INHERITANCE OF SECRETS by ROBIN PATCHEN

INHERITANCE OF SECRETS is another thrilling romantic suspense novel by ROBIN PATCHEN. Together with a great plot and wonderful characters, some of whom we met in the earlier books in the series, there is a strong Christian message of redemption and hope flowing through the story. I have loved everything I have read by this author, but this one I found particularly inspirational and it is definitely my new favourite!

When Aspen Kincaid goes to Coventry New Hampshire to a house in Rattlesnake Road that belonged to her father, that she knew nothing about, and to follow his deathbed request to “do right by her mother”,  she is not prepared for the hatred of some of the townsfolk.

Garrett McCarthy, the contractor who is renovating the house, is perhaps one of the only friends she has there, but what is to become of their relationship when she finds out that he could be spying on her for his uncle? …..

That is all I am going to tell you for fear of spoiling the read for you.

I really cannot recommend this book strongly enough for anyone who enjoys this genre.

FREE FALL by NANCY MEHL

Publication date 14/6/22

FREE FALL is the third novel in the Quantico Files series by NANCY MEHL, but it can easily stand alone. This book does not only provide a roller coaster ride of thrilling twists and turns, but also contains a message of hope as we see the characters trusting in the Lord to help them in their trials. In fact, the faith of some of these FBI agents is inspiring. I also like the encouraging Bible verses that run through the book, and the camaraderie and unconditional friendship between the agents. There is a definite feeling of belonging to a family.

When Tracy Mendenhall disappears from a park where she had been jogging, F.B.I. behavioral analists Alex Donovan and Logan Hart find that there is a lot more to this case than meets the eye, in fact her dsappearance could be tied to several women who all look like her and have disappeared in the same area. ….

That is all I am going to tell you for fear of spoiling things for you.

I cannot recommend Free Fall highly enough for the exciting and well worked out plot, interesting characters and inspiring Christian message.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

THE APOSTLE’S SISTER by ANGELA HUNT

Publication date 7/6/22

THE APOSTLE’S SISTER is the fourth novel in the Jerusalem Road series by ANGELA HUNT. This author has an amazing way of telling her stories, backed by solid knowledge of scripture together with its Jewish roots. She has also obviously done a great deal of research. 

We first meet Aya, Sha’ul’x younger sister, in Tarsus in A.D. 30, as a young girl with a beautiful voice and a love of singing. She sees her voice as a gift from God and the main thing that makes her unique. Although she does not want to marry, Avidan, the man chosen by her parents, is good and kind and they come to love one another. Sha’ul, on the other hand, only marries Bettina in obedience to the Law and to further his ambition to become a member of the Great Sanhedrin.

Aya leaves Tarsus with Avidan, who is going to study Torah under the great teacher Gamaliel in Jerusalem. 

I like to see how Aya helps her husband, who has poor eyesight, to study for his examinations by reading to him, They have intelligent discussions and we see how Yeshua is right there in the Hebrew scriptures. It is interesting to see the rigidity of the Law, especially as it is practised by the pharisees. When Sha’ul meets Yeshua on the Damascus road, Aya is angry with him for causing her to be shunned by the Jews. Will she ever be able to go against her beliefs and accept Yeshua for herself?

This incredible time in history is described in great detail, with Yeshua and His followers, the miraculous  healings and deliverances, and the message of salvation spreading throughout the known world.

I found The Apostle’s Sister to be full of biblical insight and altogether an inspirational and interesting read. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

ALL THAT IT TAKES by NICOLE DEESE

Publication date 5/4/22

ALL THAT IT TAKES is another most enjoyable and inspirational novel by NICOLE DEESE with very real characters and a lovely story.

When Val moves to Spokane from Alaska with her ten year old son Tucker to take on a permanent position with her best friend Molly McKenzie, things do not turn out as she expects them to.

When Pastor Miles McKenzie arrives home late one night from his mission work in Mexico, that has just been terminated by the elders of Salt and Light church, he is surprised to find Val and Tucker living in his upstairs apartment.

It is a story about broken people finding restoration and joy, especially when they help others who are going through the same sort of problems. It is about relationships and family, and following where the Lord leads, rather than running away or hiding from difficult situations. This author is really good at describing her characters’ emotions and integrating a good Christian message into her novels. There is also a heartwarming romance and some humour, the latter mostly involving Tucker! I cannot recommend All That it Takes highly enough.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own. 

CODE OF COURAGE by JANICE CANTORE

Publication date 19/7/22

CODE OF COURAGE by JANICE CANTORE is an exciting romantic thriller which takes place in La Rosa, a town that has been taken over by rioters. Both the mayor and the city prosecutor have sided with the rioters against the police, who are finding it nearly impossible to do their job.

Detective Danni Grace is ready to give up her badge after being hit by a lump of concrete thrown by a rioter - who gets away with his crime.

When Thomas Johnston is shot, the police are blamed even though there is strong evidence that they,are not responsile for his death.

Danni’s ex husband Gabriel Fox is asked by a colleague to look into a cold case which seems to tie in with what is going on. Gabe is an ex cop who works as an investigator with the prosecutor’s office. There is definitely a cover up going on in the city and he is also unable to do his job properly. 

I like the way the author analyses Danni and Gabe’s emotions and shows how they each come to realise that there are no coincidences with God. The Christian message flows beautifully through the story and the scriptures she uses are just right.

I guarantee you will not be able to put this book down! It is a thrilling and inspirational read and one I highly recommend for anyone who enjoys romantic suspense.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

LONG WAY HOME by LYNN AUSTEN

Publication date 21/6/22

In  LONG WAY HOME, LYNN AUSTEN has once again given us a touching and inspirational historical romance novel, undergirded by her faith in Christ and her love for the Word of God and the Jewish people.  It is a story about courage in the face of man’s inhumanity towards his fellow man, love, hope, restoration and redemption.

In 1946 Jimmy Barnett, a WW11 medic, comes back from the war a broken man, suffering from depression and combat fatigue. Jimmy is Peggy Sorrano’s best friend and his parents fill a deep void in her life, as she often feels unwanted and rejected. The three of them, together with Joe Fiore, a soldier whose life Jimmy saved, work hard to help him by contacting men he fought with, many of whose lives he also saved,  to draw him out of his deep depression. Jimmy has always had a strong faith, encouraging others with Scripture, but now he seems angry with God.

Gisela Wolff is a Jewess who escapes Berlin with her family on the St Louis, only to be sent back to Europe after Cuba refuses to allow the ship to dock. I like the way the author runs her story parallel to Jimmy’s and Peggy’s.

The book is very well written with unforgettable characters and a message for each one us. 

I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling the read for you.

I cannot recommend Long Way Home highly enough.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers.  The opinions in this review are completely my own.