BOOKED FOR LOVE Anthology, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

Nine Authors Collection

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Quite the collection of stories that range from funny to suspenseful and all are based on matchmaking, libraries, book clubs, and blind dates with a book or silent book clubs. 

Something for everyone if you like books about books. Some stories had romantic matches and some were just about friendships and one had an unexpected match but all had a faith thread.

My favorite was the humorous Turn About is Fair Play by Chautona Havig. But all were worth the read. 

This is the first time reading some of these authors but I have read others before. 

All were enjoyable. Read them and see which one is your favorite.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Ivory Keys Press. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*4.5 stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
Book clubs have always been about more than stories. What happens when a group of faith-filled matchmakers uses their love of books to pair hearts?

Matchmakers have been around since long before musicals began singing their praises. Seniors at church, friend groups, and even families try to pair people of like faith, shared passions, or familiar community. But what if your people, book people, got together and drew two book-loving (or soon will be!) hearts together? It’s a match made in literary (if not literal) heaven!

Love Twice Served by Malissa Chapin
Love is a dish occasionally served twice. In this gentle, faith-filled, second‑chance romance, split between the bustle of 1940s Harvey Houses and the comfort of a 1980s book club, you’ll enter a Midwestern town where community, grace, and a carefully guarded heart find their way back to hope.

Turnabout Is Fair Match by Chautona Havig
Imogen thought Olemann’s Books and their book club would match her grandson with the perfect bookish girl and heal his broken heart. But no one (including the Lord!) is following her carefully orchestrated plot, and the wrong people are getting matched! Or are they?

Connected by Susanna Haymond
Emily never imagined her grandmother’s book club would set her up with a cop who not only determines to keep her safe from a relentless stalker, but who she can also trust with her heart. But threats become attacks, and one question remains: will Josh stop this guy before tragedy strikes?

Match to Be Had by Martha Artyomenko Hurley
When newly widowed Mattie returns to her hometown, Elaine decides to rekindle a friendship and embroil Mattie in her latest matchmaking scheme at her newly formed Silent Book Club group. Can these two find the joy of friendship while helping others find love?

Hatched Marts by Joanne Markey
When discussing a romcom becomes solving major problems in the church, is a geriatric book club really the answer? Merry isn’t so sure, but she accepts the challenge and reinvents blind dates… with a book, that is. Add a bad guy and knitting needles, and book club just got way more exciting.

Monday Meddlers by Marisa Masterson
Introducing a book club that would rather scheme and matchmake than actually discuss the book. When the local librarian becomes their latest focus, secrets, laughter, and a little chaos follow. Will they reconcile the broken romance between a stubborn librarian and a proud rancher?

The Book Club on Willow Lane by Dannielle Norwood
When Nevaeh’s boss drags her into a book club filled with deeply intrusive women, she finds herself pushed into awkward conversations, unexpected friendships, and something even more terrifying: real connection. What was wrong with her nice, safe, AI chat bot boyfriend, Max?

The Teacher's Secret by Caitlin Nikolai
She's running from the past. He feels broken from his. When a meddling book club brings them together, will he be enough to protect her? Together, can they find peace and healing in Jesus' Name?

The Straight Path Home by Mishael Austin Witty
After a workplace accident, Jonah Calloway moves to Chokeberry Falls and finds a steady job, a quiet apartment, and a book club that adopts him. But when anonymous notes appear and danger edges closer, Jonah must decide between running or trusting that God might be leading him down a path he never expected.

Join the book club. Fall in love. Order your copy today.

Ivory Keys Press, October, 2026

Available in digital ebook or paperback at Amazon 

 

SECRETS IN THE CASTLE LIBRARY by Ann Swindell, Reviewed by Paula #ReleaseDay

IN THE CASTLE LIBRARY SERIES Book Three

PAULA'S REVIEW:
“History, mystery and books? This was going to be fun.” So says Melanie who is researching a journal penned by Queen Alma who disappeared over 100 years ago. 

This was an engaging mystery bathed in the Christian Gospel that does not feel forced but rings true. Christ being the light in darkness was a prominent theme. 

This immersive story continues the quest for answers of Queen Alma’s abdication for a life of nursing in England in wartime. 

Only part of the story has come to light so far. Now Melanie and Eddie must scour the journals to find clues to a long kept secret.
Melanie, best friend of Princess Ellie and a US citizen, has taken a job at the university teaching US History. She is feeling lonely and out of place and just knows something is missing in her life. Eddie is curator of the National Museum and is helping Melanie try to figure out if there are hidden clues in the journals.

 The author had me on the edge of my seat in the scary hidden tunnel and emotional when the characters showed their faith as they prayed for each other. It was very romantic as Melanie and Eddie grew closer to each other and to God. I almost wish the Kingdom of Lethersby was real. 

Kudos for another well-written, exemplary novel.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by White Crown Press. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a strong faith thread

BackCover Blurb
The past year of Melanie Tallebois’s life has unraveled, both professionally and personally. Usually unflappable, she can’t understand why life isn’t going to plan. So when she’s offered a professorship at the University of Lethersby, she seizes it as her chance to find the happiness that has eluded her for as long as she can remember. The fact that her best friend is the nation’s princess and has invited her to live in the castle for the summer doesn’t hurt, either.

The only thing eluding Eddie Canon are answers. As director of the National Museum of Lethersby, he’s spent years chasing the truth behind Queen Alma’s disappearance over a century ago. Now, tasked by the royals to tie up the loose ends of the national mystery, he’s studying in the castle library and still coming up empty-handed.

The last person Eddie wants to work with is Melanie, who inserts herself into his research—and his life. She’s brash, annoying, forthright...and altogether brilliant. Eddie thinks it wise to push her away, but as the research continues to stall, he can’t ignore that their friendship has begun to blossom.

When the long-lost queen’s mysteries finally come to light, Melanie is plunged into darkness—and Eddie questions everything he thought he understood about faith and love. Together, they must uncover the secrets in the castle library and decide whether they’re willing to trust God with a story far greater than their own. 

White Crown Publishing,  September, 2026

Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon 

FLAW AND ORDER by Christy Barritt, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

THE WORST DETECTIVE EVER MYSTERY SERIES #14

REBECCA'S REVIEW:

"There's a specific flavor of quiet that settles into a car at just past midnight when two women have committed to a terrible idea and neither wants to be first to say it out loud."

Joey Darling's husband had not come home in five days and the police department was not giving her the kind of information that a worried wife would deem as an answer. Granted, Jackson was deep undercover, but really! With only a scrap of paper to tell her where he might have gone, Joey conspires with her high spirited Aunt Dizzy to pack a car in the middle of the night and head to the coast where it seems that everyone keeps saying . . . for her own good, no less . . . to go back home. Not without Jackson!

Six words. I could not put it down. This little story took off in a flash and never looked back; much like its characters, the chapters stubbornly pressed forward in spite of knowing that at some point danger was going to step out of the shadows and into the light. The humor was infectious, the repartee extremely clever, and like an action adventure film the suspense kept me on the edge of my proverbial seat.

Does Joey find that handsome husband of hers? Extra, extra, read all about it. 
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars

BackCover Blurb:
Some women panic. Joey Darling packs a suitcase.

Joey Darling knows not to interfere with a police investigation—especially one involving her husband, Detective Jackson Sullivan. But when Jackson vanishes while working undercover and no one will tell her what's happening, Joey launches her own investigation.

Armed with little more than a cryptic clue, an overactive imagination, and her irrepressible Aunt Dizzy, Joey heads to a charming coastal town where a stranger seems far too interested in her arrival, mysterious late-night activity unfolds along the waterfront, and the tightlipped locals warn her to stay away from the wrong side of the docks.

She soon suspects Jackson is in far more danger than anyone realizes. But with no script to follow, a knack for turning simple surveillance into spectacular disaster, and a celebrity face even a clever disguise can’t hide, Joey must improvise now more than ever.

Will her flaws lead to order this time? Or will this be the case that plunges her in too deep to ever find her way back to the surface? 

 

River Heights Publishing, July, 2026

Available in digital ebook, or paperback at Amazon

 

SPIES, LIES, and ALIBIS by Natalie Walters, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Newsflash, 007 - I don't need rescuing. Not from coffee, produce or a charming billionaire."

Embedded deep into the world of powerful real estate moguls, independently contracted Cybil Langford is assigned to surveil one of the most ruthless crime bosses on the planet, Lorenzo Ramirez. And everything was going so well until she slipped into the toilet trying to retrieve what every spy wears, all black . . . and! . . . she comes face to face (in the dark) with her childhood nemesis-turned-crush, Ben Bradley, who is for some unknown reason calls himself Craig Miller, the name of her let's-forget-all-about-him-forever boyfriend. Ben is gong to ruin everything!

Cybil is going to ruin everything! F. B. I. Agent Ben Bradley is on the hunt to take down the criminal network responsible for the death of a federal agent. What he catches however, is the hem of a very lovely dress wrapped around a very lovely lady shooting darts out of her eyes as if she can tell Ben what to do without speaking a word. Actually, maybe she can.

What a fun story! The clever dialogue is superb and flies back and forth like tennis ball in a game where neither player knows the rules. Cybil and Ben have a past, and in spite of going years without seeing each other, this second chance rom-com with a heavy dose of crime-cute between two undercover agents, sizzles from beginning to end. In spite of getting a little lost at times with the details of the financial transactions, I loved the depth of emotions and hilarious antics that Ben and Cybil brought to the story. Readers who love humor infused suspense will be clamoring for more! 
* I purchased a copy and I was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars 

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW: 

BackCover Blurb:
They were each other's first love. Now they might be each other's last hope. Perfect for fans of Ally Carter, Spies, Lies, and Alibis is an unputdownable binge-fest, full of laughs, heart, and mischief.

Cybil Langford has spent years hiding behind her polished, professional facade as the executive assistant to a powerful real estate mogul, where she's perfectly positioned to collect intel on her boss's criminal network. But when her mission leads her into the path of Lorenzo Ramirez--a ruthless crime boss with deadly plans--she'll need every ounce of cunning and charm to stay one step ahead.

Then he walks back into her life.

Ben Bradley is deep undercover for the FBI, living under an alias, as a financial advisor with a reputation for helping the wealthy and corrupt launder their money. His target? Lorenzo Ramirez, a dangerous crime boss with his hands in everything from smuggling to murder. But when a familiar face from his past suddenly reappears, things get . . . complicated.

The last time Cybil saw Ben, he was an annoying prankster--and her first crush. The last time Ben saw Cybil, she stole a piece of his heart. Neither expected to run into each other at a high-stakes fundraising gala where crime, corruption, and undercover agendas collide.

Forced to work dangerously close, neither knows the other's true agenda. Cybil sees the boy who once broke her heart, now a man whose motives are deeply suspect. Ben sees the woman he never got over but can't determine if she's an innocent caught in the crossfire or a willing accomplice. As they navigate a world of spies, lies, and fragile alibis, they must dismantle the walls around their hearts.

The intel is classified. The trust is fragile. And their covers are one lie away from blowing wide open.

Dive into a hilarious, fast-paced romantic suspense that balances danger with wit and charm. Early readers are loving the gripping twists, engaging humor, and clean, chemistry-filled romance that make Spies, Lies, and Alibis such a fun, page-turning ride. Grab your copy today for a story packed with intrigue, heart, and just the right amount of sass. 

Thomas Nelson, May, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, or audiobook:

Buy SPIES, LIES, AND ALIBIS at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

 

BOUND BY MURDER / BOUND BY MYSTERY / BOUND BY DISASTER by Christy Barritt, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

Beach Bound Books and Beans Murder Series

________________

BOUND BY MURDER (Book One Review)
There's nothing like finding a skeleton in the walls of your new property to bring a renovation project to a screeching halt.

That's exactly the position that Lantern Beach newcomer Talitha Robinson finds herself in while trying to convert her newly acquired downtown property into a coffee shop and bookstore. Thankfully Mayor Mac MacArthur gets involved, using his instincts as the former police chief to assist Talitha in figuring out what to do next.

And while it seems that Mac is a bit enamored with the attractive new citizen . . . wait a minute . . . there's more to this story.

BackCover Blurb:

When widow Talitha Robinson buys an old store on the boardwalk in Lantern Beach, North Carolina, she’s in for a surprise . . . or several. She plans to renovate the space and open Beach Bound Books and Beans, but never expects to find a decades-old skeleton hidden inside one of the walls.

As word of the discovery spreads across the island, strange occurrences begin to occur around her. It soon becomes clear someone still knows something about the dead person—something they don’t want discovered.

Thankfully, former police chief and current mayor Mac MacArthur seems just as eager to unravel the mystery behind the skeletal remains as Tali. But as the two bind together to solve the case, a devastating secret is revealed.

Will their newfound friendship come unglued before they find the answers to the past? Or will their blooming relationship die like the man hidden in the wall?

________________

BOUND BY DISASTER (Book Two Review)
"Murder was interesting in books. But in real life? It was an entirely different story."

What if a suspicious murder victim washing up on the shores of Lantern Beach was connected to an unfinished manuscript? And what if that manuscript was the one just personally delivered to Tali Robinson? Has she already met the killer? So many questions. So few answers.

As Lantern Beach newcomer and proprietor of a yet to be finished bookstore and coffee shop, Tali Robinson once again finds herself relying on the support of mayor Mac MacArthur whose steady presence and years of experience as the former police chief make Tali all the more grateful that she agreed to just one dance.

This cozy mystery coasts to at a very clever conclusion.

BackCover Blurb:
Talitha Robinson is knee-deep in renovations as she prepares to open her new bookstore when a body washes ashore on Lantern Beach. While news of the suspicious death surges across the island, a stranger comes knocking on Tali’s door, begging her to endorse his unfinished suspense novel.

Unable to dissuade the author, Tali is left holding his manuscript in her hands. But she has no idea of the peril written on its pages.

Mac MacArthur has kept his distance from Tali since they uncovered a shocking connection about their pasts. But when someone begins to act out the murderous scenes from the book, one victim at a time, Mac’s protective instincts override his decision to stay away.

As danger escalates, Mac and Tali must manage their conflicting feelings as they work together to stop this killer . . . before the last chapter is written.

________________

BOUND BY MYSTERY (Book Three Review)
" . . . we have a witness who places you arguing with the victim right before she died in your store."

Impossible! Talitha Robinson had not killed anyone, especially on her own property. A recent newcomer to Lantern Beach, Tali was working hard to renovate her recent purchase into a combination bookstore and coffee shop, while living in the second floor apartment. But on the night in question, she had a house guest, a bookstore owner from a nearby island who stayed the night due to a storm that cancelled the ferry.

Former police chief and current mayor Mac MacArthur can scarcely believe that trouble has found his friend Tali all over again. His simmering attraction to the lovely woman has been put on hold (who is he kidding?) while they consider some awkward circumstances from their pasts. But as of right now, It's his civic duty to come to her aid, agreed?

An entertaining quest to find the killer who orchestrated a clever scheme to point the finger in the wrong direction. 

BackCover Blurb:
Talitha Robinson is well on her way to completing renovations for her new bookstore, Beach Bound Books and Beans, in Lantern Beach, North Carolina. But when she hosts a friendly meet-and-greet with bookstore owners from nearby islands, the progress she’s making comes to a deadly end.

Someone is backstabbed—literally—right under Tali’s nose. To make matters worse, Tali’s fingerprints are all over the murder weapon and a neighbor claims to have seen Tali commit the crime.

Mac MacArthur knows Tali isn’t the type to hurt anyone, but it doesn’t take a former police chief to figure out things don’t look good for her. The two work together to read between the lines and decipher the truth before Tali gets locked away for crimes she didn’t commit.

As more evidence stacks up, it becomes clear that someone wants to take Tali out of the story. For good.

 

*I purchased copies of these books and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

BUY ANY OF THE SERIES AT AMAZON IN DIGITAL EBOOK , PAPERBACK, or AUDIOBOOK 

 

DEATH AT THE PAPER PALACE by Kristen Brellen and Ben Alexander, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

A Tales & Tails Mystery

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"The bedroom filled with a great pulse of light. Then darkness fell on the body of Phyllis Grant."

It all started with a party. Becca Gables, homeschooling mother of three and owner of a cozy combo of bookstore and bakery cafe, had been invited to cater a prestigious event at the home of one of Crystal Run, Wisconsin's elite townspeople. Known as the Paper Palace, the stately old mansion with historical roots was showing its age, much like its owner. But no one expected the rather unpopular matriarch, Phyllis Grant, to expire that very night. Something wasn't adding up, and Becca knew it.

Continuing to juggle motherhood as a young widow while managing her business through-out the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, Becca stays in touch with her Uncle John, a local police captain, about the case, which has become more and more suspicious. Phyllis Grant was not particularly loved within the community, but who might want her dead, and for what reason? It was time for Becca to don her amateur sleuthing hat.

A delightful homespun story full of vivacious characters of all ages who sport equal doses of curiosity and charm while living their lives upon a confident foundation of faith. And yes, the who-dun-it component made the story all that more enjoyable! 
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.3.5 stars

BackCover Blurb:
Becca Gables, an irrepressibly positive young widow, has her hands full. She not only homeschools her three children—Violet, Oliver, and Hazel—but also owns Tales & Tails, a whimsical local bookshop and café. Her days are filled with lesson plans, great literature, and creamy coffee as she educates her children and tries to keep her struggling bookshop afloat.

To earn extra income for Tales & Tails, Becca agrees to cater a cocktail party at the Paper Palace, hosted by Phyllis Grant, the self-proclaimed matriarch of a long line of paper magnates. This party serves as an opportunity for Phyllis to showcase the importance of her family in the community.

Everything seems to be going smoothly until Becca visits the old mansion the following day to collect payment. She is shocked to discover that the hostess has died overnight. What initially appears to be a terrible accident is soon revealed to have a more sinister cause. Guided by her faith, her family and friends, and her insatiable curiosity, Becca peels away the layers of this mystery, leading to a conclusion that will rock their little town of Crystal Run, Wisconsin.

Tales and Tails Publishing, September, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and hardcover at Amazon

CHRISTMAS HARBOR SECRETS by Ciara Knight, Reviewed by Paula #NewRelease

PAULA'S REVIEW:

This was very intriguing from page one. The writing style was crisp with no nonsense dialogue. The story was a slow romance of forced proximity. Rone is a hero who really does not want to be a hero because of a troubled past. Isobel is gutsy and determined. She has to find out what happened to her dad and will not back down. Trouble follows the pair as someone taunts them with threats. As they are pulled deeper into the mystery, they do not know who to trust. 
 

The writing was compelling as it evoked vivid pictures of the action. This is the first time I have read this author and the distinctive prose makes me want to read more. A great addition was the loyal dog Echo who once belonged to Isobel’s dad. But Echo chose people and was in protection mode when it came to Isobel. Echo and his actions were captured expertly. The danger felt realistic and complicated. The outcome was very compelling. Although there were scenes of danger, nothing was graphic. This was a clean read from a Christian World View without overt Christian preaching but a clear understanding of right and wrong. 
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a clean read

 

BackCover Blurb:
The past never truly sinks…it just waits for the tide to rise.

Isobel Lane plans to sell her estranged father’s old trawler after her ex leaves her penniless—until she uncovers evidence pointing to his murder.

Haunted by the partner he couldn’t save, Rone Archer has spent years trying to outrun his guilt. Protecting Isobel from a danger that mirrors his past feels like his one chance at redemption.

But when a criminal organization tries to silence them, will they survive through Christmas, or will the tide claim more than her father’s secrets? 

 

Defy the Dark Publishing, November, 2025

Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon

 

 

BORROWED TROUBLE by Shaen Layle, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

Mysteries of Cobble Hill Farm Book 15

PAULA'S REVIEW:
I love these cozy mysteries set in England. Veterinarian Harriet inherited her grandfather’s practice in White Church Bay. She is marrying Pastor Will and they will go on their honeymoon to Scotland. But an heirloom brooch goes missing during the reception and that puts honeymoon plans on hold while they try to discover why it and other items went missing.

The contemporary story is interspersed with a tale of the original owners from the 1800s. That had a bit of intrigue too.

Lots of false starts when possible suspects are ruled out and a surprise when the real culprit is found.

I liked the community and family aspect of the story, down to a niece and nephew and their antics. Harriet and Will make a lovely couple and their faith was evident as they pray for the brooch to be found and in how they have a heart to serve their community.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Guideposts on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 4 stars and a solid faith thread 

 
BackCover Blurb:
Borrowed Trouble is the fifteen book in the Mysteries of Cobble Hill Farm fiction series.

The wedding of Harriet Bailey and Will Knight has finally arrived. Friends and family of the bride and groom have gathered, and the celebration couldn’t be more perfect—until the power goes out during the reception. When the lights come back on, Harriet’s family heirloom is missing! Could one of their friends really have taken such a special item?

Determined to prove that couldn’t be true, Harriet and Will pause their honeymoon plans to search for the missing antique brooch. As they interview witnesses and possible suspects, they realize there is more history to the jewelry than they ever imagined. And what happens when other valuable items disappear? Harriet and Will must map out the truth before their honeymoon road trip takes another detour. 

GuidePosts Publishing, May 2025

Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon

 

THE NOVEL ADVENTURES OF NATALIE DAUGHTRY by Susan L. Tuttle, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"His goal here in France was to pursue his wife while not embarrassing her. He hoped that he was up to the task."

Mason Daughtry's intentions for following his wife to France were entirely different than hers . . . ENTIRELY different. Only their second collaboration, Natalie, Brooke, and Everleigh had been contracted by an enigmatic employer, known only as Casper, to locate a rare manuscript; in fact, Lewis Carroll's handwritten and illustrated copy of the classic tome "Alice's Adventures Under Ground" was barely rumored to exist.

Natalie Daughtry's empty nest had been slowly turning into an empty life, she and her husband drifting dangerously apart. While Natalie was not sure this surprise appearance by Mason in France was going to be a help or a hindrance, she was almost sure that she was being shadowed by a man she had barely met. (cue protective husband!) Trying to fall in love again was going to take every bit of courage that she could muster, for that particular adventure was either coasting to a conclusion or waiting for a new chapter to begin.

What was I expecting when I began reading this book? An intriguing, mysterious, serpentine of a story. (check!) What caught me off guard in the best kind of way was how utterly romantic this book turned out to be. (I would even say swoony!) Do they find the rare manuscript? (that's for you to discover!) Did they re-write their own story? (read on!)
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars

SEE KIM'S REVIEW

 

BackCover Blurb:
In pursuit of a rare book, will Natalie and Mason find each other again?

With her twenty-plus-year marriage on the brink of collapse, bookish Natalie Daughtry immerses herself in her new bookstore job. When the mysterious Caspar gathers Natalie and her friends Everleigh and Brooke for the second time, she's ready for an adventure to disperse the turmoil clouding her marriage. Caspar enlists their help in searching for a rumored copy of Lewis Carroll's handwritten and illustrated manuscript of Alice's Adventures Under Ground. Natalie is immediately enticed--this is the perfect distraction.

But then Mason joins the team, and suddenly Natalie and her husband are side-by-side on the search for this elusive treasure. Being forced to work together has them tumbling deep into their past, seeking answers to old misunderstandings. When they emerge from the rabbit hole, things aren't the same. Will they rediscover the love that once held the pages of their life together? 

 

Kregel Publishing, March, 2025

Available in digital ebook or paperback at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or  Baker Book House

 

OVERFLOW by Linda Rodante, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise for #JustRead

Book 2 of The Waterfall Mysteries, 

Christian romantic mystery and suspense

 

PAULA'S REVIEW:

This is a continuation of Waterfall and is the best read after that book. 
 

The four friends, Anna and Laurie who own a B&B and Richard and Trevor who are psychologists, are hiking near a beautiful waterfall. Laurie is injured, and the other hikers go to summon help. While sitting by the falls, she sees something frightening in the water: a body of a woman with a flashy ring on her finger.
 

This was an absorbing, complex story that kept you trying to figure out who could have put the body there, who took the ring, and who was threatening which of the friends. What an exciting plot, and a surprise ending.
 

I enjoyed the portrayal of faith discussions between the four friends and the romance that progressed.
 

I am looking forward to more stories in this fictional Tennessee town.
*A complimentary copy of this. Book was provided by the author for review. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

4 stars and a solid faith thread 

 

BackCover Blurb:
Can a peaceful waterfall hold the answer to a murderer's darkest secret?

In the small town of Benton, Tennessee, Laurie Brooks is seen as quiet and unassuming until she makes a deadly discovery at a waterfall. Determined to find justice for the victim, Laurie embarks on a journey of self-discovery that will challenge everything she thought she knew about herself.

Trevor Oppenheimer, a young, successful psychologist, loves his work helping others overcome emotional turmoil. But when Laurie begins to unravel a dangerous maze of secrets, Trevor's pain-filled past rises to threaten her investigation. Can he trust God and conquer his fear, or will he drive Laurie away?

While Laurie and Trevor navigate their struggles of faith, fear, and growing love, a killer lurks in the shadows. As the danger escalates, they’ll have to unravel the truth before they find themselves the victims of a vindictive killer.

Fans of faith-filled drama, suspenseful whodunits, and strong female protagonists, will love Book 2 of The Waterfall Mysteries. Although fun as a series, each book can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery.

Helpful Links:  Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Author's Social Media Links: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

SMOKESCREEN and DECEPTION By Christy Barritt (Pros and Cons Mysteries), Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

PROS AND CONS MYSTERY SERIES

books two and three 

REBECCA'S REVIEWS:

SMOKESCREEN 

"Really, a smokescreen is a ruse, something that disguises a person's true intentions or activities."

Olive Sterling's present case as a professional investigator is riddled with half-truths and loose clues. Posing as the girlfriend of an affluent Wyoming rancher, Olive and her team go undercover to expose someone whose deception is equally efficient and deadly. The motive is a little murky; is it simply to ruin Reid Harrison's reputation or is there more going on than meets the eye, for apparently the common adage holds true; where there is smoke, there's fire. Olive is hoping that she doesn't get burned.

With twists, turns and a continuous flow of suspects, the steady pace of this story moves the reader closer and closer to the truth, which is a bit more complicated than one might imagine . . . except for the author!

Great addition to the series!
BackCover Blurb:

She was raised by a con artist. She’s using the skills she learned to catch a killer.

Growing up as a scammer’s daughter, Olive Sterling learned early on that deception is an art form. Now as a professional investigator, she’s transformed those skills into weapons for justice.

Reid Harrison’s Wyoming ranch is under siege. As sabotage escalates to death threats, he turns to Olive’s team for help. Posing as the rancher’s girlfriend, Olive works to uncover what’s smoldering beneath a string of unlikely accidents and vandalism.

When her probing catches the wrong attention, Olive becomes the next target. With lives and millions in property at stake, she faces an impossible choice: back down and survive, or risk everything to expose a killer ready to watch it all burn?

 

DECEPTION

"The case: A Woman in Oasis could be defrauding the community of their money to satisfy her own greed."

The curious part of this case for private investigator Olive Sterling was that it would take her back to one of the many locations where she had lived as a child, where she had met the one love of her life, Jason Stewart, who in an ironic twist, had hired her to uncover the potential fraud facing this small Texas town. A very popular member of the Oasis community was continuing to raise thousands of dollars to support her family's needs due to her dire cancer diagnosis. The blaring question? . . . is Rebecca Hansen actually sick?

In the meantime, Olive continues to receive cryptic messages about her own family's tragic demise. And then there is the matter of a "motorcycle man" trying to thwart her efforts . . . because of her current case or her past history in Oasis? To top it off, Jason arrives to assist. . . will he serve as a handsome distraction . . .or a welcome asset. . . to be continued.

Clearly, the plot is thickening and you won't want to miss a single detail! 

BackCover Blurb:
Sometimes, coming home is beautiful. Other times, it's fatal.

Private investigator Olive Sterling never thought she would return to Oasis, Texas. But when an old flame asks her to investigate a beloved local teacher who claims to have terminal cancer, she reluctantly agrees to help.

While the community rallies around Rebecca Hansen with prayers and financial support, Olive realizes something about her story doesn’t add up. Is Rebecca really fighting for her life? Or is she scamming people out of their hard-earned money? For Olive, whose own father was a master of deception, this case hits dangerously close to home.

As Olive digs deeper for answers, disturbing patterns emerge. Plus, a mysterious man seems to watch her every move. When threatening messages start arriving and the danger turns deadly, Olive realizes this investigation has stirred up secrets someone would kill to keep buried.

 

*I purchased both books and was not obligated to provide a positive review. 

 

PROS AND CONS SERIES is available in digital ebook and paperback. Buy at Amazon

FIREFLY DIARIES and DRAGONFLY ASHES by C. C. Warrens, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEWS

CHERRY CREEK MYSTERIES BOOKS ONE AND TWO

FIREFLY DIARIES
"One thing she knew for certain was that something strange was going on in this village, and it was beginning to feel like her house was at the center of it  . . . "

Seeking refuge in a new place to start her life all over again, Noelle McKenzie purchases an old, dilapidated house in rural Ohio through an online auction, thinking that a physical, mental, and emotional renovation is just what her broken heart needs. Upon arrival, she is shocked at the structure's actual appearance, it seems the old house has a story to tell, and it's not a happy one.

Before Noelle can even get unpacked, she is warned away and calls local law enforcement to make sure of her safety. When Captain Derek Dempsey arrives from the sheriff's department to clear the house, his review of local lore doesn't make Noelle feel any safer, but it does give her perspective. The story only gets curiouser and curiouser, and a lot more minacious . . . especially when she stumbles upon a small girl's (who calls herself Firefly) journal.

"Was God her Firefly, trying to shed light into the darkness that had consumed her life? Was He whispering words that she couldn't hear?"

Such a good story on multiple levels! The word flow and chapter structure keeps the fast pace and raw edges flowing smoothly and effortlessly. The characters, while quite unique, are equally authentic. The setting, that appears so sinister in the beginning, mirrors life itself . . . redeemable.

Plus! Good luck figuring out what is really going on in the old Bechtel house.
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

See PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
"The world whipped around her in a dizzying funnel of lights and shouts, people in uniforms pressing in from all directions. Noelle sat motionless in the street, barely able to breathe. His little body was too still. Too broken."

Noelle's world shattered that night, like the pieces of headlights scattered across the dark street. There was no rebuilding her life around the grave of her child.

Adrift in her grief, Noelle finds herself drawn to an old house as rundown and weary as her spirit. She might not be able to mend her own brokenness, but maybe she can restore this abandoned structure to its former beauty. Determined, she throws herself into a renovation project with the unexpected help of a local. But she soon learns that her new home comes with a blood-stained history and a chilling reputation.

When she stumbles across a diary written by a child with a disturbing life, and a teenage girl vanishes from the village, clues leave Noelle wondering if her house might somehow be connected. Someone -- or something -- wants her gone, but she has no intention of leaving without discovering the truth.

----

DRAGONFLY ASHES
"It was like a bug hugged his face."

Well, that didn't sound like someone who Noelle McKenzie wanted around her home or her daughter. Nevertheless, that was how Skyler had described the face that she had seen outside her window, and now Noelle had seen the same figure. What was it with people and masks . . . especially around Halloween. More disturbing was the fact that this particular apparition was reminiscent of the area's sole serial killer, the Dragonfly.

And then there were the barn fires . . .

Cleverly capturing the threads of its diverse cast of characters into one united storyline, this book takes turns deepening relationships (yes, Noelle and Derek are still an item, Skyler is settling in with her "second" mother, and Walt is just as ornery as ever, but slightly improved) while investigating the sort of misguided evil intentions that potentially fragment a community into a million pieces. Will dreams turn into ashes or will a little girl's fervent prayers be answered?

A wonderfully layered, carefully plotted romantic suspense that skirts the edges of being a thriller!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars

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

WATERFALL by Linda K. Rodante, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

Christian Romantic Mystery, Book One in The Waterfall Mysteries

This story starts out with a thrilling scene and it just gets more troublesome and confusing. 

Richard, a school counselor who likes to climb up waterfalls, meets Annalisa when they come upon a boy on the roof of a car in a swollen, swirling creek. They save Hudson but then circumstances surrounding finding two bodies makes everything super complicated. As they work to piece the puzzle together, they become friends and that turns to romance.

Amid danger and lots of questions, Annalisa lives out her faith and Richard discovers faith and accepts Christ. They are sure God is working in their lives.

Fast-paced drama, reliable and interesting plot and a steady friend-to- more romantic thread makes this a fantastic story.
*I purchased a copy of this book in the Summer Suspicions collection from Amazon. All opinions are mine alone.*4 stars and a strong faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
If you love a good whodunit and romance...

A dead body, a flood, and a boy’s rescue. Can Annalisa Carabelle keep the boy safe while racing to discover a killer before it's too late?

“This (mystery) kicks off with an intense water rescue and…kept me on my toes all the way to the end…I loved Anna and Richard together…and the romantic tension between them.” Meez Carrie, Reading is My Superpower

All Annalisa Carabelle wants is a successful summer season for the bed-and-breakfast she co-owns. She never expected the flood, the boy who needed rescuing, or the man who came from nowhere to help. The dead body? Well, the wound to the head proved it had nothing to do with do with the deluge.

Richard Jordan’s plans for the summer include as much scrambling up waterfalls as possible. He needs the adrenaline rush because life has proven routine, even pointless. But both the woman and the boy called him a hero, and maybe the dead body is a wake-up call. Life might be worth living if he and this intriguing woman can find the killer and make sure he doesn’t kill again.

But they’ve got too many suspects, and even the police are baffled. With the family protecting the killer, he might just get away for good, unless they force his hand—and stay alive while they are doing it.

September, 2024

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

BUY WATERFALL at Amazon

THE SECRETS SHE KEPT (True Crime Junkies #7 ) by Christy Barritt, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

"A thought circled in his mind.
A thought he didn't want to acknowledge.
A thought he certainly didn't want to speak out loud.
Because the idea seemed preposterous.
It didn't make sense.
Then again, a lot of things happening lately didn't make sense."

Duke McAllister had been faithfully searching for his missing fiance following her mysterious disappearance over two years prior  . . .long enough for his heart to have disconnected? Maybe. Brilliant, beautiful, stubborn-as-a-mule Andi Slade had slipped into his life and taken root, supporting his efforts to find Celeste while not demanding anything more of him than a friendship sporting a special bond. But neither Duke nor Andi nor any member of their Arctic Circle Murder Club podcast team were prepared for the news release . . . accusing Celeste of being a murderer.

" . . . he knew God was still there. Even when Duke couldn't see Him or feel Him, that didn't mean He had disappeared."

Such a tangled web! In fact, not in one million, zillion years would I have imagined how this story was going to turn out. This author and this series . . . her signature style . . . . and brilliant plotting, are absolutely, without a doubt, perfectly matched! 

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

BackCover Blurb:
In the Land of the Midnight Sun, secrets cast long shadows.

Former Army investigator Duke McAllister remains determined to uncover the truth behind his fiancée’s mysterious disappearance two years ago. Joined by his friend and podcast teammate, Andi Slade, Duke delves into Celeste Dawson’s past and soon uncovers a mind-bending conspiracy.

When a shocking news report names Celeste as a suspect in a series of murders, Duke must grapple with the mounting evidence that his fiancée may not be the person he thought she was. The stakes rise to terrifying new heights when bodies start piling up and the podcast team becomes a target.

Duke and Andi must navigate a labyrinth of secrets, betrayal, and murder to unravel the web of deceit that reaches far beyond anything they ever imagined. Will they find the answers before it’s too late? Or will the secrets Celeste kept destroy them all?

May, 2024

Buy THE SECRETS SHE KEPT in digital ebook or paperback at Amazon

 

THE END OF THE ROAD by Christy Barritt, (True Crime Junkies), Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

(True Crime Junkies Book 6)

" . . . she knew too much. I wouldn't let her ruin me . . . She was mine. And I couldn't wait to remind her of that fact."

Simmy Samuels and Ranger Garrett!!! Who knew what a story they had to tell?! So many secrets hidden deep within the mountain ranges of Alaska. When their identities are inadvertently revealed to the public through an Arctic Circle Murder Club case, they go on the run once again . . . providentially running into each other, and deciding to face what comes next together . . . even if it means "I'm in this with you. Until the end."

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9. "Lord, let that be my prayer. Help us not to be destroyed."

This fast-moving romantic suspense, borderline thriller, borderline cozy mystery, borderline split-time novel is perfectly paced, perfectly plotted, and perfectly woven into the overall series with the aplomb of a seasoned veteran who knows how to keep an audience tuned in over and over again. The inspirational elements are seamlessly woven into the story, and the outcome is not only just a bit of a surprise, but totally satisfying. 

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

 

BackCover Blurb:
With the future of the Arctic Circle Murder Club teetering on rocky ground, the team members have scattered. But it’s not long before they realize some bonds can’t be broken.

Fearing an adversary from her past will find her, Simmy Samuels runs, determined to find a new place to hide. But Ranger Garrett isn’t about to leave Simmy out in the cold and alone. He’s determined to both protect Simmy and to search for his daughter, whom he thought was dead.

As Ranger and Simmy set out to find his little girl, danger follows them into the vast wilderness of Alaska. Challenges meet them at every turn: unyielding danger, truth that feels more like fiction, and reality blurred by deception.

Will they survive long enough to set things right? Or will this be the end of the road for the murder club? 

 

River Heights Publishing, March, 2024

Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon