Darkness Rising by Lis Wiehl

Book Description:

The evil in East Salem is no longer content to hide in the shadows. The stakes—and the darkness—are rising.

Dani Harris thought there wasn’t much left that could surprise her after serving as a forensic psychiatrist in East Salem. And Tommy Gunderson has faced few challenges in his life that he couldn’t overcome by either physical strength or his celebrity status.

But as they race to uncover what’s really happening behind the high walls of St. Adrian’s Academy, it becomes clear that supernatural forces have been at work here for generations. And now their focus is on making sure Dani and Tommy don’t interfere.

When the unseen becomes seen, faith is the only weapon strong enough to fight in a battle involving not just murder and betrayal—but angels and demons.

My Thoughts:
This was an interesting book.  I have to start by saying, this book is the 2nd in series and they should be read in order.  Dani is a psychiatrist and Tommy former athlete.  They solved a mystery already but not completely. There is still evil out there and it isn't content to be hunted, it wants to be out there. 
The characters were all quite good.  I thought how the author added the two exes in was a nice twist.  I had issues with some parts because of not reading the first in this series and there is a LOT of medical knowledge shared that I skimmed because I was so detailed.  That being said, I did enjoy it.  The plot was unique and I really liked the spiritual and supernatural elements.
I rate this a 3/5.  I think you need to have read the first book for this one to flow for you.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via Booksneeze).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Tracking Justice by Shirlee McCoy

Book Description:
In the night, a young boy goes missing from his bedroom. Police detective Austin Black assures desperate single mother Eva Billows that he'll find her son. He has to, so he can put to rest his own harrowing memories. With his search-and-rescue bloodhound, Justice, Austin searches every inch of Sagebrush, Texas. And when Eva insists on helping, Austin can't turn her away. Eva trusts no one, especially police, but this time, Austin—and Justice—won't let her down.

My Thoughts:
This was a great book.  Eva doesn't trust anyone, especially when it comes to her son.  Now with him missing, she is having to put all her faith in Austin Black and his search and rescue dog Justice.  Her seven year old son is missing, it is cold outside and there are terrifying reasons her son could be missing.
I loved Austin.  He was such a strong, steady, compassionate man that it was hard not to like him.  Eva was a puzzle for a while but she has her own past that she has to contend with.  Her little boy was strong and steady, like his mother.  The storyline had nail biting moments and twists.  I still want to know about Rio though!
I rate this a 5/5.  I completely enjoyed this book!

Than you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Like Moonlight at Low Tide by Nicole Quigley

Book Description:
For Missy Keiser, returning to Anna Maria Island, Florida, means two things: her mother made another poor decision with men, and Missy will have to reenter a world where she’s known as “Messy,” a social pariah who dared to have a crush on Sam King, the most popular boy in school.
But much has changed in the three years she’s been away. Missy’s next-door neighbor is no longer an elderly woman but Josh, an intriguing boy who seems genuinely interested in her. At school, she’s surprised to find few people remember who she once was. And any remaining taunts of Messy are silenced when Sam King gives her his nod of approval.
Just as things seem to be perfect, Josh’s sudden distance, her mother’s latest relationship implosion, and her brother’s strange behavior threaten to ruin it all. Missy is forced to decide between the boy she’s always wanted, a boy who is intent on trying to save her, and the brother she’s known all her life. And her decision could have consequences she can never undo.

My Thoughts:
This was a thought provoking, intriguing book.  Missy was the class joke before she'd left for Pennsylvania and now that she's back, she wants to change that image.  Her crush had always been Sam, and that was a significant portion of why she was a social outcast.  Now after three years, she has changed and the boys are noticing.  Her neighbor is intriguing as well, but he isn't the boy of her dreams, right?
I honestly wasn't sure how this book would sit with me when I started it but I really did enjoy it.  Missy was an intriguing character that was completely complex.  Josh is a great friend to her, Sam is a good guy but possibly not the best boyfriend idea, and her brother is lost.  The emotional ride in this book was intense.  I really liked how the author brought God into the story and it wasn't 'in your face'
I rate this a 4/5.  It was a unique storyline.

Thank you to Zondervan for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Key Witness by Christy Barritt

Book Description:

When Elle Philips witnesses an armed robbery while standing in line at the bank, she sets into motion a deadly game of cat and mouse. Mark Denton, a security contractor and former navy SEAL, also witnesses the robbery, and is hired by Elle's father to keep his daughter safe following the incident. And while Denton's desire to protect Elle goes beyond professional bounds, he cannot let personal desires cloud his judgment—judgment he'll have to rely on when the robbers' true motives are revealed…and Elle becomes a target in the ultimate plot of revenge.

My Thoughts:
I completely enjoyed this book.  Elle is in danger.  After witnessing a robbery and being key in its end, she needs protection.  Mark Denton is at the robbery as well and didn't realize who Elle was, just that she was gorgeous and fun to flirt with.  Now, knowing he did security for her father, the senator, and realizing she is in danger, he knows he can take care of her.  As the robber's real motives come to light, keeping Elle safe may be harder than Denton had ever thought possible.
I loved the characters in this book.  Elle is so strong and has a face she presents to the world that isn't really her but she is trying to be who people want her to be.  I understood and sympathized with her.  Denton has heartbreak in his past (as does Elle) and isn't ready to move past it, at least that is what he thinks.  The supporting characters were all well written and had enough details to make them believable, I especially liked the grandmother stories.    The storyline was great, plenty of suspense and twists and emotions were all over the board from happy to terrified to heartbroken.  
I rate this a 5/5.  It is a good, clean suspense read with just enough romance!

Waiting for Spring by Amanda Cabot

Book Description:
After the loss of her husband and the birth of her baby, Charlotte has had a long, hard year. But when a notorious robber believes she knows the location of a long-lost treasure, she flees to Cheyenne and opens a dressmaker's shop to lie low and make a living. When wealthy cattle baron and political hopeful Barrett Landry enters the shop to visit her best customer, Charlotte feels drawn to him.
If Barrett is to be a senator of the soon-to-be state of Wyoming, he must make a sensible match, and Miriam has all the right connections. Yet he can't shake the feeling that Charlotte holds the key to his heart and his future.
Soon the past comes to call, and Barrett's plans crumble around him. Will Charlotte and Barrett find the courage to look love in the face? Or will their fears blot out any chance for happiness?

My Thoughts:
This was a good one.  Charlotte has moved to be away from her past and to keep her and her son safe from it.  Barrett is a cattle baron and has political aspirations.  To achieve his goals, he needs to marry a suitable wife and that isn't Charlotte.  Charlotte and Barrett are attracted to each other but she has a great need to keep herself distanced.  Will love win out? 
I liked Charlotte!  She is a strong, loving woman.  She is also very giving and would do anything to take care of her son.  Barrett is a strong, capable man who has his own issues to deal with but his personal and professional life seem like they will be at war soon.  I loved all the little stories that make up this book.  All of them are woven quite well together and the characters are developed well.   
I rate this a 4/5.  It was a good, intriguing book!

Thank you to Revell for the review copy of this  book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Beautiful Beings (Books 1 & 2) by Kailin Gow

Book Description:
An ethereal exclusive boarding school with unearthly beautiful students...Lux, a rebel girl, who has been seeing demons and angels since she was two...Asher, the bad boy on a motorcycle who sketches angels...Brax Kingsley who instantly captures Lux's eyes when she moves into the neighborhood...And the Hatchett twins whose parents were murdered, leaving them a ridiculous fortune...All brought together...all part of the puzzle behind the Beautiful Beings.

My Thoughts:
I completely enjoyed this book.  Lux is a demon hunter.  She is used to seeing demons and angels, but now she is moving to her new home and it is going to be a big change according to her guardian.  She meets Brax on her first day, as well as Asher and Moore.  There is something drawing her to each of them but is it good or evil.
I liked the whole storyline, it was original and entertaining.  Lux was an intriguing character who has had a difficult life.  I must say, Asher was my favorite of the guys, but each one has their appeal.  The idea that Lux could be so open with her parents was great and I like how involved they were in what she was doing.  I can't wait to read more in this series!
I rate this a 5/5.  It is a wonderful start to the series. 


Book Description:
Lux Collins now know what are the Beautiful Beings and the danger they pose to everyone. All her training and experience in the world cannot prepare her for what she cannot help: falling in love with one. Her enemy, her forbidden love. Can she break the curse on him and save him from his fate or will their love be doomed forever?

My Thoughts:
I liked this book.  Lux is having to deal with how life changed at the end of the first book.  Moore is wanting another chance but she doesn't think she can trust him.  Asher and Brax are hard to live without.  She has to deal with forbidden love and figure out exactly how strong she is. I liked most of the changes in the characters.  I didn't care for certain aspects as much as I did in the first story but it was still original and entertaining.  Lux is facing even more trouble and problems and facing it head on.  Moore is striving to be better and prove himself.   I'm ready to read the next one to see exactly where the characters go from here!
I rate this one a 4/5.  It was a good continuation of the first story!
Thank you to MyReadingAddiction for the review copies of these books.  I received these books in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Choices of the Heart by Laurie Alice Eakes

My Thoughts:
Esther Cherrett comes from a proud line of midwives and was trained by her mother to take over the family calling. But when a scandal threatens all she holds dear, Esther takes a position as a teacher in the western mountains of Virginia instead. There she finds herself in the midst of a deadly family feud and courted by two men on opposite sides of the conflict. When it seems as though her past has followed her all the way into the mountains, all she wants is to run away again. 
In this gripping story of trust, deception, and bittersweet loss, a young woman learns the true meaning of choices of the heart.

My Thoughts:
This was a good read.  Esther leaves her family and her profession to travel and be a teacher in Virginia.  She doesn't tell what her former profession was and moves in the middle of a feud.  She has two interesting men who are interested in her and happen to be on the opposite sides of this feud.  Will her past follow her or will she find her happiness in the mountains?
I completely enjoyed the characters as they were well developed.  The imagery the author used was good as well.  Esther just wants to get away from scandal, which is understanding and you feel for her but you don't know the full story.  The two men, Griff and Zach were great, trying to keep the peace between the family members.  The feud added tensions and mysteries in just the right places with a little romance added in.
This was a 4/5.  I think you would do better to have read the previous 2 books in the series though it does stand alone pretty well.
Thank you to Revell for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
“Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

The Doorknob Society by MJ Fletcher (Books 1&2)

Book Description:
Chloe Masters’s world changed in a heartbeat - and all she did was touch a doorknob.
When she was young Chloe’s mother vanished. Wracked by feelings of abandonment and anger she lost herself traveling with her father's magic act, where illusions were part of her everyday life. Yet everything changes when they are pursued by a mysterious man in black out to kill her father. Touching a doorknob activates abilities she never knew she had and she finds herself thrust into a world of ancient societies and secrets.
When her father disappears it is a race against time to find answers before she loses what is left of her family. Now Chloe must choose who to trust, the man who will do anything for her or the one she can’t stop thinking about.
My Thoughts:
I completely enjoyed this book.  Chole has always been around her father's magic act.  The 'door trick' is just something he does for the show...at least that is what she thought until she needed an escape and turned a doorknob!  Now she is thrown into a whole new world she never knew about and isn't sure exactly what she can believe about her past.
I loved getting to know Chole.  She and all the other characters are well developed in this story and there are oh so many interesting ones to meet!  There is a whole new world for her to learn and it just feels right for her, like it was something she's always missed.  The romantic angle was intriguing and there was plenty of action and adventure!
I rate this one a 5/5.  Great new concept for a series! 

Description:
Chloe Masters’s world changes in a heartbeat and all she did was touch a doorknob.
James Nightshade has been on Chloe’s mind since the day she met him. Arrogant and frustrating, she thought she had put him behind her when she chose Michael Slade.
When the secret she is seeking leads to questions about the death of Nightshade’s former girlfriend, she has no chose but to bring him into the investigation. A move she will come to regret.
Danger awaits them around every corner as they search for answers. In the end a choice will need to be made, but is Chloe strong enough to make it?

My Thoughts:
Wonderful sequel.  Chole and the group pick up where the author left off in book one.  Now, she has secrets to keep, puzzles to solve and guys to choose....or is that guy?  She is a member of the Doorknob Society now.  She is dating Slade, but still thinks about Nightshade.  A series of events forces them to work together and Chole is stuck in the middle of a love triangle and danger. 
We get to know Chole a bit better, she already seemed like a friend.  The other characters continue to be developed as well.  Storyline stays smooth and flows.  Plenty of action and adventure in this one with still some romance. 
I rate this one a 5/5 and I can't wait to read the next one.

Thank you to MyReadingAddiction for the review copy of these books.  I received these books in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Vanished by Irene Hannon

Book Description:
Reporter Moira Harrisons is lost. In the dark. In a thunderstorm. When a confusing detour places her on a rural, wooded road, she's startled by the sudden appearance of a lone figure caught in the beam of her headlights. Though Moira jams on her brakes, the car careens across the wet pavement--and the solid thump against the side of the vehicle tells her she hit the person before she crashes into a tree on the far side of the road.
A dazed Moira is relieved when a man opens her door, tells her he saw everything, and promises to call 911. Then everything fades to black. When she comes to an hour later, she is alone. No man. No 911. No injured person lying on the side of the road. But she can't forget the look of terror she saw on the person's face in the instant before her headlights swung away. The person she hit had been in trouble. She's sure of it. But she can't get anyone to believe her story--except a handsome former police detective, now a private eye, who agrees to take on the case.
From the very first page, readers will be hooked into this fast-paced story full of shocking secrets from fan-favorite Irene Hannon. "Vanished" is the exciting first book in the Private Justice series: Three justice seekers who got burned playing by the rules now have a second chance to make things right.


My Thoughts:
I loved this book.  Moria is a reporter on the way home from a job interview when she has to take a detour.  The rain and storm make her nervous but she never expects to see someone panicked in the middle of the road.  Trying to avoid hitting the person, she feels sick when she feels a thud as her car careens out of control.  A series of bizzar events leads her to hire a PI, but not just any PI....a former police officer who captures her attention from the very start.
I loved Moria.  She was a down to earth, tenatious reporter who needs to know the truth and strives for it.  I liked Phoenix and all three partners, each brings their own flavor to the story.  Cal is just right for Moria and she is just right for him...if the past hadn't happened it would be so simple.  I like watching how both struggle through the relationship that both obviously want but each have their own issues.
I rate this 5/5.  Great start to a new series and I cannot wait to read the rest.

Thank you to the publisherfor the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Texas Wildflowers by Anita Higman

Book Description:
Romance is in full bloom for four McBride sisters living in Texas. A jilted Rosy goes home to Galveston to nurture her broken heart. Will she find the courage to love again? Lily has just opened a Christian counseling business. Will an eccentric client cause her to break the most solemn of vows? Violet runs a business that shows people how to live romantically. Will a quirky geek teach her the real meaning of love? Heather’s perfectly planned life has just come undone. Will an unexpected date give her the courage to let go—in life and love?

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed these Novellas.  Four sisters, four different love stories.  Rose is left at the alter and moves to Galveston for healing.  Lilly is counseling and falls for a client but dating a client goes against her ethics.  Violet can show people how to be romantic but isn't overly romantic herself.  Heather goes on a date with a motivational speaker she isn't sure she can trust.
Each story was unique, funny and romantic.  It was a great combination of books and the novella setting made them short and sweet.  All of them show how God works in our lives even when we aren't expecting it.  The characters came through as real and you can relate to them.  I'll definitely be reading this book again!
I rate this a 5/5.  It is a good quick read.

Thank you to KATHY CARLTON WILLIS COMMUNICATIONS for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

The Lesson by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Book Description:
In her wildest dreams, spunky and impulsive nineteen-year-old Mary Kate Lapp never imagined herself behind a schoolteacher's desk. A run-in (literally) with the schoolteacher compels her to act as a substitute teacher, just as her restless desire to see the world compels her to apply for a passport . . . just in case. The only thing of interest to M.K. in the sleepy Amish community of Stoney Ridge is the unexplained death of a sheep farmer that coincided with the arrival of a mysterious young man into the community. Frustrated that no one takes the crime seriously, she takes matters into her own hands. Unfortunately, as tends to be the case for M.K., she jumps headlong into trouble.
Centered on one of Suzanne Woods Fisher's most loved characters, this is the story fans have eagerly anticipated. The precocious M.K. is all grown up (well, almost) and ready to take on the world--with surprising results. Fisher's trademark plot twists and turns are as unexpected and satisfying as ever in this third book in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series.

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book.  Mary Kate Lapp (M.K.) is restless with her Amish life and wants to see the world.  Now though,  she is a  substitute teacher who is curious about a new student and her big brother.  Not to mention she wants to know about the death of the sheep farmer and no one takes her seriously.  As impulsive and determined as she is, there is no way M.K. won't get into trouble!
I loved M.K. she is so full of life and heart that you can't help but like her.  She's curious and smart.  Chris is a good older brother, very protective of his little sister.  Jimmy was a fun character and kept the story interesting.  The story line had a little mystery, romance and humor...a wonderful mix.
I rate this a 5/5.  I have been waiting for M.K.'s story and this did not disappoint!
Thank you to Revell for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

“Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Winter's Magic by Cynthia Gail

Book Description:
Owner of La Bella Vita, a five-star day spa nestled in the affluent suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee, Beth Sergeant knows her elite clientele first hand. She attended their private schools. She was even engaged, although briefly, to one of their most recognized bachelors. But she never fit in to their social-elite world.

After losing his parents to a car accident at a young age, Nick Chester was raised by his grandfather, the wealthiest man in Nashville. When he chooses to socialize, he has a never-ending list of exclusive events and beautiful women vying for his attention. Yet he never lets himself forget that everyone has an agenda.

Beth can’t resist Nick’s charm and accepts an invitation to dinner, despite her deep-seated insecurities. She proves she’s nothing like other women Nick's dated and learns to trust him in return. But just as the last of their resistance crumbles and true love is within reach, challenges from Nick's past threaten to destroy everything and force Beth to reveal her most guarded secret.

My Thoughts:
This was an enjoyable book.  Beth is a smart business woman who owns and manages an amazing spa.  She meets Nick when he comes in to a spa package and there is an instant attraction.  While Beth grew up with the elite, she was never really a part of that circle since her family wasn't as wealthy as most.  Nick on the other hand is from an exceptionally wealthy family and could have his choice of women.  Will their two worlds find a way to exist together?
I did like the instant attraction in this book.  It was there, you could feel it and their bantering was great to read.  Beth was a complex character who has issues both past and present that affect the way she sees the world.  Nick is strong and wants to do things on his own but is also kind and private.  They are a great couple.  The 'issues' that try to tear them apart are understandable and even unsurprising, but the story all in all was good.
I rate this a 4/5.  It was a good quick romance read.

Thank you to PumpUpYourBooks for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Evidence of Mercy by Terri Blackstock

Book Description:
Young attorney Lynda Barrett hates to sell her plane, but she can't afford to keep it any longer. On a test flight with a potential buyer, the wealthy and arrogant Jake Stevens, the two are hurled into a confusing and terrifying sequence of events. The one thing the pair can be very certain about is that someone wants Lynda dead.

My Thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  Lynda needs to sell her plane to settle some debts.  Jake is the man wanting to buy it.  When the two of them meet, neither really likes the other but a turn of events forces them closer than either ever suspected was possible.  
I liked the plot line in this one.  There were several subplots that were a part of the main plot that just made the story fly by!  I loved Brianna!  She was so sweet and innocent.  The two detectives were intriguing.  Lynda and Jake both had such huge obstacles to overcome and I loved their healing stories and how much both of them change.
I rate this a 5/5.  It is a clean mystery/suspense book!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Pulse by Kailin Gow

Book Description:
17 year-old Kalina didn t know her boyfriend was a vampire until the night he died of a freak accident. She didn t know he came from a long line of vampires until the night she was visited by his half-brothers Jaegar and Stuart Greystone. There were a lot of secrets her boyfriend didn t tell her. Now she must discover them in order to keep alive. But having two half-brothers vampires around had just gotten interesting.

My Thoughts:
This was a good book!  Kalina is mourning her ex-boyfriend's death when she meets his two half brothers.  Aaron was a fun loving guy who had a bad habbit of drinking too much, at least that is what Kalina thought and why she broke up with him.  Now she finds out he was a vampire and so are his brothers!
I liked Kalina.  She wasn't the typical 17 year old, but was much more grounded.  She was more mature but at the same time, she still enjoyed life.  Stuart was such a noble guy but still a vampire.  Jaegar was a bit hard to stomach sometimes but for the most part I still liked him.
I rate this a 5/5 and can't wait to read more about these wonderful characters.

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.