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!