REBECCA'S REVIEW: "Pebbles, both polished and rough, overflowed from galvanized buckets in three corners of her living space. Large or small, she's assign a number and a memory to each."
Take a deep breath, and let it out. That's exactly how I felt after reading this incredibly emotive, restorative, atmospheric, and deeply spiritual story about how freedom is unleashed by the truth, resetting into its natural boundaries, like a river uninhibited by man-made shores.
Highly respected biologist Hildy Nybo has been imprisoned for years by fear and anxiety, terrified that she will lose her memory, meticulously chronicling each and every day of her life with phrases and tagged mementos. After accepting a job near her childhood home, sensations of indescribable darkness coincide with her attempts to lead a normal life. It's only when Luke Rimmer, a survivor of his own tragedies, crosses her path that unconditional kindness is poised to become either a balm or a briar; peace or pain.
There are some books worthy of their word count. This is one of them. *I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review SEE PAULA'S REVIEW
BackCover Blurb:
Hildy
Nybo is a successful biologist, her study of the Pacific Northwest’s
wild fish both a passion and a career. But behind her professional
brilliance, Hildy’s reclusive private life reflects a childhood fraught
with uncertainty. Despite her father’s love and her mother’s sympathy,
she grew up constantly losing even her most cherished belongings, unable
to recall where she misplaced them. Haunted by the confusion of those
early years, she now records her life in detailed diaries and clings
tightly to memory-prompting keepsakes.
Then her mother’s health
fails, and Hildy accepts a job near her childhood home, joining a team
of scientists who will help restore her beloved Elwha River after the
demolition of two century-old dams. There Hildy settles into one of the
cabins on her family’s rustic resort—a place she both loves and dreads,
for reasons she can’t fully explain.
When local artist Miranda
Rimmer rents an adjacent cabin for her pottery studio, Hildy shrinks
from such a close neighbor. But then Miranda’s carpenter brother, Luke,
shows up to help with construction and captures Hildy’s attention. Now a
few years beyond a tragedy that brought him to his knees, Luke
recognizes a kindred soul in Hildy, and they build a relationship that
dismantles the walls Hildy’s built to keep people out. As troubling
pieces of the past surface, Hildy dares to wonder if she can banish the
shadows that have burdened her and follow her river’s course to freedom.
-A compelling story of forgiveness, redemption, and overcoming painful secrets that explores the beauty of the natural world -A poignant and emotive contemporary novel perfect for fans of Delia Owens and William Kent Krueger -Includes discussion questions for book clubs
Tyndale Fiction, August 2025
Available in digital ebook,paperback, and audiobook:
KIM'S REVIEW: Wow! Another amazing and compelling read from Skylar J. Kent. Desert Thorns is raw, honest, and so deep on so many levels. The faith thread is so well done. The characters are so well drawn and their redemption and growth is inspiring. The suspense is perfect! I loved it all so much.
Kingsley is such a great character. I felt his pain as he struggled with his issues and wanted him to find the peace he so desperately needed and wanted. Harley is so perfect for him. She is bubbly, honest, and blunt -so blunt- and I loved her for it. This story explores temptation and sexual sin, the struggle to forgive ourselves when we fall, and—most importantly—the boundless grace of God.
I loved this quote-
“Rejecting His forgiveness by not forgiving myself meant He’d gone through all of this torment for nothing. How arrogant and idiotic I’d been.”
We also get to reconnect with Keaton (still one of my all-time favorite male characters) and Layne, as well as other familiar faces from Gold Digger. And the introduction of new characters—hello, Rome!—has me even more excited for what's to come in this series.
Absolutely unforgettable. I can't wait for the next story! 5 stars!! *I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.
BackCover Blurb: HARLEY I sport a track record of falling for the wrong men. But a monk? Yup, he takes the cake.
Loneliness has driven me to make poor decisions in the past, like dating a detective who turned out to be a killer. Now my ex is after me because I saw too much.
A monastery is the last place I expect to find refuge, let alone in the arms of a monk about to become a priest. But Brother Samuel—formerly Kingsley Grady, son of billionaires—is bent on keeping me safe.
Even when I decide to dig into my ex’s dark secret.
KINGSLEY The forbidden fruit tastes sweet—until you reap the consequences.
When a woman scrambles over the walls of Saint James Monastery in the dead of night, I vow to protect her. A dicey move, considering Harley Raines is a vortex of allure and danger.
One weak moment spirals into a cycle of sin and crushing guilt. Though I’m steeled for repercussions, they prove far worse than expected. And then Harley’s ex unleashes his revenge on us for meddling in his affairs.
But what if the abyss is the place where I can finally grasp the fullness of God’s mercy?
Desert Thorns is a daring Christian contemporary romance about forbidden love, sexual immorality from a Biblical viewpoint, and God's mercy—with an edge of suspense.
Author's Note: While Desert Thorns is a fade-to-black romance without explicit content, it is intended for readers 18+ due to mature themes. Content warnings will be available under "Read sample" once the book is published.
TRIXI'S REVIEW: He wanted a quiet, composed wife who wouldn’t disrupt his well-ordered life. She’d wanted a love match, not a marriage built on convenience. Neither one of them had been happy about the arrangement. Now this was a fun read! I enjoy a good sunny/grumpy troupe, especially if the grumpy is the man! Eli certainly fit that description to a tee. He loves a well-ordered life full of predictability and order, so when Sadie enters his life and disrupts everything, that’s where things get interesting! These two were fun to get to know. Eli needed to learn that sometimes things don’t go his way and Sadie is the brightness he didn’t know he’d been missing. She was also good for him in showing him how to let go and have fun, and Eli was good for Sadie in showing her how a lady should be treated, cherished and wanted. Of course, they still butt heads every once in a while, but it just adds to their charm and personality. The faith theme tied it all up for me… I love the reminders of how God treasures each one of us, even in all our imperfections. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a story by Winnie Griggs, so I certainly enjoyed this one! I look forward to reading the next installment where we’ll get Griff’s story. I love these brothers! *I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions expressed here are my own, *
BackCover Blurb: He wanted a proper wife. What he got was Sadie Everhart. Known for her sunny smile and impulsive ways, Sadie Everhart has never fit the mold of what polite society calls refined behavior. But when a sudden storm strands her overnight with the town’s most eligible—and most serious—bachelor, she’s faced with an impossible choice: risk scandal, or agree to a marriage of convenience..
Eli Reynolds has no time for romantic nonsense. With a young sister to raise and a business to run, he needs a wife who’s sensible and steady—not a free spirit with a stubborn streak. But day by day, Sadie surprises him… with her humor, her heart, and her unwavering faith.
Drawn together by propriety but held together by something deeper, Eli and Sadie must decide whether love can grow in the most unexpected places—and whether opposites truly do attract. (NOTE: This book was previously published under the title The Proper Wife)
A rescue team searches for a missing young girl and suspects all is not as it seems in this high-stakes romantic suspense novel from the author of Lethal Standoff and Facing the Enemy
When wilderness survival expert Therese Palmer receives a frantic phone call from former colleague Professor Rurik Ivanov, she is shocked by the news that his young daughter, Alina, is missing—and that Rurik wants Therese’s help finding her. She’s sure Rurik hasn’t given her the whole story . . . especially since he refuses to report the kidnapping to the police. Yet with a child’s life hanging in the balance, Therese can’t turn down this mission. She knows the clock is ticking and she can’t do this alone.
Therese reaches out to Texas Ranger Blane Gardner, whom she met seven months ago during one of her training courses in wilderness survival skills. Blane’s specialized training and background with the Crisis Negotiation Unit make him uniquely prepared for this search-and-rescue mission. He agrees to help Therese and to accept Rurik’s terms to keep Alina’s disappearance quiet, and as the two begin working together, Therese is determined the spark growing between them won’t distract from their mission to save Alina.
Traversing deep into the desert of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Alina’s last known location, Therese and Blane struggle to separate truth from lies within the mix of intel they’re receiving. As they close in on answers that suggest the involvement of Russian organized crime and a high-profile international assassination attempt, they must fight to rescue Alina before she becomes an innocent casualty of a much bigger plot—no matter the risk to their own lives
Praise for Canyon of Deceit:
"…Time was running out, and the chilling certainty settled in Alina’s life depended on them unraveling the truth before the ruthless men hunting them closed in. With danger at every turn, Therese and Blane had no choice but to trust each other, even as the secrets they carried threatened to pull them apart…" ~ Sue Garland, Christian Novel Review
"Set against the rugged, dangerous beauty of the Guadalupe Mountains, Canyon of Deceit is a riveting tale of high stakes, survival, and trust that I couldn't put down. DiAnn Mills has crafted a page-turning novel. This is romantic suspense at its finest!" ~ Elizabeth Goddard, award-winning author of Storm Warning
"A pulse-pounding blend of romance and suspense, Canyon of Deceit has a gripping plot and unforgettable characters with a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last page." ~ Carrie Stuart Parks
"Buckle up, readers! Canyon of Deceit is a heart-pounding suspense packed with intrigue on every page. Danger, action, and adrenaline-fueled drama make this a must-read for fans who crave edge-of-your-seat adventure." ~ Natalie Walters, bestselling, award winning author of the SNAP Agency series
Canyon of Deceit Trailer:
Plus, Canyon of Deceit includes two original songs written by the heroine, Therese—one from her childhood and one that captures the depth of her love and transformation as an adult. These heartfelt lyrics come to life in custom-recorded tracks that reflect the emotion and spirit of the novel.
New Caney, Texas
October, Thursday, Current Day
Therese
The shrill ring of my mobile phone jolted me awake at 2:00 a.m., a haunting prompt that emergencies seldom emerged in daylight. Someone had ventured into the wilderness and needed me to lead a rescue mission. My skills of trekking over precarious terrain to find victims who suffered from physical injuries, dehydration, starvation, or all three, kept me on alert. At times I viewed my life like a Star Trek tagline, “Where no man has gone before.”
I grabbed the phone off my nightstand. Unidentified caller. “Hello?”
“Ms. Palmer, this is Professor Rurik Ivanov from Houston Leonard University. We met nearly a year ago. You taught a course in wilderness survival as an adjunct professor.”
I captured a mental image of the Russian man—gray-blue eyes, stone-gray hair, angular face. “Yes, sir. How can I help you?”
“I apologize for the hour, but I’m in a desperate situation.”
The angst in his voice zapped me into guarded mode, especially when I barely knew the man. I snapped on my bedside lamp. “Are you all right?”
“No, ma’am, which is why I’m calling you. Do you remember my wife and daughter?”
“I met them both at a faculty dinner last Christmas. A lovely family.”
“My wife was murdered today, and kidnappers have taken my daughter.”
I inhaled sharply, and alarm for the professor’s family fired hot from the soles of my feet. “Daria? Alina? What happened?”
“A man called me late this afternoon while I prepared to leave for home. He said he’d taken Alina. Then he sent a link to a video showing my wife’s execution—”
He stopped abruptly, his final words drumming into my senses. The seconds ticked by, and I waited.
“I watched Daria grab her chest and struggle . . . The blood rushed from her precious body—my dear Daria’s life gone forever.” He grappled again to control his tear-filled voice. “He said they would release Alina unharmed if I paid three million dollars. They’d call with instructions. When the man hung up, I hurried home thinking it had to be a terrible mistake or someone had used AI to generate the video. On the way, I phoned Daria and the call went to voice mail. I also redialed the man who’d contacted me. The phone rang repeatedly, but the number offered no way to leave a message. I contacted Alina’s school and learned Daria had picked her up before noon.
“At home, reality rooted. A lamp and a table in the living room lay in pieces. Daria would have fought hard, but there were no signs of blood. I didn’t recognize the place in the video where they killed her. I even checked for geotag information on the clip, but it had been stripped. I later clicked on the link . . . the video had disappeared.”
I ached for his loss. “What do the police say?”
Silence answered me, then Rurik finally said, “Contacting them is impossible. The man warned me against telling anyone who works in law enforcement, or I’d never see Alina again.” He sobbed into the phone. “Please, give me a moment.”
“Take all the time you need.”
The professor taught Russian language and literature at Leonard University and was highly respected and liked among faculty and students. I’d enjoyed our occasional chats, and he’d observed some of my classes. What had he done to upset the wrong people?
“Thank you. I can talk now,” he said. “I have no idea where the killers have taken Daria’s body or how to find Alina. Neither do I suspect anyone.”
I willed my pulse to slow. “Professor, the police are trained in handling confidential matters and how to find who is responsible. They have families and understand what you’re going through.”
“And endanger my daughter?” Panic throbbed in his ragged voice.
“I’m sorry.” My grief over losing Kate many years ago surfaced raw and bleeding. “Are you alone?”
“Yes. At home.”
“Are there family or friends who can stay with you?”
“My family is in Russia, and I do not trust anyone.”
“You could very well be in danger too.”
“My welfare is unimportant.”
“Who are these people, and why has your family been victimized?”
“I have no idea. The man refused to identify himself, but he did say ‘we.’ Maybe he thinks I have money or believes I have done something criminal to my country or to the US.”
What was he not telling me? I tossed off my blanket and stood in my bedroom, shivering, not from the cold but the horror of this unfolding story. “Professor Ivanov, I’m confused. Why call me? This is a job for the police or the FBI.”
“I cannot risk my daughter’s life. You are my only hope to find Alina. You have the skills to get her back.”
I ran my fingers through my hair. “I’m a wilderness-survival specialist, nothing more. I’m not equipped to carry out a hostage negotiation without backup, which is another reason you need to involve the authorities.” More questions bolted into my mental space like a landslide. “How would I find her?”
“That’s where I can help you. Alina has GPS trackers hidden in her shoes. Not even Daria knew about them.”
“Why would you track your young daughter?”
“Alina’s biological mother died when she was a baby, and I’ve been consumed with protecting my daughter ever since. I checked my phone app and learned at one thirty this afternoon, Alina was taken to a private landing strip west of Houston. I called there, and a woman who worked in the small office said no one had filed a flight plan. But she made a mistake. The tracker had stopped registering.” He coughed and asked me to wait while he got a glass of water.
A connection at Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management popped into my consciousness. They had the technology to confirm the date and time a plane took to the skies and where it landed.
“I’m better. I apologize for my lack of control,” the professor said. “My app showed tracking again near an abandoned airstrip in a remote area south of Hobbs, New Mexico. The tracking indicated ground-speed movement for two and a half hours to a section on the north side of Guadalupe Mountains National Park called Dog Canyon. That’s where the tracking ended, and I’ve detected nothing since. I assume the kidnappers parked the vehicle and proceeded on foot with Alina. Research shows the area is off-grid. Ms. Palmer, did they remove her shoes? How would they expect her to walk in bare feet?”
My thoughts trailed to the worst possible scenario. Why take Alina to a remote location unless they planned to dispose of her body there? Another argument lay with logic. Why go to the expense of transporting a kidnap victim there when they had the ability to dispose of her body in their backyard? A morbid idea, except true. Whatever the reason, they risked exposure from security cameras until they reached an off-grid area.
“I can’t stress enough how the authorities have technology and skills to find Alina. They can unravel valid threats and comprehend the danger of taking your story to the media.”
“The man who called me said they’d be watching my every move. I bought a burner phone tonight to call you.”
His anguish rippled through me, interfering with my ability to think clearly. “What about the ransom?”
“I can liquidate assets here and in Russia to meet their demands, but the statistics on kidnappers returning my Alina alive are not good. Perhaps they would accept what I can put together now. I’m sorry . . . I wish I had an answer. Why harm an eight-year-old little girl?”
“I have empathy for your grief.” Daria’s lovely face and the white-blonde-haired little girl refused to leave me alone. “Although I could lead you into Dog Canyon, I have no idea how to pull her out of the clutches of dangerous men. You’d need armed law enforcement and possibly a negotiator.”
“That would draw attention. I’ll pay you whatever you want.”
“Money is not the issue, Professor—”
“Alina means more to me than anything else in this world. What is love but to take ownership of a problem and do all I can to stop those men?”
“What if I fail?” The terror of not finding his daughter alive resurrected an echo from the past that had shaped my career.
“Can you live with yourself if you don’t try?”
Unaware, he’d pressed my weakest button. “I’ll hear you out. But I don’t believe you’ve given me the whole story, and I need the truth before I risk my life.”
“I’ve . . . I’ve given you all of it.”
“You’ve stated what you want me to know. What have you done or not done in this tragedy that Daria is dead, Alina is missing, and you can’t go to the police?
***
Excerpt from Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills. Copyright 2025 by DiAnn Mills. Reproduced with permission from DiAnn Mills. All rights reserved.
PAULA'S REVIEW: “Tragedies do not define us unless we give them permission.”
Survival expert Therese Palmer is awakened at 2 am by a desperate father whose daughter was kidnapped. Therese turns to Texas Ranger Blane Gardner as the only one she can trust in this volatile situation.
The search for eight year old Alina takes them from Houston to the Guadalupe Mountains - a beautiful,deadly, dangerous location. Trouble follows the pair as international political implications surface and multiple agencies get involved. This was a thrilling story with dastardly villains and questions arise about who is trustworthy. Therese and Blane are faced with hazards of the wilderness as well as unpredictable bad guys. Blane has a crisis of faith that leads to surrender to Christ. Therese faces a past that taunts her. “So many times I had asked why evil and injustice existed. But if I had the answer, God would not be God.” “Hope is a reason to live when the whole world erupts into madness.”
This author is adept at crafting complex intrigue with just the right amount of romance and a faith thread that gives hope, all with beautiful descriptions of the landscape that was fashioned by God. “Taking in the autumn sunrise over the high desert- a radiant scene that felt like a praise song spreading inspiration across the sky.”
Another exciting offering from an exceptional author. *A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Tyndale through PICT tours and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread
Author Bio:
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who invites her readers to step into stories where suspense meets adventure and romance warms the heart. Known for crafting unforgettable characters tangled in unpredictable plots, DiAnn believes every breath we take unfolds a story waiting to be told—so why not make it thrilling?
Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards.
DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and International Thriller Writers, DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops.
A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband make their home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.
Connect with DiAnn online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions:
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