Defending the Witness by Sharee Stover

Defending the Witness
by Sharee Stover

ISBN-13: 9781335597533
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Released: July 25, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
After witnessing a murder at the hands of a notorious gang leader, Ayla DuPree is a marked woman sent straight to witness protection. But when her handler is killed and her safety compromised, she has no choice but to run—forcing US Marshal Chance Tavalla and his K-9 Destiny to chase her. Can Chance keep Ayla alive long enough to find safety and justice?


My Review:
Defending the Witness is a Christian romantic suspense novel. Ayla's handler manages to warn her to run right before he's killed. He's taught her many skills for protecting herself, and she's determined to use them to stay alive. Chance has to track her down using his K9 partner Destiny and then convince her to trust him. He failed to keep his little brother safe when they were kids, though, so he doesn't want to be tasked with bodyguard duty. He wants to use his skills to track down the escaped killer gang leader. He basically got to do both as the killer thinks Ayla knows were 'the list' is, and she's forced to figure out where it might be.

The suspense was high throughout as Ayla was repeatedly targeted and she had to think quick and use her new skills to survive. The main characters were likable and reacted realistically to events, though I felt like the evidence should have made them a little more suspicious of one person. There was some Christian discussion about why bother to pray (or trust God) if you don't always get what you want and how God can redeem bad events to bring about good. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable suspense.


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.

Finding Us by Tracie Peterson

Finding Us
by Tracie Peterson

ISBN-13: 9780764237416
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Bethany House
Released: July 25, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
While taking photographs at an exposition in Seattle in 1909, Camera Girl Eleanor Bennett snaps an image of a woman in widow's clothes with deep sorrow etched in her expression and a young infant in her arms.

Eleanor longs to study botany at the University of Washington and soon becomes fast friends with botanist Bill Reed, but she can't stop thinking about the widow in the photograph. She is stunned to learn Bill recognizes the woman as the sister-in-law he believed lost in a shipwreck.

As Eleanor and Bill hunt for Amelia Reed to reunite her with her grief-stricken husband, they must stand together to face the danger that follows and learn to trust that God will direct their paths.


My Review:
Finding Us is a Christian romance set in 1909 in Seattle, Washington. It's the second in a series, but it can be read as a stand-alone and didn't spoil events in the previous book. This was primarily a sweet romance between Eleanor and Bill as they worked to re-type his ruined botany book in time to get it to the publisher. They got to know each other's character and shared many interests. They worked well together as a team. They not only fell in love but prayed and felt God was confirming that they should get married even though they hadn't known each other long. This was one "quick romance" where I felt like they really did know the important aspects of the other's character rather than having only a superficial attraction.

The side story was about Bill's preacher brother and his wife. After being separated during a shipwreck, an increasingly insane man managed to convince Wallace and his wife, Amelia, that the other was dead. Wallace turned his back on God in anger and grief but Bill kept trying to help him find faith again. They learned fairly quickly that Amelia was alive, safe, and intending to return home to Alaska, so they didn't try too hard to reconnect with her before then. They just rushed to return to Alaska.

The main characters were likable and generally behaved realistically. Interesting historical details about the Expo and life in Alaska were woven into the story. Wallace questioned why God allowed bad things to happen. 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.

Her Alaskan Companion by Heidi McCahan

Her Alaskan Companion
by Heidi McCahan

ISBN-13: 9781335596802
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired
Released: July 25, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
When pregnant widow Lexi Thomas moves to Alaska for a fresh start, the last thing on her mind is romance. Fortunately her neighbor’s affectionate goldendoodle is just the distraction she needs—unlike his gruff but helpful owner. Police officer Heath Donovan needs someone to pet sit, but can he keep Lexi at a distance? When his unruly dog turns matchmaker, can he face his biggest fear for a shot at love?


My Review:
Her Alaskan Companion is a Christian romance. Heath's father died of a progressive, fatal disease that Heath has a 50% chance of also carrying. Rather than getting genetically tested to see if he has the disease, he's avoiding relationships. He doesn't want to burden others if he's disabled by this disease, and he certainly doesn't want to potentially pass it on to any children. When his kind, positive, and beautiful new neighbor sparks his interest, he considers a relationship. She's a pregnant widow, so she'll have a child from her first marriage. But he couldn't put her through losing him, too.

Lexi recently lost her beloved first husband, so she's surprised to be so attracted to the handsome, protective, and very helpful Heath. His dog's a great companion, too, and she enjoys dog-sitting. Her faith in Christ has helped her through hard times, and her new friends help her establish her photography business. But she can't figure out why Heath refuses to talk about his family and sometimes avoids her after she asks innocent questions.

The main characters were likable, though I honestly didn't understand why Heath preferred living as if he was destined to get the disease rather than just getting tested so he'd know. And he's so super-protective and hyper-aware of danger, he'd restrict what Lexi could do if it was his choice. This issue wasn't dealt with, and I suspect 'live life to the full' Lexi would get tired of it with time. Anyway. Heath hadn't talked with God since his father died but is urged to pray by several people. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this romance if you like straight romances with engaging dogs.


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.

Scaredy Cat by Sofie Ryan

Scaredy Cat
by Sofie Ryan

ISBN-13: 9780593201992
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Released: July 4, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
After a long, cold, and snowy winter, it seems as though spring may be arriving early in Maine. Sarah Grayson is busy at her store, Second Chance, and she’s looking forward to an afternoon break from the hustle and bustle, tagging along to the North Harbor Spring House Tour with her friend Detective Michelle Andrews.

But it turns out one of the houses has a haunted history, and when a ghost hunter is found dead on the premises, Sarah knows the best way to uncover the killer/to solve the mystery is by investigating the not-so-dearly departed. Elvis and Charlotte’s Angels, the crew of senior citizen private detectives who work out of the store, will close the case on this crime.


My Review:
Scaredy Cat is a cozy mystery. It's the tenth book in the series, but you don't need to read the previous books to understand this one. This book didn't spoil any of the previous mysteries.

The main characters were nice, engaging people. More time was spent describing refurbishing furniture and eating food than on doing actual detection. The amateur detectives asked questions and looked into various alibis. They solved both the mystery from the past and the current murder. Everyone had an alibi, so they kind of ran out of steam. Off scene, Mr. P. tracked down all of the information uncovered by the murder victim, who was determined to expose the ghost story as a fraud. I actually did spot whodunit, but the motive seemed really weak to me. Also, I doubt many people even own an ice pick anymore, and it's not going to be in a bedroom if they do. Why debate if it was possibly an accident or crime of the moment? It's too obviously premeditated.

There were no sex scenes. There was only one use of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this mystery, but it's my least favorite of the series.


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.

An Unwitting Alliance by Anneka R. Walker

An Unwitting Alliance
by Anneka R. Walker

ISBN-13: 9781524423483
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Released: July 10, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Cassandra Vail has but one objective at the Kellens’ ball: she must secure a proposal from her eminently suitable suitor. Instead, she finds her best-laid plans thwarted by another man―the handsome and thoroughly vexing Mr. Harwood. Thanks to his meddling, Cassandra loses her chance and her parents betroth her to a complete stranger.

Tom Harwood meant only to deter a debutante from pursuing his friend. He wasn’t supposed to be entranced by her. To make matters worse, he’s offended Cassandra. Before he has the opportunity to make amends, he finds himself the latest unwitting victim of the meddlesome Matchmaking Mamas. His parents have signed a contract for his hand in marriage, and it seems his mysterious betrothed is as opposed to the union as he is.

When the reluctant couple finally meets, they are shocked to realize they are not strangers after all. Can one miserable beginning be overcome, or has their future ended before it even begins?


My Review:
An Unwitting Alliance is a romance set in 1821 in England. I suppose I should have skipped this one as I have trouble accepting the premise that two sets of loving parents would force their children into a marriage with someone they don't know and plan a hasty marriage so they can't back out of it. Cassandra was trying to catch a man, so she's upset that they didn't even trust her to choose and win her own man. Tom never wanted to get married and is heir, so I can understand his parents wanting him to marry, but not their signing a binding contract sight unseen.

Anyway. Cassandra constantly assumed the worst about Tom and refused to hear his apology or explanation. Even after she finally accepted that he hadn't meant her any harm nor had any hand in the betrothal, she still assumed the worst about him and didn't want to listen to him. That's not going to make for a good marriage, especially as Tom also assumed the worst about her on occasion. They spent much of the story just getting to the point of deciding they might have pursued each other if not forced into it, and I felt like they didn't have time to get to know each other--the real person, not their assumptions.

Tom had to overcome his reluctance to let people see past his charming, cheerful facade. His much-loved brother died when he was young, and Tom's determined to never love and hurt like that again. It's a young boy in the nearby workhouse that broke through that wall. At the end, he tells Cassandra "...all along I needed your love to right what was wrong inside of me." Yet I didn't really feel like she showed him that type of love. Anyway, this romance just didn't quite work for me.

Historical details were woven into the story, like the side story involving workhouses for the poor. However, the author used some pretty modern phrases at times. Tom had a habit of talking his problems out with his dead brother (who must be an angel in heaven) and praying to him for help. He didn't trust God to care. 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.

Crook o' Lune by E.C.R. Lorac

Crook o' Lune
by E.C.R. Lorac

ISBN-13: 9781728278537
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Released: July 11, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
It all began up at High Gimmerdale with the sheep-stealing, a hateful act in the shepherding fells above the bend in the Lune River―the Crook o' Lune. Then came the fire at Aikengill house and with the leaping of the flames, death, disorder, and dangerous gossip came to the quiet moorlands. Visiting his friends, the Hoggetts, while searching for some farmland to buy up ahead of his retirement, Chief Inspector Robert Macdonald's trip becomes a busman's holiday when he is drawn to investigate the deadly blaze and the deep-rooted motives behind the rising spate of crimes.


My Review:
Crook o' Lune is a mystery set in England that was published in 1953. The author wove in a lot of interesting setting details about the hills, the house, and the people. I suspect it would have been easier to solve this puzzle mystery if I'd written down all the 'who was doing what and when' clues. They became a muddle to keep track of by memory. I still correctly guessed whodunit based on other clues, but several suspects were possibilities until all of the clues were laid out at the end. Chief Inspector MacDonald knew how to gain the local's trust and get the information he needed to solve the mystery. He asked good questions and looked at angles that the local detective hadn't looked into. The characters were varied and interesting. There were only a few uses of bad language. There were no sex scenes. Overall, I would recommend this interesting mystery.


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.

Love Unseen by Rachel Kelley Stones

Love Unseen
by Rachel Kelley Stones

ISBN-13: 9781524422998
Paperback: 248 pages
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Released: July 5, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Hannah Hadley is a permanent fixture in London Society and well on her way to becoming a spinster. Despite her beauty and kind disposition, Hannah has accepted the harsh reality of her situation: she will never marry. Blind after an illness from her youth, Hannah acknowledges her chances of entertaining potential suitors, at least respectable ones, is slim.

To members of the ton, Jonathan Carter is undeniably unsuitable. Though he is in possession of a massive fortune and is handsome as well, there remains an insurmountable black mark against him: his is new money. Even so, he’s caught off guard when his enchanting neighbor, Miss Hadley, flatly rejects his offer to dance. Despite their rocky introduction, however, they find themselves inexplicably drawn to one another. But when circumstances force Hannah from her home, the couple’s warm association comes to an abrupt end. Now, Jonathan must find a way to rescue the woman he just might love or risk losing her forever.


My Review:
Love Unseen is a romance set in 1815 in England. Jonathan's pride got him into trouble from beginning to end, but at least he knew how to apologize sincerely and gave thoughtful, meaningful gifts. Hannah was kind and determined, despite how her family treated her and the challenges of being blind. She didn't let her disability stop her from living fully and being useful. Jonathan came to see her as a person (not a disability or burden) and admired her character.

However, some foundational parts of the story didn't make sense. For example, Hannah's mother stated several times that Julia would make a good match and that Jonathan was too 'new money' to be socially acceptable. Yet when Jonathan started a friendship with Hannah, the mother kept claiming that Hannah was getting in Julia's way of making a match with Jonathan. Huh? The mother's reason for hating Hannah also was warped. But I really don't understand why did this gentlewoman, as a miss, gave herself to a man she didn't want to marry while apparently expecting she could make a better match even if she was spoiled goods.

The end really pushed things beyond belief for me. Hannah's mother treated her like a slave to be sold and her social equals didn't censor or stop her. Then Jonathan's horse tripped, and he fell off. I've done this many times with no injury, but he's severely injured. All so our blind lady can devotedly clean his wounds. Seriously? There's no way for her to know if the wound is clean. This is absurd.

The historical details were often wrong, from points of etiquette to acting like broken bones were a simple, safe fix at that time. There was no sex. There was one use of British 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.

In the Shelter of Hollythorne House by Sarah E. Ladd

In the Shelter of Hollythorne House
by Sarah E. Ladd

ISBN-13: 9780785246817
Paperback: 354 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Released: July 1, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
England, 1817—Charlotte Grey thought she had seen the last of Anthony Welbourne. Knowing her father would never consent to his only daughter marrying a man he deemed beneath their family’s station, Charlotte bid her final farewell to Anthony and vowed to never turn back. Instead, she honored her father’s wishes by marrying the wealthy Roland Prior.

Anthony followed his father's example and become an officer, fighting a war overseas, then working as a member of William Walstead’s watchmen, a rugged band of men hired to deal with perilous situations. When Charlotte’s abusive husband dies unexpectedly, she wants to take her infant son, Henry, away from the influence of her powerful brother-in-law who claims Henry as his heir. She and the baby flee to Hollythorne House, her childhood home. But Anthony has been sent as one of the hired watchman to protect her and Henry until the details of her late husband’s estate are settled.

Anthony’s presence brings back feelings she never expected to feel again, and she struggles to trust Anthony’s intentions. Are Walstead’s Watchmen really looking after Charlotte as they claim or working on her brother-in-law's behalf? When new threats emerge, both must decide what they are willing to risk for the chance to right past wrongs and carve out a new future together.


My Review:
In the Shelter of Hollythorne House is a romance set in 1817 in England. In this very slow-paced story, the two main characters spent a lot of time thinking about the current situation and how they got to this point. I've rarely read a book were so little actually happens. Potential points of suspense turned out to hold little conflict: her husband died of natural causes, Silas gave in every time Charlotte defied him, etc. The most suspenseful part was between 75% and 88%, and the main question was if Anthony could prevent a panicked Charlotte from doing something foolish.

While both characters said they'd changed from when they'd been in love, Anthony was immediately interested in her again. He knew she was stubborn, impulsive, and had a temper (often misdirected at him) but loved her anyway. Charlotte could never trust a man again after the way her charming suitor became abusive after marriage. When she first saw Anthony again, rather than count him as a potential ally, she considered him a jailor meant to prevent her freedom. But then she's suddenly confiding in him. But then she doesn't trust him. But, well, she has no one else to trust. Then they were always meant to be together. Anthony kindly described her as "emotional."

Charlotte's also very proud and not particularly clever or practical. Her only way of handling Silas was to defy him, even when he gave reasonable advice. There were enough historical errors that the story didn't feel very realistic. For example, the characters acted like Anthony made no money while being an officer fighting in a war. The clothing seemed to be the most historically researched part. Having just read a different story about a widow of an abusive husband overcoming that influence and finding love, this just felt so jerky and shallow in comparison. 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.

Break of Day by Colleen Coble

Break of Day
by Colleen Coble

ISBN-13: 9780785253785
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Released: July 4, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
Law enforcement officer Annie Pederson’s life has been rocked by tragedy, but things finally seem to be heading in the right direction. Her relationship with the love of her life—who’s also the biological father of her precious daughter—has never been better, and it looks like an engagement ring is in Annie’s future. She’s also slowly building back trust with her sister, Sarah, after a separation that has lasted for decades.

When a man escapes law enforcement custody and Sarah’s safety is suddenly in question, Annie’s personal and professional lives once again merge. Meanwhile, her investigation of hikers who have gone missing in the remote woods of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula puts her in the crosshairs of a deadly game. Now, Annie is the one being hunted. When she discovers the terrible truth about the men who are stalking her, she realizes that she’s in for the fight of her life if she’s going to redeem the sister she once lost, build the family she dreams of, and keep all those she loves safe.


My Review:
Break of Day is a Christian romantic suspense novel. It's the third book in a series, and it's a direct continuation of the previous novels, so it's best to read them in order. There were a number of threads to the story, both relationship tensions (with Annie's sister, her daughter and Jon, etc.) and the continuing investigation into women going missing and later found murdered.

Annie investigated the ongoing murders. She asked good questions, and Jon helped her on occasion. The suspense came from the danger to Annie, Sarah, Jon, and others. Annie was awesome at the end. The main characters were engaging, complex, and reacted realistically to events. They found healing as they spent more time together. Sarah learned more about God's forgiveness. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting 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.

Beyond a Doubt by Colleen Coble

Beyond a Doubt
by Colleen Coble

ISBN-13: 9781401688592
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Released: April 8, 2013

Source: Borrowed using Kindle Unlimited.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Arson. Theft. Murder. When Bree Nicholls discovers a corpse in her own basement, a whirlwind investigation ushers an unbidden danger to all she holds dear. Without safe haven in her lighthouse home--or in the arms of a new love--the young widow struggles to free her family from the tentacles of an age-old crime that strikes at the heart of Rock Harbor.


My Review:
Beyond a Doubt is a Christian suspense novel with some romance. It's the second of several stories about Bree, but it works as a stand-alone novel. The main characters were complex, well-developed, and reacted realistically to events. Bree's now helping people train their dogs in search and rescue. The mystery partly involved Kade's younger sister getting into trouble but trying to make things right even if she doesn't like the consequences. Several people found clues to an old murder (and newer ones) and passed that information on to authorities. Bree continued to get to know and admire Kade, but some misunderstandings, mistrust, and stress threatened their relationship. I like that their relationship develops over several books rather than is 'instant perfection' like in many Christian romances, but it's left in doubt at the end of this book which may leave the story feeling unresolved.

Bree's a new believer in Christ and struggled to understand things like bad things happening to faithful Christian believers. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable mystery/suspense 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.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.