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Showing posts with the label Intrigue

The Highland Heist (A Freddie and Grace Mystery #4)

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   ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Highland Heist A Freddie and Grace Mystery #4 by Pepper Basham GoodReads Review
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  The Record Keeper  By Charles Martin GoodReads Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Suspense, Christian themes, violence: series, but stand alone read. Murphy, recovering from a brutal attack, is brought back into his work rescuing kidnapped and trafficked girls and boys held captive by wealthy handlers. Bones calls him back and out of his fog after his near death recovery. He has all those around him who support, care for him, and love him, including Gunnar his dog and helper. Background flashbacks, Bones telling him part of his past and about his family, Shep joining his life, and all those helping him swirl into a fantastic, fast paced, suspenseful read. Service with a mission to go for the one, and save not only physically, but to heal and strengthen. Loved the recruitment of the new team members the support of the VP, and the determination and grit of Bones, and Murphy to unravel the mystery of Bone's location. This is the first book in this series I read, I will be sure to read th...

Searching For Irene

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Searching For Irene By Irene Bateman     My GoodReads review  ⭐⭐⭐✩ Romance, mystery, sweet, period; Anna arrives to help Lawrence with his book keeping and tax filings for his multifaceted estate.  She has a secret reason for coming.  The person prior to her left mysteriously and without any warning or speaking to anyone. Tyler and Lawrence's other son, aren't happy to have Anna around.  Some antagonistic staff, threats to her, and other mysterious things happen as she searches both physically for Irene, and also for other evidence that might lead to finding the person who killed her.  Secrets abound and Anna is unsure who she can trust. Her determination leads her to find Irene's remains, and helps her uncover the mystery surrounding her disappearance and death. Along the way, she finds love and hope for herself (won't say who to avoid a spoiler). Loved the setting, the house, the family. 3.5 stars for this for writing style. I feel like the story its...

Road of Resistance by A. L. Sowards

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Roads of Resistance  By A. L. Sowards ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, WW II, sweet, suspense; series, but stand alone read. Ingrid Lang and Gerrit Hendriks story wouldn't have happened but the war brought them together unexpectedly when Ingrid and Gerrit escape Nazi Germany during the war. Gerrit escapes to his Grandfather's and Ingrid is rescued by his grandfather after breaking her legs escaping and is trapped in the Netherlands when the Netherlands is invaded. at first they are at odds with one another, Gerrit not fully trusting Ingrid's story (she is covering her real identity to hide from the Nazi's), but gradually they both realize they need to trust. Full of the intensity of war, the courage of the Dutch to work and try to sabotage the German's war efforts, espionage, and subterfuge, along with the every day moments that make these stories come alive. The struggles for food, hiding allied soldiers who are recovering from injuries and hidden by the family, bombing, and just tr...

"Danger on the Loch" by Paige Edwards

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  Danger on the Loch Paige Edwards GoodReads Review      ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, mystery, sweet, Contemporary; Series, but stand alone read Paige's story was so well done. I hadn't read the other novels in this series, and after reading this one, had to read them all! Perfect mystery/suspense read, and loved the setting and the backstory behind Paige's father, the DNA test, and her trip to Scotland to figure out her place in that part of her family, and find if her heart has a home and loved one in her father. Loved the castle and all the intrigue there, the past as it gets exposed and the intrigue. Her relationship with James was so fun to read, and his support during the intrigue and accidents was so well drawn. They were both great characters, and fun to read about another Pressley-Combs finding his one true heart-love. Loved reading the other novels and getting more of the back story (after I read this one). Lovely addition to this series and highly recommend ...

"In Harm's Way" by Traci Hunter Abramson

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  In Harm's Way Traci Hunter Abramson EXCERPT: Senator Walter Royce didn’t pay attention to the posted menu outside the busy restaurant in Montmartre as he walked through the entrance. He had one purpose for being here, and it had nothing to do with the food. “Un,” he told the host, holding up one finger to make up for his complete lack of a French accent. On the surface, his trip to Paris was nothing more than a quick family getaway, but in reality, it was a much-needed excuse. The host said something in French, and Walter shook his head apologetically. “I’m sorry. I don’t understand. Do you have an English menu?” The younger man nodded and showed him up a half flight of stairs to the dining area. Walter took his seat at a table in the center of the room, and the host handed him a menu. “Merci.” Once alone, he glanced around the establishment. Through the windows, he could see the tables filled with patrons lining the sidewalk and waiters breezing in and out of the kitchen. In co...

"Lethal Intent" by Cara C. Putman

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 Lethal Intent Cara Putman GoodReads Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, contemporary; Suspense, murder, intrigue; Christian faith elements Caroline and Brandon's developing relationship and friendship becomes complicated as Caroline's new job as legal counsel is in conflict of interest with Brandon's investment in the company. The compelling backstories of Brandon's work with children in foster care, and also Bethany's treatment  by the medical group that Caroline works for made for compelling twists and turns in the plot of the story. Scientific secrets and corporate vendettas, along with an unscrupulous individual with no fear of taking lives as he sees fit made for a compelling and page turning read. The romance between Brandon and Caroline sweetened the story as they figured out the how to make their relationship be the best it possibly could, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.  Their sweet, tender, and compelling romance, along with their back sto...

On the Run by Traci Hunter Abramson

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  On the Run Guardians Book 4 Traci Hunter Abramson GoodReads Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐✯ Romance, clean, suspense; series but stand alone read Elle Jameson's suspicion of a crime as she works undercover at an Air Force base abroad. Her subsequent rescue by The Guardians has her running and trying to escape danger with Ghost/Nolan to try to keep her secrets safe and undercover who is involved and behind the murder of her sister and what is going to be done with the secrets she has uncovered. Perfect blend of intense action, moments of digging to uncover the secrets and connections to the criminals, and of course, the attraction between Elle and Nolan. Loved seeing glimpses of other characters from past novels to support the story line in this one. Perfectly paced and detailed, and loved all subterfuge, action, and ov course the romance. Great characters, side characters, and perfect setting abroad after the previous novel set in the US. T.H.A. knows how to right fun, fast paced, acti...

"A Foreign Crown" by Jen Geigle Johnson

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  A Foreign Crown Jen Geigle Johnson GoodReads review     ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; series, book one Gorgeous period court setting, with all the intrigue that that period was known for. Loved the innocence of Lady Aribella Bardsley, and her courage to leave her father and fulfill her courtly duties. Navigating that setting while staying true to her inner goodness was beautifully told. Prince Layton Wilhelm's family, the political machinations and worries re the French war and attacks on their countries ships was a perfect back story for this young prince.  This richly detailed court romance, with the underlying other court dilemmas and Lady Aribella's potential to be married off to another monarch family member made for a perfect mix of intrigue, political machinations and maneuverings, and romance. Aribella and Wilhelm's sweet romance was lovely, and a great introduction into this series. Beautifully written and crafted, more of a 4.5 for me as a re...

"The Price of Valor" by Susan May Warren

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  The Price of Valor Global Search and Rescue Book 3 Susan May Warren   Goodreads Review  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance clean, contemporary; Series, but stand alone read Ham and Signe's story along with a cast of many other characters from other books, not only in this series, but others, was a suspense-filled ride, gorgeous details, and beautiful moments fraught with tension and longing.  This was the perfect book for the ending of this series (I think?), and my favorite of all the books in this series. SMW has honed her craft over the years and knows how to pull together the characters, sub characters, and the action/bad guys into a perfectly crafted novel that will leave you on the edge of your seat, and still fill you with hope, and faith in God's goodness to lead you to your heart home and faith.   Loved this read! Of all the books in this series, this was the finest. So many threads came together here that made it even more perfect as a fan of her writing.  I do...

The Heart of a Hero by Susan May Warren

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The Heart of a Hero Susan May Warren GoodReads Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, contemporary, clean; Christian faith; suspense Jake and Aria's story was a gorgeous, thrill and suspense-filled read, with lots of moments between them. Jake's concerns and hesitations to be good enough, and worthy of Aria, Aria's past, and her worry about her heart, and Jake's feelings, her past with her twin, it all swirled together emotionally, and as they found each other again and again, it was so beautiful to read and watch. SMW is a master of suspense and action. The tropical storm, the events and side characters in the hospital and ship, all woven together masterfully and with lots of action, moments of kindness and caring, and of course, Jake saving the day multiple times. His courage, quick thinking and strength, and diving into the moment were fantastically real, heartfelt, courageous and smart. Aria's physician's knowledge, her work trying to patch together the...

Bargaining With the Billionaire

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Bargaining With the Billionaire Maria Hoagland GoodReads review ⭐⭐⭐⭑ Romance, clean, contemporary; series, but stand alone read Kian and Autumn's story was an interesting take on the Rumplestiltskin story.  Both interesting characters, an interesting setting, cute small town moments, and the building with the twist in it. The story of Kian's family, and the hidden secret that comes to light over the course of the story was a fun addition to the novel. Kian and Autumn's attraction, worries over her leaving town, and of course her business and all that it entails, the fundraiser, all made for an engaging and fun story.  Their hesitations, their attraction, their fun honest hearts all were well drawn, and made for a perfect escape read. Loved how he leveled her out, helped her take a break from her worries, and watched over her.  His kind, fun loving, caring personality made him a perfect H for me, and Autumn, finally finding someone who saw her for who she was, m...

"The Earl's Betrothal" by Karen Tuft

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The Earl's Betrothal Karen Tuft GoodReads review ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; some descriptions of war, and crime so PG-13 Amelia and Anthony's story was even better on a second read. Interesting back story with Anthony almost being a casualty of war, and thought dead, and Amelia being an orphan, and a companion to his mother. Their attraction gradually building with Amelia's way of helping others, speaking her mind, diplomatically, and with care for her circumstances, and the Earl's broken spirit, suffering from the war and flashbacks, his tiredness for machinations and women after his name and title, and not himself. Amelia's kind, genuine nature, her beauty along with her intelligence without cruelty, and her perceptive nature with regard to Lord Hargreaves flashbacks and war memories, along with lack of sleep while trying to fulfill his duty (in so many myriad ways) made for a compelling story. The side stories, both of their families, ...

"To Win a Lady's Heart"

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To Win a Lady's Heart Sian A. Bessey GoodReads Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; historical setting Lady Joanna and Sir Lukas' story was so well done! Intrigue, suspense, romantic, tender moments, along with a well depicted setting and dilemma in the story. Loved all the little pieces that wove together to make this so realistic. Even the animals in the story were so well done. The minor characters were so well done, so many things that made this a very good read. Joanna and Lukas' moments were so very sweet. The looks, the realizations, the final choice were all so well done.  Along with this, Joanna's character, her kindness, caring for others including those of lower class, her dogs, the people around her who were struggling, she was such an honorable character. Lukas and Sir Edwyn the same, strong character, morals, caring for others, and honor commitments, noble, and dutiful. They were perfect examples of how a noble should comport them...

"For Castle and Crown" by Sian A. Bessey

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For Castle and Crown by Sian A. Bessey GoodReads review ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; Historical Perfect historic setting for this novel. While it can be categorized as a romance, it's period setting with historic figures and battles made for a perfect, suspense filled novel with intrigue and perfect backstory with the monarchies and crusades. Pippa and Edmund's story wove together so beautifully as they both worked through their pains, and concerns. Gorgeous period setting, strong side characters and back story, and of course the tender moments between Pippa and Edmund. Pippa and Edmund, both with their personal challenges, Edmund returning as a Duke after his brother's death, and his capture in Germany, the physical challenges he faced, was characterized so well. Strong, courageous, kind and encouraging to Pippa and those around him, while expecting the best from those under his leade...

The Shipbuilder's Wife by Jennifer Moore

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The Shipbuilder's Wife by Jennifer Moore GoodReads Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; Lydia and Jacob's story set during the War of 1812 was heartfelt, honest, hurting, and a well done imagining of the American revolt, and of the War of 1812 British attack on Washington City as part of the story.  Their sweet romance also an integral part of the story.  The backstory of Lydia's and Jacob's first meeting, the attack on her home and her injury during the attack, the servants, the other side characters, and their life in Annapolis, all well described.  Lydia's care for her servants, her pain and worry with her physical 'trial' (no spoilers here!), and Jacob's worry, and misunderstanding of her interactions with him, made it all the sweeter at the conclusion of the novel. Loved the setting, the backstory, and their sweet moments throughout the novel.  J.L.M. had some fun historical details that she included as part of the novel that made it ev...

"The Noble Smuggler" by Sian A. Bessey

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The Noble Smuggler by Sian A. Bessey GoodReads Review Romance, clean, period; Mystery, intrigue 4 star read Elizabeth/Miss Doyle and Jonas/Reynard/Lord Langton's story was well-paced with the intrigue back-story, and Miss Doyle's semi-noble past, and her uncertain future. She was intelligent, kind, and brave in so many ways, and as Reynard, Jonas was seeking to uncover those doing wrong. As the mystery unfolded as Lord Langton/Jonas tries to discover which noble is mastermind behind the smuggling operation, even perhaps with some even weightier past crimes, these two honest, sincere hearts also discover their mutual attraction and affection. Elizabeth's gentle kindness to Lord Langton's mother, who is losing her sight, and her willingness to help assist with the discovery of the criminal as she worries about her safety and future in her determined, kind and sincere manner, only further endear her to Lord Langton, who is tired of the machinations of t...

"The Navigator (Tales of the Wendy Book 2)"

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The Navigator The Navigator (Tales of the Wendy Book 2)     Clean Read; re-imagining of the Peter Pan story told from Wendy Darlings point of view I have to confess, I am late getting this review up, but this was a gorgeous re-telling of the Peter Pan story from a dynamic, adventurous, determined, couragous Wendy Darling. I haven't read the first book in this series, but was able to read this and enjoy this without doing so. However, that being said, I will go back and read it to get the beginning at some point. This is an adventurous, fantastically detailed visit to Neverland, with the main characters you know and love, but from Wendy's courageously brave and determined point of view. She is a strong character, the setting is detailed and fantastically imagined, and the battles, worries, adventures and journey that they go on while tracking Blackheart's ship was intense, fantastical, and so well described! I am ready for the next adventure in this series!