Legal thriller by new author

Beyond Justice by Cara Putman

Hayden McCarthy has become an attorney because she knows the pain of justice not being served.  She is assigned a wrongful death case against the government concerning an juvenile illegal immigrant.  This case could make her a partner or destroy her career, not to mention the danger it will put her in.  Adding to the complications is the most eligible bachelor in Washington, DC, Andrew Wesley, who seems to be developing an interest in her, or is it just his concern for the dead young man’s brother? 

  The events seem to spiral out of control and she wonders what the best course of action is—pursue justice or close the case as she is being pressured to do?

Fans of Robert Whitlow will enjoy this story.  I found the characters interesting, the different threads of the plots intriguing, but the story did not grip me.  Putman handled the legalese in the way a layman could understand.  The subject matter was timely and motivating.  I can’t say exactly why this story fell a bit flat in my eyes.

I am thankful to the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for my honest review. 

Excellent Biblical Historical Fiction

Wings of the Wind by Connilyn Cossette

Alanah, a Canaanite, in the ancient near east decides it is better to join the fight against the Hebrews and die rather than live and be made a slave.  She joins the battle disguised as a man and miraculously survives.  She joins her enemy, the Israelites, as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, her home.  Tobiah, her protector, marries her to obey the torah and keep her safe.  Has she made a grave mistake?  Will she be able to survive among her enemies?

This book is the third in the Out of Canaan series by Connilyn Cossette.  I read the first book and loved it, but somehow missed the second one, but could still follow the plot in the third.   

This book was meticulously researched and answered most questions that readers might have regarding God’s command to take over Canaan.  Because of Alanah’s background as a Canaanite, her husband Tobiah carefully instructed her in the ways of the Israelites.  I also found very interesting how the author dealt with the subject of Kora’s rebellion and the consequences that fell upon the people.

I enjoyed the characters and how they grew and changed during the length of the novel.  They were so realistically drawn and I grew to love them, despite their faults.  I was delighted to meet again Shira and Kiya and see how they had changed since the first book.

This book was so interesting and I could hardly put it down.  I think other readers who enjoy Biblical historical fiction will love it, too.  I received a free copy from the publisher for my honest review.    

Carrie Stuart Park's Portrait of Vengeance

Portrait of Vengeance by Carrie Stuart Parks

Gwen Marcey finds herself in the middle of another suspenseful mystery, only this time it is her past intersecting with a present day murder and child abduction.  As she tracks down the perpetrator, she narrowly escapes death by the villains who remain hidden until it is almost too late for her to escape.

The plot had more twists and turns than a mountain road.  Just when the conclusion seems to be in sight, another twist occurs, which makes reading the book very exciting.

The ending had a satisfying conclusion, but left room and enough unanswered questions to necessitate another book.

I enjoy the way Parks set her stories in unusual places and teaches the readers important background information that makes her stories even  more interesting.  In addition, I enjoyed finding out more about Gwen and her past.

I really liked this book and plan on reading her next installment.  Readers of suspense will enjoy it, too.  I received this book at no cost in exchange for my honest review.