The Trouble with Perfect by Christy Barritt

Book Description:
Since the death of her fiancé two years ago, novelist Morgan Blake’s life has been in a holding pattern. She has a major case of writer’s block, and a book signing in the small mountain town of Perfect sounds like just the solution to help her clear her head.
Her trip takes a wrong turn when, on her way there, she’s involved in a hit and run—she’s hit a man, and he’s run from the scene. Before fleeing, he mouthed the word “help.” She plans to give him that help, but first she must find him.
In Perfect, she finds a town that offers everything she’s ever wanted. But is something sinister going on behind the town’s cheery exterior? Was she invited as a guest of honor simply to do a book signing? Or was she lured to town for another purpose—a deadly purpose?

My Thoughts:
I LOVED this book! Morgan needs a vacation and when the writer's blocked author gets an invitation to a small town for a book signing, she can't resist. Her dead fiance's partner who is also her best friend, Tyler, doesn't want her to go, something just feels off. She starts on her vacation and right when she is getting to her destination, she hits a man in the middle of the road! When he runs away, she is shaken and she hurries to report it. She meets the town sheriff, mayor, deputies and they all seem to be good but is the town what it seems? The more she sees, the more suspicious she becomes.
I loved Morgan. She was a smart, hurt, loving, caring woman. She has tried to close her heart off so she won't be hurt again but already Tyler is in there, she cares for the bed and breakfast owner's daughter completely! Tyler is amazing. Strong, stable, safe, protective...men like him are rare. It isn't shocking that Morgan has issues with God after all that has happened, but yet she doesn't ever believe he doesn't exist and I thought that was great. The town was Perfect, a bit surreal, creepy and strange and written perfectly.
I rate this a 5/5. It was a great book!
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Accused by Janice Cantore

Book Description:

Detective Carly Edwards hates working in juvenile and longs to be back on patrol. So when a troubled youth is arrested for the murder of the mayor and Carly is summoned to the crime scene, she's eager for some action. As the investigation progresses, Carly suspects a cover-up and strikes out on her own, uncertain of whom she can trust.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this book.  Detective Carly Edwards has had it rough.  She gets demoted to juvenile and wants to get back to her patrol.  When she is called to a murder scene, she is determined to actually solve it.  Though the evidence shows the teens are innocent, the case is closed and it makes Carly suspicious.
I completely enjoy the strong female roles and this book definitely had that.  Carly was a great character to get to know.  The Christian message was there throughout the book, without the author coming across as 'preachy'.  The book was paced well and main characters developed well, support characters developed just enough.  I want to read more from this author.
I rate this book a 4/5.  It was a good book that I will probably reread!
Thank you to Tyndale for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

The Crossing by Serita Jakes

Book Description:
Imprisoned by memories, Claudia Campbell lives each day in the shadow of a ten-year-old murder. Who can set her free?
On the way home from a football game, a decade earlier, a masked gunman opened fi re on a Texas school bus.  Cheerleading coach B.J. Remington was killed, but her murderer was never found. Claudia, who had a close friendship with the young, spirited teacher, constantly relives the anguish of that day, caught in one moment in time. When her husband, the assistant district attorney, becomes determined to uncover the mystery of that tragedy, the secrets buried over the years threaten to tear their family apart.
Officer Casio Hightower will never forget the day his dreams were destroyed. A star quarterback with a promising future, Casio was on top of the world—until one bullet changed everything. He is eager to help Victor Campbell find B.J.’s killer, the man who shot him. Maybe solving the case will help silence the demons driving Casio to hurt the woman he loves.
As the Campbells and Casio teeter on the brink of losing everything, will they be able to discover that what begins at the crossing ends at the cross?

My Thoughts:
I liked this book.  Ten years ago, Claudia's best friend died in her arms.  A masked gunman came onto the school bus and opened fire.  After all this time, there is still no one to bring to justice.  Claudia's husband decides his best course of action is to solve the ten year old murder so maybe his wife can move on with her life and stop hurting.  Closure is what they all need, but what will it cost them? 
This book was an emotional ride.  The story line was well written.  The characters well thought out and developed.  I loved how the teacher wasn't just someone who died to start everything but an actual character that we get to know.  It shows how things that happen even at a young age effect us for the rest of our lives. 
I rate this a 4/5.  It was a 'can't put down' book.

Thank you to Waterbrook for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Shadow in Serenity by Terri Blackstock

Book Description:

Carny Sullivan grew up in the zany world of a traveling carnival. Quaint and peaceful Serenity, Texas, has given her a home, a life, and a child. Logan Brisco is the smoothest, slickest, handsomest man Serenity, Texas has ever seen. But Carny Sullivan knows a con artist when she sees one---and she's seen plenty, starting with her father. As far as Carny Sullivan can tell, she's the only one in town who has his number. Because from his Italian shoes to his movie-actor smile, Logan has the rest of the town snowed. Carny is determined to reveal Brisco's selfish intentions before his promise to the townspeople for a cut in a giant amusement park sucks Serenity dry. Yet, as much as she hates his winning ways, there is a man behind that suave smile, a man who may win her heart against her will. Shadow in Serenity is a modern-day Music Man, penned by a Christy Award-winning, New York Times bestselling author.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this book.  Logan Brisco is a smooth talking man.  He never stays in one place too long, a trait he was taught by a master.  Carny Sullivan is happy with her quiet life in Serenity and doesn't appreciate Logan coming to town and trying to con her friends.  She wants to show him for what he is, but is there more to him than just a slick con man?
I absolutely loved the quiet town of Serenity.  It had been prosperous but needed a boost so that is what Logan preyed on.  Logan fit the bill of a slick con man wonderfully but I liked that there was more to him than meets the eye.  Carny was strong and intelligent.  She wasn't afraid to stand up to Logan, in front of the whole town no less. 
I rate this a 4/5.  I enjoyed the storyline and characters. 

Thank you to Zondervan for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

When the Smoke Clears by Lynette Eason

Book Description:

As a member of the North Cascades Smokejumpers, Alexia Allen always takes care of the equipment that keeps her safe. So when she nearly dies in a fire due to equipment failure, she knows something is up. Ordered to take time off while the investigation continues, Alexia makes a last-minute decision to recuperate at her mother's home and attend her high school reunion. Yet trouble seems to be following her, and within hours of arriving home she's involved with murder, arson--and a handsome detective. But the conflicts ahead are nothing compared to the ghosts of her past. As she strives to remember and forgive her family history, she must also decide if the secret she's been guarding for the last ten years must finally come to light.

Chock-full of the suspense and romantic tension readers have come to expect from Lynette Eason, When the Smoke Clears is the explosive first book in the Deadly Reunions series.

My Thoughts:

I loved this book!  Alexia has left her home town and has no intention of ever returning.  Her parents didn't want her and most of the town thinks she did something terrible.  When she goes into a fire to rescue a kid, she realizes someone has tampered with her equipment.  Because of events and a friend's request, she decides to go back home for her tenth high school reunion thinking she will get away from everything.  The problem is trouble finds her there too but she may just have found a safe haven in the town detective.

I loved that Alexia was a complex character and not just what she first appears.  The lasting question about her friend and what she witnessed was great.  The supporting characters, I can't wait to get to know some of them better.  All in all, it was great!

I rate this a 5/5.  Wonderful book and looking forward to the next in the series!

Thank you to Revel for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

The Witness by Dee Henderson

Book Description:

Police Chief Luke Granger's witness to a murder, Amy Griffin, has been on the run for years. Her family thinks she was murdered eight years ago, but Amy chose to accept a life in the shadows in order to protect her sisters' lives. Now unveiled secrets about their father have thrust the sisters into the public spotlight. The man who wants Amy dead now sees her sisters as the way to locate her. Luke and two of his homicide detectives are determined to stand in the way. They are each falling in love with a different sister, and it's become a personal mission to keep them safe. But chances are that at least one of them will fail, and facing the future will take a faith deeper than any of them currently knows.

 

 

My Thoughts:

I loved this book!  Amy has been running for years.  Her family thinks she is dead so they aren't looking for her.  That means she can keep an eye on them without complications, well that is until she witness a multiple murder and puts her on the chief of police Luke Granger's radar.  Now the question is, does he help her or tell her secret? 

I loved the characters in this book.  They were all so real and the element of faith was used perfectly!  Amy is an amazing woman!  She gave up her 'life' which basically was freedom to keep her family safe.  Luke's choice somewhat surprised me but I loved how it made the story twist!  There were several twists and turns through the story line, some I liked and one I really didn't like but it was perfect!

I rate this a 5/5!  Wonderful book.

Reluctant Burglar by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

Book Description:

The Art of Art Thievery
When Hiram Jacobs is murdered, the responsibility for his internationally renowned security company falls upon his daughter, Desiree. But a container full of stolen paintings screams the ugly truth—that her father was a thief. Option A: Turn the goods over to the law, disgrace her father’s name, destroy their business, put people out of jobs, and embarrass international museums with the fact that they have been displaying clever forgeries. Option B: Surrender the art to the bad guys. But then she becomes an unwilling accomplice to the thieves, and her father’s murderer would walk free. Worse, a death threat warns her not to cooperate with federal agents. Can she trust God to guide her down the right path when no option seems right…let alone safe?
Art stole her heart…
Now can she return the favor?
If Desiree Jacobs knows anything, it’s art. Her father, whose security company is internationally renowned, taught her everything he knew. Most of all, he taught her about honor. Integrity. Faith. So surely God will forgive her for despising the one man determined to destroy her father’s good name?
Special Agent Tony Lucano knows Hiram Jacobs is an art thief. But what he can’t figure out is Desiree. Is she the innocent victim…or a clever accomplice?
Then Hiram is murdered. And along with his company, he leaves Desiree a hidden container full of stolen paintings. But she can’t admit her father was a thief! That would destroy their business, put people out of jobs, and embarrass international museums that have been displaying clever forgeries. No, she must find out why her honest father would turn criminal. And she must return the priceless art to the rightful owners without their knowledge. Even if it means facing down a ring of cutthroat art thieves…or accepting help from the man she most distrusts.

My Thoughts:

I absolutely loved this book!  Desiree Jacobs is stuck in a hard position.  Her deceased father ran a security company that is known and respected...but he was also an art thief.  She has few options, none with a positive outcome!  The bad guys want the paintings back, the FBI want the truth and she has a short time to figure out how to make her father's disastrous decisions into something positive!

The author did a wonderful job with this whole book.  Desiree is put in a difficult position that no one would want to be in and is inventive in her choice!  Tony is set to figure this case out but doesn't understand one thing about it...Desiree.  The attraction between the two is great, Desiree's decision inventive and the suspense is great!  I love how the author wove God throughout but wasn't 'in your face' about it, it just seemed natural.

I rate this a 5/5.  This one stays on my keeper shelf.