The Final Word by Laura Thomas, the second book in the Bite of Betrayal romantic suspense series, focuses on main character Sophie Brooks. Looking to start a new chapter in her career and life, Sophie moves from Paris to a small British village. Her excitement to become closer to her family and pursue her dreams dampens when danger (a violent ex) follows her across the British Channel. I liked this book’s quaint setting, the addition of a dreamy opera singer/love interest, and the threat of danger that the two face head-on. Members of Sophie’s family get caught up in the nefarious goings-on, increasing the tension for the main characters. The suspense really ratchets up as the danger increases. If you like quiet settings and big suspense, then The Final Word is a book you need to check out.
Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(I borrowed the ebook from Kindle+. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Terrorized by darkness from her past. Real life is no fairy tale…
When aspiring author Sophie Brooks chooses to trade a vibrant Paris life for the tranquility of a quaint English village, she imagines her final days in the City of Lights will be magical. Sophie doesn’t anticipate a chilling encounter with an old flame—nor does she plan to find a new love on her very last night.
Miles Morgan’s life has been defined as a successful opera singer—until now. His chance encounter with Sophie in Paris ignites renewed hope … if he can figure out his next chapter and if she can accept what his future may hold.
In the heart of the English countryside, Sophie and Miles’ fairy tale romance turns into a noxious nightmare as the darkness of Sophie’s past—and her volatile ex—catch up with her. Both Sophie and Miles must surrender everything to the One they thought had betrayed them as they lean into love and fight for their lives.
Travel from Paris to England in this fast-paced, faith-over-fear story of surrender.
An award-winning Christian author, Laura Thomas writes heartwarming encouragement for your soul… with the ultimate desire to inspire fiction readers in their real lives with her stories of hope.
Laura is a certified writing coach, a book-loving chocoholic mom and nanny, and is married to her high school sweetheart. Originally from the UK, they now live the empty nest life in Kelowna, British Columbia, with their French bulldog!
I love a good Christmas story with some romance and a definite merry-vibe. I got that and much more with The HeartfeltFormula by Leslie Kirby DeVooght. If you need a good book to get you in the holiday mood, then I recommend that you put The Heartfelt Formula at the top your TBR list.
She’s got a formula for love… but real life isn’t a Christmas movie.
After another breakup, Atlanta attorney Hope Elliot decides to stop waiting for her happily-ever-after and write it herself. Inspired by her beloved Christmas romance movies, Hope crafts The Heartfelt Formula: a foolproof plan including snowball fights, cookie baking, and a perfectly timed first kiss.
Trading the big city for coastal Georgia, Hope sets out to find her small-town soulmate. But the actors in her carefully plotted scenes keep shuffling—especially when Brennan Taylor, her ambitious co-counsel continues to fill in for Cole Walker, the carefree furniture maker, who Hope cast as her hero.
Between courtroom drama, a mismatched leading man, and a mistletoe mishap, Hope must decide if she’ll trust her formula or accept a plot twist that might leave her all alone, or perhaps, with happiest ending of all.
A faith-filled romantic comedy for anyone who believes love, like Christmas, can still surprise you.
PW Best-Selling Author Leslie Kirby DeVooght writes women’s fiction inspired by romcoms, coastal Georgia, and fried okra! While Leslie and her family live in Jacksonville, Florida, they often visit her hometown of St. Simons Island, Georgia, where she loves to go for long walks on the beach. A graduate of Florida Southern College and Mercer Law School, Leslie is always revising her life from prosecutor to judge to PTA president to author of happily-ever-afters.
My Impressions:
I admit that I am not a Hallmark Movie-gal. I really watch very little TV, preferring to indulge in romance reading instead. That’s not to say I am uninformed on the formulas those movies tend to use to get the characters to an HEA. Leslie Kirby DeVooght has taken the tried and true methods of finding the perfect man (at least by romance movie standards) and translated them into a sassy rom-com that will get you thinking about love and life. The Heartfelt Formula is a great read to begin your holiday season, whether you celebrate from the first nip in the air or wait until after Thanksgiving to trim the tree. On the surface this book is a fun and funny journey with main character Hope as she does everything to create the perfect playbook to get the love of her life. But DeVoooght takes the formula a step further to speak to the deeper meaning of love. This romance has meat! It really is the perfect combo of entertainment and thought-provoking moments that made me ponder my own relationships, especially with the One who really counts. The characters, both main and secondary, are wonderfully fleshed-out, the plot is fresh, and the spiritual truths are naturally woven throughout the narrative. I loved how Hope grew in her understanding of her past and the knowledge that her future was safe and secure. I laughed, I shook my head, and I may have shed a tear or two. 😉
So make sure you put The Heartfelt Formula on the top of your TBR. You’re going to love it!
Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Fire Mountain, the first book in the Elements of Danger series by Dana Mentink, is a classic example of the man-against-nature trope. In this fast-paced romantic suspense, the two main characters, long-haul trucker Kit and former cop Cullen, battle the elements while trying to elude seriously bad, bad guys. And before you think a volcano erupting is a never-going-to-happen occurrence, just think back to Mount St. Helens. 😉 I loved the two main characters and the secondary characters. There were plenty of times I was concerned for the survival of all of them! The bad guys are tenacious and always seem to be a step ahead, but you can’t underestimate the determination to survive and protect the vulnerable. Fire Mountain is a great choice for those who love their romantic suspense filled with danger, twists and turns, and nightmarish landscapes — it has it all! I loved it and think you will too. Book 2, Raging Waters, is on my TBR wishlist.
Highly Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(I purchased the ebook for my Kindle. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Fire rains from above as they fight to discover the truth and stay alive.
In the shadow of a threatening volcano, long-haul trucker Kit Garrido wakes up in her crashed big rig, unable to recall what happened or why she’s suddenly in possession of someone’s baby. Fiercely independent, she has to admit that perhaps this time she could use a little help.
As the threat of eruption grows, former cop Cullen Landry refuses to leave his cabin in the evacuation area, which is why he’s the only one left who can help Kit escape the crumpled cab of her truck. He doesn’t want to get tangled up in the mystery of the beautiful woman with an abandoned infant, but when he sees the bullet hole in the windshield and the bloody handprint on the interior, he realizes that he’s in this thing, like it or not.
When two armed men with ill intent approach, the race is on to stay alive, discover the truth, and find the baby’s missing mother–all while a deadly mountain rains fire from above.
Dana Mentink is a New York Times bestselling author of more than fifty novels for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Revell, Poisoned Pen Press, and other publishers. She lives in sunny California with Papa Bear and close to her two cubs, affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo.
The background of The Lies We Trade, the debut domestic thriller by Kristine Delano, is Wall Street. I admit I know nothing about the trading of stocks, the formation of ETFs, and other financial details. So while I love a good suspense novel, this book’s setting was as foreign as they come. But Delano did a great job of establishing an accessible backstory for main character Meredith Hansel while creating a riveting plot of betrayal in both her personal and professional lives. This book was definitely an edge-of-the seat read with lots of twists and turns. I especially liked the family life portrayed in the book. I don’t often run across a suspense novel in which the main character has a husband and kids. Even without all the nefarious work goings-on, Meredith has her hands full with a less than forthcoming teenager and a marriage that is teetering on a precipice. I loved that neither her work life or her home life were shorted — Meredith had work to do in both areas. The ending was surprising as well. All in all, The Lies We Trade kept me guessing and thinking. Kudos to Delano in this first offering. I hope there will be many more.
Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(I purchased the Kindle version of this book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
A high-powered Wall Street career, a beautiful family in a quiet suburban neighborhood—she seems to have everything. Which means she has everything to lose.
Meredith Hansel should be having the best week of her life. After establishing herself as a portfolio manager at a prestigious Wall Street firm, she’s in the national spotlight for the innovative funds she created. But as Meredith prepares to celebrate, the plates she’s kept spinning for years begin to crash: Her strained marriage reaches a breaking point. Her conscientious teenage daughter acts out under mysterious pressures. Someone vandalizes her home with disturbing graffiti. And Betsey, her most trusted ally at the financial firm, goes rogue, and Meredith is forced to sign a restraining order against her.
Then her worlds collide when she receives a thumb drive and a cryptic note from Betsey threatening to reveal a secret that could have devastating effects on Meredith’s family . . . unless she can figure out what Betsey wants and deliver it in time.
As Meredith begins to dig into the data, however, she begins to suspect that it’s no coincidence her life is crumbling. That maybe what’s happening to her family is connected to what’s boiling beneath the surface at her investment company. Soon Meredith realizes there’s only one way to avoid taking the fall, and it all hinges on Betsey’s true motives. Was she really threatening Meredith or trying to warn her?
Kristine Delano is a former Wall Street executive turned award-winning author of domestic thrillers set in the high-stakes finance world. She hosts the We Talk Careers podcast and mentors women on work-life balance. When she’s not writing or reading, she enjoys scuba diving, playing games with friends, and chasing her family down the ski slopes of western Maine.
Is it too soon to read Christmas fiction? Absolutely not! Especially when there’s a 3-novella collection of authors who continually deliver great mystery/suspense! The Last Noel features stories by Sarah Hamaker, Jayna Breigh, and Kimberly Woodhouse. All three have different styles, but the theme of forgiveness and the plot device of second chance at love tie them together in a complimentary way. I loved each unique voice. First up is Do You See What I See? by Hamaker. This novella is all about fast-paced suspense and dangerous situations! Main characters Oakleigh and Joseph never stopped loving each other. When Oakleigh and the two children of her best friend/foster sister are threatened, Joseph was the one to call. I loved the protective natures of both MCs and the lengths they went to protect the vulnerable. This novella examines foster care in a realistic manner. The second story is Do You Hear What I Hear? by Jayna Breigh. I have come to love Breigh’s characters through her full-length novels. This story doesn’t scrimp on developing MCs Elise and Jack. Their love is just waiting for forgiveness to uncover it. And you are going to love Elise’s grandmother! Breigh uses the woman to bring about the healing they both need. This one is more romantic mystery, than suspense. I love the legal drama foundation of this one. The magic of the holiday season as depicted in its Asheville, North Carolina setting is just what you want in a Christmas read. The third novel is Do You Know What I Know? by Kimberly Woodhouse. I loved that Woodhouse set this novella in both south Louisiana and Alaska. I have been to both places, and her descriptions brought my memories back. I also loved the food references and cooking scenes. This one is part Food Network competition and part Hallmark movie, with a good dose of serious bad guys. LOL. I rooted for Faith to heal from the betrayal that gutted her and reach out to love. Warning: you will be hungry after reading this book. Luckily there’s a link to great recipes!
As stated, forgiveness is the overarching theme in the novella collection. It’s really hard to give, but brings such freedom to the one who forgives. The Last Noel explores that through the varied stories in such a great way. I loved this book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys mystery/suspense and the Christmas season. 😉
Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the ebook. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
The Last Noel is a riveting Christmas novella collection with suspense, intrigue, and second-chance romance.
“Do You See What I See?” by Sarah Hamaker
Oakleigh Wright’s estranged foster sister reappears late one night desperate to hand off her children. Oakleigh agrees to bring them to their aunt out of state, but her travels are intercepted by a ruthless gang. She turns to her ex, Joseph, for help. Will they rekindle their love as they uncover what the gang seeks?
“Do You Hear What I Hear?” by Jayna Breigh
Trial lawyer Elise Sinclair resigns herself to a lonely Christmas reviewing legal documents—until her renegade fiancé, Jack, reappears. He is jobless, broken, and seeking forgiveness. Can two battered hearts overcome secrets and restore their love?
“Do You Know What I Know?” by Kimberley Woodhouse
When Faith Thibodeaux returns to her Cajun-style food truck in Alaska after an accident, the last thing she expects is to find out that her ex-boyfriend is the executive chef of a new restaurant. When they return to their hometown over the holidays to fundraise, will the “friendly” competition restore their love or rip them apart forever?
Kimberley Woodhouse is the best-selling and award-winning author of more than two dozen books. She is a wife, mother, author, and musician with a quick wit and positive outlook despite difficult circumstances. A popular speaker, she’s shared at more than 2,000 venues across the country. Kimberley and her family’s story have garnered national media attention for many years including ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Montel Williams Show, Discovery Health channel’s Mystery ER, The Hour of Power, The Harvest Show, and over 1,000 other TV appearances and radio interviews.
Jayna Breigh is an award-winning writer of Romantic Legal Dramas – Suspenseful, Twist-Filled Mystery/Thrillers with Romance. She practiced “Big City Law” in Los Angeles for over a decade. Jayna loves funny, inspirational and painfully cute social media. The only real life drama allowed—British period pieces and games of Wordfeud.
Sarah Hamaker loves writing books “where the hero and heroine fall in love while running for their lives.” As a writers coach, her heart is encouraging writers along their journey to publication. She’s written romantic suspense novels and nonfiction books, as well as stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul volumes. She’s a member of ACFW; ACFW Virginia Chapter; and Faith, Hope and Love, and Capital Christian Writers Fellowship. Her podcast, “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” can be found wherever you listen to podcasts. Sarah lives in Virginia with her husband, four teenagers, a preschool foster child and three cats.
If you are looking for a fast-paced romantic suspense with strong faith elements, then you need to check out Cascade by Linda Rodante. The book starts out running and never really lets up. There are gunshots, arson, and bears (plural), oh my! And while not targeted at first, main characters Crista and Sid are all in on the investigation and the danger. What first attracted me to this novel was the setting — the mountain area of Tennessee. So similar to my home in northeast Georgia with its abundance of hiking trails and waterfalls, my hometown doesn’t have the level of nefarious goings-on that Crista and Sid face. I like my criminality fictional. LOL! And there is plenty to keep the two on their toes and watching their backs. The romance is sweet, but not without its obstacles. Both of the main characters carry baggage that they must work through. That’s where the strong reliance on God comes in. With prayer and the wise counsel of friends, the two achieve their happy ending. No spoiler there — this is Christian romantic suspense. I felt their relationship developed naturally with checks on their attraction and the knowledge that God needs to lead. Cascade is book 3 in The Waterfall Mysteries and the first in the series that I have read. The only thing I felt I missed out on was the backstories of the secondary characters. But that’s the beauty of a series with ensemble casts. Each book can stand alone, while readers can catch up at any time. There was one issue I had with the book. I’m not sure if it has to do with ebook formatting (which I read) or is present in the paperback copy. There were typos and grammatical errors that seemed to be clustered on several pages in the middle of the book. While this English language nerd was taken out of the story for a bit, it wasn’t long before I was right in the middle of the mystery again.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(I borrowed the ebook from KindleUnlimited. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
A fresh start in the Tennessee mountains was supposed to bring peace. Instead, it brought a killer.
Crista Henson fled to a quiet Tennessee town to rebuild her shattered life, trading her past for a fresh start as a vacation planner and a deeper reliance on God. She wants peace. Instead, she finds herself tangled in a deadly web of secrets with enough suspects to challenge Hercule Poirot himself. She never planned on playing amateur sleuth—and she certainly didn’t plan on Sid Martin.
Sid is running from his own devastating past, swearing off the wilderness forever. But when a friend lures him back, a desperate cry for help and a brutal attempted murder force him to confront his guilt and his fears.
As their investigation expands and danger closes in, can Crista and Sid narrow the suspects in time to prevent their own demise?
Linda Rodante was born and raised in Florida. She is married with two grown sons, a daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren. At twenty-six, she discovered the miraculous love of Jesus Christ. God blessed her with a passion for the written word—especially mysteries and romantic suspense novels, from Nancy Drew to Agatha Christie, from Dee Henderson to Kristen Heitzman. She speaks about and works against human trafficking. Her author blog is www.lindarodante.com. Her human trafficking and commitment to God blog is at https://lindarodante.wordpress.com/.
The Spring in Trulee Holler by debut author Jana Hutcheson is magical. You can apply that to the autumn setting of the small Alabama town of Trulee, or the romance between main characters Jess and Silas. Or, you can settle into the magic that is the spring that is rumored to be the fountain of youth. Or is that just God being God? You’ll have to decide for yourself, but I found the book totally enchanting and a recommended read.
Jess Lockhart thought she’d fought her hardest battle when she beat a rare form of lymphoma. But months into remission, it’s fear of the unknown-especially of cancer’s return-that’s stealing her future. Once an aspiring fashion designer, she’s lost her drive to create and now spends her days working at her father’s hardware store in rural Trulee, Alabama.
When a young botanist rents the barn-loft apartment on her family’s property, Jess thinks she’s finally found something to take her mind off her mortality. Not only is Silas Haney strikingly handsome, but he’s irresistibly mysterious. His cryptic remarks and odd behavior suggest he’s hiding something. Then an accident exposes his secret: Silas once drank from a spring that made him immortal. Now he’s searching for the spring once more, hoping the tree that legend says grows from it can reverse the eternal youth he now sees as a curse. And that spring lies hidden in the woods behind her house.
Convinced the spring is the answer to her problems, Jess blackmails Silas into taking her along on his quest. But as forced companionship turns into affection, Jess begins to question whether escaping the fear of death is the same as truly living. When a crisis arises, Jess must decide: Will she trust God with her future or scoop destiny into her own hands?
Jana Hutcheson lives and teaches in the same small Alabama town where she grew up. A public-school teacher for over thirty years, she holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees in elementary education from the University of North Alabama. The Spring in Trulee Holler is her debut novel. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found taking long afternoon walks, reading on her patio bed swing, and spending time with her family.
My Impressions:
I am so impressed with the debut novel The Spring in Trulee Holler by Jana Hutcheson. This general fiction offering with a good dose of magical realism is so well-crafted, I couldn’t believe it was the first of what I hope is many more great books. Hutcheson crafts a mythology surrounding the small Alabama town of Trulee. There’s the legendary Goat Man and the rumored spring that brings those who taste its waters immortality. This reader can just imagine the tales being told on long summer evenings on the porches of local houses or around the campfires of autumn. When main character Jess is actually confronted with the truth of one of her hometown tales, she must decide if she can take control of life or whether she should trust God for his best for her. That is the main question of the novel, and one that this reader dwelt upon long after the last page. If we trust God, do we trust Him all the way, or only for those things we think He will handle correctly. Jess is struggling with the unknown — will her cancer return, will she have the life she used to dream about, or will fear take the reins? When confronted with Silas, a young man who is afraid he will never die, Jess must change her way of thinking and living. The Spring in Trulee Holler is a love story, an homage to small Southern towns, a myth come true, and a testament to God’s sovereignty. But don’t worry, this book isn’t preachy — rather it takes very believable (and lovable) characters on a faith journey that allows questions and doubts.
I got to read this book while at my cottage in the woods — the crisp night air and the sounds of barred owls made the reading a little sweeter. It’s perfect for fall reading, but really, you will love this book anytime you pick it up. Which should be soon. 😉 You should probably grab a reading buddy too — you are definitely going to want to talk about this book!
Highly Recommended
Great for Book Clubs
Audience: Adults
(I bought the ebook from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
My book club chose Spies, Lies, And Alibis by Natalie Walters as our September selection. While we have read many of Walters’ romantic suspense novels, we all agreed that this suspense with a lot of rom-com elements is a bit of a departure for the author. In a good way! We all liked it. Check it out below.
They were each other’s first love. Now they might be each other’s last hope. Perfect for fans of Ally Carter, Spies, Lies, and Alibis is an unputdownable binge-fest, full of laughs, heart, and mischief.
Cybil Langford has spent years hiding behind her polished, professional facade as the executive assistant to a powerful real estate mogul, where she’s perfectly positioned to collect intel on her boss’s criminal network. But when her mission leads her into the path of Lorenzo Ramirez–a ruthless crime boss with deadly plans–she’ll need every ounce of cunning and charm to stay one step ahead.
Then he walks back into her life.
Ben Bradley is deep undercover for the FBI, living under an alias, as a financial advisor with a reputation for helping the wealthy and corrupt launder their money. His target? Lorenzo Ramirez, a dangerous crime boss with his hands in everything from smuggling to murder. But when a familiar face from his past suddenly reappears, things get . . . complicated.
The last time Cybil saw Ben, he was an annoying prankster–and her first crush. The last time Ben saw Cybil, she stole a piece of his heart. Neither expected to run into each other at a high-stakes fundraising gala where crime, corruption, and undercover agendas collide.
Forced to work dangerously close, neither knows the other’s true agenda. Cybil sees the boy who once broke her heart, now a man whose motives are deeply suspect. Ben sees the woman he never got over but can’t determine if she’s an innocent caught in the crossfire or a willing accomplice. As they navigate a world of spies, lies, and fragile alibis, they must dismantle the walls around their hearts.
The intel is classified. The trust is fragile. And their covers are one lie away from blowing wide open.
My Impressions:
If you are a fan of the romantic suspense by Natalie Walters, you will soon realize that Spies, Lies, And Alibis is a bit of a departure for her. Your first hint will be the cover. This novel was my book club’s September 2026 selection, and all admitted they probably would have passed this book by due to the cover (they’re old, LOL). The whimsy of its design is an indication that you will find more inside. This book can be described as a suspense-filled rom-com or a humorous romantic suspense. Either description fits, and it was everything we could have asked for in a fun book club read. There is the underlying plot that included seriously bad bad guys, two endearing main characters that need to get together despite their past relationship, and witty banter and hilarious situations to keep you chuckling. And the secondary characters are a hoot too! Danger, twists you don’t see coming, and a love story to, uh, love made us love (there’s that word again) this book. We are happy to see that another book in the series will be released next year. It’s already on our TBR list.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
I read Things We Cannot Keep by Amanda Cox during an especially difficult time in our family’s life. My MIL passed away over a week ago. At 98 years old she lived a very full and faith-filled life, but the last year has been a struggle. She went home to Jesus surrounded by those who loved her. The past weeks have reminded us of the stories we have shared — both the bitter and the sweet. This novel sets its foundation on the stories that surround precious heirlooms, in particular, a mysterious pocket watch delivered to main character Tess Holcomb. As Tess takes a journey to discover the stories behind the watch, she faces the demons she left behind in her home town 18 years before. Joining her is her longtime, ex-best friend Elliot. The boy who she loved and who betrayed her. Together they work towards a place that Tess has long since ceased to believe in. Things We Cannot Keep is about the courage to face the hard parts of life. It has themes of forgiveness — a hard thing to give and receive — and redemption. I loved everything about this book. The characters, both main and supporting, are well-developed. The plot is intriguing and really kept me turning the pages. And the spiritual themes are naturally developed. There’s no quick and easy resolution, but there is peace at the end. This is a special book that I can’t keep from thinking about. I know it will be with me for a long time. It is also a book that you really need to read. It’s a novel that also needs to be shared, so grab a buddy or your book club and schedule a lengthy meet-up. You will need to talk about it. It’s a 5-star for sure and very highly recommended.
Very Highly Recommended
Great for Book Clubs
Audience: Adults
(Thanks to the publisher for an ARC of this novel. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
A mysterious package. A name she thought she’d erased. And the one person she never expected to see again.
Tess Holcomb has built a new life in Alabama, repairing timepieces and avoiding her troubled past as she restores her customers’ family heirlooms–treasures she never had. When a mysterious package arrives addressed to Teresa Baker, the name she abandoned, Tess finds herself drawn into a puzzle that threatens her delicate peace.
Then Elliot Sullivan appears at her door after eighteen years, and Tess knows he’s after more than just forgiveness. She doesn’t trust his motives, but he could be the key to uncovering the origin of the mystery package and its cryptic contents.
Tess has found safety in her simple life, but to reunite this lost heirloom with its rightful recipient she will have to come out of hiding. Each clue leads her further from the security of home, and each story reveals hidden truths. The question is whether she’s brave enough to face what she might find–and whether the man beside her can be trusted with what matters most.
Before becoming a stay-at-home parent, Amanda Cox spent her time counseling children, families, and individuals through life’s challenging moments. Now she uses those same skills to develop layered characters and stories, bringing them on a journey of hope and healing. A journey she hopes her readers experience in their own lives as they read.
A few of her favorite things are the sanctuary of the great outdoors, the feeling of pen on paper, the sound of her children’s laughter, and exploring new places with her husband of 18 years. (Oh, let’s not forget good fiction and good coffee. She’s addicted to both.) You can stay connected with her latest writing updates at http://www.amandacoxwrites.com. You can find her on social media by searching Amanda Cox Writes.
The first book of a brand new romantic suspense series by Elizabeth Goddard, When The Silence Breaks, releases tomorrow! I had the good fortune to receive an ARC, so I dug in as soon as I could. This novel checks all the boxes for fans of the genre. Find out more below.
A deathbed confession. A decades-old secret. A mountain that holds the answers–and danger closing in.
When intelligence analyst Sarah Ellison learns of her grandfather’s deathbed confession connected to her brother’s murder, she’s determined to protect her remaining family. After further investigation, she discovers the disclosed information points to a decades-old government secret buried deep in the Cascade Mountains. With this knowledge, she looks for a guide who knows the terrain like the back of their hand.
After his father’s death in a tragic mountain accident, former Navy SEAL Ryder Goodwin no longer guides for the family business. At first, Ryder refuses to help Sarah, but he sees the trouble chasing her and can’t stand by while someone brings danger to his small-town mountain community.
Ryder and Sarah gear up to climb the mountain in a race against time and a looming storm. When the danger escalates, their search for answers shifts to a survival mission. Their only chance to make it through involves trusting each other and confronting the truth no one wants them to find.
This gripping romantic-suspense thriller set in the Pacific Northwest from USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard is a series opener that will sweep you away in a rush of adrenaline.
Elizabeth Goddard is the PW, ECPA, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of over sixty novels, including the Missing in Alaska and Rocky Mountain Courage series. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies. She is a Christy Award, Carol Award and Reader’s Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award and HOLT Medallion finalist. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry.
My Impressions:
When The Silence Breaks is the first book in Elizabeth Goddard’s new Mercy Ridge romantic suspense series. This book has it all for fans of the genre — fast-paced suspense, dangers from all sides, twists/turns/surprises you don’t see coming, and a sweet romance with a swoon-worthy hero. I loved it!
The action starts right away as the main characters are caught up in a mudslide in the Olympic Mountains of Washington State. I have never been to that area of the country, but it was if I was feeling the ground shake and the devastating power of nature along with the main characters. And nature never gave up as the book progressed! A former agent of an unnamed federal agency hires an ex-Navy Seal turned hiking guide to help her uncover a decades old mystery. While the threats from nature are real (which is a great plot device in itself), they are tracked by unknown determined and deadly human assailants. I loved the history behind the mystery, while feeling the tension of the quest with all its risks. The main characters have an immediate attraction that translates into learning to trust each other — something they both needed desperately. As always, the author interjects a faith message that compliments, rather than overwhelms the narrative.
When The Silence Breaks kept me furiously turning the pages even as I wished the story could go on. But luckily, there is more to come in the small mountain town of Mercy Ridge.
Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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