Book Spotlight: Echoes of Darkness by Darlene L. Turner

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Echoes of Darkness by Darlene L. Turner, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Echoes of Darkness 
Author: Darlene L. Turner 
Publisher: Love Inspired Trade 
Release Date: June 24, 2025 
Genre: Christian Suspense/Romantic Thriller

A serial killer stalks a small town, and a police officer must face her family’s dark past to catch him. 

The sleepy community of Kenorapeake Falls in northern Ontario seems like somewhere Constable Oaklynn Brock can finally outrun her violent past. That is, until she’s assigned to investigate a series of suspicious deaths. She can’t reveal that she knows how serial killers think because she grew up with one. Yet the eerie similarities between these murders and those committed by her father, known as the Suicide Slayer, hint at a copycat in their midst. But why here and why now? 

Caleb Greene of the Canadian Watchers Squad, a special task force, has his own reasons to be wary of working alongside Oaklynn. But with rumors of a local cult known as the Light Paragons gaining power, the stakes are too high to refuse. 

As they explore connections between the killings and cult, Oaklynn and Caleb are forced to confront old secrets…and a terrifying new threat. Someone is watching Oaklynn’s every move. They know exactly who she is and what she might be capable of. And soon her biggest fear isn’t just having her past exposed, but that a killer will turn whatever days she has left into a living nightmare… 

 PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

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Also Available

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Excerpt from Echoes of Darkness

Oaklynn swallowed the scream threatening to break free. Terror parched her throat. Breathe. Her knees buckled, but she shifted her stance to steady herself. Being the infamous Suicide Slayer’s daughter proved to be a hard past to erase. Even after his arrest, Oaklynn couldn’t escape the glances and whispers when she’d entered her high school classes. Everyone, including her best friend, had cut off all communication, as if her father’s crimes were her fault. Little did they realize it was Oaklynn herself who’d provided the evidence to convict the serial killer after she discovered his secret when she was a teenager.

After helping the police with her father’s case, Oaklynn packed her bags and moved to her aunt’s house. But it hadn’t helped. The press still found them and hounded them during the trial. After her father was convicted, Aunt Sue suggested they move farther away. At eighteen, Oaklynn took her mother’s maiden name and expunged her identity from being tied to her father.

Even though she changed her identity, the monster still haunted her dreams. Ugliness had seized her soul when her father stole everything good in her life, including her precious mother. She squared her shoulders. Oaklynn wouldn’t let him take over again.

She was more than a serial killer’s daughter.

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About the Author

Darlene L. Turner is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author known for her high-octane stories and riveting twists. Sparked by Nancy Drew, she’s turned her love of solving mysteries into her writing, believing readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. Dubbed “the plaid queen” for her love of everything plaid, Darlene resides with her husband Jeff in Ontario, Canada. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.

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Tour Giveaway

(4) winners will each receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 23, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 30, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Open internationally. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Book Review: Sunrise by Susan May Warren

About the Book:

Coming home was never the plan.

After a terrible family fight, pilot Dodge Kingston left home to join the Air Force. A decade later, he's headed back to the destiny that awaits him as heir to Sky King Ranch. But that's not all that's waiting for him at home.

Echo Yazzie is a true Alaskan woman--a homesteader, dogsledder, and research guide for the DNR. After her childhood best friend and former flame, Dodge, fled Denali, she settled into life on the Alaskan range. She's made her peace with being left behind--by her mother and by Dodge. And she's strong enough to live without them.

When one of Echo's fellow researchers goes missing, Echo sets out to find her, despite a blizzard, a rogue grizzly haunting the woods, and the biting cold. What she doesn't know is that there are more than just the regular dangers of the Alaskan forests stalking her . . .

As Dodge sets out to find Echo, he can't ignore the feelings he still has for her. But will he be able to find her in time? And if he does, is there still room for him in her heart?

Read an excerpt from Sunrise by Susan May Warren on the publisher's website.

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My Thoughts:

Sunrise by Susan May Warren introduces readers to Sky King Ranch, home base of Sky King Air Services and the three estranged Kingston brothers. Set in the hearty Alaskan bush, which felt completely foreign to this Florida girl, the narrative captured the beauty of the land with vivid descriptions and Echo’s adoration of the area. Furthermore, the novel’s cover conveyed the enchantment of this rugged, amazing land.

If I were to describe Sunrise in one word, it would be tense. The first chapter brings the reader straight into the Kingston family strife. There’s a romantic pull between Echo and Dodge, but both have emotional angst brewing down deep. As the plot progresses, the characters contend with the elements of nature and experience life-and-death moments. While this constant strain held my attention to the story, the plot felt formulaic at times. Fortunately, a thread about the need to give and receive forgiveness seeped into the hearts of the characters and added a nice layer of character development.

Sunrise commences Susan May Warren’s Sky King Ranch series. It mentions characters from the author’s other novels, but reads as a stand-alone novel. I love the way the author has created this entire fictional community among her books. Sunrise will likely appeal to Christian romance readers looking for an entertaining suspense novel.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: Aftermath by Terri Blackstock

Aftermath

By Terri Blackstock

May 10 - June 4, 2021 Tour

Synopsis:

This gripping new thriller from New York Times bestselling author Terri Blackstock will leave you on the edge of your seat.

A devastating explosion.

Three best friends are at the venue just to hear their favorite band . . . but only one of them makes it out alive.

A trunk full of planted evidence.

When police stop Dustin with a warrant to search his trunk, he knows it’s just a mistake. He’s former military and owns a security firm. But he’s horrified when they find explosives, and he can’t fathom how they got there.

An attorney who will risk it all for a friend.

Criminal attorney Jamie Powell was Dustin’s best friend growing up. They haven’t spoken since he left for basic training, but she’s the first one he thinks of when he’s arrested. Jamie knows she’s putting her career on the line by defending an accused terrorist, but she’d never abandon him. Someone is framing Dustin to take the fall for shocking acts of violence . . . but why?

Praise for Aftermath:

“In Aftermath, Terri Blackstock plumbs the depth of human emotion in the face of devastating tragedy, grief, and loss. Yet, she still manages to give readers her trademark suspenseful story, sweet romance, and hope for the future. From gut wrenching scenes in a cancer patient’s hospital room to seeing the world through the eyes of a young woman with a debilitating mental health disorder, Blackstock pulls no punches about human frailties. Does the end justify the means? Romantic suspense lovers won’t want to miss Aftermath.”
—Kelly Irvin, bestselling author

“Justice may be blind but that doesn’t keep it from facing mortal danger. In Aftermath, expert storyteller Terri Blackstock ratchets up the suspense in a novel that delivers on every level. Conflicts rage and loyalties are tested to the ultimate limit. Set aside plenty of time when you pick up this book—you’ll not to want to take a break.”
—Robert Whitlow, bestselling author

Book Details:

Genre: Suspense
Published by: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: May 11th 2021
Number of Pages: 320
ISBN: 0310348587 (ISBN13: 9780310348580)
Series: Aftermath is a stand-alone novel
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Goodreads

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Read an Excerpt:

Aftermath

Chapter One

Taylor Reid’s phone flashed as she snapped the selfie with her two friends, their heads touching and their backs to the stage. The shot from the third row, with the lead singer in the background and the three of them in the foreground, was perfect. No one would believe their seats were so close.

They turned around to face the band, dancing to the beat of the song they’d been listening to in the car on the way to Trudeau Hall.

Taylor quickly posted the pic, typing, “Ed Loran targets nonpoliticals for his rally with band Blue Fire. Worked on us!”

She put her phone on videotape and zoomed onto the stage.

“I don’t want it to end!” Desiree said in her ear.

“Me either!” Taylor yelled over the music.

“Maybe they’ll play again after his speech,” Mara shouted.

The song came to an end, and the crowd went crazy, begging for one more song before the band left the stage.

But an amplified voice filled the auditorium, cutting off the adulation. “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the next president of the United States, Ed Loran!”

The crowd sounded less enthusiastic as the band left the stage and Ed Loran, the Libertarian celebrity magnet, made his entrance. Taylor kept cheering and clapping, letting her enthusiasm for the band segue to him.

It happened just as the candidate took the stage. The deafening sound, like some confusing combination of gunshot and lightning bolt, a blast that blacked out the lights and knocked her to the ground. Smoke mushroomed. Screams crescendoed—shrieks of terror, wailing pain, shocking anguish . . . then sudden, gentle silence, as if she were underwater. A loud ringing in her ears filled the void.

She peered under the seats, choking for breath as dimmer lights flickered through the smoke. Even from here, she could see the fallout of whatever had happened. Blood pooling on the ground, people hunkering down as she was, feet running . . . What was happening? An explosion? A crash? She looked around and couldn’t see her friends.

She clawed her way up and looked over the seat. Smoke and fire billowed from the stage into the crowd, and heat wafted over her like some living force invading the room. Muffled, muted sounds competed with the ringing.

Get out! Now! She dropped back down and crawled under two rows of seats until she came to someone limp on the floor. She felt herself scream but couldn’t hear her own voice. Scrambling to her feet, she went to her left to get to the aisle, but her foot slipped on something wet. She grabbed the seat next to her to steady herself, then launched into the frantic crowd in the aisle. The room seemed to spin, people whizzing by, people under her, people above her, people broken and ripped and still . . . She stepped and fell, crawled and ran, tripped and kicked her way to the bottlenecked doorway, then fought her way through it.

The ringing in her ears faded as she tumbled downstairs, almost falling into the lobby below. The sound of crying, coughing, wretching, and the roaring sound of pounding feet turned up as if some divine finger had fiddled with the volume.

She set her sights on the glass doors to the outside and pushed forward, moving through people and past the security stations they’d stopped at on the way in. She made it to the door and burst out into the sunlight.

Fresh, cool air hit her like freedom, but at first her lungs rejected it like some poison meant to stop her. At the bottom of the steps, on the sidewalk, she bent over and coughed until she could breathe.

After a moment, the crowd pushed her along toward the parking garage until she remembered that her car wasn’t there. She had parked on the street, blocks away. She forced her way out of the flow of people and ran a block south. Where was it?

She turned the corner. Her car was here, on this block. Near the Atlanta Trust Bank. Wasn’t it? Or was it the next block?

Sweat slicked her skin until she found her silver Accord. There!

She ran to it and pulled her keys out of her pocket, wishing she hadn’t lost the key fob. Her hands trembled as she stuck the key into the passenger side lock and got the door open. She slipped inside on the driver’s side, locked it behind her. Instinctively, she slid down, her head hidden as if someone were coming after her.

What just happened?

One minute they’d been taking selfies and videotaping the band, and the next they were on the floor . . .

Where were Mara and Desiree? She hadn’t even looked for them! Should she go back for them?

No, that would be insane. She could smell the smoke and fire from here. They would know to come to the car when they got out.

Call the police!

She tried to steady her hands as she swiped her phone on.

“911, what is your—”

“An explosion!” she cut in, her voice hoarse. “At the Ed Loran rally at Trudeau Hall!”

“Where are you now?” the woman asked in a voice that was robotically calm.

“I got out. There’s fire . . . People are still in there. Please send ambulances!”

“Ma’am, did you see what exploded?”

“No . . . the stage area, I think. I don’t know where my friends are. Please . . . hurry!”

“We’ve already dispatched the fire department and police, ma’am.”

She heard sirens from a few blocks away and cut off the call. She raised up, looking over the dashboard for the flashing lights. She couldn’t see any, but the sirens grew louder.

She knelt on the floorboard, her knees on her floormat and her elbows on her seat, and texted Desiree.

I’m at the car. Where are you?

No answer. She switched to a recent thread with Mara and texted again.

Got out. At car waiting. Where are you?

Nothing.

She dictated a group text to both of them.

Are you all right?

They were probably running or deaf, fighting their way out like she had. She tried calling them, but Mara’s phone rang to voicemail. When Desiree’s phone did the same, she yelled, “Call me! I’m waiting at the car and I’m scared. Where are you?” She was sobbing when she ended the call.

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Excerpt from Aftermath by Terri Blackstock. Copyright 2021 by Terri Blackstock. Reproduced with permission from Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.

 

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My Thoughts:

I read Aftermath by Terri Blackstock in three sittings. This fast-paced mystery/suspense novel captured my attention on page two and kept me turning the pages, wanting to know what would happen next and who did the crime. I especially liked Jamie and Dustin’s connection despite many years of separation. Their youthful friendship laid a believable foundation for trust despite their years of separation. Observing the renewal of their friendship as they worked to discover the truth was thoroughly satisfying.

Though I have only read two books by Terri Blackstock, her book list shows she is a seasoned writer, and her expertise displays in Aftermath. I recommend this novel to Christian fiction readers who enjoy a good suspense novel.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

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Author Bio:

Terri Blackstock has sold over seven million books worldwide and is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She has had over twenty-five years of success as a novelist. She’s the author of If I Run, If I’m Found, and If I Live, as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, Moonlighters, and the Restoration series.

Visit her at:

www.TerriBlackstock.com
Goodreads
BookBub
Instagram - #terriblackstock
Twitter - #terriblackstock
Facebook - @tblackstock

 

 

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Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaways!

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Giveaway:

This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Terri Blackstock & Thomas Nelson. There will be ONE (1) winner of one (1) physical copy of Aftermath (US Addresses only). The giveaway begins on May 10, 2021 and ends on June 5, 2021. Void where prohibited.

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Book Review: Smoke Screen by Terri Blackstock

About the Book:

One father was murdered. Another was convicted of his death. All because their children fell in love.

Nate Beckett has spent his life fighting wildfires instead of the lies and rumors that drove him from his Colorado hometown. His mother begs him to come back now that his father has been released from prison, but it isn’t until he’s sidelined by an injury that he’s forced to return and face his past. But that means facing Brenna too.

Fourteen years ago, Nate was in love with the preacher’s daughter. When Pastor Strickland discovered Brenna defied him to sneak out with Nate, the fight between Strickland and Nate’s drunken dad was loud—and very public. Strickland was found murdered later that night, and everyone accused Roy Beckett. When the church burned down not long after, people assumed Nate set the fire to get even for his father’s conviction. He let the rumors fly and left town without looking back.

Brenna is stunned to learn that the man convicted of murdering her father has been pardoned. The events of that night set her life on a bad course, and now she’s fighting a brutal custody battle with her ex and his new wife where he’s using lies and his family’s money to sway the judge. Brenna is barely hanging on, and she’s turned to alcohol to cope. Shame and fear consume her.

As Nate and Brenna deal with the present—including new information about that fateful night and a wildfire that’s threatening their town—the past keeps igniting. Nate is the steady force Brenna has so desperately needed. But she’ll have to learn to trust him again first.

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My Thoughts:

Smoke Screen by Terri Blackstock surprised me. I’m normally not into crime-suspense-romance novels, but my local book club chose Smoke Screen as its monthly selection. I’m pleased to say that I really enjoyed this novel. It has suspense, mystery, and the expected investigative aspect, but it also has emotional depth and character development.

There were so many things I liked about Smoke Screen. First, it hooked me right from the beginning and I didn’t want to put the book down. I read it in less than 24 hours which is rare for me. Part of its appeal lies in how much I could relate to Brenna. My children are the same age as hers are in the story and I couldn’t imagine going through what she did. Her raw, imperfect character felt very authentic as she struggled through a difficult divorce, personal vices, and spiritual wandering.  Second, I love a good second-chance love story. While Brenna and Nate’s romance wasn’t the focus of the novel, I cheered for them to get together. Third, the challenging circumstances provided depth to the story. The novel doesn’t gloss over difficult family issues and dynamics, but every issue is laced with hope for the future.

I recommend Smoke Screen by Terri Blackstock to readers looking for a captivating mystery filled with spiritual themes and character growth. It’s a keeper for my bookshelf!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: The Way of the Brave by Susan May Warren

About the Book:

Former pararescue jumper Orion Starr is haunted by the memory of a rescue gone wrong. He may be living alone in Alaska now, but the pain of his failure--and his injuries--has followed him there from Afghanistan. He has no desire to join Hamilton Jones's elite rescue team, but he also can't shirk his duty when the call comes in to rescue three lost climbers on Denali.

Former CIA profiler and psychiatrist Jenny Calhoun's yearly extreme challenge with her best friends is her only escape from the guilt that has sunk its claws into her. As a consultant during a top-secret mission to root out the Taliban, she green-lighted an operation that ended in ambush and lives lost. When her cathartic climb on Denali turns deadly, she'll be forced to trust her life and the lives of her friends to the most dangerous of heroes--the man she nearly killed.

Her skills and his experience are exactly what's needed to prevent another tragedy--but in order to truly set Orion free from his painful past, Jenny will have to reveal hers. They'll have to put their wounds behind them to survive, but at what cost?

Leap into action with this high-octane, breakneck new series from bestselling author Susan May Warren.


My Thoughts:

The Way of the Brave by Susan May Warren brims with adventure, romance, and spiritual themes. With all of the action, the story easily held my interest from beginning to end. Sometimes, I struggled with all the technical language because I know zilch about mountain climbing, snowy weather conditions, ice screws, etc. However, I enjoyed Jenny and Orion’s love story and wasn’t surprised to find a second love story brewing (which looks to be the focus of book two).

I liked the characters’ authenticity in The Way of the Brave. Orion and Jenny didn’t change too quickly as they struggled with hard questions about life. A theme about dealing with the past, instead of running from it, plays out through the novel. Bold statements about God, His faithful love, and His healing offered encouragement to the characters and to me.

The Way of the Brave by Susan May Warren is the first installment her Global Search and Rescue series. Although it is not my favorite novel from her, I think long-time fans of Susan May Warren’s work will want to read The Way of the Brave. 3.5 Stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: Outbreak by Davis Bunn

About the Book:

The danger hasn't passed--it's just changed locations.

Something sinister is happening in the waters off the coast of West Africa, trailing death in its wake. Local insurgencies are no longer the only imminent danger--and the panic mounts. But before a global alarm can be sounded, the sea currents shift, and the outbreak evaporates. Coastal populations are relieved when life returns to normal, and the region's governments are all too happy to sweep the publicity nightmare under the rug.

Theo Bishop and Avery Madison saw the devastation with their own eyes, and they know the danger hasn't passed--it's just changed locations. But everywhere they turn, powerful interests are determined to silence all credible evidence of the impending biological disaster--by any means necessary. They will have to stay out of the crosshairs long enough to convince the powers that be of the toxic destruction about to be unleashed on American soil. . . .


My Thoughts:

Outbreak by Davis Bunn is a fast-paced, suspense novel that was a quick read for me. The novel held my attention from beginning to end, though I spent a substantial portion of the novel feeling a bit confused. My favorite character was Della, a brave, strong woman, whose relationship with Theo starts off roughly, but develops into friendship and, later, romance.

I read this with my local book club ladies and the general consensus was that we were all a bit confused throughout and that it ended quickly with not enough explanation. With all the loose ends, an epilogue or sequel would have improved the experience.

Book Review: One Final Breath by Lynn H. Blackburn

About the Book:

Revenge has no statute of limitations.

When investigator Gabe Chavez had his cover blown by an aggressive reporter, the silver lining was being able to rejoin the dive team. The downside? Dive team captain Anissa Bell, a woman who both fascinates and frustrates him.

Anissa grew up as a missionary kid on the Micronesian island of Yap and always planned to return after college. But she remained stateside, determined to solve the case that haunts her--the murder of her best friend and the disappearance of a three-year-old child.

When Anissa's fractured past collides with Gabe's investigation into the tragic shooting death of a teenage boy in Lake Porter, they'll have to put aside their complicated history with each other in order to uncover the killer's identity.


My Thoughts:

One Final Breath is the third installment in Lynn H. Blackburn’s Dive Team Investigations series. One Final Breath functions as a stand-alone novel as sufficient backstory is given. However, I think I would have been more connected to Anissa and Gabe if I had read the other books. As it was, neither the mystery nor romance captured my attention until the middle of the story.

One Final Breath’s strength lies in its well-crafted crime/mystery component. The criminal wasn’t easily predictable and I didn’t know the who or why until the story revealed the character and motive. Even once the bad guy was revealed, the suspense built and it was a unique climax. At that point, I was definitely not wanting to put the book down. Getting a peek into the criminal’s mind was a bit creepy.

I recommend One Final Breath by Lynn H. Blackburn to readers of romantic suspense who have followed this series from the beginning and are already interested with these characters.  Three stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: Knox by Susan May Warren

About the Book:

He's not looking for trouble...
Montana rancher Knox Marshall's danger years are behind him. A former bull-rider, he now runs the Marshall family ranch, raising champion bucking bulls for the National Professional Bullrider's Expo (NBR-X). Wealth and success are his, but life is stable, expected, and…ordinary.  But he wants more from life...

But trouble is looking for her...
Kelsey Jones just wants a safe life, a family, a home. Onstage, the beautiful rising star of the Yankee Belles becomes the person she longs to be - vivacious and confident - burying the brokenness she carries from a violent assault. Becoming NBR-X’s next country act is key to outrunning her past and achieving the success and security she craves.

When trouble finds them both...
Knox and Kelsey's paths collide when an explosion at an NBR-X event traps them in the rubble and leaves them reeling. Kelsey’s crippling nightmares return, but for Knox, an obsession to find the bomber is ignited.

What will it cost him to protect her? 
When Kelsey’s past threatens Knox’s family, he'll have to choose between saving the Marshall legacy or becoming the protector he's always longed to be.

The explosive first book in the Montana Marshalls series!


My Thoughts:

Knox is the first installment in Susan May Warren's Montana Marshalls series. Having read other novels by Susan May Warren, I had some expectations – romance, danger, suspense, and a good story. I'm happy to say that Knox did not disappoint. The plot pace was perfect. Thanks to the action, mystery, romance, and suspense, the story held my attention and never dragged.

I really liked how Knox was part of Kelsey finding healing from her past. He wasn't the full solution to Kelsey's issues, but he provided a safe space for healing to begin and pointed her to God, the ultimate Healer. The Marshall family responded to Kelsey and her pain in a healthy, supportive way that I admired. There was plenty of good character development. As Kelsey and Knox grew individually and as a couple, they drew each other out of where they were and into better, though perhaps less predictable, places.

I recommend Knox by Susan May Warren to readers looking for story with romance and suspense. If you read and liked the author's Montana Rescue series, I think you'll find Knox to be a very enjoyable read. 4.5 Stars!

Lastly, I have to give a warning that Kelsey is the victim of a physical and sexual assault. I thought the author handled it with sensitivity. However, I recognize that this book has enough content (because a lot of it is about Kelsey's journey to healing) that it might be a trigger for some victims.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review: Never Let Go by Elizabeth Goddard

About the Book:

The case may be cold, but things are about to heat up

Forensic genealogist Willow Anderson is following in her late grandfather's footsteps in her quest for answers about a baby abducted from a hospital more than twenty years ago. When someone makes an attempt on Willow's life to keep her from discovering the truth, help will come from an unexpected source.

Ex-FBI agent--and Willow's ex-flame--Austin McKade readily offers to protect the woman he never should have let get away. Together they'll follow where the clues lead them, even if it means Austin must face the past he's spent much of his life trying to forget--and put Willow's tender heart at risk.



My Thoughts:

Never Let Go is the first novel in Elizabeth Goddard's Uncommon Justice series. As expected, this book is built around a mystery that kept me guessing until the end. I love it when I don't know who the villain is until the moment he or she is revealed! The mystery aspect carried the weight of the story from beginning to end.

The romance between Austin and Willow started out brilliantly. The tension and questions about their past relationship were intriguing at first. Unfortunately, the romantic tension started to fizzle out less than halfway through. Sure, there were still unresolved feelings and things to be communicated, but it lost some of its zap. I think if there had been deeper character development, maybe that would have made their relationship more enticing, but as it was, their thoughts and desires felt a bit repetitive.

The strength of Never Let Go by Elizabeth Goddard lies in its mystery narrative and ability to keep the reader guessing. If you have enjoyed previous books by this author, you might enjoy Never Let Go.

Read an excerpt from Never Let Go by Elizabeth Goddard on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary arc copy of this book which I received from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Wait For Me by Susan May Warren

About the Book:

With Jess and Pete, every day is lived at full throttle. Now if they can only stay alive to enjoy it.

Pete Brooks can't believe he's waited an entire year for EMT Jess Tagg to return to Montana, only to have her break his heart. Worse, a series of mistakes on the job has cost lives, and Pete isn't sure he wants to continue to work in search and rescue. Maybe if he can just get over Jess, he can figure out how to move forward.

When a terrible fight between Jess and Pete sparks an impulsive decision, Jess finds herself crashed on the side of a highway along with two others. Just when Jess thinks things couldn't get any worse, they are taken captive and dragged into the untamed Montana wilderness – with murderous intent.

Now Pete will have to call on everything he's learned to find them – and pray that his past mistakes don't cost him the life of the woman he can't stop loving.

My Thoughts:

Wait For Me is the final installment in the Montana Rescue series by Susan May Warren. Like the rest of the novels in this series, Wait For Me was well-written, fast-paced, and held my attention. This particular novel was stuffed with emotional angst in addition to suspense and mystery. I liked that the author quietly sewed in a theme of leaning in and trusting in God's love for His children. She held true to the dichotomy that while God's love will ultimately preserve us, it doesn't always prevent us from hurt and injury. Still, God's love is presented as a source of hope and reason for faith.

I recommend reading the entire series before reading Wait for Me because Jess and Pete's relationship develops substantially in other books. The series long saga of Esme/Shae is finally resolved and the main characters from prior books play roles in Wait for Me. Readers who have enjoyed the Montana Rescue series by Susan May Warren will enjoy reading the final riveting installment. My personal favorites are Wild Montana Skies (Book 1) and Troubled Waters (Book 4). I recommend the entire series to fans of Christian romance. Each novel is filled with intense danger, growing faith, and delicious romance.

Read an excerpt from Wait For Me by Susan May Warren on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Her One and Only by Becky Wade

Having grown up with three older brothers, Dru knows how to hold her own in the midst of conflict. After serving as a Marine, earning a black belt, and honing her shooting skills, she excels as an executive protection agent until one case goes very wrong. Now she's been assigned to protect NFL tight end Gray Fowler and she needs to do it well to recoup her professional standing. Determined to find his stalker, end the danger, and restore her reputation, she refuses to be drawn into any sort of romantic relationship, though Gray seems intent on dissuading her. The more time Gray and Dru spend together, the more they are drawn to each other. Can Dru discover Gray's stalker in time to preserve his life... and her heart? Read more in Her One and Only.

Her One and Only by Becky Wade is the fourth and final novel in the Porter Family series. This novel probably could stand alone, but Meg and Bo (from Book One, Undeniably Yours) feature prominently and I think it might feel a bit disconnected if I hadn't read the previous books. My favorite part of Dru and Gray's story was the tension and sizzle of their personalities. The obvious attraction and issues between them held my attention. The plot was nicely paced and the climax was not what I expected, making it even better. I'll definitely keep this novel and likely reread the entire series in the future. Readers who've enjoyed any of the Porter family series, thus far, will likely enjoy Her One and Only as well.

Read an excerpt from Her One and Only by Becky Wade on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

No Place to Hide by Lynette Eason

Jackie Sellers is shocked when her childhood friend, Ian Lockwood, is accused of terrorism. Willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, she rushes to his home only to find the FBI isn't the only one chasing him. Her connections allow her to assist Ian in evading capture and searching for evidence to prove his innocence. But time is running out as the smallpox virus has been stolen and someone plans to release it very soon. Will Ian and Jackie prevent disaster and rekindle their relationship? Read more in Lynette Eason's No Place to Hide.

No Place to Hide is the third book in Lynette Eason's Hidden Identity Series and works fine as a stand-alone novel. I have not read the previous two books, but did not feel that I was missing any pertinent information.

 

No Place to Hide met my expectations with a suspense-filled plot and a tad of romance. Jackie and Ian's relationship developed quite nicely, but the focus was more on what was happening and less on romantic moments or overtures. This is not necessarily a bad thing as perhaps too much romance would have slowed things down. The story kept me guessing about who was behind the smallpox release and I liked that the individual scenes seemed original. I haven't read a lot of suspense novels so I can't be completely sure of it's originality, but it wasn't overly predictable to me. I recommend No Place to Hide by Lynette Eason to fans of inspirational suspense novels.

Read an excerpt from No Place to Hide on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."



The Alarmists by Don Hoesel

Professor Brent Michaels is a leading sociologist, satisfied with life, and discounts the Mayan calendar end of the world conspiracies. However, when man-made and natural disasters seem to escalate, he's called in by a special Pentagon unit to look for order amid chaos. As December 21, 2012, nears Brent and the team struggle to find who is manipulating these events and prevent the so-called end of the world. Read more in The Alarmists by Don Hoesel.

The Alarmists is not my favorite book by Don Hoesel, but it had a solid plot with lots of twists. As expected, mystery and suspense were heavily involved, but the story did not hook my attention like Hoesel's other books have. Perhaps my expectations were a bit too high, but I recommend borrowing from the library before buying.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."