Second Book in the Newsmakers Novels by Lis Weihl

The Candidate by Lis Weihl

I found this book to be far better than The Newsmakers, her first book in this series.  The main character, Erica Sparks, is the same.  She now has custody of her daughter Jenny, but is finding it difficult to balance the demands of her work and the challenges of motherhood, while trying to pursue a very demanding career during the election season.

Weihl uses Erica’s dilemma to introduce a few new characters, which heighten the reader’s suspicions and add a rabbit trail that leads nowhere.  The plot was easy to follow, but was intense enough that it kept the reader involved.  The ending was a surprise for the most part.

There were, however, a couple of times when the storyline seemed a bit far-fetched to me.  Erica’s escape and President Ortiz’s brainwashing were a little beyond the realm of possibility.

However, the story was very entertaining and I would recommend it for any readers who enjoy suspense, although not necessarily Christian suspense as there is no mention of faith or God in the book.  I thank the publisher for giving  me a free copy for my honest review.  

A Tapestry of Secrets by Sarah Loudin Thomas

This book is set in WV, my home state.  Her other books take place there also. Beside the setting, her writing style and the way she gently unwraps a character’s past made me want to read more of her books.

Her characters are lovable and relatable, even with their flaws.  She drew me into the Phillips family.

The ending wasn’t easy to figure out, but it was satisfying.  She writes of mistakes that people make, but also of the grace offered to continue and make a fresh start.    She made me want to read the next book

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This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.  I loved it and think that other readers will, too.

Robert Whitlow Legal Thriller

The Witnesses by Robert Whitlow

Robert Whitlow’s book The Witnesses, takes the reader back and forth between World War II and the present.  It centers on a young lawyer and his grandfather, and the special gift that they share.

 

The legal details of this book were often over my head and the author didn’t waste much time trying to explain them. I thought that they really didn’t play too much of a main part in the story.

The characters were interesting and I especially enjoyed getting to know Franz and figuring out his story.  I found Parker and Layla interesting as well. Tom Blocker’s actions seemed a bit far-fetched at the end of the book.

The plot was well-paced and kept my attention by switching between Franz’s past and the present.  The ending did have some surprises, too.

The author took an interesting approach to Franz and Parker’s gift and how it could be used selfishly.  It wasn’t as obvious how he thought it should be used positively.

If you enjoy legal thrillers, this book should be on your to-be-read list.  The publisher gave me a free copy in return for my honest review.