Targeted in the Swamp by Kerry Johnson

Targeted in the Swamp
by Kerry Johnson

ISBN-13: 9781335957672
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Released: March 31, 2026

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Laurel Bell’s first day as a wildlife photography ranger takes a treacherous turn when she is nearly drowned by a masked assassin. Her witness protection cover has been blown, and she knows it’s only a matter of time before her attacker returns to finish the job. Her only chance at survival is police sergeant Heath Calhoun, who will do anything to deliver Laurel to her marshal handler. But when Heath’s young daughter is endangered, the stakes are raised, and now they must race to outsmart the powerful enemies who will stop at nothing to exact their revenge.


My Review:
Targeted in the Swamp is a Christian romantic suspense. Laurel's policeman father was killed, then her adoptive parents died. Witness Protection just moved her to a new town where she knows no one, and she's feeling pretty lonely. Heath helped save her from an attacker, but he's certain she must know her attacker and kept pressuring her to tell him who it was. But Laurel didn't recognize the man, and the man she witnessed against was still in prison a week ago. Her handler's not responding, and she's not supposed to tell anyone that she's in witness protection. This delayed Heath and Laurel from really being able to work together, but trust did build between them as Heath protected her and helped her discover what was going on.

The main characters were generally likable and acted realistically. A few actions taken by various characters didn't make sense to me, like why did the attacker keep nearly drowning Laurel in the shallow swamp until help could arrive rather than simply killing her. The suspense came from the repeated attacks on Laurel and the spill-over danger to those around her. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable 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.

The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins by Melanie Dickerson

The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins
by Melanie Dickerson

ISBN-13: 9780764245220
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Released: March 17, 2026

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Charlotte Robbins accepts a governess position for the Earl of Brookhaven's siblings despite rumors of the earl's scowling demeanor. As a lowly governess, Charlotte entertains thoughts of possible romance with an eligible servant until she does fall unexpectedly in love--with the pensive earl himself.

But love does not mean a match is possible, and the earl's friends warn Charlotte that if he were to fall for her, it would ruin him. Just as Charlotte resigns herself to the impossibility of her feelings, she receives news that she has inherited a fortune from a long-lost relative. Now thrust into London high society, Charlotte grapples with suitors vying for her attention, but her heart still belongs to the Earl of Brookhaven. As secrets unfold, she's no longer certain if her newfound fortune is a blessing.


My Review:
The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins is a romance set in 1814 in England. Charlotte longs for some of the adventure found in the novels she reads, so she accepts a position as a governess in hopes of finding a man of equal status who will fall in love with her. Instead, she finds a friendship with the Earl, who enjoys talking with her due to her unconventional opinions. He's tired of society's expectations, but his friends see his preference for Charlotte and warn him that he can't possibly marry her unless she had a large fortune. Suddenly, she has 50,000 pounds....but the Earl doesn't follow up on his generosity. Poor Charlotte's also been warned away from the Earl, so she's left fending off fortune hunters while debating what to do with her future.

The main characters were likable, and I appreciated that the romance was based on shared interests, values, and friendship. However, nothing actually stood in the way of their marriage. They loved each other and neither cared about high society's opinion. But the Earl was once engaged to a woman who ran off with someone wealthier than him, so he decided (with no reason) that Charlotte would do the same so he refused to declare his love.

The storyline was rather predictable--even the Earl's aunt told him that his scheme was a bad one. And I know it's meant to be humorous, but Charlotte would have been taught dancing etiquette along with the actual movements. Surely she knew that she had the right to say "no" to invitations--she even overhears others doing so. And, strangely, no one in high society actually seemed to follow good manners as many invited themselves to events, for example. Some parts just didn't feel believable.

Charlotte wonders what God's will is for her life and how to use her fortune for good. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable, if somewhat predictable, 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.

When Justice Comes by Colleen Coble & Rick Acker

When Justice Comes
by Colleen Coble
and Rick Acker

ISBN-13: 9781400345731
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Released: March 3, 2026

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Hezekiah "Hez" Webster and his fiancé, Savannah, stand on the brink of a new life, but their dreams are haunted by specters of the past. Just as they're getting ready to adopt her nephew, two other petitioners also file for custody--both of whom only want Simon for their own gains.

Between the financial company that Hez outmaneuvered to save the university from ruin and the bad blood from the head of the Willard family, it's hard to say who wants them out of the way more. Hez and Savannah's quest for justice leads them through a labyrinth of family law, where loyalties are tested and trust is a dangerous luxury when every decision could be their last.

With every secret revealed, the stakes grow higher. Can they build the family they've always dreamed of, or will their enemies succeed in tearing them apart forever?


My Review:
When Justice Comes is a Christian suspense. It's the 3nd book in the series and continues the story from the first and second books. Savannah's still frustrating. When Hez is accused of wrong doing, she immediately judged him guilty and wanted a friend to join her in being angry at him. Yet when a friend is accused of doing wrong, she won't believe it and demanded that Hez support her (which he did even though he thought about how Savannah's judgment was repeatedly wrong in the past). She's a little faster to believe Hez innocent this time, but I just don't understand why he wants to re-marry a woman who assumes he's always guilty.

Hez had two main problems: a financial company leader who wanted him dead and the Willard family. The financial leader can't touch Hez so he threatened Savannah and Simon, resulting in a movie-style rescue. Savannah stupidly moved the escape boat without telling anyone. She ended up killing the bad guy, essentially in self defense. Hez told her not to blame herself and that whole aspect of the story's just dropped like it never happened. Even to the point that a minor character had to point out an important loose end that was never tied up.

Savannah slowly realized how badly her family had treated the Willard family and tried to make things right. Good. But she strongly rejected Simon spending any time with the Willard side of his family tree, which only made things worse. There's a legal battle over Simon, and Hez tried to expose the criminal dealings of those trying to take Simon from Savannah. They uncovered just how much crime was committed by both of Simon's grandfathers, bringing about justice for some and forgiveness for others. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this suspense novel to those who made it through the first two books.


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.

Raging Waters by Dana Mentink

Raging Waters
by Dana Mentink

ISBN-13: 9780800746537
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Revell
Released: March 3, 2026

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
When Mackenzie Bardine's brother Aaron was murdered in a drug deal gone wrong, she started a true crime podcast dedicated to exposing "Bullseye," the drug kingpin responsible. But her protective heart has never let go of the blame she places on herself and Aaron's best friend, Gideon Landry.

While conducting a wilderness survival class in remote Washington, Gideon never expected to cross paths with Mackenzie, and he's certainly not interested in helping her after he's already declined to participate in her vigilante podcasting. He carries a mountain of guilt about Aaron's fatal choices, but not for the reasons Mackenzie suspects.

As killers begin to circle Mackenzie like sharks, it's clear to Gideon she's in over her head, and he can't bring himself to ignore her perilous situation. Then a flood threatens the town, turning their investigation into a race to escape the raging waters and the wrath of a powerful kingpin who wants to sink them both.


My Review:
Raging Waters is a Christian romantic suspense. The main characters were complex and grew throughout the course of the book. Mackenzie's determined to bring down the drug boss that was behind her brother's murder even if it means her own death. She started the story by robbing Gideon with a policeman nearby so she could get inside the jail to talk with her informant. No real planning, just reckless actions like later escaping from the police and refusing to evacuate the danger area because another contact might possibly still be around despite evacuation orders. Her brother was Gideon's best friend, and he's a rescuer at heart, so he couldn't stand by and watch her self-destruct. He repeatedly risked his life to save hers while trying to get through to her.

The suspense was high because of the heavy rains and constant threat of the dam breaking and flooding the area. Plus Bullseye controlled everyone in the area (so whom can they trust?) and had armed men out trying to kill Mackenzie. A map would have been helpful, though, because they hiked for several days and even rode in vehicles at times, yet it seemed like they were always still in the danger area below the dam. Even when next to a lake (which would be behind the dam?) or on a mountain ridge that we'd previously been told was out of danger range.

There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this this 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.

The Liar's Treasure by Connie Mann

The Liar's Treasure
by Connie Mann

ISBN-13: 9781496487445
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Released: March 10, 2026

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from NetGalley:
Camille Abernathy ignored rumors of The Liar’s Treasure and her family’s connection to it until someone put a target on her daughter’s back. Growing up in New Orleans, such tall tales were as common as beignets and gumbo. But when Camille’s teenage daughter, Cass, posts pictures of a centuries-old diary her uncle gave her, she unwittingly attracts dozens of treasure hunting fanatics who are convinced Cass and the diary can lead them to a valuable cache.

To keep her daughter safe, Camille enlists the help of Speranza, a secret society always ready to help women in need. Together, they set out on a globe-trotting journey to find The Liar’s Treasure while also investigating a suspicious death related to Camille’s childhood friend. The deeper they dig, the more they suspect it’s all connected.

Chasing clues from New Orleans to Italy to the Bahamas, Camille and her friends receive unexpected assistance—and unwanted competition—from a handsome treasure hunter from Camille’s past. Then Cass is kidnapped, and finding the treasure truly becomes a matter of life and death.


My Review:
The Liar's Treasure is a Christian suspense/thriller. It's the 2nd book in a series but works as a standalone. The Speranza are a diverse group of talented women who help other women in need. Camille's a part of this group, but now she's the one needing help. Camille's teenaged daughter posts a page from a pirate's journal that mentions the treasure. A relative wants the journal, an old love interest of Camille's wants the treasure to pay his father's debts, someone wants it to find out who's stealing from a charity, and a professional thief just wants to have it.

The Speranza decided to find the treasure. The relative and the old love interest occasionally helped the women when facing danger, but they stole from them once the danger was over. Though the Speranza had the major clues and the treasure had been successfully hidden for 300 years, these other treasure hunters somehow managed to show up any time our group found something important, increasing the danger and difficulty.

The characters were engaging and reacted to events in realistic ways. The team of women used their intelligence, talents, and determination to creatively overcome all obstacles. 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.

Last to Fall by Lynn H. Blackburn

Last to Fall
by Lynn H. Blackburn

ISBN-13: 9780800745387
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Revell
Released: March 3, 2026

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Bronwyn Pierce has poured everything into The Haven, her family's exclusive mountain resort in Gossamer Falls. But when financial discrepancies surface and the numbers suggest something far darker than simple mismanagement, she's forced to call on the one person with the skills to help Mo Quinn, a former Army Intelligence officer, her first love, and the last person she ever wanted to trust again.

Mo has spent years avoiding the woman he once loved and the secrets that tore them apart. But when Bronwyn calls, he can't walk away--especially when it's clear someone wants her gone for good. As they dig deeper into the treacherous motives behind a blackmail scheme, their proximity reignites long-buried feelings neither of them is ready to face.

With danger closing in and no one else to turn to, Bronwyn and Mo must break years of silence to uncover who's trying to destroy The Haven. They'll have to risk everything--including their hearts--to expose the truth before it's too late.


My Review:
Last to Fall is a romantic suspense. This is the third novel in the series, but it works as a standalone. Bronwyn and Mo were friends since they were very young despite the fact that their extended families disliked each other. We finally learned what happened to make Bronwyn decide to never speak to Mo again, and Mo promise not to talk to her until she did. I really wondered what events would make such behavior feel justified, but it did make sense. Now the problem is that Bronwyn needs Mo to figure out who's doing something hinky with the Haven's financials, and she thinks someone might be trying to kill her. Mo and Bronwyn communicated fine despite the no-direct-communication 'rule,' and they realized how much they still cared for each other (especially the more mature versions). Mo supported and protected Bronwyn, and she appreciated that he did this despite how she'd hurt him.

The main characters were engaging and reacted realistically to events. The suspense came from the threat to Bronwyn and everything coming to a boiling point with her family's scheming at the Haven and their trying to manipulate her. Mo said he'd handed the conflict with Bronwyn over to God, but there wasn't much reference to God beyond that. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I would recommend this enjoyable 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.

A Kingdom of Shadows by Emily Bain Murphy

A Kingdom of Shadows
by Emily Bain Murphy

ISBN-13: 9780593601457
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook
Released: March 3, 2026

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Ever since the Great Betrayal, the light in Wildfel has been dying. The sunshine is dimmer, it takes more firewood to brighten a room, and the shadows grow stronger by the day. Twelve-year-old orphan Finn survives in this world by being a thief. When he, his best friend Adrion, and younger sister Lydia meet a mysterious stranger who claims to know of a Lake of Light, they set off on an adventure to places where the mist can steal a precious memory, starlight gathers in waterfalls, and spiders spin shimmering webs of glass as deadly as they are dazzling.

But there are secrets hiding in the shadows that could change Finn’s understanding of everything he knows—and finding the Lake of Light could alter not only the course of his life but the very kingdom itself.


My Review:
A Kingdom of Shadows is a middle grade, Christian fantasy. This adventure was exciting, with non-stop danger: running from a rival thief to avoiding soldiers and witches to fireflies that literally start fires and spiders that spin pure glass and whose bite can kill. The main characters were engaging. A Christ-like teenager invited several children to help him gather what's needed to make a key to open the way to the Lake of Light. He used the various trials they faced to build their trust in him, but not all of the children chose to remain as one of his followers. Finn had to decide if he'd continue living for his own gain (even if it hurt others) or join the fight for the Light. Both good and bad characters could do magic, with the witches using it to create the shadows that threaten life (less sun means less food, etc.) and the good people used magic to fight the darkness. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting adventure.


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.

Deadly Rodeo Threat by Sami A. Abrams

Deadly Rodeo Threat
by Sami A. Abrams

ISBN-13: 9781335957610
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Released: February 24, 2026

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
When his twin sister disappears, Navy SEAL Logan Russell returns home to help her best friend, Sheriff Isabelle Sinclair, track down leads. Isabelle is determined to solve Lisa’s mysterious disappearance the night of her last rodeo—and someone will do anything to keep her from digging too deep. When crucial evidence links Lisa’s case to a string of barrel racers who’ve also vanished, Logan and Izzie fight against the clock to track down a suspected serial killer. But when he sets his sights on Izzie, can they outsmart their enemy before both women end up dead?


My Review:
Deadly Rodeo Threat is a Christian romantic suspense. Isabelle's previous boyfriend broke down her confidence, so now she's determined not to show any weakness and prove her abilities. Logan never doubted her abilities, but he wasn't able to save a friend on his last, disastrous mission and suffers from PTSD and survivor's guilt. Both characters built each other up and supported each other. They worked well together to track down clues about what happened to Lisa. The suspense was high as other missing barrel racers turned up dead (and Lisa might be next) and the killer kept attacking Ivy to stop her investigation.

Both Isabelle and Logan prayed to God for help, and Logan trusted God with the future. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable mystery/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.

Edge of Truth by Janice Cantore

Edge of Truth
by Janice Cantore

ISBN-13: 9781496487971
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Released: February 17, 2026

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
As a detective in the Long Beach Police Department’s violent crimes division, Lainie Jensen is no stranger to hard-to-crack cases and unusual disappearances, but then her sister Evie vanishes on a trip to Hawaii. Lainie quickly realizes her brother-in-law Stan is telling law enforcement a story that doesn’t appear to add up.

FBI special agent Ben Isaacs has spent six months collecting evidence to take down a money laundering operation. While his fellow agent Efren Gomez goes undercover to infiltrate the ring, Ben investigates those connected to it, including Stan Moffitt, who Ben believes could help lead to the criminal kingpin. Then Stan’s wife goes missing just days after Ben contacted her seeking information. Then Efren goes missing.

When Ben’s and Lainie’s investigations converge, Lainie’s willing to work alongside Ben if it means figuring out what Stan knows and locating Evie. Lainie can’t deny Ben’s dedication to finding the truth or her growing admiration for him. And the more the two examine the evidence, the more they suspect Evie’s disappearance is tied to a highly publicized criminal case from Lainie’s past.


My Review:
Edge of Truth is a Christian romantic suspense. As a rookie, Lainie pulled over a drunk only to discover a murdered woman in the back of the car. The driver convinced a jury that there was no proof that he actually murdered the woman. Now he's a crime boss. When Lainie's brother-in-law calls claiming her sister died in a shark attack, she investigates only to discover that things don't add up. But where's her sister? Ben's been watching the car wash were her brother-in-law works unknowingly for the crime boss, and Ben's partner has gone missing. Lainie and Ben work together to find her sister, his partner, and the truth.

The suspense remained high due to the danger and uncertainty around the disappearances of the sister and partner. The characters were engaging and reacted realistically to events. Ben admired how Lainie took good advice and managed to save her career after a rocky start. Both were tenacious in discovering the truth and were good a spotting inconsistencies. Lainie and Ben supported each other and shared a passion for justice.

Lainie felt like God let her down and maybe didn't even listen to her prayers, but she started praying during this crisis and regained her trust that God's in control. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this engaging, suspenseful 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.

A Study in Secrets by Jeffrey Siger

A Study in Secrets
by Jeffrey Siger

ISBN-13: 9781448317066
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Severn House
Released: February 3, 2026

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Michael A— lives a quiet, comfortable life since his retirement from the intelligence services. Practically a recluse, he spends his days imagining the lives of the anonymous people he watches in the park beneath the window of his elegant New York townhouse—number 221—his every need tended to by his housekeeper, Mrs. Baker.

For weeks, a girl has sat in the park every morning at dawn. Always alone. Always watchful. And when the sun rises, she vanishes, as if she was never there. But one day her routine changes—and Michael realizes that she faces terrible danger. He makes an uncharacteristic decision to abandon his solitude and help her. Soon, Michael finds himself plunged into the New York underworld, and he’ll have to use all the tricks of his former trade if he’s to keep not just himself, but his new friend, alive.


My Review:
A Study in Secrets is a mystery with some suspense. Michael managed to get himself into and out of some rather dangerous situations. He used his wealth and connections to uncover information and solved the murder of a bad guy with the help of his housekeeper and a local restaurant owner. But his sense of justice was more concerned with giving victims a second chance to change and make better choices. I usually don't like civilians acting as judge and jury, but this story was such a delight to read that it felt like true justice had been served. Michael's a master at manipulating people (by guessing motives, probable past actions, etc.) into giving him information, yet people rarely acted completely as he expected leading to some funny moments. So many moving pieces, and yet it all worked out in the end.

There was occasional bad language. There was no sex. Overall, I'd recommend this delightful mystery.1931


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.

Mists over the Channel Islands by Sarah Sundin

Mists over the Channel Islands
by Sarah Sundin

ISBN-13: 9780800741877
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Revell
Released: February 1, 2026

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
The German invasion of the British Channel Islands shatters Dr. Ivy Picot's peaceful world, forcing her to shoulder the weight of her father's medical practice and hold together a family unraveling under the strain of war. As conditions worsen in Jersey with the arrival of thousands of forced laborers, Ivy's quiet allegiance to the Allies compels her to risk everything--providing medical aid to escaped workers even as danger closes in.

Dutch engineer and resistance member Gerrit van der Zee volunteers to build fortifications for the Germans so he can secretly send maps and diagrams to the Allies. On his arrival in the Channel Islands, he crosses paths with Ivy, who shows him contempt for the uniform he wears. As tensions mount and their missions grow increasingly dangerous, Ivy and Gerrit must confront the cost of courage, the meaning of sacrifice, and whether love can survive in the shadow of war. Will their covert efforts turn the tide--or will they pay the ultimate price for defiance?


My Review:
Mists over the Channel Islands is a Christian romantic suspense set in the British Channel Islands mainly during 1942-44. Gerrit planned to send layouts and maps of the German fortifications to the British, but he needed someone to take the drawings--and Ivy's younger brother worked on a ship that regularly went to France. Ivy didn't initially know this, but she secretly treated forced workers that ran away. Their sister, however, undermined and belittled Ivy and then went to work for a German officer. The suspense came from the high danger to those involved in the resistance and tension in the family from the split loyalties.

The historical details were woven into the story and brought the story alive in my imagination, from food and medicine shortages to details of the harsh German occupation. The characters were well-developed, complex, and acted realistically to events. They felt like real people who really lived through these events. Gerrit and Ivy were engaging characters who shared values and built each other up. Gerrit and Ivy struggled to see God's goodness when things were going so wrong and people died. 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.

Whiteout by Lynette Eason & Dani Pettrey

Whiteout
by Lynette Eason
and Dani Pettrey

ISBN-13: 9780764245978
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Bethany House
Released: February 3, 2026

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
In Buried in Shadows by Dani Pettrey, Cassandra Parker arrives at her best friend's destination wedding, praying her stalker hasn't tracked her to Colorado. Also part of the wedding party is Sheriff Joel Brunswick, the man she stunned by leaving at the altar to hide a dangerous truth. When an avalanche strands their ski group in an abandoned lodge, it becomes chillingly clear that Cassandra's stalker has followed her . . . and he's willing to kill to make her his.

In Snowbound Secrets by Lynette Eason, Dr. Maya Sullivan fully intends to escape her past and finish planning a retreat for military veterans at the ranch she's inherited. Unfortunately, her plans go sideways when an avalanche traps her in a Colorado ski resort. An unexpected reunion with her high school crush forces her to confront past wounds, but she soon realizes someone is targeting her, and their search for a shadowy enemy becomes a matter of life and death.


My Review:
Whiteout contains 2 Christian romantic suspense novellas. Buried in Shadows is almost a horror movie, with a ski group stuck in an abandoned lodge after surviving an avalanche and surrounded by a whiteout snowstorm. Cassandra's stalker is killing people one by one, and her love, Sheriff Joel, is the killer's ultimate target. The killer must be one of their party, made up of close friends and family, but who? Throw in some secret passages and some injuries, and the suspense never stops. The main characters were likable and reacted realistically to events. I am a little confused, though: the killer expected the party to end up at the out-of-the-way lodge, so I assumed he'd caused the avalanche, but no one (in either novella) suspects anything but a natural cause.

Snowbound Secrets unexpectedly reunites high school friends, all with some level of PTSD. After the avalanche cut the main ski lodge off from help, Maya uses her medical skills to help those injured. Only, someone's trying to hurt HER and she doesn't know why. She's an understanding, caring woman, determined to help others heal from their wounds. Gideon vows to keep her safe, but he doesn't feel worthy of her due to his PTSD and some compromising choices he made that cost him his construction business. The two worked well together and shared a vision to help others with PTSD.

There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend these suspenseful novellas.


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 Field Guide to Murder by Michelle L. Cullen

A Field Guide to Murder
by Michelle L. Cullen

ISBN-13: 9798892424639
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Released: January 27, 2026

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Once a globe-trotting anthropologist, Harry Lancaster is now certain that all his grand adventures are behind him. Recently widowed and suffering from a fractured hip, Harry spends his days and nights behind a pair of binoculars, nose-deep in his neighbors’ affairs. His millennial caregiver, Emma, is determined to get him out of his armchair and back into the world.

Fate intervenes when Harry’s mysterious neighbor Sue phones, pleading for help. But instead of rescuing her, Harry and Emma find Sue dead: poisoned, days after a break-in at Sue’s house. Harry resolves to find out what happened, and Emma insists on going along for the ride. Together, they discover motives and suspects abound in Harry’s quaint condominium community—putting them both in the crosshairs of a cold-blooded killer.


My Review:
A Field Guide to Murder is an amateur detective mystery novel. It's a clue-based puzzle mystery. Emma and Harry were both very observant (noticing even small details) and were logical in how they considered the things they heard and observed. Harry used his life experience in observing people and discovering what motivated them along with his skill in leading people in casual conversation to provide the information he desired. It seemed like everyone in the community had secrets so there were many potential clues to expose and sort through. I was certain of whodunit several chapters before Harry figured it out, but I didn't identified whodunit until near the end of the book.

The characters were likable and reacted realistically to events. There was actual character development, too. Emma was engaged to a handsome, successful man who was nice but who had different goals in life. Emma wanted to use her skills to help people, but he wanted to primarily make money. Harry tried to help her find the confidence to chose the life she really wanted while she tried to get him engaged with life again rather than feeling like a has-been. They were a good team.

There were only a few uses of bad language. There were no sex scenes. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable puzzle 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.

Hunting a Killer by Sarah Varland

Hunting a Killer
by Sarah Varland

ISBN-13: 9781488237690
Audiobook, Unabridged
Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Released: Jan. 27, 2026

Source: Audiobook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
During an investigation into a series of homicides, FBI agent Finn McDaniel is unexpectedly attacked, and a blow to the head leaves him with amnesia. Left for dead, he’s discovered by cadaver dog Cipher and her handler, search and rescue specialist Jordyn Williams — who is also Finn’s missing sister’s best friend. As Finn and Jordyn work to recover his crucial memories, they unearth evidence that links his sister’s disappearance to the killings. After finding the body of the latest victim, can they stop the murderer from striking again?


My Review:
Hunting a Killer is a Christian romantic suspense. Finn discovered an important, overlooked clue to the killer's habits and identity and didn't tell anyone those details or apparently write it down anywhere. In an attempt to keep the latest missing woman from dying, he searched in the deep woods by himself, witnessed the murder, saw the killer, got hit over the head, and was left for dead. Happily, Jordyn followed her cadaver dog straight to him while searching for the missing woman. He didn't remember the important clues or whodunit but insisted that he needed to hide because he's certain he can't trust someone on the FBI team.

The main characters were likable, honorable, and reacted realistically to events. Finn and Jordyn both had a long-standing crush on each other that they never acted upon when they were younger. They got to know each other in the couple days that they worked the case together and came to admire each other. They worked well together. Both struggled with trusting God with their future when he let a loved one die despite their prayers. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting novel.

The narrator of the audiobook did a good job of saying the text in a way consistent with the text (with surprise if surprised, etc.) and spoke in a way that kept my interest. It was easy to follow who was talking and what was going on.


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.

Rebuilding His Trust by Jenna Mindel

Rebuilding His Trust
by Jenna Mindel

ISBN-13: 9781335621412
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired
Released: January 27, 2026

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Jace Moore has been afraid to love since losing his parents as a teen. But when he meets equine therapist Meredith Lewis and her horse Bella, something shifts inside him. Soon, constructing her indoor riding arena turns into volunteering with her therapy program just to spend more time with them. Initially wary of Jace’s charming ways, Meredith can’t deny her attraction to the off-limits builder, especially when he shows such kindness to one of her young clients. But as sessions with the animals—and Meredith—begin to heal Jace’s closed-off heart, can he convince her that love is worth the risk?


My Review:
Rebuilding His Trust is a Christian romance. I assumed the author knew something about horses, or would at least have an actual equine therapist (or riding instructor, for that matter) read through it to correct any errors. However, the author didn't spell "canter" correctly. Seemed to think "harness" referred to a halter or a bridle--she used it in place of both--when it's neither. Had Meredith describe one of her horses as blond (not what a horse person would use for a horse's color). Had the characters riding Western style (neck reining and a horn on the saddle) but had them post (which is typically only done in English-style riding). And not just posting when the horse was trotting, either, but at a walk and canter. And so on. Meredith had no credibility as a equine therapist as she got so many things incorrect. I read an ARC, so hopefully these errors will be fixed in the final version.

Anyway, Meredith's dad cheated on her mother, and they got divorced when she was young. Her mother told Meredith that a handsome man like Jace would never stay true to her, and Meredith already believed that her red hair and freckles made her ugly. Jace lost his parents when he was young, so he had trouble committing to relationships due to his fear of losing someone he loved. He's come to Christ, accepted God's forgiveness, and is trying to do things right now rather than casually dating around. But Meredith refused to believe he'd stay true to her, let alone find her beautiful (which he does).

Frankly, Jace fell in love with Meredith's horses while building her riding arena. He seemed to credit her with helping him, but she refused to be his therapist. There was a lot of 'I'm not interested in him, but I can't keep my eyes off his lips' and repeatedly stating 'we can't have a relationship because you're building my area and it'd also put my professional reputation at risk' but when he kissed her and then apologized, she's all 'Why? You must secretly not like me after all!' Sigh. It also annoyed me that Jace would fix things around her house when she said she was okay with them as they were. It just seemed controlling and disrespectful, though she liked it.

At least Jace was very supportive of Meredith's business and had a knack for showing up when needed. 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.

Ambushed in the Night by Rhonda Starnes

Ambushed in the Night
by Rhonda Starnes

ISBN-13: 9781335957542
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Released: January 27, 2026

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
When his scared neighbor appears on his doorstep seeking refuge from a gunman, former police officer Maxwell Prescott is determined to shield the single mother and her toddler daughter. With Brenda Granger’s witness-protection location compromised and her late husband’s ties to a drug-trafficking ring placing a target on her back, Maxwell is the only person she can trust. But with threats at every turn, Maxwell’s protection skills are put to the ultimate test, and outrunning danger could be beyond their reach. Can they evade lethal assailants determined to silence Brenda?


My Review:
Ambushed in the Night is a Christian romantic suspense. Brenda and her toddler are in witness protection because her brother and husband were dealing drugs (and she didn't know it). Her husband's dead, her brother's in prison, and she's determined to make a new life. Except two hitmen have found her and are looking for something that they think she has. Maxwell and his K9 Gus are trying to build a new life after false accusations that he took bribes left him disillusioned with police work. Stopping the bad guys after Brenda requires him to ask for help, forcing him to make contact with his family and friends and leading him to realize that people hadn't doubted him as much as he'd thought.

The main characters were engaging and reacted realistically to events. Maxwell respected and supported Brenda, and they worked well together. Maxwell used his knowledge and skills to keep her safe, which she appreciated. The suspense came from repeated attacks on Brenda. She had to figure out how they'd found her and what the bad guys wanted. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable romantic 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.

Track of Courage by Susan May Warren

Track of Courage
by Susan May Warren

ISBN-13: 9780800746056
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Revell
Released: January 6, 2026

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Pop Singer Keely Williams's search for her biological mother in Alaska turned out differently than she expected. Now she just wants to escape this wild frontier and never look back. But when her plane is hijacked, she's suddenly plunged into a race against not only an Alaska blizzard but also a killer who's on her tail.

After a career-ending injury, ex-cop Dawson Mulligan has only one friend--Caspian, the stray dog he adopted. Dawson just wants to figure out how to get his life on track, but during a flight home to Copper Mountain, he spots a downed plane and stops to help. Except when his not-a-rescue dog runs off into the woods and discovers the trail of a missing survivor, it's up to the former cop to stage a rescue.

But Dawson has no idea he's being pulled into a deadly pursuit, or that Caspian is more than he seems. There might be redemption and second chances waiting for both Dawson and Keely if they have the courage to face their wounded pasts and fight for their future.


My Review:
Track of Courage is a Christian romantic suspense. Dawson has PTSD from trying to save a child's life, but he failed and got a major injury to his knee in the process. He's mostly recovered physically but is in denial about his emotional trauma. He hasn't make the connection that his dog--left behind by a traveler--is trained to help those with PTSD and emotional distress (not to mention, the dog's great at finding lost people). The dog played a major role throughout the story, helping Dawson, Keely, and several other characters.

Keely's a famous pop singer who may have lost her voice--time will tell. She was adopted by a relative and now must decide if she should take back her suddenly-orphaned child that she gave up for adoption. It doesn't help that a killer hijacked the small plane she's on, causing it to controlled-crash, and now she's being hunted by the killer while in a remote wilderness area in the winter.

The main characters were complex, realistic people, and I cared about what happened to them. Keely was unexpectedly resourceful and quick-thinking for a rich, city girl (thanks to her adoptive father). Dawson's impressed by her grit and her caring nature. They became friends as they spent time together, and they built each other up. The suspense stayed high throughout the story as they battled to survive the weather, the wilderness, and the killer. They learned that God did care about them and to trust God even when bad things happen. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this suspenseful 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.

Scent of Sabotage by Dana Mentink

Scent of Sabotage
by Dana Mentink
Narrated by Abby Craden

ISBN-13: 9781488236723
Audiobook, Unabridged
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Released: December 30, 2025

Source: audiobook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Detective Beth Wolfe’s reunion with investigative journalist Jack St. James is interupted when a masked assailant attacks them, a severe blow leaves Jack with some amnesia. Beth and her K-9, Arthur, are determined to keep Jack safe while he continues to work a case relating to the son they placed for adoption decades ago. When their investigations lead them inside a booby-trapped amusement park, it’s a race against the clock to put all the pieces together before the park owners’ kill them.


My Review:
Scent of Sabotage is a Christian romantic suspense. Beth and Jack dated in high school and had a baby, which they gave up for a closed adoption. Three decades later, Jack has never married, but Beth married, had kids, and is now widowed. Both have matured and changed in that time. Jack contacted Beth to tell her that he's trying to find a missing woman--the girlfriend of their son, whom he's recently found and been in contact with. Out of concern for Jack and not wanting to let her unknown son down, Beth helped Jack track down the girlfriend.

The main characters were likable, kind, and reacted realistically to events. Beth and Jack respected each other and worked well together, rekindling old feelings as they spent time together. The ongoing suspense came from bad guys who were willing to kill anyone who got in their way, plus there were wildfires burning nearby. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting novel with an interesting setting (an amusement park).

The narrator of the audiobook did a good job, making it easy to follow who was talking and what was going on. She used different voices for the different characters and narrated the story in a way that allowed me to become immersed in the 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.