A DISTANCE TOO GRAND by Regina Scott, Reviewed by Kim

I have heard some good things about this author, so I was really looking forward to reading this story. I was also very interested that it took place in the Grand Canyon, because it’s a place I’d love to see and it’s not used as a setting very often.

While I did like the writing style and, at first, I thought the story was going to keep my interest, I ended up really struggling to stay invested in the story and the characters. I felt like the pace was too slow and I found myself getting bored at times. I kept waiting for some action or movement in the story, but it never really happened.

Ben was okay, but I didn’t connect with Meg, at all. I felt like she was all about “the shot” for the majority of the story and therefore, when her feelings about Ben changed, it just didn’t ring true for me.

While this wasn’t the story for me, I’m sure that others will enjoy the beautiful setting and the slower paced storyline.
*I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher. 

BackCover Blurb:
Meg Pero has been assisting her photographer father since she was big enough to carry his equipment, so when he dies she is determined to take over his profession--starting with fulfilling the contract he signed to serve on an Army survey of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in 1871. What she doesn't realize is that the leader of the expedition is none other than the man she once refused to marry.

Captain Ben Coleridge would like nothing more than to leave without the woman who broke his heart, but he refuses to wait even one more day to get started. This survey is a screen for another, more personal mission, one he cannot share with any member of his team.

As dangers arise from all sides, including within the survey party, Meg and Ben must work together to stay alive, fulfill their duties, and, just maybe, rekindle a love that neither had completely left behind.

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook: 
Buy A Distance Too Grand at Amazon
Buy A Distance Too Grand at Christianbook.com

THE WORDS BETWEEN US by Erin Bartels, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas

The Words Between Us is a carefully crafted story by a gifted writer. The two timelines in the story are deftly woven together, unfolding the gripping, heart-wrenching story layer by layer. Populated with lots of broken, hurting characters, this tale is emotionally charged and sometimes hard to read. Robin Windsor has gone through things no child should have to suffer, and her friend Peter has also had a tough life. Their friendship is partially built on books and the poems Robin writes for Peter.

I loved the beautiful cover, and the poems added so much to the story and gave extra meaning to the title of the book. In addition, the many classic books mentioned give another layer to “the words between us”, as does the fact that Robin owns a bookstore.

With a captivating plot and a message of forgiveness and resilience, this book pulled me in and kept me turning pages to see what twists the story would take. I would recommend this book to those who are booklovers and especially those who enjoy plots with dual timelines.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Revell/Baker Publishing Group through Interviews and Reviews. All opinions are my own.

See reviews by Rebecca and Trixi

BackCover Blurb:
Robin Windsor has spent most of her life under an assumed name, running from her family's ignominious past. She thought she'd finally found sanctuary in her rather unremarkable used bookstore just up the street from the marina in River City, Michigan. But the store is struggling and the past is hot on her heels.

When she receives an eerily familiar book in the mail on the morning of her father's scheduled execution, Robin is thrown back to the long-lost summer she met Peter Flynt, the perfect boy who ruined everything. That book--a first edition Catcher in the Rye--is soon followed by the other books she shared with Peter nearly twenty years ago, with one arriving in the mail each day. But why would Peter be making contact after all these years? And why does she have a sinking feeling that she's about to be exposed all over again?

With evocative prose that recalls the classic novels we love, Erin Bartels pens a story that shows that words--the ones we say, the ones we read, and the ones we write--have more power than we imagine.

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook:
Buy The Words Between Us at Amazon
Buy The Words Between Us at Christianbook.com

DARK AMBITIONS by Irene Hannon, Reviewed by Rebecca and Kim

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"There was blood on the ice."

When former Army Night Stalker Rick Jordan finds evidence that human blood has been spilled on his rural Missouri property, his instincts go on high alert. After careful reconnaissance, he knows exactly who made him a surprise visit, but obviously something went terribly awry.

Soon after Rick Jordan hires private investigator Heather Shields to locate his missing friend, several coincidences appear to intersect; making the case much more difficult to solve and much more dangerous to pursue. Someone out there has dark ambitions, and is more than willing to kill anyone who gets in their way.

"All we can do is make the best choice we're capable of with the information we have in the present. . . . . and sometimes we make mistakes."

The strength of this story is in its ending, which the author spins perfectly out of control. Fans of high octane romantic suspense will enjoy every bend and twist of this riveting conclusion to the "Code of Honor" series.
*I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

KIM'S REVIEW:
Dark Ambitions by Irene Hannon is book 3 in the Code of Honor series, but it reads well as a stand-alone. I have not read the first two stories, but I am definitely adding them to my TBR!

This story starts off quickly, but the pace slows down a bit for the middle part of the story before it ramps up again at the end. I thought I had quickly figured out who the villain was - several times! I ended up being correct while totally wrong at the same time!

I liked both Rick and Heather and I thought their chemistry was good, but I would’ve have liked to have seen more development in their relationship throughout the story instead of just an immediate attraction. I was really glad that Ms. Hannon added the epilogue because without it, I feel their story would have been lacking.

Overall, this is a good solid read and I’m looking forward to reading the first two stories soon!
*I received a complementary copy of this book from Revell publishing.

Back Cover Blurb:
Former Army Night Stalker Rick Jordan usually has his camp for foster children to himself during the winter months. But someone has visited recently--leaving a trail of blood. One of the two clues left behind tips Rick off to the identity of his visitor, who soon turns up dead. The police deem it an accident, but Rick isn't convinced. With the help of private investigator Heather Shields, he sets out to decipher the remaining clue. Except someone doesn't want them to succeed--and will stop at nothing to keep them from finding the truth.

With her trademark psychological suspense ratcheting up the tension on every page, bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon takes you on a search for a cold-blooded killer with an ambitious goal and deadly intent.

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook:
Buy Dark Ambitions at Amazon
Buy Dark Ambitions at Christianbook.com

THE BAGGAGE HANDLER by David Rawlings, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

The Baggage Handler is a finalist for the Christy Awards in the First Book category for 2018.

“Life isn’t about what you’ve got. It’s about what you do with what you’ve got.”

What I liked:

It was interesting to see how each of the characters handled the situation when they were confronted with their baggage. There was a funny spot when a T.V. had a soap opera with triplets named Ranch, French and Cesar.

The personage of the baggage handler was good at nudging people to look at themselves but wasn’t pushy.

What I didn’t like:

I understand that this was supposed to be an allegory but it came across to me as a disguised self-help book.

There were a couple of phrases that were repeated word for word: “clouded blue eyes, a look approaching wistfulness.” and “ black curly hair, threatened to spring free.”

But the thing I found wanting was the lack of scripture or plain Biblical teaching. I think this could have been a much better book if it had included a clear scriptural teaching. The only mention of God was in the acknowledgments.

Sorry this was a miss for me.

* I received a copy of this book in a giveaway from Celebrate Lit in April, 2019. I wasn’t required to give a review. All opinions are my own.*

BackCover Blurb:

In a similar vein to The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews or Dinner with a Perfect Stranger by David Gregory, The Baggage Handler is a contemporary story that explores one question: What baggage are you carrying? 

“The Baggage Handler by David Rawlings is an extraordinary novel that lingered in my heart long after I finished it.”—Colleen Coble, USA Today bestselling author of The House at Saltwater Point and the Lavender Tide series 

When three people take the wrong suitcase from baggage claim, their lives change forever. 

A hothead businessman coming to the city for a showdown meeting to save his job.
A mother of three hoping to survive the days at her sister's house before her niece’s wedding.
And a young artist pursuing his father’s dream so he can keep his own alive.

When David, Gillian, and Michael each take the wrong suitcase from baggage claim, the airline directs them to retrieve their bags at a mysterious facility in a deserted part of the city. There they meet the enigmatic Baggage Handler, who shows them there is more in their baggage than what they have packed, and carrying it with them is slowing them down in ways they can’t imagine. And they must deal with it before they can leave.
In this modern-day parable about the burdens that weigh us down, David Rawlings issues an inspiring invitation to lighten the load.

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook:
Buy The Baggage Handler at Amazon
Buy The Baggage Handler at Christianbook.com