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Book Review: Break My Fall

13 Mar

I always love a romantic suspense by Lynn H. Blackburn, but I have to say I think Break My Fall, book 2 in her Gossamer Falls series is my favorite by far. It checked all my boxes! Check out the book blurb and my impressions below.

She’s determined to make an impact in her community. 
He’s determined to make sure she lives long enough to do it.

Dr. Meredith Quinn always planned to return to Gossamer Falls to practice dentistry. Now that she’s back home, she’s made it a point to offer clinics to children and adults in nearby underserved areas. Unfortunately, those same areas are known to harbor drug traffickers, and Police Chief Grayson Ward suspects that local law enforcement is looking the other way.

After too many losses, Grayson has closed off his heart. But with Meredith in his life, he feels his walls crumbling, leaving him exposed and vulnerable. To keep her alive, he must keep her close, but that makes it impossible for him to retreat and rebuild. 

Will she be the one who finally helps him emerge from isolation? Or will this force of nature leave him shattered?

Lynn H. Blackburn loves writing romantic suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she’s a huge chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers to live vicariously through her characters and loves putting them into all kinds of terrifying situations while she’s sitting at home safe and sound in her pajamas!.

Lynn lives in South Carolina with her family. You can stay up-to-date by signing up for her newsletter at her website and following her on social media @LynnHBlackburn.

My Impressions:

Lynn H. Blackburn is a go-to author when I want a fast-paced romantic suspense novel to read. Break My Fall was no exception, in fact, it’s probably my favorite from this author. Book 2 in the Gossamer Falls series, it takes the reader back to the picturesque western North Carolina mountains. But the goings on in the neighboring county are anything but beautiful. Drug and human trafficking are the crimes that bring danger to Meredith Quinn, a dedicated dentist who travels to serve those in need. I loved this character! She’s determined and stands her ground, but has a sweetness and a yearning for a family of her own that rounds out her character. There’s also great chemistry between her and the Chief of Police. Fans of the romance side of romantic suspense are going to love their story! Attacks on Meredith begin right at the start and grow in intensity until the ending. Whew! What a ride! Neither the characters nor I saw all that would be coming their way. Blackburn doesn’t keep her characters safe. LOL! While the suspense storyline is twisting and turning, the faith message that runs throughout the narrative never wavers. I completely get trusting in God, but making my own plans. 😉 While Break My Fall can be read as a standalone, I recommend starting from the beginning of the series, including the novella that is part of the whole. The Quinn clan is wonderful, and Blackburn’s depiction of strong family ties is a bonus to these stories.

I can’t recommend Break My Fall enough!

Highly Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(Thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Children’s Corner (+Giveaway!) — Barnaby The Runaway Sheep

12 Mar

If you are looking for a sweet storybook for your special young reader, then consider Barnaby The Runaway Sheep. Jesus often described his followers as sheep — vulnerable and dependent, but often going their own way. In this retelling of the Parable of The Lost Sheep, Barnaby loves his shepherds yet cannot get away from his own fears and ultimately distrust of their plans for him. Sound familiar? LOL! Author Maria Antonia makes this an easy to understand and relate to story for children ages 4-8. I can just hear my granddaughter asking why Barnaby wanted to run away from all the good things in his life. What a great book to teach trusting in God! The illustrations are detailed and colorful helping to keep the youngest of readers engaged. Perfect for the home library, Barnaby The Runaway Sheep would be wonderful nestled in an Easter basket.

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 4 — 8.

(I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Barnaby is a young sheep who loves life on the farm—but there’s one thing he fears: getting his wool sheared. As the dreaded clippers draw near, Barnaby’s fear takes over, and he runs away, embarking on an unforgettable adventure. 

Join Barnaby as he bravely flees into the unknown, seeking refuge in a dark cave. But with his wool growing thicker and his hunger gnawing at him, Barnaby soon realizes that freedom isn’t as sweet as he thought. He begins to miss the comfort of his home, the warmth of his flock, and the loving care of his shepherds. 

As the cold nights grow longer and loneliness settles in, Barnaby’s heart longs for the familiarity of his flock and the love of those who care for him. Just when he feels lost and alone, a familiar call breaks the silence. Could it be his shepherds searching for him? 

Filled with vibrant illustrations by Sayani Mukherjee, Barnaby the Runaway Sheep is a charming tale of courage, homecoming, and the unconditional love that awaits us all. This beautifully illustrated children’s book captures the essence of trust, faith, and friendship, making it a perfect addition to any family’s library. 

Why readers love Barnaby the Runaway Sheep: 

  • A relatable and courageous protagonist that young readers will love 
  • Beautiful, tender illustrations that bring the story to life 
  • A touching message of bravery, belonging, and the power of returning home 
  • Perfect for bedtime reading and Christian story time 
  • Inspiring themes of trust and faith, ideal for parents, pastors, and Christian educators

Maria Antonia learned to write her name at five years old and tried typing with an old manual typewriter at age eight. However, it was when she met the computer that she never turned back. Many years later, she still clickety-taps out her stories onto the screen, stories that have turned into picture books like The Christmas Elephant and Barnaby the Runaway Sheep. In addition to writing, Maria also enjoys sipping a nice cup of hot tea and capturing the world with her camera. She has lived in Sunny Spain, busy New York City, and currently resides in the Great White North of Canada.

Giveaway!

Author Maria Antonia is offering a copy of Barnaby The Runaway Sheep to one of my readers! To enter, just comment on this post. A winner will be chosen randomly on March 24. US residents only.

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Book Review — Of Love And Treason

24 Feb

I treated myself to a pleasure read for Valentine’s Day. I am so often reading for review or book festival vetting purposes that I find it hard to squeeze in a spontaneous selection. But this month I cleared my schedule of most reading obligations and chose Of Love And Treason by Jamie Ogle, a historical novel inspired by the real Valentine. I picked it up on the recommendation of a friend and am so glad I did. This book touched my heart and will easily make the best of the best list for 2025. Find out more below.

Valentine defies the emperor and becomes a hero . . . and the most wanted man in the empire. Compelled by his faith, he has nothing to lose, until a chance encounter with the daughter of a Roman jailor changes everything.

Rome, AD 270. In the wake of the emperor’s marriage ban, rumors swirl that there is one man brave enough to perform wedding ceremonies in secret. A public notarius and leader of an underground church, Valentine believes the emperor’s edict unjust and risks his own life for the sake of his convictions. But as his fame grows, so do fears for his safety.

Iris, the daughter of a Roman jailor, believes regaining her sight will ease the mounting troubles at home. Her last hope rests in searching out Valentine and his church, but the danger of associating with people labeled a threat to the empire is great. Still, as Iris’s new friends lead her to faith in God, Iris is drawn to Valentine and they both begin to hope for a future together beyond the treacherous empire.

But when a past debt and a staggering betrayal collide, Valentine, Iris, and everyone they love must fight for their lives . . . and wrestle with trusting a God who can restore sight yet does not always keep His followers from peril.

Jamie Ogle is a predawn writer, homeschool mom by day, and a reader by night. Inspired by her fascination with the storied history of faith, she writes historical fiction infused with hope, adventure, and courageous rebels. A Minnesota native, she now lives in Iowa with her husband and their three children, and she can usually be found gardening, beekeeping, and tromping through the woods. Learn more about Jamie at jamieogle.com.

My Impressions:

Romance fiction is generally on the nightstand around Valentine’s Day, and there are plenty of great books to read to capture all the love. But this year I decided to read Of Love And Treason by Jamie Ogle, a historical novel set in 3rd century Rome and inspired by the real Valentine. What a great choice! This novel won the much deserved 2024 Christy Award for historical romance. But lest you think this book is all hearts and flowers, let me tell you it is about the true meaning of love — putting others ahead of self. The book presents a fictional, yet credible, re-telling of the legends that surround the true Valentine. A Christian martyr, this pillar of the faith faithfully led a group of believers and defied the emperor’s ban on marriage. The story as presented by Ogle is a beautiful depiction of what Christ does for His church. I loved every element! The plot is well-crafted, the historical detail is just right, and the characters are ones to truly love (or hate in the case of the bad guys). They come across as real people with real struggles, doubts, and flaws. The faith message is beautifully and profoundly presented without being preachy. While the reader knows in advance that Valentine will be martyred, and that is presented in a realistic manner without too much graphic detail, the HEA comes from the hope that Christ gives every believer. Be sure to read the Authors Note, as well, for the story behind the story. I spent a good bit of my last book club telling anyone who would listen about this book. I wish it had been one of our selections, because there are so many things to discuss. So get a reading buddy and dive in. I am sure you will love it as much as I did.

Very Highly Recommended.

Great for Book Clubs.

Audience: Adults.

(I purchased the ebook from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Mini-Book Review — I Think I Was Murdered

17 Feb

Based solely on the authors and not knowing anything about the book, my book club selected I Think I Was Murdered by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker. I soon learned that the odd title was indeed spot on for this romantic suspense featuring bitcoin and AI. I am decidedly uninformed about both subjects, but the authors presented a plot that explains in chilling detail what each can involve. Main character Katrina lost her husband in a car accident a year before the book takes place. She has been talking to him through an AI app developed by the company she works for. Through it she discovers his death may have not been an accident, but murder. The book’s intriguing premise kept me thinking, while the fast-paced plot kept the pages turning. The fictional small town Northern California setting took me to a new fun place filled with Norwegian-inspired details. I started reading this book a few days after a trip to Norway, so that was an added bonus. There are plenty of surprising twists and turns that kept this novel from being predictable. The growing romance between Katrina and a high school friend was sweet. I Think I Was Murdered was a quick read that is perfect for a weekend reading escape.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

( I purchased the ebook from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Just a year ago, Katrina Berg was at the pinnacle of her career. She was a rising star in the AI chatbot start-up everyone was talking about, married with an adoring husband, and had more money than she knew how to spend. Then her world combusted. Her husband, Jason, was killed in a fiery car crash. Her CEO was indicted, and, as the company’s legal counsel, Katrina faces tough questions as the Feds take over and lock her out of her office. The final blow is the passing of her beloved grandmother.

Her most prized possession is the beta prototype for a new, ultra-sophisticated chatbot loaded onto her phone. The contents of Jason’s email, social media backups, pictures, and every bit of data she could find were loaded into the bot, and Katrina has “talked” to him every day for the past six months. She has been amazed at how well it works. Even the syntax and words the bot uses sound like Jason. Sometimes, she imagines he isn’t really dead and is right there beside her. She knows it’s slowing her grief recovery, but she can’t stop pretending.

On a particularly bad day, she taps out: Tell me something I don’t know. The cursor blinks for several moments and seems frozen before the reply flashes quickly onto the screen: I think I was murdered.

Distraught, Katrina returns to her cozy Norwegian-flavored hometown in the Northern California redwoods and enlists the help of Seb Wallace, local restaurateur and longtime acquaintance, to try to parse out the truth of what really happened. They must navigate the complicated paths of grief, family dynamics, and second chances, as well as the complex questions of how much control technology has. And staying alive long enough to do that is far more difficult than either of them dreamed.

Bestselling authors Coble and Acker deftly combine a high-concept plot with gripping intrigue and closed-door romance in I Think I Was Murdered. Don’t miss it!

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Mini-Book Review — After Anne

12 Feb

My book club read After Anne by Logan Steiner, a biographical novel centered on the life of Lucy Maud Montgomery author of Anne of Green Gables. This book is very literary-y 🙂 . It has a very complex structure — time periods mixed throughout combined with a series of flashbacks not dated. My book club felt that the structure interfered with the story, taking them completely out of the narrative. It is also more about Montgomery’s personal life, rather than writing life. She did not have a happy marriage, and the reader is treated to all the disfunction. A supremely successful author with a clergyman husband with mental illness combined with one very oppositional son made this a depressing read. I hate to say it, but no one in my group liked this book. I’m not sure the life of Montgomery could have been treated in any other way, but the writing style did nothing to make us want to continue reading a sad and tragic story. This one is for only hardcore Montgomery fans.

(I purchased the ebook from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

A stunning and unexpected portrait of Lucy Maud Montgomery, creator of one of literature’s most prized heroines, whose personal demons were at odds with her most enduring legacy—the irrepressible Anne of Green Gables.

“Dear old world,” she murmured, “you are very lovely, and I am glad to be alive in you.” —L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables, 1908

As a young woman, Maud had dreams bigger than the whole of Prince Edward Island. Her exuberant spirit had always drawn frowns from her grandmother and their neighbors, but she knew she was meant to create, to capture and share the way she saw the world. And the young girl in Maud’s mind became more and more persistent: Here is my story, she said. Here is how my name should be spelled—Anne with an “e.”

But the day Maud writes the first lines of Anne of Green Gables, she gets a visit from the handsome new minister in town, and soon faces a decision: forge her own path as a spinster authoress, or live as a rural minister’s wife, an existence she once called “a synonym for respectable slavery.” The choice she makes alters the course of her life.

With a husband whose religious mania threatens their health and happiness at every turn, the secret darkness that Maud herself holds inside threatens to break through the persona she shows to the world, driving an ever-widening wedge between her public face and private self, and putting her on a path towards a heartbreaking end.

Beautiful and moving, After Anne reveals Maud’s hidden personal challenges while celebrating what was timeless about her life and art—the importance of tenacity and the peaceful refuge found in imagination.

Logan Steiner is a lawyer by day and a writer by baby bedtime. Her writing explores motherhood and the creative life.

After graduating from Pomona College and Harvard Law School, Logan clerked for three federal judges, spent six years in Big Law, and served for three years as an Assistant United States Attorney. She now specializes in brief writing at a boutique law firm. Logan lives in Denver with her husband, daughter, and the cranky old man of the house, a Russian Blue cat named Taggart.

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Mini-Book Review — The Women of Chateau Lafayette

10 Feb

My book club chose The Women of Chateau Lafayette by Stephanie Dray as our February selection. It was with some trepidation that I approached this novel mainly because of its length. At over 500 pages I feared I would never finish it in time for our meeting. I was so busy with a book festival I help host and a trip to Norway, I just knew I would never complete it. But with several plane rides and airport layovers, I managed to get the necessary reading time in. Thank goodness for a Kindle! At first the book dragged for me (book festival hangover and travel lags), but as I became immersed in the stories of three determined women, I couldn’t get enough. The chateau of the Marquis de Lafayette (yes, that one) connected each time period and story thread. Dray chose to tell the valiant stories of Adrienne de Lafayette, Beatrice Chanler, and fictional Marthe Simon, as they fought for love, freedom, and country. Dray does a wonderful job of creating riveting stories for each of the women. The time periods are the American and French Revolutions, WWI, and WWII — all important in the history of both France and he United States. With extensive research and wonderful plotting, the women’s stories are told against the backdrop of history. I cannot really say which character I liked best — all were intriguing. Perhaps Marthe was my favorite as she found her purpose and place in the world.

If you are fan of historical fiction based on fact, then The Women of Chateau Lafayette is definitely for you. Please note that this is a general market offering.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I purchased the ebook from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Most castles are protected by men. This one by women.

A founding mother…
1774. Gently-bred noblewoman Adrienne Lafayette becomes her husband, the Marquis de Lafayette’s political partner in the fight for American independence. But when their idealism sparks revolution in France and the guillotine threatens everything she holds dear, Adrienne must renounce the complicated man she loves, or risk her life for a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

A daring visionary…
1914. Glittering New York socialite Beatrice Chanler is a force of nature, daunted by nothing—not her humble beginnings, her crumbling marriage, or the outbreak of war. But after witnessing the devastation in France firsthand, Beatrice takes on the challenge of a lifetime: convincing America to fight for what’s right.

A reluctant resistor…
1940. French school-teacher and aspiring artist Marthe Simone has an orphan’s self-reliance and wants nothing to do with war. But as the realities of Nazi occupation transform her life in the isolated castle where she came of age, she makes a discovery that calls into question who she is, and more importantly, who she is willing to become.

Intricately woven and powerfully told, The Women of Chateau Lafayette is a sweeping novel about duty and hope, love and courage, and the strength we take from those who came before us.

Stephanie Dray is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction. Her award-winning work has been translated into ten languages and tops lists for the most anticipated reads of the year. She lives in Maryland with her husband, cats, and history books.

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Mini-Book Review — The Choice

6 Feb

I read The Choice by D. L. Wood in anticipation of her attendance at the 2025 Turning A New Page Book Festival in Perry, Georgia two weeks ago. This romantic suspense poses the question — if you could find out the answers you crave about the past, what would you do? Main character, Sadie Miles, has always wanted to know the identity of her father. Her mother would never tell her, believing that the truth was worse than not knowing. But faced with answers to long-held questions, Sadie takes a chance. The result puts her in the crosshairs of a killer. Wood puts Sadie in a lot of dangerous situations! And kept her off-balance. As a reader, I felt as lost as she, though I did have glimpses into the mind of the bad guy. But my guesses were wrong! I never saw the ending coming. This novel is definitely a twisting reading ride. The book is faith-based and clean — no worries over content. If you are a fan of this genre, then I recommend you check this one out. The book is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I purchased the ebook from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

What if a single letter could change everything you thought you knew about yourself?

Sadie Miles has built a life she can be proud of in Nashville, raising her best friend’s young son and pushing through every struggle that comes her way. But when an unsigned letter arrives at her door, she’s faced with a decision: ignore the letter and continue as is or take a risk to uncover the truth about her past—a truth she’s been chasing her entire life.

Following the letter’s cryptic instructions, Sadie finds herself aboard a luxury yacht, sailing down the eastern seaboard with strangers who share only one common goal: claim the fortune that awaits at the journey’s end. As the waves churn, so does the tension and when tragedy strikes, it becomes clear that someone will do anything to ensure they’re the last one standing.

Amidst the growing threat, Sadie’s only possible ally is the enigmatic lawyer, Liam Forrester—a man whose loyalties are as uncertain as the stormy seas around them, and who is as much of an unknown as the rest.

With Sadie on course to be the next victim, she must navigate treacherous waters both literally and figuratively. Can she survive until the end of the journey, or will she become another casualty of the deadly undertow of deceit and danger?

Buckle up for a suspenseful, slow-burn thriller that escalates to a heart-pounding conclusion—where every choice could be your last.

D.L. Wood is a USA TODAY and Amazon bestselling author who writes thrilling suspense laced with romance and faith. Her books have won multiple awards and her novel Unintended Target was selected as the May 2019 American Christian Fiction Writers Book Club book.

D.L. writes CleanCaptivatingFiction™- fiction that entertains and uplifts. In her novels she tries to give readers the same thing that she wants: a “can’t-put-it-down-stay-up-till-3am” character-driven story, full of heart, believability and adrenaline. She lives in North Alabama, where, if she’s not writing, you’ll probably catch her curled up with a cup of Earl Grey (light milk, one sugar) and her Westies, bingeing on the latest BBC mystery series. You can stay apprised of D.L.’s releases and promotions (including free and discounted books) and receive a free gift by subscribing to her newsletter on her website at dlwoodonline.com.

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Book Review: The Hunted Heir

23 Jan

Have you ever read a book that is just a pure delight? I just finished The Hunted Heir, a legal drama/suspense with romantic elements by Jayna Breigh. It was wonderful! Read all about it below.

After a tragic loss, private investigator Nona Taylor swore off romantic entanglements and distanced herself from the world. Once a year, on New Year’s Eve, she attends church to beg God for forgiveness, haunted by the guilt of driving her twin sister to her death.

Attorney DeMarcus Johnson is determined to climb the ladder to partnership by winning high-profile cases at his Los Angeles law firm, harnessing his ADHD hyperfocus to excel. He’s everything Nona knows to steer clear of–an overconfident ex-jock willing to do anything for success.

Their worlds collide when Nona’s pastor receives a mysterious letter claiming he’s the sole heir to a substantial estate. Desperate for answers, Nona infiltrates a lavish charity ball, only to be found out by a suspicious stranger–so she latches onto DeMarcus and concocts a fib about being his fiancée.

Now bound by a false engagement, the pair reluctantly join forces to discover the truth about the inheritance. But when an unseen enemy strikes, they realize the stakes are higher than they thought. Can Nona and DeMarcus overcome their differences to keep the pastor safe, secure DeMarcus’s partnership, and preserve a future for themselves?

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.

My Impressions:

The Hunted Heir is Jayna Breigh‘s debut novel. This attorney turned author wins with this delightful, suspense-filled mystery. There is so much to love about this book — charming characters, a twisting mystery, and a faith-filled message. I immediately fell in love with main character Nona, a private investigator who has struggled for a decade with guilt and shame. Walled off to avoid relationships, she meets her match in the disarming DeMarcus, a Princeton alum attorney working his way to make a mark on the legal world. They are divinely thrown together, and their hilarious fake engagement takes off. These two characters are a hoot, and I hope they have more books ahead of them. The story revolves around a land deal, crooked politicians, and a laughing heir — someone who inherits from an unknown distant relative. You know, laughing all the way to the bank. But there is nothing funny about the way the bad guys try to thwart the rightful heir from collecting. Readers are given knowledge that Nona and DeMarcus do not possess, and it’s fun to see how they uncover all the clues. There is also a secondary plot that highlights Nona and DeMarcus’s skills as well. Fun, fun reading! Breigh also includes a very realistic faith thread that I never found preachy. It is profound and filled with thought-provoking moments.

The Hunted Heir is a complete read — enjoyable characters, a fun plot, and deep spiritual truths. I very highly recommend it. It will be going on my best of the best list for 2025.

Very Highly Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(Thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Mini-Book Review — Christmas at The Jekyll Island Club

22 Jan

It’s never too late — or too early — to read a Christmas book. I enjoyed reading Christmas at The Jekyll Island Club, part of the Romance at The Gilded Ages Resorts series, following a visit to the island in mid-December. The historic district and the clubhouse itself has been lovingly restored, and guests can experience a little of what it must have been like to live among the rich and powerful of the early 1900s. Author Blossom Turner does a good job of bringing those days to life in her novella-length book. The story contrasts the excessiveness of the rich with those who made their living in very different ways. The story revolves around a rich young heiress and a humble and earnest preacher tasked with delivering not-so-comfortable sermons to those on the island. There’s a salvation moment in which eyes and ears are opened to God’s truth. Christmas at The Jekyll Island Club will appeal to those who like to venture back in time through the pages of a historical romance.

Recommended.

Audience: older teens and adults.

(I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

She was born into privilege yet yearns for freedom. Dare she risk it all for love?

Though spunky Savannah Ensworth was born into wealth and privilege, she longs for the freedom allotted to men. Marriage is the very last thing on her to-do list. As the sole heir to her father’s fortune, she’s in no hurry to turn the freedom that comes with wealth over to a husband.

Bored and restless, she arrives for yet another mind-numbing winter season at the Jekyll Island Millionaire’s Club. There is nothing new under the sun…or so she thinks until she meets Joseph Bennett, the visiting reverend.

As sparks fly, a forbidden attraction grows. But will their very different lives snuff out any hope of a future? And is she ready to give up the freedom she’s always desired for a love that could cost her everything?

Blossom Turner is an award-winning novelist who loves to jump out of planes, garden, and sing… all for fun.

She is published in Chicken Soup and Kernels of Hope anthologies, a former newspaper columnist on health and fitness and personal trainer. She writes a monthly inspirational newsletter and blog.

As a later-in-life career she is pursuing her dream to write and is gifted in bringing to life thought-provoking stories of love and relationship sprinkled with God’s hope. Check out the award-winning Shenandoah Bride Series about five sisters and their love stories all with an inspirational twist.

She and her husband, David, have two grown children and live in beautiful British Columbia, Canada, with their Shepherd/Bernese dog named Lacey.

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Mini-Book Review — Hidden in The Night

20 Jan

I was on a suspense reading-binge in December. I took some time off from book tours and book festival business, and just read for pleasure. Mystery/suspense is my go-to genre choice, and I had a blast reading what I wanted! One of the books I read was Hidden in The Night, Elizabeth Goddard‘s final book in the Missing in Alaska series. It was great! I loved the characters — the chemistry between the two main characters happened before the action in this book and it developed as fast as the action. The plot — a missing manuscript and a missing woman — intertwined in intriguing ways. I loved that the author created a lost book written by Jack London, a fascinating figure in his own right. While the book and its accompanying curse were purely fictional, it ignited a lot of what-ifs in the real world. The setting brought back memories of two trips my husband and I took to Alaska. The scenery is breathtaking, and Goddard did a good job of making the reader feel they were right there. I admit I was surprised to look up after being immersed in the book and not finding the ground outside my windows covered in snow! 😉 As always, Goddard weaves a faith message naturally in the narrative. I appreciate the struggles the characters faced — they will resonate with many readers.

A very satisfying ending to a wonderful series, Hidden in The Night is a recommended read.

Recommended

Audience: Adults

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

At the behest of her ailing mother, former FBI special agent turned rare-book collector Ivy Elliott arrives in Alaska to secure an unpublished Jack London manuscript kept secreted away for decades. But when she arrives, she learns the manuscript is gone–taken by the granddaughter of the woman who possessed it. Ivy sets off in pursuit, not just to save the manuscript but to save the vulnerable girl, who was previously trafficked and has no idea what she’s getting herself into.

Joining forces with Alaska State Trooper Nolan Long, Ivy must battle a blizzard, sabotage, and the worst of an Alaskan winter as the search goes on. But every answer they find only raises more questions–and the danger to their lives and to the missing girl may only be the tip of the iceberg.

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. For more information about her books, visit her website.

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