietor of the inn. To help save the inn, she is tasked with involuntarily sharing her kitchen with a writer named Adam Jacobs. He is the supposed travel writer that a major travel magazine has sent, and they must impress him to land the coveted cover and gain attention from a vast readership. Adam thinks he’s on a forced sabbatical until he also learns he’s on assignment.

            Adam is not the writer Marie is expecting, but she doesn’t know it. When Caden figures it out and puts the pieces together, she recognizes that his article could do way more harm than good. It could ruin instead of redeem. And though it’d be unexpected to them, hearts could also be broken.

            Anne of Green Gables transported me, at a young age, to Prince Edward Island, so I have always been intrigued by PEI, though I’ve yet to visit. I will readily admit that I chose this book because of the story’s setting. And I loved the book. I don’t normally genuinely enjoy contemporary romance novels, but I thoroughly enjoyed “Where Two Hearts Meet.” Johnson created a storyscape that is whimsical without being fluffy and with relatable characters. She transports you to a town on an island that actually exists, which probably helps make it feel so real that you think you could make a reservation at Rose’s Red Door Inn, meet Marie and her husband, and enjoy Caden’s homemade cinnamon rolls. This story is a scrumptious delight – rich and sweet with depth of flavor!

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”