New Romantic Suspense

Secrets at Cedar Cabin by Colleen Coble

Bailey Fleming is desperate to escape after her mother’s murder.  She flees to the only place she can think of—a remote dilapidated cabin in Lavender Tides.  There she finds more questions and few answers to her mother’s death.  Can the cabin’s secret link with a dangerous ring of human traffickers shed any light on her past?

And can Lance Phoenix, FBI agent, manage to find his missing sister? Just what connections does Bailey have with the human traffickers that Lance seeks?

Coble’s signature blend of romance and suspense are threaded through this novel.  The characters are likeable, the plot moves quickly and the resolution is satisfying.  The only criticism I have was that I wasn’t sure at times how realistic the actions of the FBI agents were.  But if you are looking for a fast-moving romantic suspense book, you will enjoy this one!

Lovely and Thoughtful Book on Placemaking

Placemaker by Christie Purifoy

God invites us to live as placemakers, Christie Purifoy contends.  In this autobiographical book, she explores what that involves and questions if we make places or if they make us.

From her life in different places, she derives meaning in the daily settings in which we find ourselves and the trees, plants and gardens that we cultivate there.

Although this is outside the scope of my usual reading diet, I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful book.  Christie’s prose is lyrical and yet honest.  She details the beauty in God’s created order and appreciates the history behind both her places and plants.

If you have a love of people, places, and living things, you will enjoy this lovely book.  I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and this is my honest review. 

Romantic Suspense by Kelly Irwin

Tell Her No Lies by Kelly Irwin

Nina Fischer bears deep scars from life.  Because of that, she trusts no one. Her mother abandoned her and her sister years ago.  Having been adopted by her wealthy, respected uncle, she is shocked when he is found murdered in his study.  Using her investigative journalist skills, she searches for his killer, but is considered a prime suspect by police.  As people around her are murdered, she struggles to know who she can trust and why her father would be murdered.  The answers are surprising.

Tell Her No Lies has interesting characters who aren’t always what they seem.  By the end of the book, they have been revealed for themselves.  The author delivers some surprises along the way.

The plot moves along quickly.  It has some unexpected twists that catch the reader off guard.  It also highlights an issue important to the main character—homelessness.

Kelly Irwin, the author, was new to me.  She has written Amish romances, which I have not read.  She has seamlessly transitioned to romantic suspense.  I would say she is in the same league with Colleen Coble and Carrie Stuart Parks.  Readers of romantic suspense will enjoy this book.  I received a copy in return for this, my honest review.