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

DRAGONFLY ASHES by C C Warrens, Reviewed by Kim

CHERRY CREEK MYSTERIES #2

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

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

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

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

SEE REBECCA'S REVIEW:

BackCover Blurb:

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

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

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

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

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

PAGES OF PROMISE by Jessica Ashley, Reviewed by Kim

Christian Romantic Suspense

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

February 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook at Amazon

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

WAYLAID by Jerusha Agen, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

A Christian Romantic Suspense (Windy City Westons Book 1)

 

REBECCA'S REVIEW

"Panic surged up Spring's throat . . . this is what her life would be like for the rest of her days."

When cyclist Spring Weston survives an horrific hit and run accident, it's not only her long recovery that has her spooked, it is the threatening text messages that she is constantly receiving from an unknown source. When evidence begins to mount that her accident was intentional, criminal in fact, the case is transferred to Sergeant Torin Cotter.

Although the lovely hospital patient isn't saying much, Torin Cotter's well honed instincts alert him to the fact that there is more going on than meets the eye. And interestingly enough, Spring's siblings agree with him. The question is . . . why? Who would have a reason to harm Spring, and why would Spring be reticent to tell him everything that she may or may not realize that she knows? Every detail is crucial to his investigation that suddenly . . . when he least expects it . . . goes off the rails. Now multiple lives are at stake.

Initially flowing along at a comfortable pace, the story speed suddenly accelerates, intertwining coincidences together as a cover up for cleverly concealed acts of evil intentions. Just as important to the characters' survival are matters of the heart, poised to swing effortlessly from life towards death, making the answers to some very hard questions crucial to survival . . .

"If you're so okay with dying, then why are you so afraid of living?"

Readers will immediately be looking forward to book two!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 3.5stars

BackCover Blurb:
Someone wants to kill her. She wants the killer to finish the job.

Spring Weston will do anything to rise in the ranks of pro cycling and prove she isn’t the one failure of the five Weston siblings. Anything except cheat. When she learns of doping on her cycling team, she’s determined to uncover the truth. But she can’t if she’s dead.

Sergeant Torin Cotter may not be the hero the public thinks he is, but he recognizes fear when he sees it. When he takes over the investigation of the collision that landed Spring in the hospital, he’s compelled to protect her from whatever danger she’s in, even though he knows he might fail. Again.

Spring’s faith in God isn’t enough to help her face the living nightmare she awakened to after the accident. But neither she nor the handsome sergeant see the greater threat that’s coming until it’s too late. 

March, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, or hardcover at Amazon

TWO SECONDS TOO LATE by Dani Pettrey, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #CelebrateLitTour #Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Two Seconds Too Late (Jeopardy Falls Series: Book Two)

Author: Dani Pettrey

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: April 29, 2025

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.

Click here to get your copy!

PAULA'S REVIEW

Book two in the Jeopardy Falls series has Riley MacLeod and Grayson Chadwick teaming up to go undercover at a couples spa retreat. With friend Kelly gone missing, they try to find the reason Kelly left the spa abruptly. More confounding is why Riley receives a key and a cryptic note.

While searching for clues, Gray and Riley find they can no longer deny the attraction growing between them, especially when they are posing as a couple. But each has baggage in their past that is putting a damper on romance. They both have a strong faith that they rely on to get them through the threatening situations and they count on their expertise as members of a private investigation team to hunt down answers, even as danger follows them.

Intense from start to finish, this was a page turner with interesting characters, a twisty plot and a sigh worthy romance.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Celebrate Lit tours via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*4 stars and a solid faith thread 

About the Author

Publishers Weekly and #1 Amazon bestselling author, Dani Pettrey has sold nearly one million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance.

Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today).

Dani loves to mentor aspiring and newly-published authors. Seeing them grow and spread their wings is so rewarding. She recently was awarded ACFW’s Mentor of the Year. She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Florida, where she lives with her husband.

More from Dani

Hi friends! Thanks so much for taking time out of your day to stop by and say hi. I deeply appreciated. I have loved writing Riley and Greyson’s story. They are my favorite couple since Landon and Piper in my Alaskan Courage series. She’s fiery and independent and he is smitten by her, but also fears for her safety and after you read Two Seconds Too Late, you’ll understand why. Taking them out of their regular environment and placing them as a couple at high-end spa and resort brings on the opportunity to test out their feelings for one another under the guise of playing along. It’s a close proximity, opposites attract, and fake relationship story that tugged at my heart and I hope it’ll dug at yours too.

Every time I release a new book, I get a bunch of questions, which I love. I love sharing more about the story and digging into my hope for it, so I’m sharing several of the questions I get asked most and I wanted to share the answers to them with you. Please feel free to ask any other questions in the comment section below and I’ll respond within a day. Thanks again for stopping by! I hope you enjoy reading Riley and Greyson’s adventure as much as I enjoyed writing it.

1. What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

That despite a strong, complexed and nuanced antagonist, that light can come from the darkest places and bring peace or, at the very least, closure to not only the families of the victims but to the hero and/or heroine as well. It might not be perfect, and it certainly doesn’t fix anything, but I still believe in the hero/heroine triumphing over the villain.

2) What authors or books have influenced your career as a writer, and why?

So many. I would say my top three influencers were Sue Grafton and are Lisa Gardner and Dee Henderson. The three write very different style of stories. Sue perfect the mystery with some edgy suspense scenes. Lisa creates the best or worst, I suppose. They are a force to be reckoned with and I love her twists and surprises. And, Dee’s book are paced so well and laid out so methodically. I’ve learned something different, and continue to do so, from these three, excellent authors.

3) Which took shape first: plot, character, or setting?

To me it’s a combination of knowing the hero and heroine’s jobs. I like to think about what kind of person would do that job and how it will affect them and the story itself. I also know the setting as it’s a character its own right and adds to and affects the story overall. I also know the crime, but I don’t know who did it. I like to leave my options open to see the direction the story goes, and where the investigation leads.

4) What was the biggest challenge this book presented? What about the biggest opportunity?

The balance between what was occurring on the surface in contrast to what was simmering beneath the surface and rising up in subtext. Creating that balance and keeping things on track was interesting, but It provided the perfect opportunity to delve into the deepest part of the characters. Overall, it was tricky to strike the right balance and have the subtly rise to the surface in a natural and authentic way.

Homemade Butterscotch Recipe:

Butterscotch is Riley’s favorite candy & the bane of Greyson’s existence (you’ll see why in the book J).Ingredients:

2 ½ cup sugar

1 cup unsalted butter

1/3 tsp. salt

¾ cup water

½ cup molasses

¼ cup honey

1 tsp. Vanilla extract

And a little sea salt for an added touch.

Directions:

Put ingredients in pan. Cook mixture to 250 degrees.

Pour into a lined pan with parchment paper and leave it alone.

Sprinkle some sea salt if you’d like.

Let it sit overnight.

Cut it up into squares (a pizza cutter works great) and store in fridge.

Blog Stops

Book Looks by Lisa, April 23

CeCe Reads and Sings, April 23

The Sacred Line, April 24

Southern Gal Loves to Read, April 24

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 24

Where Faith and Books Meet, April 25

Wishful Endings, April 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 27

Inklings and Notions, April 27

Texas Book-aholic, April 28

For Him and My Family, April 28

Maureen’s Musings, April 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 29

Betti Mace, April 30

Bizwings Book Blog, April 30

Leslie’s Library Escape, May 1

Just Your Average reviews, May 1

Blogging With Carol, May 2

Inkwell Inspirations, May 2

Stories By Gina, May 3 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 3

Cover Lover Book Review, May 4

Labor Not in Vain, May 4

Holly’s Book Corner, May 5

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 5

Lights in a Dark World, May 5

Pause for Tales, May 6

Roads to Everywhere, May 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dani is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, a copy of the book in winner’s choice of eBook or paperback, and a $20 Starbucks gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TWO SECONDS TOO LATE by Dani Pettrey, Reviewed by Kim #NewRelease

A Forced Proximity Romantic Suspense Thriller Book Set in New Mexico

KIM'S REVIEW:
Two Seconds Too Late is packed with romance, suspense, and nonstop action that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Dani Pettrey delivers a gripping story with plenty of twists and turns, all wrapped up in a sweet, heartfelt romance.

I really enjoyed the dynamic between Riley and Greyson. The fake dating trope is always a fun one, but what made it really work here was the deep friendship and feelings that were already between them. Watching their relationship grow as they faced both danger and personal struggles—and supported each other through them—was my favorite part of the story.

The plot was intricate and twisty, and the pacing of the action was spot on. I also loved the strong group dynamics; the bonds between the characters added an extra layer of warmth to the story. After the hints in this book, I’m already looking forward to book three!

Although Two Seconds Too Late is the second installment in the Jeopardy Falls series, it easily reads well on its own. That said, I’m definitely going back to read the first book while I wait (impatiently!) for the next one.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith element is light. 4 stars.

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 Publishers, April, 2025

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

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

EVERY DEADLY SUSPICION by Janice Cantore, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #NewRelease

PAULA'S REVIEW:

This suspenseful story starts out with a suspicious death and just gets more interesting.
 

Police Chief Hanna Keyes has only ever heard stories about her father who was convicted of two murders that took place before she was even born.
 

It was a very exciting, twisty plot that brought out many moral issues.
 

Hannah has a solid faith and relies on God to help her in her vocation. She is drawn to two men, Nathan, a colleague who shares her faith and Jared a firefighter who has returned after a long absence. She counts on both to help her in her current struggles.
 

Ferreting out the truth can be a dangerous game in this close-knit community. And forgiving someone you barely know can be difficult. But Hanna needs to reconcile with her father,who is on hospice, in order to have questions answered and for the daughter of the victims to have closure.
 

This many-layered story with cleverly connected characters, delves into the twisted mind of a criminal and culminates in an exciting conclusion.
*A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Tyndale 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:
Thirty years after a federal agent and two suspects disappeared in the wilderness, the case is cold, and they’ve never been found. Now their suspected killer is about to go free. But is the truth really what it seems?

In Dry Oaks, California, Chief of Police Hanna Keyes has long believed her father, Joe, is a murderer, justly imprisoned. When she’s told he’s dying and is being given compassionate release from prison, she wants nothing to do with him. But taking him in might be Hanna’s one shot at cracking the cold case, so she reluctantly agrees to oversee his care.

Joe’s arrival in Dry Oaks seems to set off a chain reaction of crimes. Then an infamous true-crime podcaster comes sniffing for information, and Hanna’s first love, Jared, shows up just when she least needs the distraction. As Hanna tries to convince Joe to reveal what he knows about the missing persons, evidence in the cold case surfaces at a suspiciously rapid pace . . . suggesting there’s more to the murders than people thought.

With Joe’s strength failing, Hanna and her colleagues look for answers, not only about the past but also about recent criminal dealings in Dry Oaks. As the puzzle pieces start to fit together, it becomes clear that there’s a sinister plot at work, far more wide-reaching than anyone suspected, and that someone is desperate to silence the truth at any cost.

Stand-alone contemporary romantic suspense novel
Includes discussion questions for book clubs
Police drama
Cold case murder mystery 

 

Tyndale Fiction, March, 2025

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

Buy EVERY DEADLY SUSPICION at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

TERMINAL DANGER by Jerusha Agen, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

Guardians Unleased series #5

Christian Suspense - K9

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"You haven't risen from the ashes of your past. You're buried in them. You're buried in death."

The ashes of her past . . . a past that few know, and none would ever want . . . but it produced a passion that drives Phoenix Gray day in and day out . . . above all, to seek justice. After the body of one familiar victim is discovered, Phoenix is convinced that this particular killer will come calling her way; in fact, she's made sure of it. What she did not anticipate was his method; going off-script to kidnap an entire bus load of innocent school children, one of which is very dear to her heart.

Called into the case is F. B. I. Special Agent Callum Ross, whose entire career has centered around apprehending serial killers. When he is assigned the school bus kidnapping case, his inter-actions with Phoenix Gray catch and hold his attention almost immediately. She's a fascinating woman, but very guarded, never showing any emotion, working alone with her canine partner, Dag and demonstrating an intelligent intuition, the likes of which he has never seen before. What drives Phoenix Gray? . . . what he discovers is shocking.

Deep, dark, dangerous . . . this book answers so many questions about what lies beneath the surface of the famed leader of the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency . . . and honestly, it's a little scary under there. There is more than one miracle in this story, for every reader will remember how The Light penetrated that darkness with the light of His grace. And Callum??? His brave, gentle, loving spirit is exactly what heroes are made of.

From ashes to eternal riches . . . a fabulous edge-of-your-seat suspense and so much more!
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars 

 

BackCover Blurb:
This woman and her K-9 are being hunted. Exactly as she planned.

When a busload of schoolchildren disappears, Phoenix Gray knows the kidnapper is the unidentified serial killer she’s spent her life trying to catch. This time, she’ll find the killer and bring him to justice no matter what it takes. She and her Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency join the search for the hostages, but they aren’t the only ones who want the criminal captured.

Callum Ross, an FBI agent who specializes in catching serial criminals, is about to resign. But not until he finds one last culprit, the killer behind a famous twenty-year-old crime Callum vowed to solve.

Despite the FBI agent’s uncanny understanding of her psyche, Phoenix refuses to be distracted from her goal. When the serial killer turns into the cat instead of the mouse, Phoenix thinks she’s ready. But will she need the God she rejected to achieve the justice she’s given her life to obtain?

Terminal Danger concludes the thrilling story of the elite Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency that began with Hidden Danger (Guardians Unleashed, #1). (Each book can stand alone or be read as series installments.)

SDG Publishing, October, 2024

Available in digital ebook, hardcover, and paperback

Buy TERMINAL DANGER at Amazon

CORNERED by Lynette Eason, Lynn Blackburn, and Natalie Walters. Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

Three Romantic Suspense Novellas

PAULA'S REVIEW:

Three romantic suspense novellas that keep you turning pages and keep you guessing. Tough heroines and loyal heroes who love them and want to protect them makes for great stories complete with complex villains who make a mess of their lives. There is an underlying faith thread that shows the characters are grounded.

In the Dark- Lynette Eason
Steph is too ready to trust and needs to be more cautious. Tate gets a workout keeping up with her.

Downfall- Lynn Blackburn
Someone is sabotaging the kitchen in The Haven in Gossamer Falls. Who wants Cassie gone and why? Donovan searches it out. This was my favorite. I loved going back to Gossamer Falls.

Perilous Obsession- Natalie Walters
Stalking and a kidnapping keeps Lehela on edge but Briggs comes to the rescue and wants to take their relationship to the next level.

A great trio of suspense stories.
*A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Revell through NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*4 Stars and an underlying faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
Prepare for three times the thrills with these nail-biting page-turners from your favorite romantic suspense authors!

In In the Dark by Lynette Eason, accountant Steph Cross is cleaning out a coworker's desk after her untimely death when she finds cryptic notes that lead her to believe her friend's car accident was no accident at all. Detective Tate Cooper is determined to help her crack the case before someone else gets hurt. But can he protect the woman who has so quickly laid claim to his heart?

In Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn, chef Cassie Quinn gets an offer she can't refuse: to fill in as chef at an exclusive mountain resort. But when the kitchen is destroyed and it becomes clear Cassie is in danger, she's forced to accept the help of her ex-boyfriend, Detective Donovan Bledsoe, to find the culprit and keep her safe.

In Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters, teacher Lahela Young becomes the target of someone with a twisted obsession of righting a wrong. The first person she turns to is her good friend Briggs Turner. Briggs may have left his career as a police officer, but he still has the instinct to protect--especially for Lahela. 

Revell Publishing, November, 2024

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

BUY CORNERED at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

WHAT WE HIDE (Tupelo Grove #1) by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

"Death is a lonely business."

"So many things were riding on the truth."

Broadsided with a trifecta of unexpected, and rather unwelcome circumstances, history professor Savannah Webster must face the fact that valuable artifacts are disappearing from Tupelo Grove University's warehouse, her estranged husband has shown up pleading for a second chance, and her very future teeters on the cusp of becoming a suspect in a murder investigation . . . Hez Webster is a brilliant attorney, perhaps his reappearance could solve her legal woes, but her heart and head are simply not in tandem about their marriage.

Struggling to fit together multiple fragments from among a convoluted menagerie of clues, Savannah and Hez soon realize that Tupelo Grove is hiding sinister secrets and those involved are in it to win it, no matter the cost. Will what they discover bring justice for all or simply become another sad chapter in a story that already has borne the brunt of immeasurable heartache . . . 

  . . . "He had been gripping the past like shards of a broken crystal sculpture, trying to force the shattered pieces back together . . . The sculpture could never be made whole again, but the pieces held a broken beauty of their own, especially touched with healing light."

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Defying all norms for a legal/suspense/thriller/romance, this story bulges through boundaries to form a smorgasbord of intrigue and ingenuity, creating a satisfying ending right up until . . . oh, my goodness! 

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

BackCover Blurb:
Family secrets. Historical wrongs. And the truths that refuse to stay buried.

Savannah Webster is trying to find her way forward. She and her husband, Hez, have been separated since tragedy tore them apart and he began numbing his grief and guilt with alcohol. She returned to Tupelo Grove University, which her family helped found over a century ago, to teach history.

When Hez turns up in her classroom asking for a second chance, she rejects the idea immediately. But twenty-four hours later she’s under suspicion for murder, and since Hez is the best attorney she knows, she reluctantly asks him for help. They suspect the murder is tied to someone selling off the university’s pre-Columbian artifacts, but the secrets go much deeper than they realize.

The only hope they’ve got is each other, and they’re going to have to put their past behind them if they’re going to stay alive long enough to uncover all that’s hidden.Contemporary romantic suspense
-Perfect for fans of Laura Griffin, Laura Dave, Sarah Pearse, Allison Brennan, and Dani Pettrey
-First installment in the Tupelo Grove series
-Book length: approximately 90,000 words
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs 

Thomas Nelson Publishing, July, 2024

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

Buy WHAT WE HIDE at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

WHAT WE HIDE by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

 (A Tupelo Grove Novel Book 1)

I have always enjoyed books by Colleen Coble, especially the Pelican Harbor series. Rick Acker is a new author for me. 

 

This was a great second chance, romance between Hez and Savannah, with a lot of intrigue and suspense on the campus of Tupelo Grove University, where Savannah has a family history. 

 

The mystery of artifacts disappearing from the museum stockroom was interesting, and it got tense when her sister Jess was accused of murder. I had a bit of trouble believing that 10 year old Simon could act the way he did. I appreciated the faith talk that Hez had with his cousin. I thought Hez and Savannah needed to have a talk about their history and impending divorce sooner. The suspense was well written, and there were several people who could be candidates for the bad guys, and I did guess one of them. This book set up the next in the series and hints at being quite the suspenseful plot, I will certainly be looking for it. 

 

*I received a complementary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*4 stars and a solid faith thread 

 

BackCover Blurb:
Family secrets. Historical wrongs. And the truths that refuse to stay buried.

Savannah Webster is trying to find her way forward. She and her husband, Hez, have been separated since tragedy tore them apart and he began numbing his grief and guilt with alcohol. She returned to Tupelo Grove University, which her family helped found over a century ago, to teach history.

When Hez turns up in her classroom asking for a second chance, she rejects the idea immediately. But twenty-four hours later she’s under suspicion for murder, and since Hez is the best attorney she knows, she reluctantly asks him for help. They suspect the murder is tied to someone selling off the university’s pre-Columbian artifacts, but the secrets go much deeper than they realize.

The only hope they’ve got is each other, and they’re going to have to put their past behind them if they’re going to stay alive long enough to uncover all that’s hidden.

-Contemporary romantic suspense
-Perfect for fans of Laura Griffin, Laura Dave, Sarah Pearse, Allison Brennan, and Dani Pettrey
-First installment in the Tupelo Grove series
-Book length: approximately 90,000 words
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Thomas Nelson Publishing, July 2024

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

Buy WHAT WE HIDE at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

LETHAL DANGER (Guardians Unleashed series #4) by Jerusha Agen, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

A Christian K-9 Suspense (Guardians Unleashed)

"The evil fair must be closed. Or more will die."

Phoenix K-9 Agency team member Jazz Lamont grew up romping throughout every corner of the Tri-City Fair when she lived with her aunt and uncle, some of her happiest childhood memories were associated with the sights, sounds, (and tastes!) of the fairgrounds. Serving on the fair's security team with her canine partner Flash, she is stunned when a Ferris wheel passenger cabin plummets to the ground. But that's not all, an injured passenger still trapped high up on the wheel is panicking . . . and her perilous climb for the ensuing rescue introduces her to . . . her favorite author, Hawthorne Emerson?

"A woman who was cool and calm in the face of disaster. Didn't encounter that every day."

Hawthorne Emerson is duly impressed with the gorgeous woman's agility, braving the heights to initiate a dangerous rescue . . . wouldn't she make a fabulous character in one of his thrillers? Hawthorne (also on the security team, and also climbing the heights with Jazz) isn't working at the fair for the sole purpose of providing an extra measure of safety for the thousands who attend, or even to energize his writing muse, he's there to gather intel on the untimely death of a teen two years prior.

While Jazz and Hawthorne navigate their tangled webs of faith, family, feelings, and future . . .  The so-called accidents at the fair continue to happen with devastating results. Meanwhile, Jazz has managed to catch the attention of a hit-man, leaving Hawthorne concerned that his past experience with a local cult has drawn the ire of some very dangerous people who view the fair as a place providing the wrong kind of entertainment.

Totally absorbing! Every page of this novel is well worth a turn! While the plot spins a bit in the middle (possibly so that readers can catch their breath) the ultimate outcomes are well worth the effort. Such interesting characters in the middle of a nearly impossible situation; "Carson Steele" himself would be impressed!

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are mine." - Isaiah 43:1
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 3.5 stars

See Rebecca's reviews of books 1-3 here, and here 

BackCover Blurb:
This K-9 team is trained to eliminate threats. This threat could eliminate them.

Being a loner is getting old. Jazz Lamont still can’t fit in at the Phoenix K-9 Agency, and she’s losing her best friend. At least providing security with her K-9 partner at the Tri-City Fair will mean revisiting the only place where she once belonged. But a series of accidents threatens her beloved fair and puts lives at risk.

Thriller author Hawthorne Emerson suspects foul play after the first “accident.” Moonlighting as fair security to investigate the death of his sister’s boyfriend, he’s eager to find the truth. He doesn’t expect the task to lead him to the cult he escaped.

Finding the culprit behind the sabotage is personal for Jazz and Hawthorne. But someone else has a personal stake, too. Someone who wants Jazz dead. When everything she thought was true is dismantled, can Jazz risk trusting others—including God—to survive?

Lethal Danger continues the thrilling story of the elite Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency that began with Hidden Danger (Guardians Unleashed, #1). (Each book can stand alone or be read as series installments.)

April, 2024 Available in digital ebook, paperback, or hardcover Buy LETHAL DANGER at Amazon