A MARK OF GRACE by Kimberley Woodhouse, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise, #ReleaseDay

Trouble upon trouble chases Ruth and Frank and the other workers at El Tovar, the flagship resort of the Fred Harvey chain.

Ms. Woodhouse took a real instance and crafted an interesting story about someone seeking revenge on Fred Harvey through his most famous jewel: El Tovar. The descriptions put me right on the edge of the beautiful canyon. “The canyon below deepened into a dark rusty color in the shadows and lit up like gold where the sun still caressed its ridges and folds.”

The villains were crafty and tested the protagonists to the limit. But Ruth, Frank and manager, Mr. Owens are not ones to let problems stop them. Not only are they dealing with evil, but Ruth is healing from a mountain lion attack that left her with scars, real and internal.

Frank, her best friend, tries to help her heal. He is a long suffering suitor who hesitates to tell her how he really feels. But as usual God’s timing is perfect. Ruth has many friends who help her see that God and His grace alone are what she needs to take to heart, to look beyond the superficial. I loved the idea portrayed that Jesus was perfect but He still bears scars as a Mark of Grace.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*5 stars and a strong faith thread.

BackCover Blurb:
Ruth Anniston survived an injury that left her physically scarred, broken, and angry at God. Now, she finds herself working behind the scenes as a kitchen and dining room supervisor at the El Tovar Hotel, hidden away from curious eyes and with little hope of finding love. When money begins to disappear from the hotel, Ruth's entire livelihood is put at risk when she lands on the list of suspects.

Frank Henderson has at last succeeded in obtaining his dream job as head chef at the El Tovar. But competition in the kitchen is fierce, and one mistake could cost him his future. As the thefts at the hotel continue, and his affection for Ruth grows, Frank's career--and his heart--are in jeopardy.

As tensions run high, Ruth and Frank must work together to save the El Tovar. They find themselves growing closer . . . but can their combined ingenuity overcome the odds against them? 

Bethany House Publishers, January 3, 2023

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

Buy A MARK OF GRACE at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

THE ROSE AND THE THISTLE by Laura Frantz, Reviewed by Paula #ReleaseDay

Ms. Frantz has penned a tender love story set during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715 in Scotland. An unlikely pairing of Catholic Lady Blythe Hadley from northern England and a Presbyterian Scottish laird, Everard Hume, from just across the border.

This was a very well-researched story. The author went the extra miles to travel to the area where the book is set. It was fascinating to find out that the hero was patterned after her ancestors and that she used actual castles and places. Some of the real characters leapt out of history and onto the page to make history come alive.

The dangers seemed very possible and the plot was well-crafted. You could feel the struggles that Blythe had to deal with being put in an awkward and perilous situation. The descriptions set the stage admirably.

Everard was a worthy hero who had his earldom thrust upon him unexpectedly. However, he did everything with prayer and relied on God. He and Blythe focused on their common faith and were not swayed by their circumstances.

Another wonderful historical from a favorite author.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Library Thing and Revell on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*5 stars and a strong faith thread.

BackCover Blurb:
In 1715, Lady Blythe Hedley's father is declared an enemy of the British crown because of his Jacobite sympathies, forcing her to flee her home in northern England. Secreted to the tower of Wedderburn Castle in Scotland, Lady Blythe awaits who will ultimately be crowned king. But in a house with seven sons and numerous servants, her presence soon becomes known.

No sooner has Everard Hume lost his father, Lord Wedderburn, than Lady Hedley arrives with the clothes on her back and her mistress in tow. He has his own problems--a volatile brother with dangerous political leanings, an estate to manage, and a very young brother in need of comfort and direction in the wake of losing his father. It would be best for everyone if he could send this misfit heiress on her way as soon as possible.

Drawn into a whirlwind of intrigue, shifting alliances, and ambitions, Lady Blythe must be careful whom she trusts. Her fortune, her future, and her very life are at stake. Those who appear to be adversaries may turn out to be allies--and those who pretend friendship may be enemies. 

Revell Publishing, January 3, 2023

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

BUY THE ROSE AND THE THISTLE at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

CRITICAL THREAT by Lynette Eason, Reviewed by Paula and Rebecca #GIVEAWAY #NEW RELEASE

EXTREME MEASURES SERIES #3

see Rebecca's GIVEAWAY below!

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Definitely high-stakes, heart stopping suspense in this one. Grace and Sam are psychiatrists working for the FBI. Ever since Sam learned his father was a serial killer, he has wanted to help the mentally ill and help catch more killers. When a new case comes up, they work together to profile the person who is committing these bizarre crimes. It is early in their relationship, but things in the past could slow down the romance brewing.

The suspense is non-stop, the killer is crafty and now Grace is in danger. The characters are well represented and have issues that they want to overcome. The faith element is believable and solid.

Ms. Eason is a long time favorite who manages to come up with intriguing, fresh storylines that keep your brain active, trying to figure out who the culprit is.

Kudos to another fast-paced puzzler.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*5 stars and a solid faith thread. 

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
" . . . he paid attention to details, everything had gone according to the plan so far. No one would ever trace anything back to him. Ever. Because he was smart."

"Got a body". And just like that, Supervisory Special Agent Grace Billingsley's schedule changed for the day. As a trained psychiatrist and behavioral analyst for the F. B. I. it was up to her to create a profile of the person leaving the bodies of his female victims in public parks with a disturbing number of other similarities. They were now after a serial killer . . . with at least some knowledge of the Bible; "the mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom, but the perverted tongue will be cut out".

When prison psychiatrist Sam Monroe shows up at the scene, Grace is a bit surprised, but not necessarily in a bad way (their brief inter-action in the past left her wanting more, but apparently Sam's feelings had not coincided with her own), but in a curious way . . . until he unloads the reason why he has been called into the case. No wonder he hesitates to pursue relationships.

Apparently words mean an awful lot to this killer, for shortly after Sam makes sure Grace arrives home safely after the day that never seemed to end, she comes dangerously close to being the next victim . . . the intruder's only demand being, "I want to know what you said".

The criminal elements of this book are impressively intricate, and very cleverly telegraphed, leaving a sparse amount of space for relational depth between Sam and Grace . . . and yet, when the story ends, you're convinced "for the rest of our lives" is definitely a possibility. What a great addition to Eason's "Extreme Measures" series!

*I received a copy of the this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. I also purchased a copy. 3.5 stars

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER OF THE CRITICAL THREAT GIVEAWAY -

MARYANN S.

*****GIVEAWAY*****

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT on our blog post before Jan 9 to be entered in a random drawing for the paperback version of CRITICAL THREAT, provided by reviewer REBECCA MANEY. Tell us if you've read other books by Lynette Eason! 

Limited to addresses in contiguous 48 states, and remember to safely add your email address or how to reach you if you are our random winner.

BackCover Blurb:

FBI Special Agent Grace Billingsley tracks serial killers, using her skills as a psychiatrist and behavioral analyst to get dangerous people off the street and safely behind bars. But prison psychiatrist Sam Monroe knows that just because a killer is incarcerated doesn't mean they're not a threat. His own father, Peter, is a serial killer--in prison but certainly not out of Sam's life, as much as he wishes he was.

When bodies start showing up with Peter's MO, Sam and Grace are both called in to consult. They've met before--and though Grace thought they'd made a real connection, Sam ghosted her. They'll have to get past the awkwardness and mistrust to solve this case--especially because it's about to get personal.

USA Today bestselling author Lynette Eason doesn't give you time to catch your breath in this breakneck race to stop a serial killer.

Revell Fiction, January 3, 2023

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

Buy CRITICAL THREAT at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or  Baker Book House 

 

TRIXI OBEREMBT'S FAVORITE READS in 2022

I call this a Baker's Dozen (13) top reads for 2022. So hard to narrow down because I read well over 100 books each year!:

#1 book for 2022 is The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip (reviewed).

This one stands out for me because of how it touched me the most...emotionally, spiritually & how it has lingered in my heart. Mrs Kip was the epitome of Christ's love, care, and His hands and feet to anyone she meets. My favorite line and one I want to live out in my own life is this:
"I want it to be known that I did my utmost to leave in my wake the love Jesus first gave me." ~Mrs. Kip

Wow, this sums up the book for me!

The rest are in no particular order:

A Quilt for Christmas by Melody Carlson (I read her new Christmas book each year!)

 

A Christmas Blessing by Judith McNees 

Beneath His Silence by Hannah Linder (fantastic Regency debut!) (see my review)

 

A Game of Hearts by Joanna Barker

 

The Engagement Plot by Krista Phillips (fun Rom-Com!)

 

Love You Truly by Susan L. Tuttle

 

Falling for the Innkeeper/The Baby's Christmas Blessing by Meghann Whistler (Love Inspired)

 

My Dear Miss Dupre by Grace Hitchcock (what I dub a hilarious Regency era Rom-Com!)

 

The Valet's Secret by Josi S. Kilpack

 

A Guarded Heart by Heidi Kimball (very, very good clean Regency!)

 

Dear Beth by Alyssa Schwarz (see my review)