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.

LOVE BY THE LETTER Novella by Melissa Jagears

 

 

 

 

Dex Stanton has struggled with dyslexia since he was a child. Using humor to get by and then leaving school early to help his ailing Dad with the farm. Now that his Dad has past and his younger brother has married and needs the farm for a home, he plans to move westward and startover.

 

But the dyslexia presents a big problem when Dex attempts to acquire a mail order bride to partner him on the journey. His letter is returned making fun of his poor vocabulary and spelling. He finds he needs the assistance of a tutor and that tutor is Rachel Oliver perhaps the smartest person in town. Dex doesn't even consider Rachel for wife material because he feels once she knows his secret she would realize how inferior he would be for her husband.

 

Rachel, however, has waited years for Dex to notice her. She plans to go off to college but has delayed as long as she can in case Dex looks her way. She can't believe it when he asks for her help for the purpose of securing a mail order bride.

 

Her mother gets in the way at a critical juncture by not giving her a message from Dex. The story tugs at your heart and is told through the eyes of both hero and heroine. Dex finds a unique way to communicate to Rachel in the end about his true feelings.

 

This is a must have for your keeper shelf and a great foreshadowing of her full length novel A Bride for Keeps due out soon featuring one of the characters from this story. 

 

 





SHATTERED SILENCE: MEN OF THE TEXAS RANGERS By Margaret Daley

 

 

Men of the Texas Ranger Series

 



Shattered Silence: Men of the Texas Rangers by Margaret Daley

Awesome series, Men of the Texas Rangers by Margaret Daley. Ms. Daley is not afraid to deal with Controversial and difficult topics. In Shattered Silence she deals not only with a serial killer but prejudice, bullying single parenting, spousal and child abuse.

Cody Jackson moves to Durango Texas following the death of his exwife to get his son away from the influence of a stepdad parleying prejudice and hate. Kyle, Cody's son, finds himself and a new friend the target of bullys. In the meantime, Cody steps immediately in the middle of a complicated and time consuming case of multiple murders. His new partner, latino Detective Liliana Rodriquez is dealing with problems of her own--her sister's being abused. She and her sister grew up children of an abuser.

Cody and Liliana, both dedicated and good at what they do find themselves mutually attracted to each other. I enjoyed the author's detailed descriptions of the day to day leg work of the police to solve crimes. You find yourself holding your breath in another well written scene where Kyle walks in to find his Dad, Cody, fighting for his life against a knife wielding assailant. An interesting twist are scenes where the story is being tolded through the eyes of the serial killer. The killer could be several of any suspects so the mystery keeps you reading.

A thrilling read with just enough romance to keep you satisfied, I highly recommend Shattered Silence!