REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Sweet Mahalia baby," . . . "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?"
She was so close. Moving steadily towards her next goal, Judge Mahalia Jackson could almost feel the heels of her shoes climbing higher up the ladder of success, gaining additional prestige, earning more respect in her field. There was only thing standing in her way, securing that upcoming appointment as assistant supervising judge. Then, much like a seasoned major league pitcher, the author throws a few perfectly timed curve balls which neither her readers or characters could have anticipated.
Jimmy Dean Cash, attorney at law, had vowed to stay on the straight and narrow, fully concentrating on his God given ability to defend widows and children. In doing so, he had been blessed with a wide measure of success. Unexpectedly, Cash finds himself presenting an argument before Judge Mahalia Jackson with regards to a large settlement, and for the first time in forever, JD has trouble concentrating on his case; the woman was absolutely stunning!
As if the heavens have declared their paths to cross again, Mahalia is called upon by her mentor to assist JD with a group of at-risk teens in a program called the Junior Jurors, thus demonstrating that she has a vested interest in community service while vying for her promotion. Unknown to Mahlia, not everyone is anxious to see her succeed, undercurrents of malicious intentions are bantered about in private messages and chat boards. By contrast, time spent with JD serves as a balm to her overworked soul, while being totally aware that any hint of personal connection could jeopardize everything they have worked so hard to protect . . . appearances of impropriety and all.
The inner struggle to be who you have always dreamed of being, versus who God may want you to become, is remarkably fleshed out within these characters. Not only is their spiritual tug-of-war quite authentically portrayed, but it is also swathed with rich biblical truths placed strategically within the narrative at just the right times and in all the right places.
And of course after reading this book, I'm of the opinion that every good romance needs an elevator scene!
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from the publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.4.5 stars
WINNIE'S REVIEW:
Jayna Breigh is making a name for herself in the Christian mystery and suspense area. When she combines the suspense with a healthy dose of inspiration, a hunky hero, and an overachieving judge for a heroine, Breigh checks all the boxes for an enjoyable and fascinating story. Breigh also brings her legal background and knowledge into the tale to authenticate it and educate the reader. I enjoy learning new things while reading an engrossing book, so this was very entertaining to me.
Attorney Jimmy Dean Cash is a fantastic hero with a troubled past, but a heart for kids, widows, and people who’ve been wronged. Mahalia Jackson is the youngest female judge in LA and has her career all mapped out. She’s very beautiful and focused but needs someone like JD Cash to ruffle her feathers a bit. When they get thrown together to mentor some teens in the Junior Jurors Program, their preconceived futures get shaken up.
The characters are well-drawn and engaging, the plot is compelling and interesting, and the inspirational themes add depth to the story. I’m looking forward to more stories from this talented author.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
As the youngest female judge in LA, Mahalia Jackson has her career goals carefully aligned. But when her mentor tells her she needs to break her shell of professionalism and show a little heart by volunteering for the Junior Jurors program, her plans begin to falter.
Attorney JD Cash heads up the Junior Jurors program, a project born out of his own troubled past. He leverages his position as an attorney to fulfill God's calling on his life, supporting the orphans and widows of society who have lost beloved husbands and fathers to TransNation's eighteen-wheeled time bombs roaming America's freeways.
Mahalia's rule—never date a lawyer—is a straitjacket that tightens when she presides over the case where JD serves as a young widow's attorney. But when an earthquake leaves JD and Mahalia in a vulnerable position, her resolve begins to waver and she finds herself opening up to the sad-eyed lawyer. But online, anonymous colleagues and adversaries attempt to destroy Mahalia’s reputation and career.
A legal drama threaded with romance, An Appearance of Impropriety will show readers that real love is worth the risk.
Available in digital ebook, paperback, or audiobook:
Buy AN APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House
