“Full Disclosure” by Dee Henderson

Paul Falcon is an FBI agent. Ann Silver is the Midwest Homicide Investigator. They could have crossed paths dozens of times over the years, but it’s only when an old case goes from cold to very hot that their lives intersect. As the case begins to reveal a long-dormant killer for hire, Paul and Ann deal with lifelong dreams and long-held secrets that, if exposed, would change both of their lives forever.

This long-awaited new release by Dee Henderson (her last new release was in 2006) is great. Not perfect, but very good. Dee continues her introduction of new characters alongside characters from her previous books (you will not be missing the O’Malley family for long). And the mystery surrounding the police cases being tackled have good, if not entirely unexpected, twists. I’m not sure if I focused more on the mysteries in Dee’s previous stories or if she did, but this time around the flow of the story is a little different, and seems to focus more on the characters as their relationship grows. In fact, at times the pursuit of the case seems almost to fade completely into the background of the budding romance, or at least the characters’ focus on it.  The cases don’t stay in the background for too long once the story ramps up, but the focus of this story is squarely on the developing relationship between Paul and Ann.

I liked the relationship, and the way previously known characters were pulled in to be part of the story between the two leads. I did, however, find myself entirely distracted by the new take Dee gives on her previous characters. As a closet wannabe writer, I found myself wondering more than once just how much of Ann’s story could be Dee herself, or if I was reading too much in the characterization that was written. It took me out of the story a little bit as I tried to discern the level of fiction I’ve been reading all this time. (Is this pure fiction? Fiction with an element of truth? Heavily-veiled nonfiction?)

But when I allowed myself to focus on the story purely as entertainment, I liked what I read. I’ve truly missed Dee Henderson’s writing, and it’s great to have her back. I enjoyed this new story, the different elements she put into it, the new perspective on her old characters, and the promise of more stories from the new characters. This Paul and Ann’s story might be a transition piece of sorts, but it’s a good one. As always, I’m looking forward to what else is in store.

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I received an Advance Readers’ Edition of this book for free from the publisher, Bethany House, via LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

“Insurgent” by Veronica Roth

I read Divergent last month and was super excited to get my hands on book two in the trilogy. However, I was slightly disappointed 😦 I thoroughly enjoyed Divergent and was unable to put it down – I had to keep reading because I wanted to know what happened next and then what happened after that. Though Insurgent has tons of action, I almost think it had too much. There was so much going on that it was hard for me to keep up at times. You’re introduced to a handful of new characters and at times I had to remember who was who. I would recommend reading it right after reading Divergent so the story is still fresh on your mind. I had about a two-week break in between because I had to wait for  Insurgent to be released. It was still a good book and I’ll re-read them both when the final book comes out. Insurgent isn’t lacking in action and Roth keeps you guessing the whole way through but in the end, Divergent won me over.

You can read another review of the book I came across – I was looking for info on the third book but can’t find anything as of yet…

“The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins

I’m a little late in reading this series but have finally boarded the band wagon. I saw the movie The Hunger Games and I think it helped me with the book. However, I wasn’t crazy about this first installment. I’ve just finished the second book and am soooo curious as to how she ties this all together in the third one – it’s waiting on me to pick it up and read it. I can’t quite put my finger on what it is about the first book I didn’t like but I just wasn’t able to feel a part of the story. I continued to read but it wasn’t in a “I have to know what happens next!” kind of way that I had from the moment I started Catching Fire. I think it was around the last five chapters or so that Collins had finally made me get excited about what was looming ahead.

Comparing this with Divergent – as I’ve heard it done – I liked it much better. Veronica Roth jerked me into the story and I’m super excited about getting my hands on Insurgent! Neither of the female leads appeals to me all that much. I like Tris more than Katniss but they remind me a lot of the other. There were some definite differences between The Hunger Games movie and book but that’s to be expected. Out of the two, I liked the book more because there was only so much the movie could portray. The book gives you more background on Rue and other parts of Katniss and Peeta’s story. I didn’t dislike the book but at the same time, I liked Catching Fire immensely and I’m very curious how it all ends!

“Divergent” by Veronica Roth

I first heard about Divergent from Reading Teen, where it was featured as a “Reading Clean    Spotlight.” I put off buying the book but whenever I would see it in the store, I’d be reminded that I wanted to read it. I finally caved and picked up a copy last month. It then took me a few weeks to actually read it but after reading the first chapter, I was hooked it – I finished it in a weekend. Yes, there’s some violence – quite a bit – and there’s one choice word, used less than a handful of times. But overlooking that, I liked the book. What makes me even more excited is that the second book is set to come out May 1 so I don’t have to wait long before seeing where the story picks up. However, Veronica was nice enough to include the first two chapters of Insurgent at the back of the book. What I also liked is the playlist for the book she included. I was able to agree with her on almost each song choice and what part of the book it corresponded with.

Though I haven’t read The Hunger Games, I’ve seen the movie and would make the comparison – and have heard it said – that it and Divergent have some similarities – so if you like one, you’ll probably like the other. If you like fighting with a little romance thrown in, then you’ll probably enjoy Divergent.

“Forbidden” by Ted Dekker & Tosca Lee

About the book: “Many years have passed since civilization’s brush with apocalypse. The world’s greatest threats have all been silenced. There is no anger, no hatred, no war. There is only perfect peace… and fear. But a terrible secret has been closely guarded for centuries: Every single soul walking the earth, though in appearance totally normal, is actually dead, long ago genetically stripped of true humanity.Fleeing pursuit, with only moments to live, a young man named Rom stumbles into possession of a vial of blood and a piece of cryptic writing. When consumed, the blood will bring him back to life. When decoded, the message will lead him on a perilous journey that will require him to abandon everything he has ever known and awaken humanity to the transforming power of true life and love.”

I’ve only read one Ted Dekker book but have read several by Tosca Lee so I was excited for the opportunity to read a collaborative effort by the two of them.

I liked this book! I read Immanuel’s Veins by Dekker last year and wasn’t overly crazy about it. I could see some similarities between that book and this one but I could also see Lee’s influence (mainly from her book Demon) and thought they balanced each other out very well. The book had the whole good vs. evil and a strong emphasis on blood (as was the case in the other Dekker book I’ve read) but there was also a sprinkle of romance and lots of action. I found myself pulled into the story and eagerly turning each page, wondering what would happen next. Forbidden is the first in the The Books of Mortals series and I’m looking forward to the next book, due to come out next year.

 

I receieved a copy of this book from FIRST Wild Card Tours for my honest review.

“A Lasting Impression” by Tamera Alexander

About the book: “Claire Laurent’s greatest aspiration is to paint something that will bring her acclaim. Yet her father insists she work as a copyist. A forger. When she’s forced to flee from New Orleans to Nashville only a year after the War Between the States has ended, her path collides with attorney Sutton Monroe. She considers him a godsend for not turning her in to the authorities. But after he later refuses to come to her aid, Claire fears she’s sorely misjudged the man. Finding herself among the elite of Nashville’s society, Claire believes her dream to create a lasting impression in the world of art is within reach–but only if her fraudulent past remains hidden.

The Federal Army has destroyed Sutton’s home and confiscated his land, and threatens to destroy his family’s honor. His determination to reclaim what belongs to him and to right a grievous wrong reveals a truth that may cost him more than he ever imagined–as well as the woman he loves.

Set at Nashville’s historic Belmont Mansion, a stunning antebellum manor built by Mrs. Adelicia Acklen, A Lasting Impression is a sweeping love story about a nation mending after war, the redemption of those wounded, and the courage of a man and woman to see themselves–and each other–for who they truly are.”

I really liked this book! This is the first book I’ve read by Tamara Alexander and I enjoyed the story. It was a bit of a longer read than most books but it all came together to tell the story of Claire and Sutton. I liked them as a couple but I also liked the character of Sutton. I laughed out loud when he told Claire she could call him Willister whenever she didn’t expect a response and then stuck to that. The banter between them was fun to read as well. I’ll admit I couldn’t help but “aww” when he asked if she’d forgotten about her next appointment and it was a picnic lunch with him. I also liked the story taking place in the South – since that’s my home. It was just an overall really good read and I will definitely be adding Tamara’s other books to my ever growing “to read” list.

 

I received a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity Group for my honest review.

“Love on the Line” by Deeanne Gist

“Rural switchboard operator Georgie Gail is proud of her independence in a man’s world . . . which makes it twice as vexing when the telephone company sends a man to look over her shoulder.

Dashing Luke Palmer is more than he appears though. He’s a Texas Ranger working undercover to infiltrate a notorious gang of train robbers. Repairing telephones and tangling with this tempestuous woman is the last thing he wants to do. But when his stakeout puts Georgie in peril, he realizes more than his job is on the line.”

I enjoyed this book! I’ve read several of Deeanne’s other books and have liked them all! I really liked the contrast of Luke and Georgie. Reading the conversations of them bantering back and forth was highly entertaining, especially when Georgie thought she would be able to have her way and Luke thought he would get his way. Deeanne also caught me off guard with a one or two unexpected twists (but I’ll keep those to myself) – it all came together wonderfully. I read the last line of the last page with a smile on my face – it’s a great way for me to end a book.

I received a copy  of this book from Litfuse Publicity Group for my honest review.

“The Art of Romance” by Kaye Dacus

This is the second book in the Matchmakers series and I really enjoyed it! I absolutely love the cover and the fact that the story is set in Nashville – being a Southerner, I have a soft spot for stories set in my corner of the country. I enjoyed Dylan and Caylor. I felt Kaye did a good job of developing them and then showing their growth through the story. I was able to feel Caylor’s frustration with her sister and Dylan’s resignation of never being good enough to please his mother. I especially liked the ending when Dylan quoted from one of Caylor’s books – I’m a sucker for stuff like that. At times I thought she gave a little too much detail – especially when describing specific parts of Nashville or the campus where Caylor worked but I thought it cool since it means something to me. When I finished the book I had a smile on my face – an overall good read.

I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review. To learn more about the book and download the first chapter, click here.

Review: Veiled Rose

Veiled Rose by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Leo is a boy who dreams of a life beyond the weight of the responsibility that is destined for his shoulders. Rose Red is a mysterious mountain girl who dreams of nothing save escaping her nightmares. When they meet and become friends, little do they realize the havoc that will be wreaked on their lives as a result, or the power of their friendship to bring them through it.

I really enjoyed this book. When I began to read it it seemed fairly cut and dried, and I thought that I would have endure a book to which I already knew the ending. But then little twists began to appear in the plot. Soon the plot developed into something much more intricate than I had expected, and I was hooked. Even two-thirds of the way through the book, when I still thought I knew the basic premise of the ending, I was very much invested in the story playing out before my eyes.

Turns out, I didn’t know the ending after all. This happens to be part two of a three part story, and while the story that begins in this book comes to a definite close, there is much more to tell and much more that I want to know. I never felt like I had come in on the middle of a story without knowing all the details, which is always a concern when beginning a series in the middle. I felt like this was a complete story about well developed characters with histories more detailed than even they know. Even the character names (Leo, Foxbrush, Daylily, Rose Red), which were somewhat annoying at the beginning of the story, ceased to be so as the story went on — they became a part of the culture represented in the book.

I really liked this book. The prequel, Heartless, came out last year, and Moonblood, the final book in the trilogy, will be released next year. But you don’t have to read them in order. I may not have picked up Heartless initially, but thanks to Veiled Rose, I just became a fan of another series.

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I received a review copy of this book free from the publisher, Bethany House. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own.

“Fairer than Morning” by Rosslyn Elliott

Ann Miller is only fifteen when the man she knows she’s supposed to marry proposes. Eli Bowen asks Ann to be his wife and is shocked when she turns him down, telling him her father won’t allow her to marry until eighteen. Eli shows no signs of wanting to wait that long and leaves, soon seen escorting another young woman on his arm.

Three years pass and Ann is finally eighteen. Her father is preparing a trip for himself, Ann and her two sisters when Eli makes another appearance into her life. Her mind elsewhere, Ann won’t allow Eli’s words to sway her heart. She leaves for her trip, being vague when he asks if they can talk some time.

When the family arrives at their destination, Ann’s unprepared for what all will take place. She learns of what her father really does while riding the circuit and she meets the man who’s letters she’s been hiding for the last three years. The letters came to her accidentally and she was determined to give them back to their owner, Will Hanby. Ann feels a connection with Will – they’ve both experienced loss – but she also sees a deep pain in his eyes. When her family eventually leaves to return home, she can’t shake the feeling that she should’ve tried harder to help Will somehow.

Shortly after Ann leaves, Will decides he has had enough. His master, Jacob Good, is a cruel man and Will has finally had enough. He runs away, the only place he can think to go is to Ann’s father. When he shows up on the Miller’s doorstep, Mr. Miller agrees to take him in, knowing the cost of such a decision. Ann was drawn to Will when they first met and she now has a choice: the man she once thought she was supposed to marry or the man who unexpectedly entered her life. Things become dangerous when Jacob Good sends men looking for Will. Will he ever be truly free again? And then his past catches up with him. Will Ann understand and be willing to forgive him?

I really enjoyed this book! It has action and romance. Elliott threw in a few twists to keep it interesting and I finished it feeling satisfied with how things turned out. I liked seeing Ann mature throughout the book. She thought for sure she was supposed to marry Eli but ultimately gave it to God, trusting who He might bring into her life. She suddenly realized she wanted more out of life – to help people – and that couldn’t be done with Eli. I also liked Will. He had made some mistakes but was wanted to do the right thing. And after experiencing freedom for himself, he wanted to share that with others.

I received a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity Group for my honest review.