STEALING JAKE by Pam Tillman

A turn of the Century historical novel, Stealing Jake, weaves a wonderful story told from both the protagonists’ points of view. Immediately we realize the conundrum facing the heroine as she must choose to rescue a street urchin from the gentleman he has just pickpocketed; and she must do this using her once erstwhile skills. Even more troubling, the gentleman is a Sheriff’s Deputy.

Livvy O’Brien has come to Chestnut, Illinois hoping to start clean and fresh. In her former life, she had been a street orphan stealing to survive. Rescued by the compassionate Mrs. Brooks for whom she now works maintaining an orphanage, and having become a new Christian, she struggles to trust anyone especially the law—and with good reason.

Jake Russell eventually discovers that Livvy helped the children by returning his pickpocketed item without him being able to prove it had disappeared in the first place. He also harbors disdain for the very children she sympathizes with and strives to protect. They both have trust issues. Livvy also fears childbirth because, as a child, she watched her sister and new born infant die under her care.

Both Jake and Livvy have lost significant people in their lives due to tragedy. Jake, not only lost Father and brothers in a mining accident; but he was trapped with their dead bodies for days and now suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder—unable and unwilling to find himself trapped in a dark hole again. He needs his deputy job to support the rest of his family and has a loan hanging over his head that could cost the family farm.

There are many wonderful facets to Stealing Jake including children caring for children, those children being used and abused, good lawmen versus bad lawmen. Neither Livvy nor Jake is totally wrong in how they see the issues confronting them. Areas are grayer than black and white. Each needs to listen to the other’s heart and begin to understand their fears in order to help each other.

Characters, like old Gus and Luke, along with a multitude of plot twists make for a fascinating read.

FORGOTTEN PAST by Mary Alford



Excellent mystery and suspense writing. I loved the plot. The author kept us guessing and on the edge of our seats. One could sense the fear along with Faith/Rachel. J. T. was an awesome hero with sensitivity and vulnerability. I ecourage you to read "Forgotten Past".

In light of J.T's tragic past one could see why he would be drawn to Faith and desire to help her. He sensed a damsel in distress, one who was in a lot of trouble even though he wasn't sure if he believed her or not.

Even though under J.T's  protection, someone kept coming after Faith; but her description of her stalker and the man J. T. fought off were two different men. How could that be? Trying to solve the mystery was like finding a needle in a haystack with Faith's amnesia. J. T. definitely found himself attracted to Faith but should he trust her?

He couldn't help but admire this strong woman for surviving an ordeal for the past two years. After his wife's tragic death was he able to move on? But then was Faith who she seemed to be or a woman capable of murder. And when the evidence began to point to Faith being her friend Rachel whom they all thought was dead, what then?

This supense thriller has Mary Alford off to a good start. Disclaimer: the Author provided this book for free in exchange for a review on my blog and elsewhere.

SUBMERGED by Dani Pettrey

Action and adventure, mystery and suspense, romance and faith--all great qualities rolled into one book. Submerged by Dani Pettrey, the first in a series about a family of siblings living in Alaska. An intriguing setting and extreme occupations form a firm foundation for a great series. In Submerged, we meet Cole Mckenna in the middle of what he does best, rescue diving. He hadn't reckoned on finding his one time love, Bailey Craig in the midst of the stressful situation.

Mckenna Siblings run an Extreme Sports and excursions business. A childhood best friend, Landon Granger, a member of local law enforcement brings an added dimension. A close knit family, having had their share of sorrows, the Mckenna's are a family of faith. Elements of Russian history add a nice touch.

Besides the Hero and Heroine, several side story lines among the siblings are happening at the same time. There is an especially edgy scene with Landon and Piper Mckenna. Piper seems to be clueless to her effect on Landon and He seems very protective of Piper. Sparks are flying.

While Bailey stuggles with guilt feelings and misunderstandings, Cole struggles to overcome the past and finds he wants to forgive Bailey and renew their relationship. Action packed espionage spiked with the fragrance of romance. Take a trip to Alaska with the Mckennas. Like me, you'll be awaiting the next episode with bated breath.

A NEW LIFE by Beate Boeker



A New Life by Beate Boeker
reminded me of "Three Coins in a Fountain" or "Roman Holiday" with the heroine's description shades of Audrey Hepburn. You are swept away with the story and the vulnerability of Anne. Quickly, the author gets you up to speed as to why Anne must seek a new start. Running from a past, she can't seem to escape, she arrives in Italy already suspicious of everyone and everything.

Peter Grant, the hotel manager is expecting her. He already has preconceived ideas formed from his knowledge of her uncle who is sending her to Peter for a new job in his hotel. However, Peter doesn't know anything about her past.

My favorite scene is when Anne first arrives at the hotel and becomes enthralled by the mosaic terracotta floor. Peter gets his first glimpse and impression of her at this moment and it forms the basis for the foundation of their relationship.

Anne has some early knowledge of Italian but not enough to function well at her job which is frustrating for Peter. Her uncle then insists that Peter make sure she learns Italian so Peter decides he will do the job himself. Of course, he has ulterior motives.

Murder and mayhem begin our story and lead us to the climax as well. With many misunderstandings, the author weaves a very interesting tale that leaves you very satified in the end. Descriptions of the scenery and the people are well done. A delicious read.

A BRIDE FOR KEEPS by Melissa Jagears

 

 

From the beginning, A Bride for Keeps, not your usual mail order bride story--draws you in. You wait anxiously along with Julia Lockwood to see if Everett Cline, already rejected three times, will show up to marry her. Everett, seeing Julia, can't believe this beautiful woman willing to marry him and live his harsh life.

 

Both, lacking in social graces, struggle to communicate their deepest needs without revealing their fears and insecurities. Everett strikes a bargain with Julia surprised that she takes him up on it. Julia finds she admires Everett's grudging kindnesses. Everett admires Julia's perseverance in the face of farm chores alien to her sheltered experiences. They both crave one to love them for themselves.

 

With sweet innocence, Julia comes to Christ through Everett's simple explanation...and her childlike faith and his tender mercies tugs at the heart no matter what one chooses to believe. Once Julia understands that she can be forgiven she divulges to Everett her deepest darkest sin which turns out to be a sin towards her.

 

Ms. Jagears does an excellent job of describing and explaining something so simple but so complicated for many. Even if you are not a believer, the tender way Everett deals with his wife as she reveals her past should draw and hold any romance fan.

 

Also, Ms. Jagears has a gift for building a relationship slowly and deeply while making her readers feel they are vested as well.This is definitely one for your keeper shelf and an author to add to your favorites.



BUTTERFLY PALACE By Colleen Coble

 

An intriguing tease...the music is especially fitting...draws

you in and makes you want to know the story.

 

 Romantic, mysterious, sure to please!

 

THREAD OF SUSPICION The Justice Agency by Susan Sleeman

The Justice Agency

4th in the Justice series about adopted siblings who become a force for good after the murder of their adoptive parents. Dani, twin to Derrick Justice, finds herself called in to investigate software up for bid for a government contract--that apparently has been compromised. Chief suspect, Luke Baldwin owner of the company manufacturing the software, and former Navy Seal who requests to hire Dani to clear his name.

From the opening scene, this story grabs my interest, as Luke awakens in his wrecked vehicle realizing he is running late for a very important presentation. After desperate measures pay off, he finds himself in the middle of a situation--worse case scenario, he could be arrested for treason.

Sparks fly between Dani and Luke from the beginning. She finds herself intrigued wanting to find this man innocent. She agrees to do a preliminary look at his computer. Naturally, things get complicated and the whole Justice Team gets involved. Dani discovers an even more scary threat--the mastermind behind the software sabotage is an old enemy. One who wants her dead.

I really enjoy this series especially the give and take between the siblings. This one was really fun because Dani's twin brother Derrick challenges Luke at every turn wanting to be sure his sister doesn't get hurt. Luke, having a sister, actually is able to understand and empathize with Derrick's feelings. Twists and turns lead to the climatic ending with the revelation of the killer.
If you are in to suspense and romance, this series should make your keeper shelf. Thread of Suspicion can stand alone, however.