This review is part of a book review program with Bethany House. The Bethany House book review program is simple; I request a book from the links they send me via email, then after I've read it I write a review on this blog post and a retailer's site (such as Amazon, B&N, etc.) If this sounds like something that interests you, you can get more information and/or sign up here.
When Kayden McKenna discovers a dead climber during a day of rock climbing, she immediately suspects foul play. And when the case is turned over to the town's already overburdened sheriff, he turns to former investigator Jake Westin. With his past finally revealed, Jake thinks he's ready to take on a new case, especially if it will keep him close to Kayden.
But it seems the killer knows they're on the right track and strange things start happening again in Yancey, Alaska. For Jake, this brings back fears that his world will once again put the ones he loves in danger. But things have only just gotten started and the path to the truth leads them to a truth far worse than either could ever imagine.
So despite my less-than-stellar review of Dani Pettrey's last book, I really liked this one. It hooked me from the beginning and kept my interest piqued. The characters were believable and the dialogue was better.
Pettrey's voice still shines through in her work (I love it, so thank goodness for that!) and I'd recommend this book to anyone that likes a good puzzle, mystery, thriller, etc. On a 1-10 low/high scale, I'd rate this book about a 7.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Shadow Hand, Anne Elisabeth Stengl
This review is part of a book review program with Bethany House. The Bethany House book review program is simple; I request a book from the links they send me via email, then after I've read it I write a review on this blog post and a retailer's site (such as Amazon, B&N, etc.) If this sounds like something that interests you, you can get more information and/or sign up here.
When Lady Daylily runs away on the day of her second (aborted) wedding into the dangerous Wilderlands, her fiancé - Prince Foxbrush - decides to be a hero and rescue her. But when Daylily's first princeling fiancé (and her love ... before he wronged her, at least) finds out that she is gone, he tries to make amends by going after her. But things go terribly awry when the woods plays tricks on each person that enters the Wilderlands; and each returns to a land that is hauntingly familiar.
Basically, this book would be amazing (though still a little confusing, maybe) if I understood what was going on. A basic understanding of what happens in this book is dependent upon the other books in the series. After getting about halfway through the book and trying very hard to follow the vague, confusing style of writing and events taking place, I had to stop until I've read the first books in the series.
Since I haven't finished the book and don't know what's going on regarding series plot lines, I can't give an adequate rating system for this book. The series, however, looks intriguing and I would love to give them a shot provided I read them in order.
When Lady Daylily runs away on the day of her second (aborted) wedding into the dangerous Wilderlands, her fiancé - Prince Foxbrush - decides to be a hero and rescue her. But when Daylily's first princeling fiancé (and her love ... before he wronged her, at least) finds out that she is gone, he tries to make amends by going after her. But things go terribly awry when the woods plays tricks on each person that enters the Wilderlands; and each returns to a land that is hauntingly familiar.
Basically, this book would be amazing (though still a little confusing, maybe) if I understood what was going on. A basic understanding of what happens in this book is dependent upon the other books in the series. After getting about halfway through the book and trying very hard to follow the vague, confusing style of writing and events taking place, I had to stop until I've read the first books in the series.
Since I haven't finished the book and don't know what's going on regarding series plot lines, I can't give an adequate rating system for this book. The series, however, looks intriguing and I would love to give them a shot provided I read them in order.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Critical Reaction, Todd M. Johnson
This review is part of a book review program with Bethany House. The Bethany House book review program is simple; I request a book from the links they send me via email, then after I've read it I write a review on this blog post and a retailer's site (such as Amazon, B&N, etc.) If this sounds like something that interests you, you can get more information and/or sign up here: www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/bookreviewers.
After the Cold War, the Hanford Nuclear facility is now a bigger danger than ever. As the poisoned building erupts in the middle of the night, Kieran Mullaney - a survivor - tries to uncover the truth about what actually happened. But after receiving the silent treatment and facing threats in the course of his investigation, he reconnects with an old friend. Emily Hart, an inexperienced lawyer, and Kieran are sure that something bigger is going on ... and that the truth is being hidden. When the two go to Emily's father, he takes the case as an opportunity to rebuild his relationship with his daughter.
Right away I was hooked, I wanted to keep reading all day until I finished the book. With excellent pacing, a unique voice, and characters that you actually want to succeed, Johnson did an excellent job of keeping the story interesting. Filled with danger, deception, and intrigue, Critical Reaction is a must-read for those that like thrillers, mysteries, drama, and action.
On a 1-10 (low/high) scale, I'd rate this a 7. I loved the way it grabbed my attention right at the beginning of the story and kept me intrigued throughout the rest of the book.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Dangerous, Caleb Bislow with Ted Kluck
This review is part of a book review program with Bethany House. The Bethany House book review program is simple; I request a book from the links they send me via email, then after I've read it I write a review on this blog post and a retailer's site (such as Amazon, B&N, etc.) If this sounds like something that interests you, you can get more information and/or sign up here: www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/bookreviewers.
Detailing some of Caleb Bislow's adventures, trials, and experiences as an "extreme missionary," Dangerous is about going where God's love needs to be shared - no matter the level of danger. From training kids in Nebraska, to warring African tribes and red-light districts in Asia, Caleb's account is unforgettable, inspiring, terrifying, and a helpful guide to living a life in places deemed "unsafe."
I picked this book because I've always wanted to go to places everyone deems "too dangerous" to help people that have been victims of sexual slavery. Bislow's experiences and account of his travels to help other people are not only terrifying in the best of ways, but also inspiring and life-changing. I found myself completely swept up in this book and can't recommend it enough.
On a 1-10 (low/high) scale, I'd rate this a must-read 9. I loved everything about Bislow's utter honesty, courage, and willingness to share everything.
Detailing some of Caleb Bislow's adventures, trials, and experiences as an "extreme missionary," Dangerous is about going where God's love needs to be shared - no matter the level of danger. From training kids in Nebraska, to warring African tribes and red-light districts in Asia, Caleb's account is unforgettable, inspiring, terrifying, and a helpful guide to living a life in places deemed "unsafe."
I picked this book because I've always wanted to go to places everyone deems "too dangerous" to help people that have been victims of sexual slavery. Bislow's experiences and account of his travels to help other people are not only terrifying in the best of ways, but also inspiring and life-changing. I found myself completely swept up in this book and can't recommend it enough.
On a 1-10 (low/high) scale, I'd rate this a must-read 9. I loved everything about Bislow's utter honesty, courage, and willingness to share everything.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Stranded, Dani Pettrey
This review is part of a book review program with Bethany House. The Bethany House book review program is simple; I request a book from the links they send me via email, then I read the book they send and write a review on this blog and a retailer's site (ex: Amazon, B&N.com, etc.). If this sounds like something that interests you, you can get more information and/or sign up here: http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/bethanyhouse/bookreviewers.
Stranded is the third book in Dani Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series (I've reviewed the other two books here [Submerged, Shattered] if you want to read those reviews too). Following the theme of the series, Stranded is a story filled with mystery, suspense, and a liberal dash of clean romantic interests between the main characters.
The story begins on a cruise ship when Darcy St. James (the nosy reporter that Gage McKenna distrusted so much in the previous books) is looking for her ex-investigative journalist partner who has uncovered a huge plot and needs Darcy's help. But Abby is nowhere to be found, which is especially troubling after someone calls "man overboard" and then Abby never shows up at her undercover job, something Abby would never do unless she's in trouble.
Darcy is intent on getting to the bottom of whatever Abby was involved with and finding her friend. But running into Gage McKenna on the ship never crossed her to-do list. Gage, hired by the cruise line to lead adventure excursions for the guests, thought that guiding tourists around his beloved Alaska was the perfect way to get pesky Darcy out of his thoughts. But when he learns that things are not exactly what they seem on the ship, he gets involved - just the thing he did not want.
With things heating up and some deeper plot running under the surface of the whole trip, Darcy and Gage are finding out that there's way more going on than a first glance will ever show.
Ok, so I have to admit that I haven't finished the book yet. Not because I've been putting it off (which I kind of have lately), but more because I got a little bit bored with it. The characters are interesting, not as fleshed out as I normally prefer them (see my comments in the Submerged and Shattered reviews, a lot of the same stuff is going on as in the first two books). Though Pettrey is definitely growing as a writer and there is a bit more depth to each character than in her previous books, it still feels like there's something missing for me in the character development.
As for the mystery, it's interesting and I definitely want to find out what the huge plot is and where Abby is, but it seems like the pace is dragging. I'm about half-way through the book and am sorely tempted to not finish just because things slowed down too much. I don't expect a lot of action and adventure in all my stories, but it would be nice to have a pace that carries me along naturally rather than trying to bog through all the mire created by Gage and Darcy's clashing.
As to that, there is a certain tension to Gage and Darcy that I both love and instantly dislike. Perhaps that's how it should be, though. Pettrey is going in directions with the romantic interest that just seem slightly flat to me as a reader. Though the tension is better than her first two books, I'm still not buying it completely. I want something a bit more believable in the characters' love story - I'm not exactly sure how to describe what needs to happen to make that more believable, but I just know that she's so close to getting it right.
But then, I'm just a reader with obvious opinions that you can either take or leave on this page and never look at again.
Pettrey's compelling voice is still present in tho book and I'm glad she didn't lose that (some multi-published authors do, sadly). Overall, and given that I'm only half-way through the book, I'd rate this (on a 1-10 low/high scale) at about a 6. I would still recommend that anyone who hasn't read Pettrey pick up this series. And if you like a good puzzle, you'll love the puzzles Pettrey creates with a refreshing view toward plots that take place in Alaska.
Stranded is the third book in Dani Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series (I've reviewed the other two books here [Submerged, Shattered] if you want to read those reviews too). Following the theme of the series, Stranded is a story filled with mystery, suspense, and a liberal dash of clean romantic interests between the main characters.
The story begins on a cruise ship when Darcy St. James (the nosy reporter that Gage McKenna distrusted so much in the previous books) is looking for her ex-investigative journalist partner who has uncovered a huge plot and needs Darcy's help. But Abby is nowhere to be found, which is especially troubling after someone calls "man overboard" and then Abby never shows up at her undercover job, something Abby would never do unless she's in trouble.
Darcy is intent on getting to the bottom of whatever Abby was involved with and finding her friend. But running into Gage McKenna on the ship never crossed her to-do list. Gage, hired by the cruise line to lead adventure excursions for the guests, thought that guiding tourists around his beloved Alaska was the perfect way to get pesky Darcy out of his thoughts. But when he learns that things are not exactly what they seem on the ship, he gets involved - just the thing he did not want.
With things heating up and some deeper plot running under the surface of the whole trip, Darcy and Gage are finding out that there's way more going on than a first glance will ever show.
Ok, so I have to admit that I haven't finished the book yet. Not because I've been putting it off (which I kind of have lately), but more because I got a little bit bored with it. The characters are interesting, not as fleshed out as I normally prefer them (see my comments in the Submerged and Shattered reviews, a lot of the same stuff is going on as in the first two books). Though Pettrey is definitely growing as a writer and there is a bit more depth to each character than in her previous books, it still feels like there's something missing for me in the character development.
As for the mystery, it's interesting and I definitely want to find out what the huge plot is and where Abby is, but it seems like the pace is dragging. I'm about half-way through the book and am sorely tempted to not finish just because things slowed down too much. I don't expect a lot of action and adventure in all my stories, but it would be nice to have a pace that carries me along naturally rather than trying to bog through all the mire created by Gage and Darcy's clashing.
As to that, there is a certain tension to Gage and Darcy that I both love and instantly dislike. Perhaps that's how it should be, though. Pettrey is going in directions with the romantic interest that just seem slightly flat to me as a reader. Though the tension is better than her first two books, I'm still not buying it completely. I want something a bit more believable in the characters' love story - I'm not exactly sure how to describe what needs to happen to make that more believable, but I just know that she's so close to getting it right.
But then, I'm just a reader with obvious opinions that you can either take or leave on this page and never look at again.
Pettrey's compelling voice is still present in tho book and I'm glad she didn't lose that (some multi-published authors do, sadly). Overall, and given that I'm only half-way through the book, I'd rate this (on a 1-10 low/high scale) at about a 6. I would still recommend that anyone who hasn't read Pettrey pick up this series. And if you like a good puzzle, you'll love the puzzles Pettrey creates with a refreshing view toward plots that take place in Alaska.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Into the Whirlwind, Elizabeth Camden
This review is part of a book review program with Bethany House. The Bethany House book review program is simple: I request a book from the links from the links they send via email, then I read the book they send and write a review on this blog and a retailer's site (such as Amazon). If this sounds like something that interests you, you can get more information and/or sign up here: www.bethanyhouse.com/bookreviewers.
Mollie Knox has everything neatly lined up and a bright future ahead for her watch-making business until the night the Chicago fire burns up her entire world. As the flames die down, and the rebuilding of Chicago commences, Mollie will do whatever she has to do to rebuild her business. But when she locks horns with Zack Kazmarek, an influential attorney for one of Chicago's finest department stores, she finds herself pushed beyond her comfort zone. And Zack will do whatever it takes to win this beautiful and beguiling businesswoman's heart. With her heart on the line, will Mollie step out of her comfort zone to find her happily ever after? Or will all her dreams rest with her company's rebuilt future?
Camden has once again written a great story (see my Against the Tide review here). With each twist and new development in the story line, I was kept on the edge of my seat waiting for what happens next. Camden's characters, like in Against the Tide, are intriguing, headstrong, at times frustrating, and very believable and real. As is more historically accurate, some of the incidents, cultural oddities, and happenings in the book are very realistic to the historic setting.
Though there were some twists and turns throughout the book, I hesitate to say that it was fairly predictable... but I have to own up to that admission - I think it lacked that bit of surprise that I expect from a new book.
I would rate this (on a 1-10 low/high scale) at about a 6. Camden has a gift for storytelling and I was pleased with the result of the second book I've read from her. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes a love story and a story of new beginnings.
Mollie Knox has everything neatly lined up and a bright future ahead for her watch-making business until the night the Chicago fire burns up her entire world. As the flames die down, and the rebuilding of Chicago commences, Mollie will do whatever she has to do to rebuild her business. But when she locks horns with Zack Kazmarek, an influential attorney for one of Chicago's finest department stores, she finds herself pushed beyond her comfort zone. And Zack will do whatever it takes to win this beautiful and beguiling businesswoman's heart. With her heart on the line, will Mollie step out of her comfort zone to find her happily ever after? Or will all her dreams rest with her company's rebuilt future?
Camden has once again written a great story (see my Against the Tide review here). With each twist and new development in the story line, I was kept on the edge of my seat waiting for what happens next. Camden's characters, like in Against the Tide, are intriguing, headstrong, at times frustrating, and very believable and real. As is more historically accurate, some of the incidents, cultural oddities, and happenings in the book are very realistic to the historic setting.
Though there were some twists and turns throughout the book, I hesitate to say that it was fairly predictable... but I have to own up to that admission - I think it lacked that bit of surprise that I expect from a new book.
I would rate this (on a 1-10 low/high scale) at about a 6. Camden has a gift for storytelling and I was pleased with the result of the second book I've read from her. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes a love story and a story of new beginnings.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Shattered, Dani Pettrey
This review is part of a book review program with Bethany House. The Bethany House book review program is simple: I request a book from the links they send via email, then I read the book they send and write a review on this blog and a retailer’s site (such as Amazon). If this sounds like something that interests you, you can get more information and/or sign up here: www.bethanyhouse.com/bookreviewers.
Shattered is the second book of the Alaskan Courage Series, and the sequel to Submerged, which I reviewed last year. Like Submerged, Shattered is a story of mystery and suspense with a side order of (clean) romance.
When Piper McKenna's brother, Reef, is charged with murder, she is determined to prove his innocence. Enter the love interest; Deputy Landon Grainger has been a part of the McKenna family forever. But when all evidence points to Reef, Piper can't understand why Landon doesn't believe in her brother's innocence. Charging off into the wilderness of Alaska and Canada, as well as the California coast, Piper and Landon launch their own investigation into what actually happened to cause a murder. But with so many things unsaid between them, how will Piper and Landon work together? And as the web of intrigue thickens and twists in a tangled knot, is it love or disaster that's brewing?
I have very mixed emotions about this book. I loved the intrigue and how many tangled threads were woven into the plot. I also loved the characters and how different they all were and how all of them together somehow make a wonderful, loving family. But the characters' reactions to certain events in the book were sometimes awkward or stifled, and the love story was sweet - but was it too sweet?
But the plot was the true driving point of the whole book. With so many twists, turns, and near dead-ends, I never would have guessed the ending. Pettrey's voice is still fresh and new. Her perspective is focused and she's amazingly detailed. Despite a few things I may have overanalyzed (again), I didn't want to put the book down.
So, enough said - I loved it. Overall, I would recommend this book and anything else Pettrey writes. She's fresh, distinctive, and has some major talent that I can't wait to see develop even more. If you want a good read, this is definitely the book for you.
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