Welcome to Beckon-you're not here by chance. Tom Pawlik's latest suspense thriller takes place in Beckon, Wyoming that is hiding darkness, terror and evil.
This was an interesting storyline that has three stories of different individuals and the fourth story is about them together.
Jack Kendrick is searching for his father who has been missing for 12 years and goes looking for him after finding clues in his desk-a strange drawing. He and his best friend Rudy along with a guide trek up a mountain then end up trying to find their way out through a maze of caves. They are not alone-they find a strange ecosystem in there and huge spiders that feeds on slime and lots and lots of human bones.
Elina Gutierrez is a former cop hunting for her cousin that has been missing for six months. She follows a white van to Beckon. She learns that jobs are promised to those in the van but they get to Beckon but never get home.
George Wilcox's wife has an incurable disease and takes her to Beckon on a promise of a cure. Just how much will he pay for his wife to be well. Will George or the others ever discover the chilling secret this town is holding-a miracle or evil.
This is the first book I have read by this author and it was quite a ride. Jack's story got a bit gruesome at times for me but was an interesting read that kept your attention.
Thanks to Tyndale Publishers for sending me this copy for free just for my honest opinion.
-- Grace Elizabeth --
Friday, March 23, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Not This Time
Not This Time by Vicki Hinze is the third book in her Crossroads series. I thoroughly enjoyed her first two b00ks, but this one was just ok.
Sara and Beth have built a multi-million dollar business together but problems have arisen in both their business and friendship. Sara's husband has been kidnapped and held for ransom. Beth is the prime suspect since she dislikes Robert a lot. Added to the kidnapping problem, Seagrove Village is rocked by terrorism and murders and who is behind all this. Could it be the Nina terrorists or is it someone in their own town?
I found the plot fairly interesting but I found myself getting disinterested in the happenings of the two girls and the problems. I felt too much character development and back and forth story lines that almost made me just head to the back to find out the ending. I was hoping for more suspense and it just never happened.
Thanks to Waterbrook-Multnomah for this free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
http://multnomahemails.com/wbmlt/pdf/NotThisTimeSneakPeek.pdf
Sara and Beth have built a multi-million dollar business together but problems have arisen in both their business and friendship. Sara's husband has been kidnapped and held for ransom. Beth is the prime suspect since she dislikes Robert a lot. Added to the kidnapping problem, Seagrove Village is rocked by terrorism and murders and who is behind all this. Could it be the Nina terrorists or is it someone in their own town?
I found the plot fairly interesting but I found myself getting disinterested in the happenings of the two girls and the problems. I felt too much character development and back and forth story lines that almost made me just head to the back to find out the ending. I was hoping for more suspense and it just never happened.
Thanks to Waterbrook-Multnomah for this free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
http://multnomahemails.com/wbmlt/pdf/NotThisTimeSneakPeek.pdf
Blue Moon Promise
Another winner for Colleen Coble with Blue Moon Promise! She consistently writes books that never disappoints her readers and that is why she is my "all time favorite" Christian writer.
This storyline was really different from her other books. Lucy Marsh is caring for her brother and sister, just lost her job and probably her house when an interesting arrangement comes up.
A man appears at her house and touts a marriage proposal that Lucy cannot turn down. Moving from Wabash, Indiana to Texas will provide a safe refuge for her. She learned that her father's death was not accident and she fears for her life too. Nate Stantons father arranged this marriage without Nate knowing anything about it and is very surprised when he finds out he will have a wife and children to provide for. Can Lucy survive the rigors of ranch life? Can Nate provide protection for Lucy and the children when danger moves in? Can Nate and Lucy learn to love each other in this arranged marriage? To find out these answers read this story that is filled with hope, romance and suspense. These are all typical of how Colleen writes and always invites the reader to come along and enjoy. My only problem, is I read the books so fast and have to wait for the next one to come out.
Thank you Thomas Nelson for the wonderful Booksneeze program where I can read books for free just for my honest opinion.
This storyline was really different from her other books. Lucy Marsh is caring for her brother and sister, just lost her job and probably her house when an interesting arrangement comes up.
A man appears at her house and touts a marriage proposal that Lucy cannot turn down. Moving from Wabash, Indiana to Texas will provide a safe refuge for her. She learned that her father's death was not accident and she fears for her life too. Nate Stantons father arranged this marriage without Nate knowing anything about it and is very surprised when he finds out he will have a wife and children to provide for. Can Lucy survive the rigors of ranch life? Can Nate provide protection for Lucy and the children when danger moves in? Can Nate and Lucy learn to love each other in this arranged marriage? To find out these answers read this story that is filled with hope, romance and suspense. These are all typical of how Colleen writes and always invites the reader to come along and enjoy. My only problem, is I read the books so fast and have to wait for the next one to come out.
Thank you Thomas Nelson for the wonderful Booksneeze program where I can read books for free just for my honest opinion.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Not In The Heart
What a story!!!!!!!!!!. Chris Fabry weaves another unforgetable storyline that leaves you wishing the story would not end. His writing and characters are so believable you find yourself sucked into the plot along with his characters and trying to figure out how this will end. And, what an ending it was. As a mother, this story will tug at your heart in many, many ways
Truman Wiley struggles with a gambling addiction, doesn't have a job or home, has lost touch with his family and has a son dying and in need of a new heart. Enter a chance, as a news reporter, to write the story of a condemmed man who is willing to donate his heart to Truman's son in exchange for his side of the story and the murder conviction. Truman is reluctant at first to attempt such a feat, then lots of money is added to try a convince him to tackle the story. With mounting hospital bills and creditors after Truman, he accepts the deal and heads to the casino and loses it all. Now how will he explain to his wife, daughter and son(who he is afraid to see) how this will ever materialize. Truman does start digging 24 days before the execution and finds evidence that points to a different killer. Can he uncover the real murderer before the execution date?.
That is enough of a teaser to the storyline. This story has it all. One minute I disliked Truman, then felt sorry for him, felt sorry for his family and what he had put them through, then he showed me bits of hope that he could change. Throughout the book he wants nothing to do with God and slowly he starts changing and then I was rooting for him. He really can change and show his family he wasn't such a jerk and then the unexpected happens. The ending was a "priceless gift".
Thanks to B & B Media Group for this ARC copy to review. I was not required to write a positive review.
Truman Wiley struggles with a gambling addiction, doesn't have a job or home, has lost touch with his family and has a son dying and in need of a new heart. Enter a chance, as a news reporter, to write the story of a condemmed man who is willing to donate his heart to Truman's son in exchange for his side of the story and the murder conviction. Truman is reluctant at first to attempt such a feat, then lots of money is added to try a convince him to tackle the story. With mounting hospital bills and creditors after Truman, he accepts the deal and heads to the casino and loses it all. Now how will he explain to his wife, daughter and son(who he is afraid to see) how this will ever materialize. Truman does start digging 24 days before the execution and finds evidence that points to a different killer. Can he uncover the real murderer before the execution date?.
That is enough of a teaser to the storyline. This story has it all. One minute I disliked Truman, then felt sorry for him, felt sorry for his family and what he had put them through, then he showed me bits of hope that he could change. Throughout the book he wants nothing to do with God and slowly he starts changing and then I was rooting for him. He really can change and show his family he wasn't such a jerk and then the unexpected happens. The ending was a "priceless gift".
Thanks to B & B Media Group for this ARC copy to review. I was not required to write a positive review.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Accused
Accused by Janice Cantore is her first book of three in the Pacific Coast Justice series and it was not just good, not just great, but absolutely superb. I was hooked in the first chapter and was captivated by the characters, plot, suspense, twists and turns. I was always trying to figure out the "good" guys from the bad guys and then second guessing myself. The author is a retired police officer which makes the storyline flow with such vivid descriptions and authenticity.
Carly Edwards is sitting behind a desk in Juvenile division because of a prior officer-involved shooting six months ago. She had been a patrol officer with a partner before the shooting. The mayor's wife is murdered and two juveniles are arrested driving her car with her body in the trunk. Homicide thinks it is an open and shut case but as the murder investigation continues Carly believes there is a cover-up and against the superiors advice, she goes out on her own to find the murderer. Every time she thinks she has a lead, there is another murder with someone she has talked to. Who can she trust and who is out to kill her? That is just one interesting part of the story, the other is her ex-husband Nick that she divorced a year before because of infidelity. She does not believe in God after her dad's death and then Nick's betrayal. So much of this book deals with her being mad at God, not wanting to know God, wondering about God and then finally understanding Christ's sacrifice she finally believes in God. This part of the book was my favorite because anyone who is searching, this book has the salvation message throughout the book and the author does a masterful job of scripture and showing how Christ can change hearts and people.
I cannot wait till her second book comes out this summer. I think Tyndale was very smart in picking her to be one of their new authors. I appreciate Tyndale giving me this copy free to review just for my honest opinion of the book.
Carly Edwards is sitting behind a desk in Juvenile division because of a prior officer-involved shooting six months ago. She had been a patrol officer with a partner before the shooting. The mayor's wife is murdered and two juveniles are arrested driving her car with her body in the trunk. Homicide thinks it is an open and shut case but as the murder investigation continues Carly believes there is a cover-up and against the superiors advice, she goes out on her own to find the murderer. Every time she thinks she has a lead, there is another murder with someone she has talked to. Who can she trust and who is out to kill her? That is just one interesting part of the story, the other is her ex-husband Nick that she divorced a year before because of infidelity. She does not believe in God after her dad's death and then Nick's betrayal. So much of this book deals with her being mad at God, not wanting to know God, wondering about God and then finally understanding Christ's sacrifice she finally believes in God. This part of the book was my favorite because anyone who is searching, this book has the salvation message throughout the book and the author does a masterful job of scripture and showing how Christ can change hearts and people.
I cannot wait till her second book comes out this summer. I think Tyndale was very smart in picking her to be one of their new authors. I appreciate Tyndale giving me this copy free to review just for my honest opinion of the book.
Downfall
I received an ARC copy of Terri Blackstocks third book in her Intervention series to review. Thrilled to say the least since I loved her other two books in the series. This book was crafted wonderfully to end the series featuring Emily Covington and her family.
We have followed Emily through the first two books and the drug addiction she had. In the third book she finally has turned her life around and is attending college but her high profile from the second book (can't give it away) is haunting her in her classes and with the other students. Her mother still is not sure she has not returned to the life of drugs and is constantly worrying about her. She is trying so hard to prove to everyone she has really "changed". Then the problems begin. A bomb is found under her car, a friend's wife is murdered and she thinks she knows who is responsible and realizes another woman is targeted by the killer. She tries to warn her and ends up in jail as the murderer. The "avenger" is after Emily and is striking terror in the lives of Emily's brother and mother. How will she solve this puzzle before she ends up dead.
This is a very fast paced book, as are all of Terri Blackstock's. She weaves a suspenseful storyline that had me completely fooled as who the "avenger" was. Terri exposes the horrid world ofdrug addiction that destroys families and ruins lives. The interesting fact that these three books have been a labor of her family's walk through drug addiction with their daughter. That is one reason why you can hear the author's anguish in the pages of her books. If you have not read the first two, please do . You will be rewarded with excellent Christian suspense.
We have followed Emily through the first two books and the drug addiction she had. In the third book she finally has turned her life around and is attending college but her high profile from the second book (can't give it away) is haunting her in her classes and with the other students. Her mother still is not sure she has not returned to the life of drugs and is constantly worrying about her. She is trying so hard to prove to everyone she has really "changed". Then the problems begin. A bomb is found under her car, a friend's wife is murdered and she thinks she knows who is responsible and realizes another woman is targeted by the killer. She tries to warn her and ends up in jail as the murderer. The "avenger" is after Emily and is striking terror in the lives of Emily's brother and mother. How will she solve this puzzle before she ends up dead.
This is a very fast paced book, as are all of Terri Blackstock's. She weaves a suspenseful storyline that had me completely fooled as who the "avenger" was. Terri exposes the horrid world ofdrug addiction that destroys families and ruins lives. The interesting fact that these three books have been a labor of her family's walk through drug addiction with their daughter. That is one reason why you can hear the author's anguish in the pages of her books. If you have not read the first two, please do . You will be rewarded with excellent Christian suspense.
Monday, January 16, 2012
I Am Second
Very few books will hit me square between the eyes, but I Am Second did just that. This book stayed with me long after the last page was turned. I have seen the video with Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy and was favoribly impressed with the concept of I Am Second. This book reminded me that is just where I need to be daily-Second!!
Reading this book reminded me that God has the power to change anyone and everyone that calls out to him. I know this but these truths resonated throughout the pages of people who have hit rock bottom but did not stay there. There are stories of famous people and ordinary people who realized they can't rely on themselves but need to lean on the God who created them. Only then could they find love, hope and freedom. I was amazed at the brutally honest stories but Josh Hamilton's story was absolutely unbelievable. Some of the very real stories deal with meth, racism, prostitution, fame, divorce, rejection, pornography and the challenges they have faced in these trials. They have all found hope and joy that is possible and they are living it every day. At the end of each story are links to other stories so this book is chocked full of inspiration.
This is an excellent book for a parent with a prodigal, or someone who just needs to know they are loved and that love is found in a relationship with God that makes him first in our lives. When we get that we realize that there is freedom to be found in saying "I Am Second"
Thanks to Thomas Nelson for sending me this free book just for my honest opinion.
Reading this book reminded me that God has the power to change anyone and everyone that calls out to him. I know this but these truths resonated throughout the pages of people who have hit rock bottom but did not stay there. There are stories of famous people and ordinary people who realized they can't rely on themselves but need to lean on the God who created them. Only then could they find love, hope and freedom. I was amazed at the brutally honest stories but Josh Hamilton's story was absolutely unbelievable. Some of the very real stories deal with meth, racism, prostitution, fame, divorce, rejection, pornography and the challenges they have faced in these trials. They have all found hope and joy that is possible and they are living it every day. At the end of each story are links to other stories so this book is chocked full of inspiration.
This is an excellent book for a parent with a prodigal, or someone who just needs to know they are loved and that love is found in a relationship with God that makes him first in our lives. When we get that we realize that there is freedom to be found in saying "I Am Second"
Thanks to Thomas Nelson for sending me this free book just for my honest opinion.