Shadow of Truth by Susan Sleeman

 

When Megan Cash sees the man that she helped put behind bars for robbing the bank that she worked in she is terrified that he has come to get even with her. Now Megan is not just afraid for herself, but she is also afraid for her daughter who is fighting cancer. Norman Fowler threatened to get even with Megan and now it looks as if he has come to follow through on that threat. 

When Megan sees Fowler outside of her daughter's hospital room all she can do is scream. Reid Maddox hears her scream. He's at the hospital with his support dog and his daughter. He comes to see what is going on and goes after the man that the woman has screamed about. Reid had helped convince Megan to testify against Fowler years ago. Can he protect her now that it seems Fowler is wanting revenge? As Megan and Reid play cat and mouse with Fowler they once again become close. But can Megan count on Reid? After all her daughter's father didn't hang around and Reid has already bailed on her once. As a killer gets closer and closer will Reid be able to protect Megan and her daughter?

I love the Maddox brothers and their desire to protect the women in their lives. I also love that they have each other's backs. I love the tough questions that the author always tackles. In Shadow of Truth Megan wonders if God has turned His back on her. Circumstances that she knows He could change but didn't has her questioning if He even listened to her. A question that I am sure we have all asked at one time or another. Answers and outcomes are never easy but Megan finds out that God always does show up and He truly does care. The romance and suspense also keep the reader turning the pages until the exciting conclusion. I definitely recommend that you start reading The Shadow Lake Survival series, you'll love it just as I do!

I Heard A Fly Buzz When I Died by Amanda Flower

 

Emily Dickinson's brother and new wife are home from their honeymoon and now they are getting ready to host some very prestigious company. Ralph Waldo Emerson is coming to give lectures at the college so everyone is excited. When Mr. Emerson's secretary is found dead in the garden Willa and Emily are on the case! 

This is the second book in the Emily Dickinson Mystery series. I really enjoyed it. I always find myself getting upset when female characters are treated like sub-humans, but that was the times. Women were there to produce heirs and take care of the household. They were to be petted and taken out to show off when the need arose.  They were told they were incapable of understanding the workings of the world. They were protected and sheltered. So there were some things that I definitely didn't like about the male characters in the story. The secretary was definitely one of those characters! I actually think he got what he deserved! I loved Emily's spunkiness with her father. I've not read enough about Emily Dickinson's life to know how she really was, but I found her character to be very interesting. A bit headstrong and flighty, yet actually one of the only ones that treated everyone kindly. Her maid Willa is still trying to decide what she feels for officer Matthew. I like how her character developed a little bit more in this book. She knows her place, yet she is brave enough to help Emily in their pursuit of finding the killer before someone innocent is charged. An entertaining read for sure. And definitely one I'd recommend.

Here is my review of the first book in the series:

http://myfavoritepastime.blogspot.com/2022/10/because-i-could-not-stop-for-death-by.html

Dating Can Be Deadly by Amanda Flower

 

The county fair is in Holmes County and Millie has entered a quilt she has made. Of course her sidekick Lois is with her. Millie is witness to a heated argument between the woman running the quilt contest and none other than Ruth Yoder. When the woman ends up dead in the quilt barn will Ruth be the top suspect? Millie and Lois are on the case! Could Ruth dislike someone so much that she would resort to murder? As Millie and Lois investigate they find that there are several other suspects that had reasons to not like the woman. Will Millie figure out who the murderer is before another innocent life is taken?

I love Millie and Lois! They make me laugh. Also making an appearance of course are Millie's goats Peter and Philip. They are a handful, but Millie loves them as if they were her children. They have a knack for getting into mischief. We also get to see Juliette's pig Jethro who enjoys himself at the fair as well. Lois is dating a new man she met on a dating app. Millie isn't impressed with him, but Lois loves big so she has to tread carefully. Millie doesn't need a dating app. She has Uriah right there ready for Millie to decide if she can love again. Their relationship is sweet. Dating Can Be Deadly was the perfect cozy mystery for a weekend read. 

Tinsel Town by Holly Schindler

 

I love love love Ruby's Place! I look forward each year to reading what's happening in the town of Sullivan, Missouri. Author Holly Schindler takes us back to a simpler time. A cozy time. A time when families seemed to be closer. A time when Christmas was a magical event and everyone looked forward to celebrating it. Especially those who gathered at Ruby's Place. Ruby's Place itself is magical. A moment in time when people can gather together and remember the past, celebrate with those that have been long gone, and regain the Christmas Spirit that sometimes disappears with the passing of a loved one. 

I loved this quote in the first chapter:

"They'd forgotten all but one thing. One small, singular detail rang out clearly in every single memory of every single person who had ever spent a Christmas Eve in Ruby's:

They remembered Ruby's homemade marshmallows and cocoa.

Because, as everyone knows, you never do forget something sweet."

Truth! You don't forget the sweet! As the author described the decadence of those homemade marshmallows my mouth watered! Ruby's isn't special just for the sweet treats though. It is special for the sweet family and friends that gather there every Christmas Eve. 

This year banker Scott Drummond is just not feeling the Christmas spirit. A new investor is coming in to tear down and rebuild the bank. The vault that holds all of Sullivan's secrets is going to be taken out. People have lost their Christmas spirit. It looks like Ruby's may not have the grand opening that Angela was hoping for. 

I enjoyed the back-story woven throughout the more current day happenings. Scott's father Walter and his best friend Petey gave more background to the town of Sullivan. While each Ruby's Place book can be read as a stand-alone I think reading it's entirety helps the reader get a better understanding of just how special Ruby's Place is. 

Another quote I liked:

"And then, there was dinner at Ruby's Place. Always Ruby's Place, the perfect ending to the perfect Christmas Eve."

Do you have any special Christmas Eve traditions that bring nostalgia to the forefront of your mind? I do! Do you have your own Ruby's Place that you go to each year to celebrate with loved ones? Take time this year to relax during the busy Christmas season. Find a cozy spot, grab Tinsel Town, make a sweet cup of hot chocolate(with marshmallows of course!), and enjoy the magic of remembering...find your Christmas joy and spread it around!

Into The Fire by Irene Hannon

 

Bri Tucker is an arson investigator. She's investigating a retired investigator's death, in a fire. Would an investigator really be that careless? Accidents happen right? Marc Davis works for the ATF. He's been called in to consult on the case. Everything seems cut and dried, but Bri believes she has found evidence that would point otherwise. Continuing to follow through on the investigation seems fruitless, yet for some reason Bri can't drop it. When a streak of bad luck seems to hit her Bri thinks nothing of it, but Marc is less than happy with the things that are going on and hopes to keep an eye on her. 

Book one in the Undaunted Courage series definitely kept me turning the pages. I loved Bri and Marc's characters. Neither one was looking to jump into a relationship, yet both are open to changing their minds. I liked Bri's independence, she was a strong female character. Both had struggles in their past that they needed to learn to get past. The spiritual lessons that the characters learned were very relevant, but not given to pat answers and outcomes. The suspense was perfect and raised the heartbeat while reading. The romance helped in that too! If you are a fan of Irene Hannon's writing, or even if you have never read one of her books before, I highly recommend you change that and do so! You won't be disappointed! 

A Dare And A Prayer by Julie Lessman

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR … OR IS IT?

He’s a hotshot who takes up a dare.

She’s an aspiring missionary who wants to beware.

But will love become a gamble with a dare and a prayer?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. A lover of all things Irish, she enjoys writing close-knit Irish family sagas that evolve into 3-D love stories: the hero, the heroine, and the God that brings them together.

 

Author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, Heart of San Francisco, Isle of Hope, Silver Lining Ranch, and The Cousins O’Connor series, Julie was American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and has

garnered over 21 Romance Writers of America and other awards. Voted #1 Romance Author in Family Fictionmagazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie’s novels also made Family Fiction magazine’s Best of 2015, Best of 2014, and “Essential Christian Romance Authors” 2017-20, 2021 and 2023, as well as Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction and Borders Best Fiction. Her independent novel A Light in the Window was an International Digital Awards winner, a 2013 Readers' Crown Award winner, and a 2013 Book Buyers Best Award winner. 

 

Julie has also written a self-help workbook for writers entitled Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Sweet and Inspirational Markets. Contact Julie through her website and read excerpts from each of her books at www.julielessman.com.

BLOG TOUR

BLOG TOUR FOR A DARE AND A PRAYER

(Note: Chance to win prize for leaving a comment on each blog)

October 1 — Radiant Light Blog (tease)

October 1 — LiteraryScape Book Club

October 2 — Grace Johnson Spotlight

October 3 — Britt Reads Fiction

October 4 — Where Faith and Books Meet

October 5 — A Baker’s Perspective

October 6 — My Favorite Pastime

October 7 — Reading is My SuperPower

October 8 — Writing Between the Lines

October 9 — Locks, Hooks, and Books

October 10 — Splashes of Joy

October 10 — Saraina Whitney Blog

October 11 — Radiant Light Blog (review) 

October 12 — Miss Pippi Reads Blog

October 13 — Christian Bookaholic

October 14 — Grace Johnson Review

October 15 — Scraps of Life Blog

MY REVIEW 

A Dare And A Prayer gave me all of the feels! I laughed, I cried, I got angry, then I got to experience those feelings over and over throughout the story! Henry is a lovable bad boy for sure. Usually it takes me awhile to even like the bad boy in a romance, but Henry is truly a likable character that makes you cheer for him when he gets his way. I admired Amy's character as she stood by her faith and continued to keep Henry at arms length. But, he is so darn likable he broke down those barriers quickly! The spiritual content of the novel was what I as a reader expect from author Julie Lessman. The spiritual lessons pack a punch, they convict, they remind, they are full of the rich truths of God's Word. The subject of human trafficking, specifically pedophilia, was hard to read. The author was careful yet able to show the awfulness in a truthful and powerful story woven throughout the novel. Once again we get glimpses of what is going on in the rest of the O'Conner's lives along with Hope and Gabe's weddings. As expected the author doesn't just wrap up everyone's life in this novel, she gives us rich dialogue, passionate characters, and huge life-changing moments throughout that keep the reader turning the pages eagerly to see what happens next. When I finished the last page I literally wanted to go back and read it again because I missed the characters so much. Henry, Amy and the rest of the crew had my heart as if they were real people, as if they were friends. If you have never read one of author Julie Lessman's O'Conner novels then I suggest you get to it! They are wonderfully epic stories that will give you all the feels! I highly recommend!

 CHECK OUT JULIE’S CONTESTS!

In honor of A Dare and a Prayer’s book birthday, Julie has two contests going on where you can win the following:

GRAND PRIZE (2 chances to win!):

—$50 Amazon gift card or $25 Amazon gift card

—Choice of three of Julie’s e-books or one of her signed paperbacks

—A character named after you or a loved one in her next book and a signed paperback copy

—Your choice of one paperback from Julie’s list of top-selling CBA authors, including Tamera Alexander, Colleen Coble, Rachel Hauck, Denise Hunter, Robin Lee Hatcher, Nancy Naigle, Cara Putman, Deborah Raney, Katherine Reay, Becky Wade, and Beth Vogt.

RUNNERS-UP PRIZES (8 chances to win!):

—Choice of three of my e-books

—OR choice of one of my signed paperbacks (based on my private stash)

—OR choice of one paperback from a list of the above-mentioned top CBA authors (based on my private stash)

So, check all the details out at her Journal Jots Blog HERE and GOOD LUCK!

Shadow of Night by Susan Sleeman

 

Officer Sydney Tucker is witness to a murder...sort of. She heard it happen and now the killer is after her. He knows who she is, but she has no clue who he is. When Sydney is framed for the murder Sheriff Russ Maddox is there to help her clear her name. 

I have to admit that in the first Shadow Lake Survival book I did not like Russ. He was harsh and rigid. But after reading Shadow of Night I see why he was that way and he really endeared himself to me. I really like his character now! He treated Sydney with respect as a fellow law officer. He has his demons from the past which of course he deals with throughout the story. I love how the author helps each of her characters overcome some deep trauma through faith that brings them closer to God and closer to each other. The suspense is perfect and keeps the reader guessing as to who the killer is and what his motivation is. I'm loving the Maddox brothers and this series so far. If you've never read any of author Susan Sleeman's books I suggest you remedy that! Perfectly strong characters, delicious romance and dangerous suspense. What more could you ask for? 

Facing The Enemy by DiAnn Mills

 

When Risa's brother is killed right before her eyes she's traumatized. The driver of the hit-and-run was not found. When Risa receives a threat to quit her job or her family will suffer the consequences Risa is determined to do all in her power to find the killer and put him/her behind bars. Risa quits her FBI job to pursue her investigation but only her boss knows about the threat. Her partner Gage is confused by Risa's quitting and is insisting on keeping in touch with her. He knows Risa has not just left her brother's death unsolved. 

Oh my word y'all! Kidnapping stories always get to me. Especially where babies and children are concerned. Facing The Enemy was exciting, scary, and heart-turning. Because the subject was one that is hard to read the suspense and danger that Risa and Gage faced made it even more stressful. Gage and Risa's relationship was complicated to say the least. As two FBI agents, and partners it was hard for them to acknowledge their attraction for each other. But as tension mounted they found themselves turning to each other for strength, which only intensified their feelings for each other. With excitement and danger sprinkled throughout Facing The Enemy was a fast-paced read and held the reader's attention to the conclusion. If you are a fan of suspense I definitely recommend that you read this book. 

Estuary by Lisa T. Bergren

 

If you loved The River of Time series by this author buckle up, because there's a new She-Wolf in the pack! The first book in The Oceans of Time series does not disappoint. I loved every minute of it! I loved every character in it(well, not the bad guys!). 

Luciana Betarrini and her twin brother Domenico have wondered for a year where their cousins disappeared to. Nico thinks he knows the answer, but it is so far-fetched and impossible...isn't it? When Nico and Luciana find themselves 700 years in the past Luci is ready to return home. But Nico is excited for the prospects this new/old world can bring. Fighting battles and being kidnapped is not Luciana's idea of fun and she is ready to return to her world except that she's becoming attached to her family. Being a part of a loving family is something that Luci and Nico have not experienced in several years. And then there is the handsome knight Giulio Greco who captures Luciana's attention like no other man has been able to do. Tiliani Forelli's family is hoping that she will marry Aurelio Paratore to bring an alliance to their two countries. Not everyone is in favor of this union though and intrigue and danger lurk around every corner. 

So so good! I loved The River of Time series and to be able to see how Lia and Gabi have faired was such an exciting prospect to me. I devoured this book and have found myself missing the characters after closing the last page. Which, by-the-way, leaves us on a cliffhanger gasping for answers! Which brings me to the sequel that will be coming out in March 2024:

I can't wait! Here is a synopsis, there may be spoilers if you have not read the first book!

After narrowly escaping arrest, Luciana Betarrini hurtles back to medieval Italy. Together, she, her brother, and the Grecos must find the Forellis’ nemesis and force him to confess to his role in the murders. Meanwhile, Lady Tiliani Forelli is searching for her family that has disappeared in enemy territory. Yet a trap is closing around them all.

The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter

 

When she wakes up and finds herself in the middle of Paris with some man standing over her yelling at her to RUN! she has no idea where she is or why she is laying in the snow. In fact she has no memory whatsoever. When people start shooting she runs! Now she is with a hot guy, people are chasing them trying to kill them and the only thing she can come up with is she is a spy! 

I have mixed feelings on this book. I enjoyed the adventure, I enjoyed the danger the couple was in, I even enjoyed some of the dialogue between them. On the flip side, that same dialogue could get a bit annoying. At times I thought the story read like a middle school adventure book. But then I thought, hence the title "Blonde" Identity. Because whew, dumb blonde came across a lot! But then again, it is kind of what made the character rather endearing! This book is supposed to be an adult story. At times I found myself thinking that it was just the author's excuse to be able to use the "f" word and to have a couple of steamy scenes between the characters. So yes, mixed feelings. The story gave me vibes of some interesting movies. Think of course The Bourne Identity, maybe even the Die Hard movies, because a lot of kick-butt scenes and such. But then I'd think of movies like the Lost City and Red, kind of adventure/dangerous movies with comedic undertones. So all in all I enjoyed the book and had a fun time reading it. Oh, it did end on a cliffhanger so we may get a sequel!

Follow Me by Debbie Viguie

 

ACK!!! Y'all! Author Debbie Viguie knows how to get the blood pumping! Not to mention she also knows how to freak a reader out by possibly killing off a favorite character! Nooooooo! Don't do it! Please! 

So much danger, so many mysteries still surrounding Cindy and her friends. Who, what, why and all of the questions!!!! All of the Psalm 23 readers get a bit grumpy because it takes so long for the next book to come out, but yet when they do they are perfection, so I personally don't mind the wait. 

Follow Me was one thrill after another that had me putting the book down a few times to take a break from the stress! I loved it! I hated it! I freaked out! So many secrets still left to be revealed. What is up with Tracy y'all? I can't wait for the next in the series, but yes I can because I know it will be perfect, but really I want it out yesterday! Jeremiah and Cindy, I hope y'all make it to FOREVER! 

Shadow of Deceit by Susan Sleeman

 

Shadow Lake Survival Book 1 was just as exciting as the rest of author Susan Sleeman's suspense books! Mia's uncle has left her Evergreen Resort on the condition that she live there for one full year before she inherits it. His one exception was that she could leave the property if her life was in danger. Ryan Maddox, Mia's ex-boyfriend and his family runs the Shadow Lake Survival camp next door to Mia. Mia left Ryan trying to get away from a father who had hated her from the time her mother died years before. When Mia starts receiving threats to leave Evergreen she assumes her father is trying to get rid of her. But would he stoop so low as to try and harm her? Now Ryan and Mia are working together trying to discover who is threatening Mia and why. 

This was a great introduction to the Shadow Lake Survival series. I can tell that I am going to fall in love with all of the Maddox family just as I have with all of the author's characters. One of the Maddox brother's irritates me to no end but I won't tell you who! You'll have to read the book for yourself and form your own opinions. As always, I can't wait for the next book in the series!

Countdown by Lynette Eason

 

Raina Price performs rescues almost every day. But Raina has a secret and it is about to catch up with her. Vincent Covelli is a US Marshal who has been trying to get close to Raina but she isn't interested in a relationship. When Vince realizes that Raina is in danger he comes alongside her to help in an unobtrusive way that has Raina learning to trust.

I really enjoyed this installment of the Extreme Measures series. Loved Raina's independence even though it could get frustrating. Loved how Vince patiently won her over to let him help her. Raina's secrets could have gotten her killed but I loved how she not only learned to let Vince help her but also learned that God is faithful even if He chooses not to do something the way she thought it should be done. There were a lot of players in the story and the outcome was a thrilling ride! 

The Long March Home by Marcus Brotherton and Tosca Lee

 

Three best friends enlist together. While fighting horrors in World War II we get flashbacks of their life growing up together in Alabama along with their love for one girl. 

All the feels while reading this book! I laughed, I cried, I felt anger and exultation. I honestly didn't know if I would like this story because I thought it would be more male oriented. But it had enough love story to it along with all the grit and terror and awfulness of war. I loved the friendship between Jimmy, Hank and Billy. The loyalty they had for each other and desire to protect each other throughout was heart-warming and special. The war scenes were difficult to stomach, but I believe the research was accurate and educational. A fantastic story that will stay with me for quite sometime.

 

Fairest Of Heart by Karen Witemeyer

 

Penelope is in service to an actress named Narcissa LaBelle. Narcissa is difficult to please, but Penelope has been doing her job well. That is until Narcissa throws one of her royal fits and has her henchman take Penelope out to the woods and expose her to the elements to get rid of her. That is where the men from the Diamond D ranch find Penny and rescue her.

Titus Knightley is a ranger and has no time in his life for pretty women. He is not happy about the men of the Diamond D taking in Penny. He is sure that Penny is deceitful just like all women and it is his job to expose her deceit and send her packing. 

I love the romance and mystery that each story by Karen Witemeyer brings. Fairest Of Heart has such sweet characters! I love all of the grandfatherly types at the Diamond D. They have open hearts for Penny and they show her a love that her life has lacked from the time she was abandoned as a baby. It didn't take Titus too long to get over his prejudice against her, but the getting there was a little rough! He frustrated me for a little bit, but when his big heart toppled it toppled pretty good! As always, the mystery was pretty exciting and brought many tense moments. If you like romance with an added side of mystery then I highly encourage you to read this book! 

Blueberry Blunder by Amanda Flower

 

Once again Margot has Bailey neck deep in preparations for another celebration on the town square. The first ever Blueberry Bash is gearing up to be another success for Margot and the people of Holmes County. Bailey doesn't have time for this though as her new factory is going up and Bailey just had to fire her contractor. When that contractor is found dead in Bailey's building the Sheriff is more than happy to have an open and shut case.

I enjoyed this installment of the Amish Candy Shop series. As always the characters were humorous and likable. The animal characters are entertaining as well. Jethro the pig and Bailey's cat and bunny make me laugh out loud! Bailey and her boyfriend Aiden's relationship is progressing slowly but surely with Aiden's mother Juliette trying to push them along every step of the way. Charlotte, Bailey's cousin, is showing some investigative skills of her own and also has the opportunity to mend some fences with her family. I was hoping the "who-done-it" was the person I was thinking it was, and it was! But the getting to the who-done-it was entertaining and kept this reader turning pages. An entertaining read and a great installment to the series.

Edge of Steele by Susan Sleeman

 

Ryleigh Steele is the last of the Steele's to join the family business. A former FBI agent she is now standing at the site of a logging company that her family was hired to protect. Unfortunately a bomber had different ideas. As Ryleigh sees it, it is now her job to figure out who the bomber is and bring them to justice. Former SEAL Finn Durham was hired also to protect the logging company so he sees it as his job to find out who the bomber is. Neither of them will be working on the case if Sheriff Russ Maddox doesn't approve.  

Wow! So much going on in this last book of the Steele Guardians series. I love Ryleigh and Finn's characters. That they had a past together was helpful to their relationship as well. It added tension and also romance as they rekindled buried feelings for each other. We are introduced to the Maddox brothers who will star in the next series. They are all intense and I'm sure will bring lots of suspense and romance to the series. We got to catch up with some of the Verita's group which is always fun. I love how the author has researched cutting-edge technology for the group to use in their work to catch criminals. I love the spiritual lessons learned in this story. Both Finn and Ryleigh have had to struggle with plans they had for their life taking different turns in order for God to work HIS perfect plan for them. An excellent and exciting end to the Steele Guardians series! 

The Pretender Book One: Rebirth by Steven Long Mitchell and Craig W. Van Sickle

 

I have mixed feelings about this book. It has been years since the series ended. It of course ended on a cliffhanger with no answers or conclusions for Jarod. Such a disappointment. Then I saw after watching the series on DVD again that there was supposed to be some books written that had answers to all of our burning questions of what happened next to the Pretender. So I was prepared for this book to start where the last movie left off. Unfortunately that is not the case! This book just re-packages the beginning of the series. Miss Parker is her usual cranky self. Sydney is his usual psycho-babbling self and Broots doesn't even exist! Which is irritating. Anyway, all of that aside, I still liked the story and the only thing I can think is that the books were supposed to continue more than the two that were written and eventually catch up to the ending of the TV series and let us know how it all ends. But alas, only two books were written and it looks like fans will never know how Jarod's life proceeded after Island of the Haunted. I'm really disappointed about that. 

Broker of Lies by Steven James

 

Travis Brock sees many government secrets. He's the one that decides whether a secret can be let out to the public or if it needs to remain a secret. Travis has spent the last 18 months trying to find out who set his house on fire that ultimately killed his wife. Travis teams up with Adira Halprin to stop a major terrorist attack that just might cross paths with who killed Travis' wife. 

Steven James always writes such suspenseful reads! This was no exception! I got so stressed a couple of times that I had to put the book down to calm my nerves! ha! There were many twists and turns throughout the story and it kept me on the edge of my seat wondering who was friend and who was foe. The ending had my mouth hanging open in surprise! Excellent story and I believe it is going to be a series so I will be looking forward to the next book!

Into the Fog by Karen Randau

 

MJ has moved to a small Oklahoma town to help her mother out with her peach orchard. MJ has met Kelsey on her morning run. Kelsey is nice, but very secretive and will only share tiny tidbits of information about herself with MJ. When Kelsey disappears MJ is sure foul play is involved and she is just as determined to find out what happened to Kelsey. 

Josh recognizes MJ from their time serving in Afghanistan. Both MJ and Josh are dealing with PTSD and both have an aversion of being together. Neither is ready for a relationship nor are they ready for the feelings that develop for each other. 

I enjoyed the mystery that INTO THE FOG had. MJ's frustration in trying to find Kelsey when nobody would believe that she was missing was clear and intense. I enjoyed the characters. MJ and Josh's relationship was a bit frustrating. But I understood it with the PTSD that both were dealing with. I felt sad for MJ's mother who was starting to have signs of dementia. The danger that they were all in when it came to a conclusion was suspenseful and unexpected. This is the first book in the series with book 2 coming out in March. If you like romantic suspense check it out. This is a new author for me and I'm looking forward to reading another of her books.

In Farm's Way by Amanda Flower

 

Shiloh Bellamy has a knack for finding dead people! When a local brewery owner is found dead in the frozen lake, Shiloh's best friend's husband becomes a suspect. Shiloh is determined to clear his name much to the local law-enforcements disgruntlement!

I have really enjoyed the Farm to Table Mysteries so far and In Farm's Way was a great addition. I'm loving the romantic interests in the stories and am anxiously waiting to find out if Shiloh has chosen the person I want her to be with! The murder was creative and I enjoyed following Shiloh as she hunted down clues to find the guilty person. I'm a bit frustrated with Shiloh and her father's relationship. I really wish he would get a clue. As always, the author has some cute furry characters that crack me up. Huckleberry, Shiloh's pug, has a funny personality that makes me laugh. If you enjoy cozy mysteries be sure to pick up this latest in the series.

Solid As Steele by Susan Sleeman

 

Mackenzie Steele is on vacation. Out in the middle of nowhere she enjoys her time alone and time to regroup. Her vacation is interrupted by a man showing up on her porch. He looks like he has been beat up and he can't remember who he is or why he is there. The name Owen sounds familiar to him so that is what she starts calling him. As they investigate who he could be Mackenzie doesn't know whether he is a criminal or not but she is determined to help him find out what has happened.

Just as I think that author Susan Sleeman can't get any better she proves me wrong! I loved Solid As Steele! I enjoyed the characters as well. I thought this installment of the Steele Guardians series was a bit different than the others in that it didn't mostly take place with the other Steele family members. A good chunk of the story took place away from home base. Mackenzie and Owen make a good couple and I liked the way their relationship developed. I also enjoyed that once they did join the family they embraced Owen. Those scenes had me laughing because the Steele family is anything but subtle when it comes to their family's significant others! I totally loved Solid As Steele and can't wait for the next book in the series.