Revell

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The Lady with the Dark Hair

by Erin Bartels

MY REVIEW

I really liked the writing style of this book. I can’t fly so this book brought to life places overseas I’ll never see. The storyline was intriguing as well.

I had a bit of a difficult time gettIng into the story, but once I did I was caught up by the mystery of the unknown. Both the historical and contemporary stories were interesting. That’s rare as I usually enjoy the historical far more than contemporary. This author made both of them interesting. I enjoyed the stories far more than the characters. I know nothing of painting or painting vernacular so maybe that was why. I didn’t connect with either one, but the storyline themselves were definitely enough to keep me reading.

I’m not a fan of books that don’t really have an ending. That fact and the lack of a faith theme were disappointing. I know many readers like to be left hanging to finish the ending themselves. I must admit to double checking to make sure I didn’t skip a page or something. So I liked it well enough to really want closure for the characters, which says something. I also really was hoping for some sort of faith thread that never came to be.

The author writes incredibly well so I definitely see why so many are hooked on this author. I just really like closure, and I expect a faith theme in books published by Revell.
I was trying to find an author to compare…found that hard. Perhaps Katherine Reay type writing. I’m not sure, but the storyline and writing style are very well done.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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Under Fire

By Lynn H. Blackburn

MY REVIEW

I have absolutely loved the team in this series of books. I like the camaraderie, the witty banter, and the faith shared in the group. I have really enjoyed the characters most of all. In an unusual statement, I don’t think I have a favorite book in this series.

You can read each book as a stand-alone, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The reader gets much more from the books by getting to know the group one book at a time.

Both characters Zane and Tess get their story told from their perspective. I really felt like both were necessary and both gave much to the story. I would have preferred more action less romance-that’s always my opinion. I read for the suspense. You will note I’m in the minority on this one, but the budding of the relationship between the two characters seems to take precedent much of the time. There is nothing beyond kissing, but the romantic tension/dialogue felt a bit much for me.

With fantastic characters, wonderful faith theme, well paced suspense this read will make suspense fans happy. The character group themselves really pulled me through the book. I really enjoyed how well they work together and support each other.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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The Traitor’s Pawn

By Lisa Harris

MY THOUGHTS

A good suspense read with a believable plot line, interesting story,and terrific characters.
It also had a rather emotional surprise towards the end that I didn’t expect to happen.

I really liked the main character in this story, Aubrey. She wasn’t an emotional type, was incredibly analytical when thinking through the case before her, and she wanted serious relationships only. I could really relate to her and how she looked at the world. Her viewpoint was relatable and the reader could really build empathy for her.

Jack grows on the reader. I didn’t fall in love with him right at the beginning, but he proves himself as the plot moves along. He gives a lot of good, Biblical advice to Aubrey.

The faith theme in this book mostly comes from discussions between the two main characters. I really like spiritual dialogue in my reads. It tends to provoke more thought than other ways a faith theme is introduced. It isn’t an incredibly strong faith theme, but the elements of hope and forgiveness is there. God and his power over all things is brought into the picture as is stories from the Bible. I always like it when an author can put a good faith theme in a fairly fast moving suspense read.

I actually hate to admit it, but I think this is my first read by Lisa Harris. I certainly don’t plan on it being my last. This had a good pace to it, believable storyline, loved the characters, and a faith theme. I enjoyed and recommend this read.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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Chasing the White Lion

By James R. Hannibal

MY THOUGHTS

I thoroughly enjoyed this read! I’m not big on Star Wars or Star Trek, but this author keeps it real enough to make it plausible and entertaining. All characters and places exist…it is not a dystopian or other world book, I’m not a fan of those.

I really like the suspense in the book. It’s a bit different than some as the guilt party at the end isn’t a huge surprise. The reader, however, is kept guessing throughout the book about so many subplots and the plot itself.

I really think my favorite part of this book, despite the fact that I love suspense reads, is the group of characters. The reader really gets to know this group of weird to exotic people. I got the advice to read the first book in the series before starting this one. I agree. The reader will miss much if he doesn’t read The Gryphon Heist first. The relationships between the characters is so well done. The backstory of Talia is great as well.

This book isn’t just a “clean read “ either…the faith theme in this book moves this author to the top group of the suspense authors I read. I’ve read some, loved the suspense, but felt let down when no faith theme is present. The faith theme in this book is natural, and incredibly well done.

I really am thrilled to have found a suspense author that has a different style, terrific plots, fun and endearing characters, and a real and wonderful faith theme. This is an author I’m definitely going to follow, and this book is going on my forever shelves.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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Collision of Lies

By Tom Threadgill

MY THOUGHTS

This was a very well written suspense that had interesting characters, a lot of twists and turns, fascinating plot, and some interesting science as well.

I did put this book down a few times while reading which is unusual when reading a suspense story. It had times when it lagged a bit, but that does seem more realistic than some books where the speed exhausts the reader and makes for a totally unbelievable storyline.

I didn’t really connect with the characters, but I did enjoy the author throwing in their personality quirks.

My one big problem…this book is published by Revell…and at Amazon is listed as Christian fiction. If you are looking for the Christian part, you will not find it. There were so many scenes where a faith theme could have been so easily woven into the story…yet nothing. No God, no praying, just absolutely nothing that puts this in a Christian category. It was clean, and I was thankful for that. However, I like to see faith, hope, prayer and other aspects along those lines in my Christian Fiction.

Also there were a couple of things mentioned that weren’t really wrapped up completely. That bothered me some…I just wanted some answers that were not given. I know that happens in real cases, but one mention wasn’t brought to a conclusion…so just something that bothered me a bit.

So if you like Intense, complicated suspense without the romance and with the action…and like them clean-this is a read for you. I even googled some of the science stuff and shared it with my daughter who is in physical science…that is totally rare. Storyline reminded me much of the author , Lynette Eason, who endorsed it.

I was given this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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