Rare Gems by Holly Schindler

 

I look forward every year to the Christmas release of a Ruby's Place story. And each year I am not disappointed in reading that story! I absolutely loved RARE GEMS! This is the second book in the Ruby's Regulars series. RARE GEMS features Elizabeth Rossi's story. When Elizabeth was a young girl a woman gave her a rare gift in payment for a kindness. Elizabeth used that gift as collateral years later to open her dress store. Now years later Elizabeth is trying to decide how to pass on this gift. Christmas Eve is coming up and Ruby's Place is the place to be for all things magical. 

Favorite Quotes

"They're all here, and they're not just celebrating," Tom said. "They're different. But why? Because they're here? A building doesn't make a person feel different about themselves, Lizzie. But clothes, now, they make the man. Right?"

"Yes, there's magic here in this building. but these nights would be a fraction of what they are without your hand in them. That's not a little thing. It's not a middleman kind of thing. it's an important thing. One of the most important things."

"Cardinals appear when angels are near" 

I loved meeting younger Tom in this story. I loved his voice of reason and his wisdom. I loved Elizabeth's character as well. She is generous and caring even though she may present a more stoic front. RARE GEMS was a delight to read and a wonderful beginning to the holiday season! If you enjoy reading short Christmas stories I encourage you to read all of the Ruby's Place books. They touch your heart and fill your spirit with the joy and wonder of the holidays.

Concrete Evidence by DiAnn Mills

 

Avery Elliot was raised by her grandfather and now helps run his construction company. When questions arise about a local dam the company built Avery is determined to uphold the family business and find out what is going on. Unfortunately there are forces that are trying to destroy the Elliotts and they will stop at nothing to succeed.

I really enjoyed this thriller! It was fast-paced and exciting. I loved the characters. Avery was strong and learned to stand on the faith that her grandfather had taught her all her life. Marc was an FBI agent looking into the murder of his father. As they pursue their cases they grow closer together. The romance was light, but well-developed. A great story that kept me entertained!

Crossfire by Lynette Eason

 

Special Agent Julianna Jameson is a hostage negotiator for the FBI. Clay Fox is an SRO at the local high school that Julianna's sister Dottie attends. When Julianna is called out to a hostage situation at the courthouse Clay shows up because his sister is in the courthouse and communicating with him and Julianna. After the situation is resolved there seems to be a copycat hostage taker going on and his/her sights are set on getting revenge on Julianna. Is this in relation to the courthouse case or is it something from Julianna's past that has come to haunt her?

I loved both Julianna and Clay's characters. Both strong, yet both have things in their past that they would rather not deal with but yet have formed the people they have become. They mystery was exciting and the action kept the story moving along. The who-done-it was a surprise for me and I liked that! I really like Julianna's support group, love her relationship with her sister Dottie and the romance that develops between Julianna and Clay was sweet. I'm looking forward to the next installment of the Extreme Measures series!

Peanut Butter Panic by Amanda Flower

 

We all know that Margot has a way of getting things done in Harvest. Her goal is to make Harvest a main tourist attraction. She has a way of bossing people and getting things done. This time around Margot is putting on a community Thanksgiving meal. The only fly in her ointment is that her mother has decided to come for a visit. Margot's mother is no friend to the Amish of Holmes County. Once a judge who was extremely tough on Amish lawbreakers, not too many people are looking forward to seeing her. When her special friend dies from an extreme peanut allergy Margot and the judge enlist Bailey to help find out what exactly happened. 

We get to catch up with all of the characters we have come to know and love. Of course Bailey can't keep herself from investigating the death. But she is also worried about her relationship with Aiden. Everyone assumes that they will marry soon, especially Aiden's mother. But Bailey feels like they are growing apart. I hope that isn't the case, because they really belong together! Charlotte is just as curious as Bailey and I totally can see her with her own series solving murders. Of course we can't have an Amish Candy Shop mystery without Jethro the pig. He's up to his usual capers and makes for a couple of funny scenes. The mystery takes a couple of twists and turns before it is solved and keeps the reader guessing. I love that there is always a recipe included at the end of the book. This one contains the Buckeye recipe that Bailey uses in the story. I've made Buckeyes for years and can vouch that they are YUMMY! A great addition to the series, grab your favorite hot drink, snack and blanket and curl up and enjoy!

Forged In Steele by Susan Sleeman

 

Book three in the Steele Guardians series has Bristol Steele getting ready to quit her job on the police force and join the family business. To prove that she will be an asset to the business she gets a birthing hospital to sign Steele Guardians as their security. But everything barely gets set up before tragedy strikes! Someone's baby is kidnapped seemingly right under their noses! And who should be one of the first people on the case but FBI agent Jared Wolfe! The man who broke Bristol's heart by walking away from their love. Will the two be able to work together or will their former attachment get in the way?

As always, Susan Sleeman writes an exciting story that keeps the reader involved and stressed to the very end! Bristol has lost her trust in the Lord especially since her brother's brutal murder. I love how she slowly learns to trust again throughout the search for the missing baby. All of the twists and turns had me constantly thinking "I know who did it!" only to find that I was wrong! I liked also how Jared was firm in his desire to be the lead on the case but yet didn't discount Bristol's abilities to help either. They worked well together and the rekindling of their relationship was sweet and real. I'm definitely looking forward to the next Steele Guardians book in the series!

The Deadly Shallows by Dani Pettrey

 

Oh so much going on in this book! I found it to be exciting and suspenseful in parts which I really enjoyed. There seemed to be two main events that the team was investigating. Both interesting but I wish that the author had only focused on one. And focused on one relationship. There were times that I felt a bit lost as to who was who and what case they were on. Not that it was hard to understand, but just that I would get distracted while reading, so it was hard to keep up. I enjoyed Brooke and Noah’s relationship that developed, but then there was Austin(who is a girl which took me a few to figure out) and Caleb’s relationship and a case that they come across. I enjoyed both Noah and Brooke and Austin and Caleb’s relationships and both of their cases were interesting and exciting, but I wish they had had separate books. I would have liked to have been able to focus on one couple and one case. Since I received my copy of The Deadly Shallows from Netgalley I am hoping that there will be some tightening up of the story. I love the way Noah’s team interacts with each other. They are solid and trustworthy and good at their jobs. I’m hoping that the next book will focus on Emmy and Logan’s relationship. There is a lot of flirting going on there and the potential romance has me piqued. The Deadly Shallows is an exciting read with engaging characters and exciting events that I have come to expect from author Dani Pettrey. I definitely recommend! 

Peter: The Man Who Went On An Adventure With Jesus by Robby Roberson

 

From The Back Cover:

Peter: The Man Who Went On An Adventure With Jesus is a biographical study of the life of the apostle Peter, including each New Testament even where we encounter him. It is the story of his life from his first exposure to Jesus Christ until the last New Testament scene involving him. His life is so raw and real that it is applicable to all and has  lasting lessons for our own adventure with Jesus.

My Review:

I have often heard that Peter had foot in mouth disease! I can so relate to that! How many times have I stuck my foot in my mouth? But just like Peter our Lord forgives us, reproves us gently and builds us up to be better human beings and more like Him. This study of Peter's life is relatable, applicable and inspiring. There were several passages that touched my heart. Chapter two(The Day I Had A Sinking Feeling) really touched my heart several times and I had some favorite parts underlined:

"there are two kinds of storms: storms of correction, when God disciplines us, and storms of perfection when God helps us grow." "So remember (Peter would say), you can be right in the center of the will of God and the seas of life can really get rough!" 

Also in Chapter 2:

"You may be on the sea and you may be in a storm, but the Lord Jesus is in heaven praying for you(Heb. 7:25)! Be encouraged to endure. Be encouraged to do His will!"

Those are just a few passages that touched me. So many gems used from Peter's life to inspire us and to encourage us to not give up and to keep going on and growing in Jesus. 

If you desire a closer walk with the Lord be sure to grab this book and study about a man who walked with Jesus. He definitely had an adventure with the Creator and we can too!