Unintended Consequences by Marti GreenMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
At what lengths would you go for your child? Would you give up your life? Would you give up your child? Would you be willing to do both? Maybe it's all a lie, and the only person you are trying to save is yourself.
Marti Green tells the compelling story of a man on death row, who after 17 long years finally opens up and wants the truth to be told. However, after 17 years of being incarcerated and just weeks before he is to die, can the words of George Calhoun be trusted? He has always claimed the body of the little girl found dead and burned was not his daughter, but his wife confessed that it is their fault. While George's wife got a sentence of life in prison, George was sentenced to die.
As a final lifeline, George reaches out to Dani Trumbull, a lawyer for the Help Innocent Prisoners Project. Dani decides to take George's case and it is certainly an uphill battle to beat the clock. Will the truth be told before George runs out of time? If George's daughter was not the burned little girl found dead all those years ago, who is she and where is her murderer? Read Marti Green's book to find out why sometimes our actions have UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES.
Escaping the Arroyo by Joyce NanceMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Joyce Nance takes a brutal subject and tells the story of two young women who were savagely attacked and beaten in 1981. One young woman was killed and the other, stabbed over 30 times, survived. Her will to live was nothing but amazing. I do not always read true crime novels, but this story captured my attention. I found myself turning pages hoping beyond all hope that when the bad guy was finally caught justice would be served. Unfortunately, this evil man is still alive. Though he is locked up, he has been allowed to marry four times and has as many children. When I finished reading this book, I first cheered for the survivor who had been up against all kinds of odds even after her attacker was caught, and then I scoured the internet to learn more about her attacker.
The Secret Holocaust Diaries: The Untold Story of Nonna Bannister by Nonna BannisterMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Nonna Bannister was certainly an amazing woman. As a child, she lived through the horrors of WWII and the Holocaust, virtually losing her whole family along the way. Her last family contact was a note from her mother. Unfortunately, by the time she received it her mother was already dead. Throughout all of these tragedies, Nonna never gave up hope. She fought to stay alive and to realize her father's dream of coming to America. Years after WWII ended, Nonna made that journey to America where she was married for 53 years and 53 days. It was not until the latter part of her life that she shared her detailed past with her family. Now, her family is sharing that past with us. Nonna kept meticulous notes, journals, and diaries over the years and one message is clear...we must understand history so as not to repeat it.
Buried Alive by Tia MasonMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is the first book I've read by Tia Mason. I enjoyed the plot and the twists and turns that were in the story, but the book needs a little work with some of the spelling and punctuation.
I did like the characters and how the interacted. I found Hunter Markum's character believable and I enjoyed how well his relationship with his little girl was portrayed. It's nice to see he met someone who will also be a good mother to his daughter. But,I was a bit disappointed that Hunter's daughter was not brought in at the end, yet he and Kerry spoke about having a baby.
On Ice by J.D. FaverMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
What lengths would you go to to leave an abusive husband? What would you do to protect your children? When faced with these questions, Rene decides the best way to stay safe is to disappear. With the help of her sister, Rene and her children end up in a remote Alaskan town. At first the townspeople reminded me of a group of misfits, but the more I read the more I appreciated the small town feel...when everyone knew their neighbors and would go above and beyond to help them. Rene finds herself falling in love with Brett but knows her husband will search the ends of the earth to find her.
Upon coming home one day, Rene finds herself up against her greatest challenge yet. Her husband figured out where she was and traveled to Alaska for revenge...to make Rene pay for her misdeed of leaving him. Now the fight for Rene's life and the life of her children are on the line. Is Rene strong enough to go up against her husband, or will Rene and her children end up on ice because her husband will not have it any other way?
Down the Darkest Road by Tami HoagMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Tami Hoag certainly has another winner with Down the Darkest Road! If asked, what would your darkest road be, your darkest moment in time? For Lauren Lawton, it was when her 16 year old daughter, Leslie, was abducted. If that wasn't terrifying enough, Lauren knows who committed this heinous crime, but there is absolutely no evidence to see justice served. Four years have passed. It seems everyone has given up on the quest for the truth except Lauren herself. In the meantime, her younger daughter Leah is suffering immensely too, but with her mom so wrapped up in Leslie's abduction, Leah feels all alone. Is Lauren willing to risk losing the daughter that is still with her in hopes of finding the one who disappeared? You'll have to go Down the Darkest Road to find out!
Diva by Susan FleetMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Diva seemed like such a 'fad' title, that I almost didn't read this book because of it. I read Susan Fleet's first book Absolution and really enjoyed it, so I decided to take the chance on reading Diva, and I am certainly glad I did. It turns out Diva is a very fitting title that describes the prima donna flutist Belinda Scully who falls prey to a dangerous stalker that will stop at nothing short of having Belinda all to himself. I wanted to dislike Belinda because of her arrogance, but as the story progressed, she grew on me. Detective Frank Renzi (who is a great character) is in charge of finding Belinda's stalker and keeping her safe. This task turns out to be much more difficult than expected since Belinda is such a...DIVA! Will Frank Renzi outsmart the stalker before the stalker outsmarts Belinda for the very last time? Read Diva to find out for yourself!
Cry, Laugh, Cook! by Yvonne ConteMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Yvonne Conte's book Cry, Laugh, Cook! is certainly an uplifting read. I recommend this to anyone who wants to celebrate family, fun, and food. When reading this book, I found myself smiling at the stories, because it brought back so many childhood memories of my own. At an early age, I was taught a great lesson from my own grandfather: Be sure to make time for some fun every day. So, Conte's message of always including humor in life certainly rings true for me. The last part of her book is certainly delicious (and not just because I come from an Italian heritage)! Conte shares recipes that will make your mouth water from Antipastos to desserts.
On a personal note, I got a big kick at the end when Yvonne mentioned "agita". It's not often I hear that word outside of my family.
To purchase Cry, Laugh, Cook! Click this link http://www.yvonneconte.com/
Dying for Justice by L.J. SellersMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed L.J. Sellers book Dying for Justice. I especially liked the character of Detective Jackson. He was down to earth and very believable!
Lara Evans, the detective in training, gets assigned to deal with a lady who comes out of a coma after two years claiming someone tried to kill her. Meanwhile, Detective Jackson unofficially reopens the case of his murdered parents. He thought the murderer was in prison but new information has been discovered to make him believe the murderer is still out there. Two detectives, two unrelated cases...until something comes to light that changes everything!
Hide and Seek by Jenny HilborneMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was pleasantly surprised when I began reading Hide and Seek by Jenny Hilborne. I presumed because it was Halloween and it took place at a mansion that it was going to be about teens at a haunted house. Boy...did I get that wrong and gladly so. Hilborne does a nice job of pulling the reader in and setting the stage for a great "whodunit". I really liked the character of Mac Jackson a San Francisco homicide inspector.
A woman goes missing during a game of Hide and Seek. Was she abducted, attacked or did she use the game of Hide and Seek to stage her own disappearance? Enter homicide detective Mac Jackson. Together with his partner they look at many "persons of interest" and uncover some very revealing facts. At first they have more questions than answers, but Mac Jackson is able to reveal the ugly truth that goes along along with murder, mayhem, and mystery!
This was my first Jenny Hilborne novel, but it definitely won't be my last!
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This Time You Lose by Chris StralynMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
From page one I was engrossed in the storyline in This Time You Lose! Imagine being awakened from a sound sleep to be eye to eye with not one but four intruders. After being attacked and brutalized it doesn't register until it's too late that the children in your at-home daycare have arrived. Now instead of a terrible home invasion, there's a hostage situation that is terribly out of hand!
Author Chris Stralyn does a great job making the reader feel as if he/she is right alongside Lisa as she struggles for her own survival and that of the children and families that she cares for everyday. A heart-pounding novel that will keep you riveted 'til the end!
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Four Years from Home by Larry EnrightMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Four Years From Home is the first book I've read by Larry Enright.
I was taken in from the very beginning by the character of Tom. I liked his sarcasm and biting wit, but I also liked to hate him when he lied and cheated and manipulated to get what he wanted. I believe that Enright did a good job with character development and that is why Tom is so unlikeable at times. Harry, on the other hand, Tom's youngest sibling, was a very likeable character from the beginning. He seemed to have a good sense of self. He let the things Tom did just roll off his back. When Harry went off to college and wasn't heard from for four years that seemed quite out of character for him. I knew something had to be going on besides studying at college, but the ending certainly surprised me.
When you read this story, be ready for a bumpy ride...sibling rivalry, jealousy, biting sarcasm, humor, pain, and the ultimate show of brotherly love!
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The Beholder, a Maddie Richards Mystery by David BishopMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
You won't want to miss The Beholder by David Bishop!
Maddie Richards is a mother, detective, and friend though not always in that order. While a top-notch detective with an incredible success rate, Maddie's family life doesn't always run as smoothly. Maddie's newly remarried ex-husband is trying to get custody of their son. Maddie's mother also lives with her and is a great help...most of the time.
Suddenly in Phoenix, there is a serial killer on the loose. Maddie is given the job of reeling him in and making sure justice is served. The Beholder, as Maddie's newspaper friend dubs him, seeks out women of a certain proportion and beauty only to tear their beauty away before killing them. While Maddie works tirelessly to find this perpetrator, she becomes leery of those around her. Who are her real friends? Can she trust those in her inner circle? Follow Maddie as she is being followed by The Beholder to see if good can conquer evil one more time!
The Best of Us by Ursula GormanMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Best of Us by Ursula Gorman is the first book in a series about the Wayne brothers. I am definitely looking forward to the rest of Ursula's series!
Carly and Jenna are the best of friends. Jenna has three brothers and Carly has had her eyes on Daniel for years. Jenna finally convinces Daniel to take Carly to Senior Prom only to have Carly humiliated by another girl.
Eight years later Carly has moved far away from her hometown where she is a successful photographer. However, when Jenna calls asking for her help, Carly drops everything and returns home. What are friends for, right? Unfortunately for Jenna, Carly arrives TOO LATE! Now, not having seen Daniel since prom, Carly finds herself working side by side with him for the most important thing in the world...her life! Will Daniel and Carly be able to come to terms with their past in order to save their future? Read Ursula Gorman's book to find out!
For it seems that when the worst is happening, it brings out The Best of Us!
Mommy May I? by A.K. AlexanderMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mommy May I is the first A.K. Alexander book that I have read and I really enjoyed it. Helena Shea was a teenage mother-to-be who had to make the ultimate decision...Do I keep my child with me, or let the father(who is married) raise the baby as their own? Helena believes she makes "the best" decision for her child and gives her baby up.
This once young mom who was wrapped up in the lifestyle of a supermodel and bottomed out has finally gotten her act together. Now in charge of her own company and using much of her money to help young girls that are a reflection of her former self, Helena has a real shot at having a relationship with her daughter who is now a teenager. But fate seems to have other plans. A killer is on the loose and Helena Shea and all things connected to her seem to have a huge target on their backs. Will Helena be able to handle the stress, the fear, and the torment caused by this evil killer. Will Helena finally be able to have a relationship with her daughter, or will that chance be gone forever once the killer sets his final plan in motion?
The Woman by David BishopMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Woman is the second David Bishop book I have read and I enjoy his style of writing. In this story in particular, I loved that Weed, California was used as part of the setting just like in Of Mice and Men.
The Woman is a suspenseful thriller with twists that will keep you turning the pages. Linda Darby moved to a new town in order to start the next chapter in her life. During this chapter she keeps to herself, has few friends, works from home, and has grown quite comfortable in this new life-style.
Without warning, this chapter of her life abruptly ends when Linda is physically attacked and her closest friend is murdered. Enter Ryan Testler - a mysterious man who has his own philosophy on justice and good vs. evil. Is Testler around to help or hurt? Only time will tell -time, the woman may not have.
Watch Me Die by Erica SpindlerMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Erica Spindler does a superb job with her novel Watch Me Die.
After losing her thought-to -be perfect husband during Hurricane Katrina, Mira's life was in a downward spiral. Finally, Mira felt she was gaining control once again until her past comes back to haunt her. Mira, an artist by trade, restored stained-glass windows in a church and now those windows have been ruined, and the priest from the parish murdered. Mira was devastated by this, but it turned out this was only the beginning. Others are dying and it seems Mira has a connection to all of them. While she is certainly a person of interest, a man from her past comes back into town and all eyes turn to him as a potential suspect. Spencer Malone is put on the case to sort everything out. Will he be able to put the pieces together before it is Mira's turn to die?
The Price of Trust by Amanda StephanMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Author Amanda Stephan will delight readers with her gripping novel, The Price of Trust!
Carly is on the run...again! She is trying to stay one step ahead of her past but time and time again finds herself in danger and moving on.
She has learned to put her trust in God but very few other people. Now Carly finds herself in a place she'd rather not leave but feels she must in order to keep those around her safe.
What is God's plan for Carly? To find out what The Price of Trust really costs Carly you must read Amanda Stephan's page-turner yourself.
Killing Floor by Lee ChildMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I bought my first Lee Child novel because the cover caught my eye and now I'm hooked. His character Jack Reacher is a great addition to the world of fiction. Jack Reacher is a man without a home and he loves it that way. He goes from place to place leaving his mark and moving on.
Killing Floor:
When Jack Reacher chose to get off a bus in Georgia, he had no idea it would be a life changing experience. He is first arrested for a crime he knows he did not commit and that is only the beginning of his very bad luck. In Killing Floor Jack Reacher must use much of his military training to survive in the small town of Margrave and bring justice to those closest to him. If a town seems too good to be true, it usually is!
Until Forever by Darlene ShortridgeMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
In “Until Forever” Darlene Shortridge tells a realistic and emotional story that weaves the fabric of one’s life…joy and sorrow, love and loss, the faithful, as well as, those who lost their way. Shortridge shows us that when life slaps us in the face, God is there to soften the blow. I found myself empathizing with the characters and cheering them on as if I knew them personally. A very moving story!
The Hidden Man by David EllisMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Truth be told I bought The Hidden Man by David Ellis because a local bookstore was going out of business and they were having a great sale. It is the first book I've read by David Ellis, but it won't be the last. I enjoyed both his writing style and his down-to-earth dialogue.
Action-packed from the beginning, David Ellis tells an intriguing story. Little Audrey Cutler is taken from her bed one summer night and that is the beginning of a downward spiral for her big brother Sammy. Jason Kolarich, Sammy's best friend, remembers that night as any child would. Now over 20 years later, Jason, an attorney, is forced to face the truth about his friend Sammy, the truth about his memories of that horrific night, and the truth about what lengths some people will go to hide a secret. Sometimes, it is a matter of life and death, but who lives and who dies is the question!
Love You More by Lisa GardnerMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lisa Gardner outdoes herself in her lastest thriller LOVE YOU MORE! Detective D.D. Warren is the lead detective in what turns out to be anything but an open and shut murder case involving state trooper Tessa Leoni and her daughter who has gone missing. At each turn there is shocking new information that leaves the Boston PD scrambling for the truth and left me wanting to keep turning the pages to see the outcome. In the meantime, Det. D.D. Warren is fighting her own personal issues and this case makes her come face to face with a decision that will change her life. This is a GREAT read!
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