Covert Cover-Up by Elizabeth Goddard

Covert Cover-Up by Elizabeth Goddard ISBN-13: 9781335403032 Paperback: 224 pages Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense Released: September 8th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
Private investigator Katelyn Bradley rushes to help when she suspects a burglary at her neighbor Beck Goodwin’s house—and arrives just in time to save him. The widowed dad is convinced the attack is linked to his wife’s mysterious death, and now Katelyn is a target, too. Trapped in someone’s crosshairs, can Beck and Katelyn uncover his late wife’s lethal secrets…and keep each other alive?


My Review:
Covert Cover-Up is a romantic suspense. Unfortunately, I didn't care for it because Beck kept tearing Katelyn down until she started doing the same to him. Seriously, statements like 'And just how do you think you're going to do that?' or 'you're not able to do that' (when they could, especially with the other person's help) are not romantic. I'm also tired of "Christian" books that make physical attraction the driving reason for the two to get married. Beck and Katelyn felt an electrical current every time they touched and couldn't resist their attraction. If they built each other up, attraction is great, but it shouldn't be the reason to marry when it's a verbally abusive relationship.

Beck always had to be in control and was very domineering. Katelyn gave decent advice about what they should do to investigate, but he refused to listen her and kept doing whatever he wanted. This usually put him and Katelyn in danger and made the investigation take much longer than it had to. Only once did Beck actually follow her advice...initially. But then he wanted to barge into their attacker's house and confront him rather than call the police like she suggested. Yep, he's not very clever. Especially since Beck assumed that the people after them were trained assassins (apparently, all CIA agents are trained assassins) even though they didn't seem particularly skilled (as another character pointed out). Even though Beck is not ex-law-enforcement or ex-military, he still believed that he's more able to take them on than Katelyn.

Worse, he kept forcing Katelyn into the role of damsel in distress. When they're in a fire, he wraps her up so that she cannot move and then "heroically" carries her out of the house. It would've made more sense for them to both crawl out of the house, but he didn't give her that option or even ask her permission. But she's grateful for being rescued and doesn't seem to mind being a damsel in distress (which is odd for an ex-cop). Some parts just didn't make any sense. Like, why did the man who's trying to kill them both leave Katelyn after knocking her out when he had a perfect chance to kill her? Or why did Katelyn silently and dramatically slip beneath the waves when she got too tired swimming and she could've easily asked Beck for help? Anyway, there was no bad language or sex.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

The Princess Fugitive by Melanie Cellier

The Princess Fugitive by Melanie Cellier ISBN-13: 978-0980696387 Kindle: 354 pages Publisher: Luminant Publications Released: June 30th 2016

Source: Rented through Amazon Unlimited.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Princess Ava used to be a weapon - sharp, strong and beautiful. But when she fails at her most important task, she’s forced to flee from her own family. Only her personal bodyguard, Hans, remains loyal. Hans claims to know the real Ava but she finds that hard to believe – after all, she’s been the villain so long that she can’t remember anything else.

But deep in exile, Ava learns her kingdom needs a hero and she might be the only one who can save it. The catch? She'll have to ally herself with the very people she blames for her downfall. In a game of life and death where the stakes are an entire kingdom, winning over her enemies will only be the beginning. Can one fugitive save her people, her kingdom and, hardest of all, herself?

In this reimagining of the classic fairy tale, Little Red Riding Hood, the girl in the red hood has been swallowed up by the wolf and must decide if she’s willing to fight for her freedom, no matter the cost.


My Review:
The Princess Fugitive is a young adult fantasy novel with a romance. This is the second book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone. However, you'll better understand Ava's dilemma if you fully know what she did wrong in the previous book. Ava's father and brother are cruel, selfish rulers, and her father has formed her into a villain by using her desire to please him. This means that she's clever and able to take care of herself, but it also means that the only man who is loyal to her is her bodyguard, Hans. When they're forced to flee the castle, she learns how to make friends again and how to rely on the skills of these friends to help her regain her kingdom.

I liked that Ava and Hans were a good team and that she appreciated his guidance in learning how to be a good (rather than a selfish, evil) ruler. Their relationship was built on trust and friendship. The main characters were engaging and reacted realistically to events. The world-building was light, mainly a medieval feel but with curses and godmother magic items. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this fantasy to fans of fairytales and heroic fantasy.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White

A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White ISBN-13: 9780764219269 Kindle ebook: 428 pages Publisher: Bethany House Released: July 4th 2017

Source: Rented through Kindle Unlimited.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Rosemary Gresham has no family beyond the band of former urchins that helped her survive as a girl in the mean streets of London. Grown now, they concentrate on stealing high-value items and have learned how to blend into upper-class society. But when Rosemary must determine whether a certain wealthy gentleman is loyal to Britain or to Germany, she is in for the challenge of a lifetime. How does one steal a family's history, their very name?

Peter Holstein, given his family's German blood, writes his popular series of adventure novels under a pen name. With European politics boiling and his own neighbors suspicious of him, Peter debates whether it might be best to change his name for good. Then Rosemary shows up at his door pretending to be a librarian and offering to help him organize his family's extensive papers to trace his family history.

But as the two work together and Rosemary sees his gracious reaction to his neighbors' scornful attacks, she wonders if her assignment is going down the wrong path. Is it too late to help him prove that he's more than his name?


My Review:
A Name Unknown is a suspenseful Christian romance set in 1914 in England. Rosemary was orphaned when she was young and became a talented thief to survive and to support a growing number of other orphans that she calls family. Peter become a recluse because of his stutter, but he's a talented author. Rosemary's hired by a mysterious man to find proof that Peter is loyal to Germany. Then Peter hires her to organize his library (which includes journals and personal letters from several generations) and asks for Rosemary's help to prove that he's a loyal English citizen.

Rosemary's impersonation of a librarian and Peter's tendency to get wrapped up in his latest idea for his novel lend themselves to many humorous moments. Since Rosemary doesn't know the proper way to behave, she and Peter ended up writing letters back and forth and got to know each other that way as well as through personal interaction. Rosemary had some hard choices to make by the end. Rosemary and Peter were a good match who respected and supported each other. The main characters acted realistically, were very engaging, and I cared about what happened to them.

Rosemary believed that God wasn't interested in her, only rich people, but Peter loves to tell others about Christ. Through their letters (usually not read in a scene), he answered her questions about God. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical romance.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Acceptable Risk by Lynette Eason

Acceptable Risk by Lynette Eason ISBN-13: 9780800729356 Paperback: 320 pages Publisher: Revell Released: August 4th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Sarah Denning is a military journalist with the Army in the Middle East when her convoy is attacked and she's taken hostage. When former Army Ranger Gavin Black is asked by his old unit commander--Sarah's imposing father--to plan an extremely risky rescue, he reluctantly agrees and successfully executes it.

Back in the US, Sarah is livid when she's discharged on a false psychiatric evaluation and vows to return to the Army. Until she learns of her brother's suicide. Unable to believe her brother would do such a thing, she puts her plans on hold and enlists Gavin to help her discover the truth. What they uncover may be the biggest story of Sarah's career--if she can survive long enough to write it.


My Review:
Acceptable Risk is a Christian romantic suspense. Sarah dealt with PTSD, a controlling father, and someone attempting to kidnapped or harm her. She also was determined to track down the truth about what happened to her brother and someone she met in the hospital. The suspense came from repeated, violent attempts against her and Gavin. Her father secretly hired Gavin to protect her, which he'd gladly do, anyway. Sarah and Gavin had dated for a while in the past, and he's still interested in her.

The main characters were inquisitive, caring people who reacted realistically to events. Sarah and Gavin built each other up, helped each other grow and heal, and made a good team. The Christians were motivated by their belief in the worth of human life. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting story.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham

A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham ISBN-13: 9780800735395 Paperback: 336 pages Publisher: Revell Released: August 4th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Six years ago, a shocking secret sent Agnes Pratt running in search of a new start. She found it in Penance, a rugged town of miners and lumberjacks in the Dakota Territory, where she became Miss Aggie, respected schoolteacher and confirmed old maid. But the past has a way of catching up with people.

When childhood friend and former sweetheart James Harris accepts a position as the town doctor, Aggie's pleasantly predictable days suddenly become anything but. James wants to know why Agnes left behind the life they had dreamed of creating for themselves--but he is the one person who can never know.

In the shadows of the Black Hills, can a healing light be shed on the past?


My Review:
A Life Once Dreamed is a Christian romance set in 1880 in Dakota Territory in America. This story was woven around the laws of the time concerning illegitimate children. Illegitimate children were blamed for their parents sins, so it was easier to go where no one knew their background.

James and Agnes were childhood friends that turned into sweethearts, but James' family was rich and cared deeply about their reputation. When Agnes finally learned about her birth circumstances and adoption, she felt that James' family (and maybe even James) wouldn't accept her. Telling James would bring shame on her parents and could bring problems on James. She went west to start a new life but decided not to marry because she still loved James. After becoming a doctor, James followed her and pleaded to know why she had abandoned him. It's not until Agnes plans to adopt an illegitimate baby that James must confront his attitudes.

I cared about what happened to the main characters. Sam was a wonderful character: selflessly caring, very supportive, and not caring about one's birth circumstances. Agnes also cared for others with her words and actions, partly because she understood accepting suffering out of love for another. James was kind and very much cared about healing people, but he still had some selfish and judgmental attitudes due to his upbringing. He had to work through these as he faced the uncertainties about his relationship with Agnes and a disease outbreak in the town. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable romance.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Minutes to Die by Susan Sleeman

Minutes to Die by Susan Sleeman ISBN-13: 9780764233968 Paperback: 384 pages Publisher: Bethany House Released: August 4th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
ICE Agent Evan Bowers uncovers the intel every agent fears--terrorists have been smuggled into the country, intent on unleashing the most deadly attack since 9/11. With the threat imminent, FBI Agent Kiley Dawson is charged with leading a team to take down this terrorist cell. The only problem is Kiley blames Evan for the death of her former partner, but with millions of lives on the line, she has no choice but to work with him.

Evan has to live with that guilt, and the agent's death seems an impossible obstacle to Evan's attraction to Kiley, but he's determined to try. As the terrorist plot targets Kiley's family, the two are pushed to the breaking point in a race to save countless lives.


My Review:
Minutes to Die is a Christian romantic suspense. The team only had seven days to stop a terrorist threat that could kill millions of people. This did create high suspense, but I was confused by why the main team focused so much on who was going to carry out the attack rather than on trying to determine the target of the attack. I was also baffled by things like why someone would get a tattoo providing the key to a code since usually one tries to hide a code's key. But mostly I was distracted from the suspense because Kiley deserved someone more supportive than Evan. He was a self-centered, manipulative jerk.

Evan promised to be of great help to the team, but he spent most of his free time fantasizing about kissing Kiley rather than looking for ways to help. He was told to make sure that Kiley got enough to eat, drink, and rest, but he didn't even do this simple task. She was professional and very focused on the task of saving millions of lives, but he kept forcing the issue of talking about their relationship even though this could have waited the seven days until the job was done. He demanded that they talk about it even when he knew it would upset her and disrupt the much-needed nap she was about to take or pull her focus from tailing the bad guy.

He also undermined her authority by questioning her plans and refusing to follow her orders several times. Twice, he tackled her to the ground when someone shot at them, preventing her from doing her job. Yet Evan was very, very dismissive of Kiley's concern when he did something dangerous. He justified all of his behavior as acceptable because he "loved" her so much, and a member of Kiley's team said the same. This caused Kiley to start doubting everything she did. It wasn't until Kiley finally agreed to consider a relationship with Evan that he suddenly became supportive, telling her what a good job she's doing and saying they needed to stay focused on the job. I would have been more impressed if he'd been that way from the start rather than waiting until 24 hours before the terrorist attack.

At one point, Evan suddenly grabbed and kissed Kiley. It was such an Amazing Kiss that they're convinced they need to get married. Kiley convinced herself that this feeling must be love. Pretty sure that Amazing Kisses and a disrespectful, controlling attitude aren't mentioned anywhere in the Bible when defining love, though. Kiley struggled with forgiving Evan and trusting God with her loved ones. Evan didn't even realize that he needed to do the same. There was no sex or bad language.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Vying for the Viscount by Kristi Ann Hunter

Vying for the Viscount by Kristi Ann Hunter ISBN-13: 9780764235252 Paperback: 352 pages Publisher: Bethany House Released: August 4th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from NetGalley:
For Hudson, the newly titled Viscount Stildon, moving to England from India where he was born and raised was already an arduous enough endeavor. When he learns the fate of the racing empire he inherited along with his title depends upon him getting in the good graces of another stable owner, he's even more at a loss.

The stable at the neighboring estate has been Miss Bianca Snowley's refuge for years, and when a strange man appears to be stealing the horses, she jumps to their protection without a second thought. Upon learning Hudson is actually the new owner, she can't help but be intrigued by the area's newest eligible bachelor.

Any thought of romance is quickly set aside, however, when Hudson proposes they work together to secure suitable spouses for each other. As their friendship grows, Hudson and Bianca begin to reconsider what they truly want in life. But will societal expectations and the weight of their responsibilities keep them from pursuing their true desires?


My Review:
Vying for the Viscount is a Christian historical romance set in 1817 in Newmarket, England. Hudson had to deal with the differences between India and England as well as his desire to fit in and impress the owners of the other racing stables. After hearing the rumor that a highly sought after stud will be made available to the man that marries Lady Rebecca, he decided that was the way to gain a respectable wife along with the admiration of others for good horse breeding. Bianca agreed to help him with things like the local dances and social customs. In return, he'd nudge some friends in her direction that were decent men who liked a woman who loves horses. As their friendship grew, it was obvious to everyone how well suited Hudson and Bianca were but Hudson's blind to it because he's so focused on achieving his goal.

The overall tone of the story was lightly humorous. The characters were engaging, caring, and they reacted realistically to events. Hudson and Bianca quickly became good friends due to shared interests and a similar sense of humor. There was some tension since Bianca was being pressured to choose a good match for herself while wishing she could marry Hudson. I appreciated that the courtship of Bianca was not rushed at the end just so that the author could wrap things up with a marriage. There was some praying, and Hudson learned to trust God more. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical romance.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Murder in the East End by Jennifer Ashley

Murder in the East End by Jennifer Ashley ISBN-13: 9780593099377 Paperback: 320 pages Publisher: Berkley Released: August 4th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
When young cook Kat Holloway learns that the children of London's Foundling Hospital are mysteriously disappearing and one of their nurses has been murdered, she can't turn away. She enlists the help of her charming and enigmatic confidant Daniel McAdam, who has ties to Scotland Yard, and Errol Fielding, a disreputable man from Daniel's troubled past, to bring the killer to justice. Their investigation takes them from the grandeur of Mayfair to the slums of the East End, during which Kat learns more about Daniel and his circumstances.


My Review:
Murder in the East End is a mystery set in February 1882 in England. This is the fourth book in the series. You do not need to read the previous novels to understand this one, and this book didn't spoil the mysteries of the previous books.

The main characters did a good job of spotting things that were going on and asking relevant questions. While the mystery was clue-based, the main characters progressively uncovered what was going on and narrowed down where the children were and who could be the murderer. Whodunit was not something that you could guess before the final clues were given, and the characters realized whodunit at the same time as the reader. The main characters were interesting and likable. The historical details (mostly about cooking, foundling homes, and acceptable behavior for women and servants) were woven into the story. There were no sex scenes. There was some use of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable novel.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

The Princess Companion by Melanie Cellier

The Princess Companion by Melanie Cellier Paperback: 334 pages Publisher: Luminant Publications Released: January 2nd 2016

Source: Amazon Unlimited.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
One dark and stormy night, lost and alone, Alyssa finds herself knocking on the door of a castle. After a lifetime spent in the deep forest, Alyssa has no idea what to expect on the other side. What she finds is two unruly young princesses and one very handsome prince. When Alyssa accepts the job of Princess Companion she knows her life will change. What she doesn’t know is that the royal family is about to be swept up in unexpected danger and intrigue and that she just might be the only thing standing between her kingdom and destruction.

This retelling of the classic fairy tale, The Princess and the Pea, reimagines the risks and rewards that come when one royal family goes searching for a true princess.


My Review:
The Princess Companion is a young adult fantasy novel with a romance. Alyssa seeks shelter at the royal winter castle one stormy night and is accidentally put in the Princess Room. She's very sensitive to pain, so she notices how uncomfortable the bed is but is too polite to complain. The young, twin princesses need someone to watch and train them, so Alyssa is offered and takes the job. As time passes, she gets to know Prince Max, who resents how his mother intends to choose his bride. Alyssa and Max uncover a plot against the kingdom, which they must stop.

I liked how Alyssa and Max worked together to save the kingdom and were a good team. Their relationship was built on trust and friendship. The main characters were engaging and reacted realistically to events. The world-building was light, mainly a medieval feel but with curses and godmother magic items. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this fantasy to fans of fairytales and heroic fantasy.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

A Foreign Crown by Jen Geigle Johnson

A Foreign Crown by Jen Geigle Johnson ISBN-13: 9781524413668 Paperback: 256 pages Publisher: Covenant Communications Released: August 3rd 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Following a devastating series of misfortunes, Lady Aribella Bardsley has bravely shouldered the responsibilities of her household. A summons arrives from the Queen with a providential offer: Aribella’s presence is requested as a lady-in-waiting at the palace.

Prince Layton Wilhelm’s family has clung to their neutrality in the war for far too long. As the youngest of the King of Oldenburg’s eight sons, Layton is determined to prove his worth and is unwilling to turn a blind eye to Napoleon’s encroaching privateers. When Layton embarks on a journey to England, it is for one purpose: to petition the British navy for aid. But when he becomes acquainted with the lovely Lady Aribella, he cannot deny their powerful connection. Amid the intrigues and schemes within the walls of the palace, Layton and Aribella know a future together is impossible—but torn between loyalty and love, will they risk everything to follow their hearts?


My Review:
A Foreign Crown is a romance set in 1810 in England. While historical details like King George's madness and war with Napoleon were woven into the story, the story still had a fairytale feel. This was partly because Layton and Arabella often spent time alone together, kissed intensely several times (even though they felt that their duty lay in marrying elsewhere), and Layton's belief that three British warships were sufficient to protect his country. (The author clearly envisioned naval warfare at this time as being one ship against another when it was usually fleets against each other.)

This book was primarily a romance, complete with love at first sight and an irresistible physical attraction between Layton and Arabella. Layton is so handsome and Arabella so beautiful. Arabella went to court to be a lady in waiting to the Queen, but the details about her meeting the Queen and getting settled in were skipped in preference to showing scenes where Layton and Arabella spent time together. However, the time that they spent together was not really in situations where they could get to know each other due to the nature of balls and court life. I didn't feel that Layton and Arabella were bad for each other, just that they didn't actually know each other.

Arabella had an open offer of marriage from a man she knows is kind, considerate, values her opinion, will probably be a good friend, etc. She knows of no bad thing about him except that he's not Layton. Honestly, I felt like the story sent the message of valuing heady romantic feelings of lust over valuing someone more certain to be a good marriage partner and probably provide a more lasting love. There was no sex or bad language.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.