Review: River's Edge by Terri Blackstock

Series: Cape Refuge #3
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Publisher: Zondervan 
Released: August 29, 2004
360 pages

About the Book:

The man Lisa Jackson loved most may have betrayed her. Another used deception to manipulate her. But did one of them kill her? Ben Jackson is sure to defeat Jonathan Cleary in Cape Refuge’s mayoral race, until his wife turns up missing the day before a major debate. Suspecting foul play, Police Chief Cade launches an island-wide search. But it takes a psychic’s “vision” to point police to the riverside—and Lisa’s body. The evidence implicating Ben in his wife’s murder is convincing. But as a local scandal escalates into a national media circus, Cade’s instincts tell him to dig deeper. And he’s not the only one. Blair Owens of the Cape Refuge Journal is using her investigative skills to uncover a rat’s nest of dirty secrets—and more than one person with a motive for murder. But Blair’s methods are jeopardizing her relationship with Cade, and an unsolicited prediction from the psychic only adds to her troubles. Is the man’s so-called gift truly from God, as he claims? Did Lisa’s murder have anything to do with the mayoral race, her husband’s alleged affair, or her decade-long struggle with infertility? Whoever the killer is, he’s about to take his evasion of justice to the next, lethal level. And someone else is going to die.

My Rating & Thoughts:    ⭐⭐⭐

The wife of a mayoral candidate has gone missing, is the husband involved in fowl play or is there more going on than it appears? I was intrigued by the mystery, there are quite a few suspects with possible motives. What really happened and who is responsible? The actions of a particular character were horrible, how could someone treat others that way just for money? Sickening! A couple things I didn't like are 1: the reveal at the end of the villain did not seem to be fully explained, it seemed a bit far-fetched and I questioned the realness of it. Second, I did not like the character of Sheila and she seemed forced into scenes. This story focuses quite a bit on infertility and fertility treatments which could be triggering for some readers. I really enjoyed Morgan and Blair's conversation about the Armor of God and how we are to equip ourselves with it.

(I purchased my copy of this book; opinions expressed 

in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

Other books from this author that I have reviewed:   

   

Aftermath

Smoke Screen

Catching Christmas

If I Run - If I Run #1

If I'm Found - If I Run #2

If I Live - If I Run #3

Never Again Good-bye - Second Chances #1

When Dreams Cross - Second Chances #2

Blind Trust - Second Chances #3

Broken Wings- Second Chances #4

Cape Refuge - Cape Refuge #1

Southern Storm - Cape Refuge #2

Review: The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert

Genre: Women's Fiction
Publisher: Waterbrook Press
Released: April 21, 2015
322 pages

About the Book:

Just like in my dream, I was drowning and nobody even noticed.

Every morning, Carmen Hart pastes on her made-for-TV smile and broadcasts the weather. She’s the Florida panhandle’s favorite meteorologist, married to everyone’s favorite high school football coach. They’re the perfect-looking couple, live in a nice house, and attend church on Sundays. From the outside, she’s a woman who has it all together. But on the inside, Carmen Hart struggles with doubt. She wonders if she made a mistake when she married her husband. She wonders if God is as powerful as she once believed. Sometimes she wonders if He exists at all. After years of secret losses and empty arms, she’s not so sure anymore.

Until Carmen’s sister—seventeen year old runaway, Gracie Fisher—steps in and changes everything. Gracie is caught squatting at a boarded-up motel that belongs to Carmen’s aunt, and their mother is off on another one of her benders, which means Carmen has no other option but to take Gracie in. Is it possible for God to use a broken teenager and an abandoned motel to bring a woman’s faith and marriage back to life? Can two half-sisters make each other whole?

My Rating & Thoughts:    ⭐⭐⭐

Gracie and Carmen are estranged half sisters that reconnect through life circumstances when Gracie runs away from her mom's. Gracie has always seen Carmen's life as being perfect and felt abandoned by Carmen, but Carmen's life isn't as smooth as it appears from the outside. She is struggling, she wants a baby but has had 6 miscarriages. They are trying to adopt, but the waiting is hard and Carmen isn't handling it well. Real life struggles are depicted. At times story felt young, but that's probably because Gracie is 17 and her high school days are a big part of the story. I really liked the guy characters of Eli and Ben. Eli was a great witness to Gracie and Ben was a loving husband to Carmen and was patient and supporting to her, even when she tried to push him away. I was surprised that 17-year-old Gracie was my favorite sister, Carmen got on my nerves at times. The ending ruined this book for me, it felt abrupt and unfinished. 

Favourite Quote: 

“You souldn't let something that happened in the past stop you from having something that could be great in the present.”

(I purchased my copy of this book; opinions expressed 

in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

Review: The Key to the Kingdom by Jeff Dixon

Series: The Key to the Kingdom #1
Genre: General Fiction 
Publisher: Deep River Books 
Released: December 1, 2010
261 pages

About the Book:

Grayson Hawkes learns how imaginative and elaborate Walt Disney World is when he accepts an invitation one sunny day from a trusted friend landing him in a world he never knew existed. Innocently driven by curiosity he finds himself immersed in a heroic adventure. Barely escaping a late night encounter, he finds himself desperately trying to solve a mysterious disappearance while trying to stay ahead of those who are chasing him. Hawkes quickly realizes that unraveling the clues is essential if he is to discover the truth. He navigates through the kingdom where knowledge of seemingly unimportant Disney facts and some divine help are the only way he can discover the lock that can be opened by an ancient key. His world becomes even more complicated when he is captivated by a mysterious woman, causing him to make a series of choices that takes his faith to the brink. Each step is fueled with heart pounding intensity carrying him deeper into a thrill ride of secrecy. Within the walls of Walt Disney World is more mystery than one imagination can contain. Here Disney Trivia is not a game; and the ancient key is the only way out! Jeff Dixon was raised in Florida and has always been fascinated with the man Walt Disney and the theme park he created. Dixon feels that any guest who would take the time to look would discover a story that will never be completed. It is against this canvas that Dixon paints this mystery, adventure, and thriller. The epic drama carries the reader across the state of Florida to discover details that most people have missed. Each discovery and revelation will have the reader wondering if they are reading fact or fiction. In a quickening pace, the characters find themselves on a collision course with an unthinkable outcome! Fans of Walt Disney will love the history and tourists will find a travel guide that takes them on a trip most guests never get to take.

My Rating & Thoughts:    ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I enjoyed this book more than I expected to. The main character is a pastor who has been sent on a scavenger hunt by a good friend. This friend is an Imagineer for Disney so this hunt takes him through the various Disney World parks. I felt like I was right there with Hawkes in the parks trying to figure out the clues. It was fun when I knew exactly what was being described at various times. I look forward to reading more in this series.

Favourite Quote: 

“That is the power of a good story. It can enourage, it cane make you laugh, it can bring you joy. It will make you think, it will tap into your hidden emotions, and it can make you cry. The power of a story can also bring about healing, give you peace, and change your life.”

(I purchased my copy of this book; opinions expressed 

in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

Review: Accused by Janice Cantore

Series: Pacific Coast Justice #1
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Publisher: Tyndale House
Released: January 1, 2012
387 pages

About the Book:

Detective Carly Edwards hates working in juvenile--where the brass put her after an officer-involved shooting--and longs to be back on patrol. So when a troubled youth, Londy Atkins, is arrested for the murder of the mayor and Carly is summoned to the crime scene, she's eager for some action. Carly presses Londy for a confession but he swears his innocence, and despite her better judgment, Carly is inclined to believe him. Yet homicide is convinced of his guilt and is determined to convict him. Carly's ex-husband and fellow police officer, Nick, appears to be on her side. He's determined to show Carly that he's a changed man and win her back, but she isn't convinced he won't betray her again. As the investigation progresses, Carly suspects a cover-up and strikes out on her own, uncertain whom she can trust. But when danger mounts, she begins to wonder if she made the right choice.

My Rating & Thoughts:    ⭐⭐

I struggled with this book as I didn't like the main character. Carly's attitude annoyed me throughout most of the book. Her attituded to her supervisor, her mother and her ex really frustrated me. My favourite character was her partner, Joe. Good him to be able to deal with her attitude. All the abbreviated terms at the beginning made it difficult to understand. There were so many corrupt people in this story, however I still was able to figure out who could be trusted and who not to trust fairly early on.  I liked that Nick showed remorse for his actions and tried to support Carly even when she didn't want his help but needed it. I found the ending to be predictable.

(I purchased my copy of this book; opinions expressed 

in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

Review: High as the Heavens by Kate Breslin

Genre: Historical Fiction 
Publisher: Bethany House
Released: June 1, 2017
395 pages

About the Book:

In 1917, Evelyn Marche is just one of many women who has been widowed by the war. A British nurse trapped in German-occupied Brussels, she spends her days working at a hospital and her nights as a waitress in her aunt and uncle's café. Eve also has a carefully guarded secret keeping her in constant danger: She's a spy working for a Belgian resistance group in league with the British Secret Service.

When a British plane crashes in Brussels Park, Eve is the first to reach the downed plane and is shocked to discover she recognizes the badly injured pilot. British RFC Captain Simon Forrester is now a prisoner of war, and Eve knows he could be shot as a spy at any time. She risks her own life to hide him from the Germans, but as the danger mounts and the secrets between them grow, their chance of survival looks grim. And even if they do make it out alive, the truth of what lies between them may be more than any love can overcome.

My Rating & Thoughts:    ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I liked that this featured a married couple, and I really enjoyed the flashback scenes. There were some difficult topics addressed in this book due to it being set during war times and some of the scenes that were heartbreaking to read. I did struggle at times keeping some of the characters straight and understanding everything that was going on. However, I liked the strength and determination of the two main characters, and I was rooting for them. By the last 20%, I was so invested in the story that I couldn't put it down. The ending felt realistic. This was my first book by Kate Breslin and I plan to read more from her in the future.

Favourite Quote: 

“Guilt can become a stumbling block to keep us from God's mercy . . . Our Lord is always ready to forgive, eager to take us back into the fold of His love. BUt sometimes we humans deny ourselves that grace, especially when our transgressions seem insurmountable.”

(I purchased my copy of this book; opinions expressed 

in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)