DANGEROUS PASSAGE, FATAL EXCHANGE & HIDDEN AGENDA by LISA HARRIS

I had never read anything by Lisa Harris before reading the three novels in her SOUTHERN CRIMES series, DANGEROUS PASSAGE, FATAL EXCHANGE and HIDDEN AGENDA - in quick succession, I might add! Not only are the stories exciting and well told, and the characters interesting and well portrayed, but the Christian content forms the basis of the novels, rather than being added on as an afterthought, which to me is very important.
These detective stories cover a lot of ground and deal with themes such as the importance of forgiveness, sacrifice for the greater good, family relationships, and much more. There is also a generous dose of romance in each novel. Although I feel it is better to read the books in sequence, the novels can be read as "stand alones".
In DANGEROUS PASSAGE, the particular evil that is uncovered by Avery North and her team of law enforcement officers, with the help of Jackson Bryant, the handsome medical examiner, is that of human trafficking. It is awful to see how far criminals will go to hide their crimes. That is not all, throughout all three novels there is the fear of at least one mole in the police department, and the problem of whom to trust.
In FATAL EXCHANGE, Emily Hunt, Avery's sister, a dedicated teacher, is forced to show incredible courage in a hostage situation. Things are not as they seem and we are kept guessing right to the end.
In HIDDEN AGENDA, we see Michael Hunt, who has been working undercover trying to bring down one of the biggest criminals in the drug cartel, fighting for his life after being saved from certain death by his enemy's children. Will he have any credibility with the police when he gets home, and will his family ever be able to forgive him?
We are reminded throughout the series that each person is responsible for the choices he or she makes, and that one's choices affect others as well. It is important to be able to leave the past behind, especially when one has had an unusual childhood, as was the case with Olivia and Ivan, who only found out the truth about their family when they were grown up.
I can highly recommend these novels for enjoyment and for the strong Christian message. I will definitely be reading more books by this author!








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UNTIL WE REACH HOME by LYNN AUSTIN

I thought I had read all of LYNN AUSTIN's novels and was delighted to find UNTIL WE REACH HOME, which I have just finished reading. It is the beautifully told story of three sisters who leave Sweden for a new life in America during the late 1800's.
Elin and Kristin have shameful secrets which they try very hard to keep to themselves. They each feel very guilty and feel they no longer have a right to expect anything from the Lord. They take a long time to accept His forgiveness and to forgive themselves.
The sisters have always been very close and have always shared everything. Elin, as the oldest, feels responsible for her sisters and feels she has let them down. What she has been through makes her fearful and quite bossy. To start with Kristin resents this, until she recognizes the extent of Elin's sacrificial love for them.
I love the way the author brings in relevant Scriptures throughout the story, and we see how Sofia, the timid baby sister, after being devastated by the death of her parents and losing the only home she has ever known, draws strength and guidance from God's word.
We see the contrast between the harsh treatment they received from their so-called Christian aunt, Hilma, and the treatment they received from their worldly employer, the rich Mrs Anderson.
Exploited by those who should have loved them, the girls finally find love and acceptance when they choose to trust God to guide them. They realize that He has always been with them and that He will lead them home.
This novel is well worth reading for the lovely story and the biblical truth on which it is based. I can highly recommend it.



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COLD SHOT by DANI PETTREY

COLD SHOT is another action packed novel by DANI PETTREY. The story is riveting from the beginning, and we are kept guessing right to the end. It is the first novel in the CHESAPEAKE VALOR series, and I am definitely looking forward to the sequel.
Ranger Griffin McCray and Dr Finley Scott meet when some treasure hunters unearth a recently buried body at the Gettysburg military cemetery. As they work together, and learn more about each other's past, we see the Lord at work bringing healing, the ability to forgive, and renewed faith into their lives.
This novel has interesting characters, an excellent plot, and a fair share of romance. There is a good Christian message and the struggle between good and evil is well brought out. I enjoyed this novel - it is a really exciting read.


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