OBSCURITY by Christy Barritt, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

PROS AND CONS MYSTERIES #5

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"She knew all about secrets. They were what she did best."

Olive Sterling felt as if she had already lived a lifetime full of secrets. Now it seemed that the mountains of West Virginia were holding fast to some of their own. The daughter of a tech billionaire had gone missing while organizing and promoting an elite wilderness concert experience, prompting the girl's father to hire private investigators. Posing as a married couple, Olive and her colleague (and once the love of her life) Jason Stewart were slated to attend the inaugural Grayfall Music Festival which turned out to be nothing like they expected and everything they would have dreaded, if they had only known. Something very nefarious was happening on that mountain.

"The trees are watching."

This plot was wound so tightly that every sight and sound seemed like a tipping point. I may have even caught myself holding my own breath a time or two. Definitely my favorite episode in this series!
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review 

 

BackCover Blurb:
What happened in Grayfall was supposed to stay in Grayfall.

When Chloe Kingston, daughter of a tech billionaire, vanishes while organizing a remote music festival in West Virginia, private investigator Olive Sterling takes the case. Chloe’s cryptic final message, “The trees are watching,” suggests there’s more to local folklore than mere legend.

Posing as married festival-goers, Olive and her colleague Jason Stewart trek deep into the mountains to attend the inaugural Grayfall Music Festival. What they find is a rustic disaster masquerading as a luxury experience. Promised headliners don’t show. Gourmet meals turn out to be cheap hot dogs. And the glamping accommodations are threadbare tents in a dilapidated ghost town.

As complaints mount and guests demand refunds, Olive realizes they’re not just dealing with fraud—they’re trapped in something far more dangerous. When other attendees start to disappear, Olive struggles to uncover what’s really going on before she becomes the next person to vanish.

The thrilling fifth installment in USA Today bestselling author Christy Barritt's Pros and Cons series.

Riverside Press, July, 2025

Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon

BURIED WILDERNESS SECRETS by Jaime Jo Wright, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"She wasn't supposed to find human bones in the wilderness."

Park ranger Aaliyah Terrence stumbles upon something totally unexpected in the middle of the Montana woods, a human skull. To make matters worse, the surrounding area shows signs of being disturbed, almost like . . . 

Aaliyah never gets to finish that thought before she is endangered by someone who does not appreciate the Bob Marshall park giving up its secrets. When cold case detective Wade Marlowe joins local law enforcement to asses the find, he brings news of a surprising nature as the interacting lines that ensue do not bode well for Aaliyah; she has a past that has literally been buried.

An absolute gem of a story! Everything that readers might expect from a full length romantic suspense novel are carefully packed into this highly dramatic, surprise-around-every-turn, heart-throbbing short one!
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 

 

 SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

 

BackCover Blurb:
Uncovering cold case secrets

could be deadly…

Montana park ranger Aaliyah Terrence finds a serial killer’s burial ground—and narrowly survives the brutal attack that follows. And when cold case detective Wade Marlowe reveals that her birth mother was the murderer’s first victim, it soon becomes clear that Aaliyah has been marked as his next target. As their search into the past reveals old skeletons and puts Aaliyah in ever-increasing danger, she’ll have to rely on Wade to keep her safe. But will they discover the killer’s identity before she meets the same end as her mother?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith. 

 

Love Inspired, July, 2025

Available in digital ebook and paperback

Buy BURIED WILDERNESS SECRETS at Amazon or Christianbook .com

 

 

DETECTING CONCEALED EVIDENCE by Dana Mentink, Reviewed by Kim #NewRelease

KIM'S REVIEW:
I thoroughly enjoyed Detecting Concealed Evidence! From the very first chapter, I was hooked. The story is packed with suspense, and just when I thought I had things figured out, another twist would completely throw me off. Dana Mentink does an incredible job keeping readers on their toes—there was never a dull moment, and I genuinely couldn’t guess who the culprit was until the very end! I love stories that keep me guessing like this one did.

The romance between Chase and Pilar added a perfect emotional layer to the story without overshadowing the mystery. Their chemistry felt natural and compelling, and I found myself rooting for them from the start. And I can’t forget Tank, Chase’s loyal and hilarious K-9 partner—he brought just the right touch of humor and warmth to balance the tension.

Even though Detecting Concealed Evidence is the fifth book in the Security Hounds miniseries, it works perfectly as a standalone. I can’t believe there’s only one book left—I'm both excited and a little sad to see this series wrap up!

Dana Mentink has truly delivered another fantastic read. If you love suspenseful stories with heart, clever twists, and a bit of romance, this one is a must-read!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light. 5 stars.

BackCover Blurb:

Sniffing out the enemies requires a K-9’s help.

A panicked call sends detective Chase Wolfe and his search-and-rescue bloodhound, Tank, racing right into the path of his neighbor—who’s just barely escaped an abduction. But Pilar Alonso has no idea who’s after her or why. Now she must rely on Chase to keep her safe while they work together to track down the unknown assailants targeting her. Only, their investigation reveals layers of a much more sinister agenda, and danger is rapidly closing in. Drawn into a web of deceit, can they untangle the mystery…before they’re permanently silenced?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Security Hounds Investigations

Book 1: Tracking the Truth
Book 2: Fugitive Search
Book 3: Hunted on the Trail
Book 4: Following the Clues
Book 5: Detecting Concealed Evidence

Love Inspired Suspense, August, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, library binding, and audiobook:

Buy DETECTING CONCEALED EVIDENCE at Amazon, or Christianbook.com

ECHOES OF DARKNESS by Darlene Turner, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Just when I thought I put you in the rearview mirror, you creep into my brain."

Growing up as the daughter of a notorious serial killer had been a nightmare, but after changing her name and devoting her life to making the world a safer place, Constable Oaklynn Brock is horrified to learn that a series of deaths in her small community appear to be the work of a copycat. Combine that disturbing news with the fact that a local cult's suspicious activities hint at a connection between the victims, and the conscientious law enforcement officer realizes that she has been handed a dire situation.

Working with Caleb Greene of the Canadian Watchers Squad, Oaklynn suppresses the reality of her past until it becomes absolutely necessary, and then is surprised to learn that Caleb has a few skeletons in his own closet. Time is of the essence, because this particular offender has now turned his undivided attention on Oaklynn.

"God will meet you in the darkest corner and provide the light for you to escape. You just have to let Him in."

Utilizing a complex series of twists and turns, this romantic psychological thriller rises above the darkness without, to display the light from within.
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 3.5 stars

SEE KIM'S REVIEW:

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

 

 

FINAL APPROACH by Lynette Easton, Reviewed by Rebecca and Paula #ReleaseDay

Lake City Heroes Book #4: A Christian Suspense Thriller with Mystery and Clean Romance between a FBI Agent and Air Marshal

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Someone went to a lot of trouble to try and send that plane down somewhere else."

Air Marshall Kristine Duncan was supposed to be on vacation, instead she was called upon to thwart an attempted hijacking of the very plane on which she and a group of friends were traveling. Following his arrest, the perpetrator gave law enforcement officials a nearly unbelievable and quite frankly, a very confusing story.

Before Kristine and F. B. I. Agent Andrew Ross can finish following a faint trail of evidence, it appears that Andrew's past undercover work within a notorious gang might become a factor; could Andrew have been the intended target of the foiled hijacking? During these early stages of the investigation, it's one of several viable hypotheses.

Spending more time with Andrew was something that Kristine had envisioned doing on a warm, sunny beach, but now? . . . everything seems to be up in the air, quite literally . . .

Enjoy this twisty, turning romantic suspense from its first landing through its final approach!
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews, and purchased a copy. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 3.5 stars

PAULA'S REVIEW:

The gang of law enforcement friends have earned a vacation and are on a flight to warmer climes. A hijacking cuts their trip short and they investigate who is behind it all. Air Marshal Kristine and FBI agent Andrew are put through their paces figuring out who is really the target of attempts on their lives. And is there a connection to any previous hijackings in the area?
 

Non-stop action from the first chapter and a confounding mystery stumps the team at every turn. With the complicated family dynamics of Kristine and the past trauma that haunts Andrew, they still rely on God to watch their backs and heal them. Kristine and Andrew grow close enough to see a future with each other.
 

Come along on a bumpy ride with flawed but competent characters whose faith is evident and whose friends are trustworthy. A compelling, suspenseful book.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*4 stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
She's intent on investigating a sinister plot of revenge, and it will take all her courage to survive.

Air Marshal Kristine Duncan is not on duty when a hijacker attempts to seize control of the plane she and her friends are on as they head out on a much-needed vacation. Jumping into action and aided by FBI Special Agent Andrew Ross, Kristine thwarts the attack and the plane lands safely. But as the investigation into the incident gets underway, Kristine and Andrew are confused at every step. Nothing about the investigation goes as it should, and each layer they peel back just reveals another layer of perplexity.

As the two work together to navigate a web of deception, blame, and personal reckoning, they find there's more to this story than meets the eye--and more to love and admire about each other. They'll have to put their skills to the test--and their hearts on the line--to unravel the truth and ensure that justice prevails.

Revell Publishing, August, 2025
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:
Buy FINAL APPROACH at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

PERILOUS TIDES by Elizabeth Goddard, Reviewed by Rebecca and Paula #ReleaseDay

HIDDEN BAY Series #2

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"You won't see danger coming . . .until it's too late."

Those ominous words prompted forensic artist Jo Cattrel to flee Michigan following her mother's untimely death, still convinced that the car accident which took Mira Cattrel's life was actually murder. Subsequently Jo reunites with a father she had never known and assumes a quiet life near Raymond Dodge in Hidden Bay, Washington . . . until . . . once again the cryptic words of a parent jolt Jo back into her past . . . or was it really someone else's past?

When a brazen attempt on Jo's life sends her crashing into the Puget Sound, her rescuer turns out to be none other than the one man who had shattered her heart, former Green Beret Cole Mercer. Dear God in heaven, what were the odds? Now working as a private investigator, Cole has been hired to find out what really happened to Mira Cattrel, by a woman trying to clear her brother from suspicion.

Tangled threads! Dizzying details! Second chances! And this is just the beginning!

With the finesse of a seasoned storyteller, the author takes before and afters to a new level leaving the characters befuddled and the reader absolutely fascinated. Jo and Cole seem to be constantly swimming against the tides until they remember that there is only One who can lead them beside still waters.
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book, the opinions stated above are entirely my own. I received a copy and purchased a copy.

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Forensic artist Jo Cattrel fled Michigan after her mother died. Now she is on the run again after a warning that her dad gave before he disappeared. Cole Mercer left her without a word but is back at Hidden Bay to protect her and search for her mother’s killer, with the hope of never having to leaver her again.
 

This was one exciting story with lots of elusive clues and confounding connections. But Jo and Cole have help from law enforcement and Hawk, Cole’s brother, who owns a handy helicopter.
 

Set in a beautiful, rustic environment in Washington State, the bad guys do not let up. There are so many unanswered questions about family that Jo can hardly keep up. And the closer to the truth, the more danger. But that only helps them rely on God and further their tenuous relationship.
 

Get ready for a stunning story with a solid faith thread and a steadily building romance. You will not be disappointed.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell on behalf of the author and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

 

BackCover Blurb:
High-Stakes Romantic Suspense from USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard

Three years after her mother's suspicious death, forensic artist Jo Cattrel is in hiding, working at a storm-watching lodge along the Washington coast. When her father sends her a disturbing and cryptic message, Jo leaves the safety of the lodge to find him. But during the ferry crossing, Jo witnesses a murder--and becomes a target.

More surprising to Jo than being in danger is the identity of the person who steps in to protect her--none other than her ex, former Green Beret Cole Mercer. Now a private investigator, Cole has been looking into her mother's death. If he can just uncover the truth, maybe Jo can end her self-imposed captivity and the two of them can pick up the pieces and build a future together.

As Cole and Jo search for answers, the past rushes in like a dangerous tide before the truth can be revealed. 

 

Revell Publishing, July, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook

Buy PERILOUS TIDES at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House 

SHADOWED WITNESS by Angela Carlisle, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

The Secrets of Kincaid Series #2:
A Christian Romantic Suspense Novel with a Detective Love Interest

 

PAULA'S REVIEW:
After reading the debut by Ms. Carlisle, I just had to read this follow up and find out what happened to Allye. She saw something she was not supposed to and now someone is trying to scare her. But no one will believe her and she is starting to question herself. She is facing an undiagnosed health issue and does not want to burden her friends or family. Church friend Detective Eric Thornton tends to believe her when some things come to light and he strives to solve the mystery.
 

This is a well paced, intriguing story that kept me guessing. I read it in record time because I had to see how things would play out.
 

Lots of interesting twists and turns to ponder. Allye and Eric struggled with spiritual implications and practical ones, too, deciding to trust God completely, no matter what. They saw that God can use the worst of situations to help them grow. Eric was a great hero who was capable and showed a caring side when it came to foster kids. The romance was well crafted and respectful.
 

Recommended for fans of Lynette Eason, Elizabeth Goddard, and Dani Pettrey.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread 

 

SEE REBECCA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:

A haunting attack. A killer in the shadows. A protective love.

Murder--that's what photographer Allye Jessup knows she witnessed as she departed her studio one evening. Waking with bruises on her neck and a foggy memory, she believes she survived an attack, but everyone seems to think she simply sustained a head injury from falling down the stairs outside her studio. Plagued by an undiagnosed health condition, she is torn between the haunting reality of what she may have seen and the possibility that her mind is playing tricks on her.

Without proof the other victim ever existed, Detective Eric Thornton can hardly declare the area a murder scene. Still, he adds Allye's report to his already full caseload. But when new evidence surfaces to support her claims, Eric must stay one step ahead of a ruthless killer and uncover the truth before the suspect closes in on Allye again. 

Bethany House Publishing, July, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook

Buy SHADOWED WITNESS at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

 

BEFORE THE NIGHT FALLS by Christy Barritt, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

 

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"There are some who carry darkness with them. It follows like shadows."

"And some who carry light, even when walking through darkness."

Darkness had penetrated the life of television personality Olivia Montgomery after being stalked and kidnapped two years prior. If not for her courageous escape, she would have been listed as a victim rather than a survivor. Thankfully the perpetrator had been killed by police, game over . . . or was it . . . the roses were back.

Taking a lengthy assignment to participate in fitness expert Tyson Stone's forty day regimen for overall health takes Olivia far away from the streets of New York to the rolling hills of North Carolina, and still! The roses continue . . . a reminder that the darkness of her past was trying to penetrate the light of her future, especially with mutual attraction between Olivia and Tyson raise the stakes substantially higher.

"No one should have to face something like this alone."

Roll out the caution tape, danger may be closer than you think!

*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 3.5 stars

BackCover Blurb:
The roses are back. And so is the fear.

TV personality Olivia Montgomery thought her nightmare was over.

One year ago, she escaped the clutches of “The Admirer,” a serial killer who left roses as his calling card. A serial killer who kept her in darkness. The monster who was shot and killed by police.

At least, that’s what everyone believes.

When a dozen red roses arrive at her door, Olivia’s hard-won peace shatters. Her nightmare can’t be happening again.

Fitness guru Tyson Stone never expected the spunky reporter assigned to his forty-day health program would bring danger to his doorstep. Now he’s determined to protect her, even as his own problems haunt him. But the closer the two grow, the more he realizes this isn’t just about saving her life—it’s about discovering what’s worth fighting for.

As the roses continue to appear and the killer’s deadline approaches, Olivia must decide whom she can trust. Because this time, she knows exactly what awaits when the night falls. This time, she might not survive her worst nightmare. 

River Heights Publishing, May, 2025

Available in digital ebook or paperback at Amazon

IF YOU'RE READING THIS by Christy Barritt, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

TRUE CRIME JUNKIES #10

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Each murder had been meticulously staged to mirror her photographs."

Just when Morgan Riley had gotten up enough nerve to demonstrate her true feelings for Logan, the stoic state trooper had responded with brutal honesty, revealing something about himself that had rocked Morgan to the core. Needing to distance herself emotionally . . .

Morgan had seemingly disappeared into thin air. Logan Gibson becomes deeply concerned, and rightfully so, for all signs point to an abduction. Thankfully his friends Andi Slade and Duke McAllister, both members of the Arctic Circle Murder Club (a popular true crime podcast), are willing to pour their resources into the case, because a sinister killer seems delighted to stay infuriatingly elusive, giving them a terrifying glimpse into the disturbed mind of someone who believes cruelty should be considered art!

These books continue to be some of my all-time favorites! The author's clean, crisp plotting skills are on full display in this tenth book of the series and having become comfortably familiar with the characters and knowing how well they work together, makes what could be a really dark story into something quite readable.
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars

 
BackCover Blurb:
In Alaska, the cold isn't the only thing that kills . . .

Alaska State Trooper Logan Gibson has buried his past deeper than the winter snows of America’s Last Frontier. But exposure is imminent when his friend Morgan Riley goes missing and dangerous truths once shuttered by distant memories start to come into the light.

A methodical killer is stalking the Alaskan wilderness, taunting authorities with haunting images linked to Morgan’s award-winning photographs. When the Arctic Circle Murder Club gets a lead, Andi Slade and Duke McAllister are drawn into Logan’s investigation.

As they narrow the suspects, the danger intensifies. From treacherous mountain peaks to the merciless depths of frigid waters, Alaska’s stunning landscape seems to inspire a killer who is always one step ahead of them.

Logan and his friends must stop this madman before he perfects his artistic vision. Otherwise, Logan may become the killer’s ultimate masterpiece.  

River Heights Publishing, June, 2025

Buy IF YOU'RE READING THIS in digital ebook or paperback at Amazon

ARTIFICE by Christy Barritt, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

Pros and Cons Mysteries Book 4

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
Well. Well. Well. Lighthouse Harbor was definitely not what it was supposed to be.

Arriving on the campus of the private institution for troubled teens (the grounds an eerie carry-over as a former mental hospital), Olive Sterling is going in undercover as a wealthy benefactor determined to unlayer the school's secrets. Students have been disappearing. How and why? . . . the answer to those questions may be more dangerous that Olive was expecting.

Tip-toeing suspense mixed with diabolical intentions equals an absorbing read! Just a whisper of romance, and yet . . .

BackCover Blurb:
Three missing teens. One questionable school. Zero room for error.

When the teenage son of a prominent Boston family vanishes from Lighthouse Harbor—an exclusive institution for troubled teens—private investigator Olive Sterling is called to find him.

Posing as a wealthy benefactor, Olive infiltrates the school. But something sinister lurks within. Other students have gone missing. Each time a student disappears, the administrators label them runaways. But Olive doesn’t buy it. Strange behavior from the staff, whispers of experimental treatments, and a suspicious death all point to a dangerous conspiracy.

Complicating matters is Simon Long, an education consultant whose penetrating questions and convenient timing make Olive question his true motives. Their undeniable attraction only adds to her confusion. Is he an ally in her investigation or someone with a hidden agenda of his own?

With time running out, Olive must face harrowing cliffs of deception to uncover the truth and save the students before another life is lost.

River Heights Publishing, May, 2025

Available in digital ebook or paperback at Amazon

FIRE MOUNTAIN by Dana Mentink, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #NewRelease

PAULA'S REVIEW:

Trucker Kit and ex-cop Cullen meet in a volatile situation during the imminent eruption of Mount Ember. Their motto becomes: “Faith not Fear” in the face of danger. 
 

Ms. Mentink conveys the human condition through the frailties of her characters. She shows how they are unforgiving of themselves and others because of what they encountered in their pasts. But she also shows how they come to realize that they are not God and He requires them to forgive so that they can move on.
 

There is non-stop excitement during the days leading up to an eruption similar to Mt. Saint Helens. Complications in the form of bad guys looking for a girl that Kit helped ramps up the tension. Through it all, Cullen is tough and staunchly defends Kit and an abandoned baby. “Let’s see what you’re up to here, God.” 
 

This author sure knows how to put her characters through the wringer and test their mettle. She ramps up the action and had me on the edge of my seat in this exceptional story. 
 

A harrowing and riveting story with a spiritual dimension. 
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell on behalf of the author and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 5 stars and a solid faith thread 

SEE REVIEWS BY KIM AND REBECCA

 

BackCover Blurb:
Fire rains from above as they fight to discover the truth and stay alive.

In the shadow of a threatening volcano, long-haul trucker Kit Garrido wakes up in her crashed big rig, unable to recall what happened or why she's suddenly in possession of someone's baby. Fiercely independent, she has to admit that perhaps this time she could use a little help.

As the threat of eruption grows, former cop Cullen Landry refuses to leave his cabin in the evacuation area, which is why he's the only one left who can help Kit escape the crumpled cab of her truck. He doesn't want to get tangled up in the mystery of the beautiful woman with an abandoned infant, but when he sees the bullet hole in the windshield and the bloody handprint on the interior, he realizes that he's in this thing, like it or not.

When two armed men with ill intent approach, the race is on to stay alive, discover the truth, and find the baby's missing mother--all while a deadly mountain rains fire from above. 

 

Revell Publishing, July, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy FIRE MOUNTAIN at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

SHADOWED WITNESS (Secrets of Kincaid #2) by Angela Carlisle, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney #ReleaseDay

The Secrets of Kincaid Series #2:
A Christian Romantic Suspense Novel with a Detective Love Interest

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"So where had everyone gone? And why was she still alive? None of it made sense."

Photographer Allye Jessup had eye-witnessed a brutal attack seconds before the perpetrator turned his attention towards her, attacking with the viciousness and brutality of one with deadly intentions . . . or at least that was what she thought had happened. Her neck bore the marks of a bruising choke hold and her muddled thinking? . . . well, she was experiencing a lot of that lately, but having her head banged up against a brick wall was not something that she could have imagined. Unfortunately, without any physical evidence left at the scene, even the police were questioning her validity. If only she could remember more about the man in the shadows.

Detective Eric Thornton didn't know what to think. He definitely believed that Allye believed she had seen what she saw, and the bruising around her neck was hardly a fabrication, but after a supposed home invasion the following night, her story turned incredibly odd . . . a "green glow"? Yet, that wasn't the end of the story by any means, for when her recollection and one of his cases began to intersect, the case took on a rather ominous path of its own.

May we have a round of applause for originality! . . . along with creativity! . . . and original characters! Allye and Eric were so relatable that their casual banter coupled with several incredibly brutal conversations made it so easy to fall head over heels into their story, which by the way, was incredibly hard to put down! All the dangling, tangling plot threads seemed impossibly knotted together  . . . until a very satisfying (loud sigh!) end.

I really liked the first book in this series, I absolutely loved this one!
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Baker Publishing Group and purchased a copy. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars

BackCover Blurb:

A haunting attack. A killer in the shadows. A protective love.

Murder--that's what photographer Allye Jessup knows she witnessed as she departed her studio one evening. Waking with bruises on her neck and a foggy memory, she believes she survived an attack, but everyone seems to think she simply sustained a head injury from falling down the stairs outside her studio. Plagued by an undiagnosed health condition, she is torn between the haunting reality of what she may have seen and the possibility that her mind is playing tricks on her.

Without proof the other victim ever existed, Detective Eric Thornton can hardly declare the area a murder scene. Still, he adds Allye's report to his already full caseload. But when new evidence surfaces to support her claims, Eric must stay one step ahead of a ruthless killer and uncover the truth before the suspect closes in on Allye again. 

Bethany House Publishing, July, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook

Buy SHADOWED WITNESS at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

FIRE MOUNTAIN by Dana Mentink, Reviewed by Rebecca and Kim #ReleaseDay

Fire Mountain (Elements of Danger Book #1): A Christian, High-Energy Romantic Suspense, Set in the Shadow of a Volcano in Washington, 1980

REBECCA'S REVIEW
"How absurdly proud she'd felt that day . . . Her truck. Her business. Her life. Finally."

And now? Her beautiful rig was crumpled along the side of a road that she had no recollection of turning onto. Everything Kit Garrido had worked so hard to accomplish . . . oh, what did it matter when there was a stranger asking questions she could not answer, bullet holes in her window . . .and to top it all off . . . a baby girl was asleep in the back of her cab.

Having remained in his mountainside cabin long after evacuation orders had been pronounced, Cullen Landry had seen the eighteen wheeler crash over the hillside, prompting him to hurry towards the scene. Meanwhile, Mount Ember was about to explode, volcanic ash was quietly covering everything in close proximity amidst small earthquakes that continued to rattle the area. Finding a woman and small baby was indeed a surprise, but Cullen also sensed that all three of them were now wrapped up in some sort of dangerous web.

What did I love about this story? Everything! Fast paced action with slow motion moments . . . a rare commodity in most romantic suspense novels. The pages rang boldly with their deeply developed characters whose over-weighted burdens were tempered with an endearing capacity for humor . . . yes! laugh out loud funny! . . . only to become entwined with life and death moments, impossible situations, and forcible displays of bravery that could take a reader's breath away!

The ending? "Just a desperate man with only his faith and one slender chance to preserve the life of a woman and a baby he'd grown to love"? Listen carefully, you may be able to hear the ticking of the clock . . . "Fire Mountain" is about to explode!
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book through Baker Publishing and Interviews and Reviews. The opinions stated are entirely my own. 4.5 stars

KIM'S REVIEW:
I’ve been reading Dana Mentink for years, so I was thrilled to hear she had a new debut coming from Revell! The moment the news broke, this story went straight onto my TBR—and let me tell you, it absolutely exceeded my high expectations.

Where do I even begin? I loved everything about this book—especially Cullen. His personality was so well-written, and the way he interacted with both Kit and baby “Tot” completely won me over. The banter between Cullen and Kit as they navigate intense, high-stakes situations was spot-on. Their chemistry was authentic, and I appreciated how their faith journeys helped each other grow and overcome their pasts. Cullen’s humor was the perfect touch, offering just the right amount of levity to balance the tension.

And speaking of tension—wow! There were so many heart-pounding scenes that had me practically holding my breath. It truly was a thrill ride from start to finish. I also have to give a special shoutout to Archie—one of the best secondary characters I’ve read in a long time. I’m so glad he was part of this story!

Fire Mountain is hands down one of the best adventure-thriller romances I’ve read in a long time—definitely a top read of 2025 for me. I really hope this turns into a series, because I would love to read Gideon’s story next!
*I received a complimentary copy of this story. All opinions are my own. All. The. Stars!! 

BackCover Blurb:
Fire rains from above as they fight to discover the truth and stay alive.

In the shadow of a threatening volcano, long-haul trucker Kit Garrido wakes up in her crashed big rig, unable to recall what happened or why she's suddenly in possession of someone's baby. Fiercely independent, she has to admit that perhaps this time she could use a little help.

As the threat of eruption grows, former cop Cullen Landry refuses to leave his cabin in the evacuation area, which is why he's the only one left who can help Kit escape the crumpled cab of her truck. He doesn't want to get tangled up in the mystery of the beautiful woman with an abandoned infant, but when he sees the bullet hole in the windshield and the bloody handprint on the interior, he realizes that he's in this thing, like it or not.

When two armed men with ill intent approach, the race is on to stay alive, discover the truth, and find the baby's missing mother--all while a deadly mountain rains fire from above. 

 

Revell Publishing, July, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy FIRE MOUNTAIN at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

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

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

WHERE SECRETS LIE by Coble and Acker, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

TUPELO GROVE SERIES #2

PAULA'S REVIEW:
This is the second in a series that should be read in order because there is much information in the first that contributes to understanding the second installment.

The story is full of drama about a legacy of Tupelo Groves University that Savannah wants to preserve. When things get dangerous, she and Hez, her ex and soon-to-be husband, must track down a band of artifact smugglers as well as safeguard the University and keep it from going bankrupt.

Lots of intrigue because Hez and Savannah do not realize where the threat is coming from. But they know there is a leak that is making things difficult.

They are also trying to mend from the past that drew them apart. Hez and Savannah are still working through those problems but they are committed to eachother and to God and rely on Him to work out the details.

This was very exciting as well as informative about ancient artifacts. It kept my interest until the end.
This was a great collaboration. I cannot wait to read the next one.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.* 4 stars and a solid faith thread 

BackCover Blurb:
College professor Savannah Webster is ready to give her ex-husband, Hez, another chance, and she believes he's finally ready for them to face their many past trials as a team. But when Savannah finds evidence that points to Hez's old demons resurfacing, the fragile trust they've built begins to crumble. And it's not just their relationship that hanging in the balance--the survival of the university Savannah's family poured their lives into is also under threat.

Hez is determined to put his past mistakes behind him with his new role mentoring law students at Tupelo Grove University's legal clinic. His primary focus with the clinic is to help Savannah pull the university out of a pit of debt and bad decisions made by the previous leadership, including her father. But their quest for stability takes a dark turn as they try to root out the dangerous smuggling ring the university is entangled in, and their investigation puts them in the crosshairs of criminals who will stop at nothing to eliminate any obstacle in their path.

The twists continue until the final page as a dangerous world of smuggling and financial instability collides with the complex dynamics of legacy and family.

Thomas Nelson, June, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy WHERE SECRETS LIE at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

THE TRUTH WE SEEK by Lisa Harris, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

A page-turning thriller with a final revelation you 

won’t see coming. (Shadow Stalkers Book 4)

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
" . . . an unsettling feeling sweeps over me. Because something tells me that this is far from over."

Riley Bishop has been riding on the "far from over" merry-go-round for months on end. Finally! Finally . . . her children are safe, her grievous past is in the rearview mirror, and she has the unconditional love of a good man, Deputy U. S. Marshal Tucker Shaw. And then, as often happens . . . everything changes.

Using connections to her deceased husband's business acquaintances, Riley and Tucker deep dive back into the dangerous world of an international crime enterprise. Can they bring down the network that was responsible for her husband's demise and her daughter's kidnapping?

The brilliance of this story is that so much happens in a brief amount of time, while the seams between scenes continue to flow at such a natural pace. It's a love story, it's a crime story, it's a faith story . . . a romantic suspense trifecta!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5stars

BackCover Blurb:

One solid lead.
One final mission—if they can make it out alive.

Deputy U.S. Marshal Tucker Shaw has spent months hunting Jace Krueger, head of a criminal empire with a sprawling human trafficking network. Tucker and his team have come close to bringing the network down, but to finish the job, they need someone with an inside connection.

That someone is Riley Bishop—the woman Tucker loves and the one person he’s determined to protect at all costs. She’s his best shot at getting close to Krueger, but putting her back in the man’s sights is a risk Tucker isn’t sure he’s willing to take.
As Riley steps into the darkness she thought she’d escaped, the lines between hunter and hunted begin to blur.

With danger closing in, Tucker and Riley must outmaneuver a man who won’t go down without a fight. Because in this game, exposing the truth might not be enough to save them—it could instead cost them their very lives.

 The Truth We Seek is the fourth and final book in a fast-paced psychological thriller series that starts with The Lies We Believe.

Adrenaline Fueled Fiction (pub), March, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audio:

Buy THE TRUTH WE SEEK at Amazon

TWO SECONDS TOO LATE by Dani Pettrey, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:

"It kind of looks like she was preparing to disappear."

When Kelly Frazier disappears from a luxury resort leaving behind a disgruntled boyfriend, skip tracer Riley MacLeod and private investigator Greyson Chadwick decide to pose as a devoted couple in order to follow Kelly's bizarre trail of clues. Having received a cryptic message from her friend preceding an alarming home invasion, Riley tries to push aside her tightly concealed feelings for Greyson to better concentrate on why everything about Expressive Wellness Retreat and Spa feels off kilter. As they race against time to locate Kelly, it becomes dangerously obvious that they are not the only ones looking for her.

This tightly wound plot feels like a coiled spring about to burst out of control. Fortunately, Riley and Greyson's forced proximity provides essential down time for the reader to observe the two as they unlayer their raw emotions and cautiously explore their mutual attraction. Can they learn to trust each other through the obstacles, while every tick of the clock jeopardizes their lives?

Hang on for the ride, because there is a lot of road time between these pages!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 3.5 stars

 

SEE PAULA'S  REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
A missing woman. Two hit men. When every second counts, who will survive?

In the stark but beautiful wilds of northern New Mexico, a couples' retreat at a luxury resort turns into a chilling nightmare when a woman vanishes. Skip tracer Riley MacLeod and private investigator Greyson Chadwick pose as a couple to hunt for clues that might reveal the missing woman's location. Those leads uncover a harrowing truth: They're not the only ones looking for her. What begins as a normal tracking case turns into a deadly chase when they, too, become the hunted.

As Riley and Greyson work together, their partnership ignites a tumultuous attraction, but Greyson's secrets prevent him from acting on his feelings for her, and Riley can't bring herself to fully trust him. Delving deeper into the case, they find themselves fighting not only for justice and the chance at a loving relationship . . . but also for their very survival. 

 

Bethany House, April, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, library binding, and audiobook:

BUY TWO SECONDS TOO LATE at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House