Code of Courage by Janice Cantore

Code of Courage
by Janice Cantore

ISBN-13: 9781496457561
Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House
Released: July 19th 2022

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Detective Danni Grace has never met a police officer who wants to face a scenario where pulling the trigger on another person is the only option. When the worst does occur and there's a police-involved shooting, it leads to riots and calls to disband the entire police force in La Rosa, Danni's hometown.

After fifteen years on the force, Danni has had enough. Injured in the line of duty when a protester throws a chunk of concrete at her and shaken by the vitriol being shown to the police, Danni realizes for the first time that she's lost her passion for the job.

While she's on a leave of absence, though, a community activist in La Rosa is shot and a fellow officer is blamed for his murder. Taking on this case means stepping back into a job Danni's not sure she can do anymore and working with her ex-husband, Gabriel Fox, an investigator for the city prosecutor's office. Danni will need to tap into her code of courage to uncover the truth, prevent another injustice, and uphold her oath to serve and protect.


My Review:
Code of Courage is a Christian suspense novel. The police officers working in Danni's city become demoralized when not only the police protesters are against them but the mayor blames the police for any violence and the city prosecutor refuses to charge any of the protesters even when they've clearly broken the law. They're pushing to get rid of the police department. Then a call for help turns out to be a set-up and a police officer is accused of shooting the lead protestor even though the evidence points to another killer. Worse, the detectives are prevented from investigating properly.

Gabe is pulled from investigating the shooting to work cold cases, but he finds one case that may get at the root of the current troubles. Danni is disillusioned and frustrated, but no one else is willing to go against the powers that be to clear the cop and uncover who's instigating the protests and violence. The true killer doesn't want the truth out and is willing to kill cops, which kept the suspense high throughout the story.

Danni felt angry at and abandoned by God. She still believed but "walked away" from her relationship with God. Her mother helped her to see the need to start praying and seeking guidance from God again. 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.

When Stone Wings Fly by Karen Barnett

When Stone Wings Fly
by Karen Barnett

ISBN-13: 9780825447174
Paperback: 344 pages
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Released: June 14, 2022

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Kieran Lucas's grandmother is slipping into dementia, and, when her memory is gone, Kieran's last tie to the family she barely knows will be lost forever. Worse, Granny Mac is being tormented by flashbacks of her mother’s death and the loss of their home. Kieran heads to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to find answers to her great-grandmother's mysterious death and bring peace to Granny Mac. Park Historian Zach Jensen may be the key to locating both the answers and a precious family heirloom. But just as in the past, Kieran's needs clash with government regulations.

In 1932, Rosie McCauley's Smoky Mountains home is threatened by the Tennessee Great Smokies Park Commission as they create a new national park. But Rosie vows the only way they'll get her land is if they haul her out in a pine box. When a compromise offers her and her disabled sister the opportunity to stay for her lifetime, it seems too good to be true. Ornithologist Benton Fuller arrives to conduct a bird survey for the park and the two form a tenuous bond. But their friendship broadens a rift between her and the other mountain folk who are suspicious of any government connections. Then the discovery of an illegal still in the woods near her cabin leads to a violent clash between sides that could destroy them all.


My Review:
When Stone Wings Fly is a Christian historical romance, a split-time story set in 1932-42 and in present day. When the Tennessee Great Smokies Park Commission starts to forcefully buy up the land to create a national park, Rosie refuses to leave. Her family's roots are in this land, and her simple-minded sister wouldn't handle moving very well. Even when a kind, handsome bird watcher captures her heart, she refuses to leave--he'll have to leave his prime job as a university professor and join her on her dirt-poor farm if he wants her. Her refusal to loosen her grip and trust that God could provide a good life outside of her land brings about a series of tragic events leading ultimately to her death.

In the present day, Kieran's broken family meant that she spent years in foster care, but she's finally found family: Granny Mac. Mac talks about her mother, Rosie, and a stone bird she had, but her memories are muddled due to dementia and being so young when she left Rosie's land. Kieran hopes to find the old homestead and dig up the bird to help Mac (and herself) reconnect with the past. Park historian Zach kindly spends extra effort helping her uncover the past, but digging up the bird is illegal and he's very by-the-rules. Granny warns Kieran that she also holds on to things too tightly (by following her own way to keep happiness). Will Kieran be able to choose a way that will finally break the string of tragedies in her family?

In both timelines, the characters were likable, complex, and reacted in realistic ways. Historical details were woven into the story without slowing the pacing. Suspense came from the lurking danger from a growing feud with a neighbor. Both couples became friends before moving into deeper caring and romance. The Christian element was trusting God enough to let go of the things that provide (sometimes false) security. There were no sex scenes or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical.


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.

Off the Chain by Janice Thompson

Off the Chain
by Janice Thompson

ISBN-13: 9781636093130
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Barbour Fiction
Released: July 1st 2022

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Marigold Evans’ first attempt at rescuing an abandoned pooch lands her in a drainage pipe in Brenham Texas and almost in jail, until Parker Jenson comes to her rescue. Then a bad day only gets worse as the Lone Star Vet Clinic, where they both work, is vandalized and the list of suspects starts to climb. With the help of her fellow employees, Marigold sets out to help more dogs in crisis and start her own dog rescue.


My Review:
Off the Chain is theoretically a cozy mystery. Actually, it's a romance with dogs, relationship dramas, and a mystery about who broke into the vet clinic. Marigold comes across as slightly out of touch with reality (to add comedy) and one of the first jokes is that her memory is so bad that she can't even remember to take memory-improving supplements, so she'd make a horrible sleuth. She didn't turn out to be as ditzy or forgetful as she's initially portrayed, but it's just as well that she's simply a kind, caring vet tech who wants to start her own dog rescue, help her friends, and who realizes she's been swooning over the wrong guy. So who solves the mystery? Well, they think they have it solved early on, so they don't bother to actively investigate. But the dogs can smell out the truth and eventually literally uncover the proof of wrong-doing.

The characters were likable, and both love interests were really nice guys who supported Marigold's rescue efforts. One was simply more interested in her than the other. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this humorous 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.

The Cowboy's Journey Home by Linda Goodnight

The Cowboy's Journey Home
by Linda Goodnight

ISBN-13: 9781335585141
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired
Released: July 26th 2022

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
Medically discharged from the military, Yates Trudeau and his ex-military dog, Justice, return to the family ranch, vowing to make amends—and keep his prognosis hidden. Only, civilian life means facing reporter Laurel Maxwell, the woman he left behind but never forgot. Forging a new bond comes naturally, but when she learns the truth, will she risk her heart for an uncertain future?


My Review:
The Cowboy's Journey Home is a romance. Yates left home to join the military because he felt guilty but didn't want anyone else to be burdened with the truth. He returned after being discharged due to a bad injury, but he didn't want to talk about that because he didn't want to worry anyone. Like they didn't worry anyway, which is why he finally answered their questions. Anyway, much of the story was about him not answering the questions of why he left so abruptly and how badly he was injured, but he was still able to rebuild his relationships to some degree. He spent time with his old girlfriend, Laurel, whose family was feuding with his for generations. They spent time together as they helped a single-parent family through the Big Brothers/Sisters program. Laurel and Yates supported each other, helping each other with some problems they faced. Yates finally confessed and found forgiveness and healing.

Laurel bravely stood against the feud and forgave Yates (as Christ would want) even though she was hurt and angry at how he ended things. The dog was ex-military, an explosives detection dog. He was an emotional support to Yates. 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.

Texas Buried Secrets by Virginia Vaughan

Texas Buried Secrets
by Virginia Vaughan

ISBN-13: 9781335587152
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Released: July 26th 2022

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
Publicly vowing to bring a serial killer to justice, Deputy Cecile Richardson solidifies herself as the criminal’s next target. And when a newly discovered victim is identified, it becomes even more personal for Cecile. She will solve this cold case. Can Sheriff Josh Avery keep her safe long enough to identify and catch the culprit—or will the killer successfully hunt down his prey?


My Review:
Texas Buried Secrets is a Christian romantic suspense novel. It's the sixth in a series, but it works as a standalone. Josh and Cecile respected each other's abilities and got along well. Josh acknowledged in word and deed that she was an excellent investigator and able to take care of herself. And she was. But as her injuries added up and slowed her down, she needed some help to survive the repeated attacks. The mystery was clue-based. Cecile asked questions and followed up on leads. Whodunit wasn't obvious so it was realistic that super-investigator Cecile didn't pick up on it sooner.

Josh's wife's murder has remained unsolved, and a reporter has implied that Josh got away with murder. Though several characters pointed out that since he kept getting elected sheriff, obviously few believed that accusation, he's refused to date Cecile because he doesn't what to smear her reputation with his. At the end, he said something deliberately hurtful to make Cecile move away to protect her reputation. Cecile and her dad realized the killer was still out there. I'm like, "you just left her emotionally hurting, physically injured, and on her own. That isn't protecting her." He did soon realize this, but if I'd been Cecile, this would have been an issue needing forgiveness. Instead, she's hard on herself for giving up on him. I'm willing to accept this as how complex, messed-up people can act, but it baffled me that this was treated as such a non-issue.

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.

The Wedding Plot by Paula Munier

The Wedding Plot
by Paula Munier

ISBN-13: 9781250822369
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Released: July 19th 2022

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Mercy’s grandmother Patience wedding to her longtime beau Claude Renault at the five-star Lady’s Slipper Inn promises to be the destination wedding of the year. Just as the four-day extravaganza is due to begin, the inn’s spa director Bodhi St. George disappears—and Mercy’s mother Grace sends Mercy and Elvis to find him. But what they discover instead is a stranger skewered by a pitchfork in the barn on the goat farm where St. George lived.

As Mercy tries to figure out who the victim is and where St. George is hiding, the bride and groom’s estranged relations gather for the first of the pre-wedding festivities. Long-buried rivalries and resentments surface—and Mercy realizes that they’re all keeping secrets that could tear both families apart. When Elvis interrupts the escalating melodrama to alert Mercy to an intruder on the estate, she finds a wounded St. George in the cottage where she and Troy are staying. St. George is not who he says he is—but when he escapes from the hospital and disappears again, Mercy thinks he’s gone for good. With the wedding imminent and the families at each other’s throats, finding St. George will have to wait.

The big day arrives—but the danger is far from over. With the families and the festivities still under threat, it’s up to Mercy and Elvis together with Troy and Susie Bear to stop the killer and save the bride and groom—before death do they part.


My Review:
The Wedding Plot is a mystery/suspense novel. It's the fourth book in a series. You don't need to read the previous novels to understand this one, and this novel didn't spoil the whodunit of the previous novels.

The characters were engaging, complex, and acted in realistic ways. I cared about what happened to them. The mystery was complex since the cold case and the recent murders may or may not be connected. Mercy and her talented service dog, Elvis, and U.S. Game Warden Troy Warner and his search and rescue dog tracked down clues, asked good questions, and pieced together what was going on. The suspense remained high as someone was killing people (mainly ex-special forces military men), which also threatened to shut down the wedding as some attacks occurred at the Inn. There were also relationship tensions as the two extended families had their infighting and doubts about the marriage.

There was occasional use of bad language. There were no sex scenes. Overall, I'd recommend this novel to people who enjoy canine mysteries and 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.

Castle Deadly, Castle Deep by Veronica Bond

Castle Deadly, Castle Deep
by Veronica Bond

ISBN-13: 9780593335901
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Released: July 5th 2022

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Autumn has arrived at Castle Dark, and Nora Blake has settled into her role as an actor in Derek Corby's castle murder-mystery troupe. The setting of Derek's fall mystery: the catacombs in the depths of the castle. A man is killed during one of their first shows, and the audience is made up of fellow actors from the community theater. The killer is someone they all know! Everyone agrees: there is no motive for killing this seemingly innocent victim. As Nora practices her lines at Wood Glen's Blue Curtain Theater, she realizes that everyone around her is an actor, and all of her suspects are perfectly capable of convincing others of their innocence. Nora soon discovers that someone else is in danger...


My Review:
Castle Deadly, Castle Deep has a ton of community theater filler and a clueless mystery. So we have a murder committed in complete darkness during the murder-mystery theater at the castle. Then everyone repeatedly said how no one would kill such a lovable, nice boy. So I'm going, "so who was the real target?" Yet the police and Nora can't even figure out that the victim wasn't the target until 73% of the way in. The murder was solved less than 9% later. Romantic drama was a large part of the filler, so Nora's shopping, noticed a romantic attraction forming, and then commented on it to another person. That person attacked her, thinking she knew that person was whodunit. So, really, no clues or sleuthing. There was also a minor mystery that was solved by her walking in on the actual mystery-solver and just finishing what they had already figured out.

The castle theater idea is intriguing, but it was shut down near the beginning of the book. However, we got very detailed scenes of them practicing the community theater production, which might have been more interesting if I'd ever seen the play before. They do the scenes (in detail, even line-by-line) of practically the whole play out of sequence and then in sequence. The focus was mostly on how Nora's so brilliant at bringing out her unique vision for her character. I found it very, very boring. Oddly enough, the community theater production could have been completely cut from the book without affecting the mystery.

Then there was the romance. Nora told Dash that he'd have to make time for their relationship, then committed to two theaters so she had no time for him. She's also jealous of his beautiful co-worker, though he's only professional around her. She blames the "distance" between them on Dash. He noticed her distance and how her new, handsome co-worker flirted with her. She condemns his lack of trust, and he obediently asks for forgiveness. Nora doesn't admit any fault, herself. They have passionate sex (only the kissing and rubbing her body through her clothing before heading to the bed is described) and all is well. There was occasional use of 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.