ECHOES OF DARKNESS by Darlene Turner, Reviewed by Kim #ReleaseDay

KIM'S REVIEW:
Gripping Romantic Thriller That Keeps You Guessing!

I’ve been reading Darlene Turner for years, so when I heard about Echoes of Darkness—her first Love Inspired Trade novel—I couldn’t wait to dive into this romantic thriller!

From the very first page, the story takes off and doesn't slow down. I was completely drawn in by Oaklynn and Caleb’s chemistry and how their relationship developed amidst chaos and danger. Both characters are dealing with deep emotional trauma, all while racing to stop a serial killer who appears to be copying the gruesome crimes of Oaklynn’s own father. The plot is layered with suspense, emotional depth, and just the right amount of romance.

One of the most chilling aspects was getting the serial killer’s point of view—it added a creepy intensity that kept me on the edge of my seat. While I did have an idea of who the killer might be, Turner did a fantastic job of keeping me second-guessing until the reveal.

If you're a fan of Jessica Patch or enjoy fast-paced romantic suspense with emotional depth, definitely add Echoes of Darkness to your list!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light. 4 stars.
 

BackCover Blurb:
A serial killer stalks a small town, and a police officer must face her family’s dark past to catch him.

The sleepy community of Kenorapeake Falls in northern Ontario seems like somewhere Constable Oaklynn Brock can finally outrun her violent past. That is, until she’s assigned to investigate a series of suspicious deaths. She can’t reveal that she knows how serial killers think because she grew up with one. Yet the eerie similarities between these murders and those committed by her father, known as the Suicide Slayer, hint at a copycat in their midst. But why here and why now?

Caleb Greene of the Canadian Watchers Squad, a special task force, has his own reasons to be wary of working alongside Oaklynn. But with rumors of a local cult known as the Light Paragons gaining power, the stakes are too high to refuse.

As they explore connections between the killings and cult, Oaklynn and Caleb are forced to confront old secrets…and a terrifying new threat. Someone is watching Oaklynn’s every move. They know exactly who she is and what she might be capable of. And soon her biggest fear isn’t just having her past exposed, but that a killer will turn whatever days she has left into a living nightmare… 

Love Inspired Trade, June, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

Buy ECHOES OF DARKNESS at Amazon, or Christianbook .com

HER INCONVENIENT WEDDING DATE by Liwen Y. Ho, Reviewed by Trixi Oberembt #ReleaseDay

UNEXPECTED DATES SERIES #2

TRIXI'S REVIEW:

We're all a little weird. And life is a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness—and call it love—true love. ~Robert Fulghum

Okay, if you're looking for some comedy relief, there's no better author in my book (pun intended) to deliver the perfect read! Not only that, there's a deeper faith thread to bind everything together. Liwen Ho is my go-to Rom-Com writer when I need a break from real life, and a few laughs (maybe even some guffaws). Her characters never fail to charm me; they're the kind you root for and wished were real.

Lily is a devoted older sister and wants her younger sister to marry her long-time boyfriend. But according to Chinese tradition—and her mother's wishes—Lily must marry first. There's a problem however, she isn't currently dating nor does she have a love interest. Thus ensues pursuit of marriage (or at least a pretend one) she'll even settle for one of convenience.

Hunter has been secretly in love with Lily for about a year. Working in the same office building as her has put him in an awkward position—so he decides to at least befriend her. He can't believe his luck (or should I say God's providence) when she proposes a plan that benefits both of them, how could he possibly say no?

He literally just married me without expecting anything in return. Who does that?! Apparently, a non-Chinese guy who speaks Mandarin, rescues me from PowerPoint presentations, and hates pineapple on his pizza. I suppose two out of three ain't bad.

I've read Liwen's Fab-Forties series (and loved each one), and I have to say, this has got to be my favorite yet. Hunter has a funny/cute side that Lily hasn't ever seen before that perfectly fits with her personality. These two complement each other in so many ways and it was fun to see each layer unfold. I loved how the author had these two “date” after they are inconveniently married (you'll understand when you read this). Lily's family added to the charm of this story....her mom was a hoot & her younger sister was the sweetest. 

The faith theme felt natural; Lily learned that she doesn't have to be “perfect” to be loved because she already is in God's eyes and Hunter reminds her that she has the freedom to be who God created her to be—sometimes that looks like being irresponsible (at least in some areas). This story ticked a lot of boxes for me, one being I love marriage-of-convenience, so it's always fun when I can read it in a modern-day setting. There's a lot of depth, laughter, and profound moments to discover in the pages. I never pass up the chance to read a book by Liwen!
* I received a complimentary copy from the author and wasn't under any obligation to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed here are my own. *

BackCover Blurb:

I always thought I’d marry for love… not because of a family tradition.

As the eldest daughter, my life’s basically one long checklist of responsibilities—especially when it comes to making sure my younger sister gets her happily ever after. And apparently, that means I need to tie the knot first.

Groan.

I’m an engineer by day, a beauty blogger by night, and a problem-solver 24/7. But even I wasn’t prepared for the solution to my marriage problem to show up in the form of Hunter Payne—my tall, charming, and goofy coworker who just so happened to save me from the world’s most awkward date.

Out of the kindness of his heart, he offers to marry me. For three months only. Just until the family pressure eases up. Totally platonic, totally practical.

Until it’s not.

Because three seconds into our union, a surprise kiss makes some very inconvenient emotions rise to the surface.

How am I going to survive this marriage without falling for the one guy I promised I wouldn’t catch feelings for?

June, 2025

Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon

DRAGONFLY ASHES by C C Warrens, Reviewed by Kim

CHERRY CREEK MYSTERIES #2

KIM'S REVIEW:
I’m so glad my friends recommended C.C. Warrens to me—I’ve devoured all her stories and can’t wait for more! I didn’t think anything could top the Holly series, but the Cherry Creek Mysteries might just do it.

I love Noelle and Derek and their evolving relationship! The secondary characters add so much depth to the series. I’m even starting to warm up to Walt! Ms. Warren is fantastic at developing her characters. The suspense and mystery kept me on the edge of my seat, and I was completely shocked by how it all unfolded! As usual, the faith thread was well done!

While you can read Dragonfly Ashes without having read Firefly Diaries, the character histories and relationships won’t be as rich—and you’ll miss out on another excellent mystery! Highly recommended!

*I purchased this book and give it 5 stars! I was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

SEE REBECCA'S REVIEW:

BackCover Blurb:

Flames cast an ominous orange glow against the night sky as a barn catches fire, consuming everything within: from the hay bales to the victim bound and left to die.

News of the murder sparks fear in the small community of Cherry Creek, and that fear only grows when the arsonist leaves a calling card belonging to a killer everyone believed was long dead.

The Dragonfly mysteriously disappeared from the local asylum decades ago, stepping out of existence and into legend. The story draws the attention of Noelle McKenzie, a local author, and she digs into details from the past while Captain Derek Dempsey searches for evidence in the present.

But there’s more going on than either of them suspect, and this threat doesn’t just come knocking; it kicks in the door with a wicked plan and a lit match. If they don’t stop the arsonist soon, there may not be anything left of Cherry Creek to save.

BUY ONE OR BOTH OF THE SERIES AT AMAZON in digital ebook, paperback, or audiobook

PAGES OF PROMISE by Jessica Ashley, Reviewed by Kim

Christian Romantic Suspense

KIM'S REVIEW:
This is my first Jessica Ashley book, but it definitely won’t be my last! I really enjoyed this story. The suspense was top-notch, and Lance was such a strong, admirable male character. It took me a bit longer to warm up to Eliza, but once her heartbreaking past was revealed, her behavior toward Lance made perfect sense. I loved the small-town setting of Hope Springs and getting to know its charming residents. The faith thread was beautifully woven throughout—I especially appreciated how naturally Lance trusted the Lord and without hesitation.The mystery kept me guessing—I had no idea who the villain was or how he was managing to pull everything off.

This is the first book I’ve read in the Coastal Hope series, and I’ve already downloaded Searching for Peace, which is Elijah’s story!

When I wasn’t reading Pages of Promise, I found myself thinking about the story and itching to get back to it. That’s always a good sign!
*I purchased this book myself, and all opinions are my own. The faith thread is medium. 5 stars!

BackCover Blurb:
Unexpected love, unshakable faith, and relentless danger collide in a desperate fight for survival.

Eliza Pierce thought moving across the country would help her finally find peace after years of fighting for her life. But when someone tries to kill her in broad daylight, Eliza realizes that the battle is far from over. And there’s nowhere left to run.

Desperate and terrified, she turns to Lance Knight, a former Army veteran turned private security expert. He’s everything she wants to avoid: a strong, determined man whose very presence stirs up emotions she’s not prepared to confront.

However, as the danger closing in on her grows darker, she must decide if she can fully trust Lance—both with her life and the shattered remnants of her heart.

In this thrilling Christian romantic suspense, secrets, faith, and love collide in a battle for survival—and a heart’s ultimate redemption.

Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotion, danger, and faith in this unforgettable journey.

 

February 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook at Amazon