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turquoiseavenue's reviews
532 reviews
High as the Heavens by Kate Breslin
5.0
A riveting story I simply couldn’t put down! I highly enjoyed the intriguing characters, suspenseful plot and beautifully written story. Kate Breslin outdoes herself with each new novel and continues to be one of my favorite authors of all time! I highly recommend this book!
The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse
2.0
I was given a copy of this book by the author to create a promotional image for a social media book tour. I decided to read the book because it genuinely sounded intriguing from the synopsis and I thought the series would be one I might like.
What I did enjoy about this book is that it follows a family lineage, yet acted as a stand-alone book. The cover is stunning and drew me in! I also liked the time period in which it was set - during the Revolutionary War. I am open to reading other books in this series since they are written by multiple authors.
Unfortunately, for me, the book overall was not what I expected. The characters and story lacked the depth I desired and I had trouble relating to it or staying interested. It was predictable, too convenient/not well planned. There was some redundancy so I skimmed paragraphs. I felt Faith, the main character, read as a bit immature for a woman in her 30s. The author tried to build her up as brave and strong with her description, but the character’s actions often contradicted that, especially when dealing with Mr. James. I also felt the characters of the women’s group, Mr. James and Matthew Weber’s sister weren’t really necessary so I rushed through the parts with them involved.
Again, this is merely my opinion. You may read the book and love it! In fact, many have! In conclusion, this book is well suited as an easy reader, or for a middle school/young adult reader.
What I did enjoy about this book is that it follows a family lineage, yet acted as a stand-alone book. The cover is stunning and drew me in! I also liked the time period in which it was set - during the Revolutionary War. I am open to reading other books in this series since they are written by multiple authors.
Unfortunately, for me, the book overall was not what I expected. The characters and story lacked the depth I desired and I had trouble relating to it or staying interested. It was predictable, too convenient/not well planned. There was some redundancy so I skimmed paragraphs. I felt Faith, the main character, read as a bit immature for a woman in her 30s. The author tried to build her up as brave and strong with her description, but the character’s actions often contradicted that, especially when dealing with Mr. James. I also felt the characters of the women’s group, Mr. James and Matthew Weber’s sister weren’t really necessary so I rushed through the parts with them involved.
Again, this is merely my opinion. You may read the book and love it! In fact, many have! In conclusion, this book is well suited as an easy reader, or for a middle school/young adult reader.
Hidden Among the Stars by Melanie Dobson
5.0
HIDDEN TREASURE, SECRETS, FRIENDSHIP AND A STORY THAT WILL CAPTIVATE READERS HEARTS AND IMAGINATIONS…
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts below are my own.
As history unfolds in this gripping, new novel by author Melanie Dobson, readers will find themselves not only captivated by Hidden Among the Stars endearing characters, and absorbed in this time slip book’s two simultaneous stories that are masterfully tied together by an imaginative and creative author. While rich in WWII history, this book takes place in 1930’s Austria as the Germans invade and in the life of present day bookstore owner, Callie Randall. With subtle, yet powerful morals such as friendship, loyalty, equality and choosing what is right, this novel is perfect for both contemporary and historical fiction readers.
I’ll be the first to admit, the Hidden Among the Stars cover is what initially drew me in for this novel. (…And they say to never judge a book by it’s cover.) With my love of historical fiction and a particular interest in WWII fiction, I was excited to begin this novel. From the first three chapters, I was completely hooked; it was quite the page turner! This time slip novel has two stories happening simultaneously, one that happened near Lake Hallstatt in Austria in the late 1930’s, and a second story that takes place in current day, both of which I found completely intriguing.
The characters are both endearing and relatable. As a book lover, I enjoyed Callie’s character very much and as an introvert, found my self connecting with her on a deeper level. Author Melanie Dobson weaves a heartwarming story through her characters as they face loss, overcome trials, maintain loyal friendships and fight to choose what is right.
There wasn’t anything I didn’t love about this novel. It was all I’d hoped for and more. I’d no sooner finished the story and I wanted to read it again! The story was entertaining, moved along at a pace that kept me interested, held a bit of mystery and suspense as well as certain elements of faith and friendship that were very impactful. I enjoyed the author’s writing style and descriptiveness very much. So much, in fact, that I’ve already searched our local library for her other books as well.
I know much time, work and love goes into creating a story of this magnitude and I think Melanie Dobson executed this piece magnificently.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts below are my own.
As history unfolds in this gripping, new novel by author Melanie Dobson, readers will find themselves not only captivated by Hidden Among the Stars endearing characters, and absorbed in this time slip book’s two simultaneous stories that are masterfully tied together by an imaginative and creative author. While rich in WWII history, this book takes place in 1930’s Austria as the Germans invade and in the life of present day bookstore owner, Callie Randall. With subtle, yet powerful morals such as friendship, loyalty, equality and choosing what is right, this novel is perfect for both contemporary and historical fiction readers.
I’ll be the first to admit, the Hidden Among the Stars cover is what initially drew me in for this novel. (…And they say to never judge a book by it’s cover.) With my love of historical fiction and a particular interest in WWII fiction, I was excited to begin this novel. From the first three chapters, I was completely hooked; it was quite the page turner! This time slip novel has two stories happening simultaneously, one that happened near Lake Hallstatt in Austria in the late 1930’s, and a second story that takes place in current day, both of which I found completely intriguing.
The characters are both endearing and relatable. As a book lover, I enjoyed Callie’s character very much and as an introvert, found my self connecting with her on a deeper level. Author Melanie Dobson weaves a heartwarming story through her characters as they face loss, overcome trials, maintain loyal friendships and fight to choose what is right.
There wasn’t anything I didn’t love about this novel. It was all I’d hoped for and more. I’d no sooner finished the story and I wanted to read it again! The story was entertaining, moved along at a pace that kept me interested, held a bit of mystery and suspense as well as certain elements of faith and friendship that were very impactful. I enjoyed the author’s writing style and descriptiveness very much. So much, in fact, that I’ve already searched our local library for her other books as well.
I know much time, work and love goes into creating a story of this magnitude and I think Melanie Dobson executed this piece magnificently.
Stratagem by Robin Caroll
3.0
MURDER, SUSPENSE, BETRAYAL AND FORGIVENESS…
This exciting new novel by Robin Caroll will not disappoint. With mystery and intrigue wrapped up in a message of the beauty of forgiveness, this book proved to be a fast paced novel that readers will love.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts below are my own.
There is nothing better than a good suspense novel! Stratagem, a new release by Robin Caroll, was just that. It was a refreshing read that kept me on my toes until the end. Set in modern day, this mystery carries readers along a mind bending journey as the main character, Grayson, becomes the prime suspect in his ex-wife, Anna Belle’s, murder when she suddenly dies while competing in a game he created for her company. Not only do readers enjoy this story from Grayson’s point of view, but they also discover interviews and learn pertinent information from the viewpoint of detective Brandon Gibbons, a friend of Grayson’s as he interviews those who were present when Anna Belle died.
I enjoyed the glimpses author Robin Caroll allowed into Anna Belle’s mind and from her perspective as well.
The story not only has a fast paced plot that thickens around every turn, but are there many characters that are introduced at relevant times making readers feel like they may have figured out the murderer, but Robin Caroll likes to keep you guessing until the very end. In the end, there is a sweet surrender to forgiveness that was so necessary from the beginning of the book. It is a beautiful display of faith and love.
I gave this story three stars because I did enjoy the story and the creativity behind it. The game that Grayson creates, how it works and the unique way the author weaves the characters together is fantastic. What kept me from a higher rating is Anna Belle’s character. She lacked so much… I was actually glad she’d passed away, she sounded like such a miserable person. I feel like readers might have been more concerned for her death and interested to find out “who’d done it” if she was a more likable character. However, in the same respect, had she been more likable, there wouldn’t have been the necessity for Grayson’s inclination toward forgiveness.
Over all, I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a good mystery! While this is classified as a suspense novel, Stratagem doesn’t involve over the top, descriptive violence or malice. It does however, deal with sensitive subjects such as divorce, abortion and addiction so if those are tender points for readers, they may want to proceed cautiously.
This exciting new novel by Robin Caroll will not disappoint. With mystery and intrigue wrapped up in a message of the beauty of forgiveness, this book proved to be a fast paced novel that readers will love.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts below are my own.
There is nothing better than a good suspense novel! Stratagem, a new release by Robin Caroll, was just that. It was a refreshing read that kept me on my toes until the end. Set in modern day, this mystery carries readers along a mind bending journey as the main character, Grayson, becomes the prime suspect in his ex-wife, Anna Belle’s, murder when she suddenly dies while competing in a game he created for her company. Not only do readers enjoy this story from Grayson’s point of view, but they also discover interviews and learn pertinent information from the viewpoint of detective Brandon Gibbons, a friend of Grayson’s as he interviews those who were present when Anna Belle died.
I enjoyed the glimpses author Robin Caroll allowed into Anna Belle’s mind and from her perspective as well.
The story not only has a fast paced plot that thickens around every turn, but are there many characters that are introduced at relevant times making readers feel like they may have figured out the murderer, but Robin Caroll likes to keep you guessing until the very end. In the end, there is a sweet surrender to forgiveness that was so necessary from the beginning of the book. It is a beautiful display of faith and love.
I gave this story three stars because I did enjoy the story and the creativity behind it. The game that Grayson creates, how it works and the unique way the author weaves the characters together is fantastic. What kept me from a higher rating is Anna Belle’s character. She lacked so much… I was actually glad she’d passed away, she sounded like such a miserable person. I feel like readers might have been more concerned for her death and interested to find out “who’d done it” if she was a more likable character. However, in the same respect, had she been more likable, there wouldn’t have been the necessity for Grayson’s inclination toward forgiveness.
Over all, I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a good mystery! While this is classified as a suspense novel, Stratagem doesn’t involve over the top, descriptive violence or malice. It does however, deal with sensitive subjects such as divorce, abortion and addiction so if those are tender points for readers, they may want to proceed cautiously.
In Too Deep by Lynn H. Blackburn
4.0
MURDER, INTRIGUE, ROMANCE AND SUSPENSE…
Author Lynn H. Blackburn keeps her readers completely immersed in this thrilling suspense novel. With a cast of likable characters who happen to be coworkers and friends, plus a plot that just keeps thickening, readers won’t be able to put this book down!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts below are my own.
In Too Deep, book two in Lynn H. Blackuburn’s Dive Team Investigations series, follows investigator Adam Campbell and forensic-skilled Dr. Sabrina Fleming as they work together to uncover the secrets that lay in a case involving a recently recovered body and laptop from a submerged car.
Being a suspense lover, I was really surprised I hadn’t come across author Lynn H. Blackburn before. From the first chapter, she had me completely hooked on this story. Paralleling my other favorite authors such as Dani Pettrey and Irene Hannon, this suspense novel is a must read. The mystery behind the case this team is working on keeps readers interested and turning the pages late at night (and perhaps keeping the lights on too). With a fast paced story line and constant, continued interaction between the key characters, I think this is a great read for any suspense lover. Being that it is book two in a series, this novel has me wanting to read Beneath the Surface now (the story between investigator Ryan Parker and NP Leigh Weston, who make appearances in In Too Deep). Regardless, this novel does well as a standalone.
I’m certain romantic suspense lovers will enjoy the budding relationship forming between Investigator Campell and Dr. Fleming. These two each have their own unique personalities and it’s quite the ride as they work together and connect on a more personal level. I highly enjoyed all the characters in this novel. They were well rounded and each had a story of their own, coming from different backgrounds and areas of expertise. My only drawback to this novel was the ending… There was a quick wrap up that I wasn’t expecting to the case and it felt anticlimactic… But then an information dump from the villain left me reading more slowly to make sure I grasped what had really happened. The chapters became short and somewhat choppy plus there was a lot of narrative from the author tying up the details, but it was still a great story and still enjoyable!
Author Lynn H. Blackburn keeps her readers completely immersed in this thrilling suspense novel. With a cast of likable characters who happen to be coworkers and friends, plus a plot that just keeps thickening, readers won’t be able to put this book down!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts below are my own.
In Too Deep, book two in Lynn H. Blackuburn’s Dive Team Investigations series, follows investigator Adam Campbell and forensic-skilled Dr. Sabrina Fleming as they work together to uncover the secrets that lay in a case involving a recently recovered body and laptop from a submerged car.
Being a suspense lover, I was really surprised I hadn’t come across author Lynn H. Blackburn before. From the first chapter, she had me completely hooked on this story. Paralleling my other favorite authors such as Dani Pettrey and Irene Hannon, this suspense novel is a must read. The mystery behind the case this team is working on keeps readers interested and turning the pages late at night (and perhaps keeping the lights on too). With a fast paced story line and constant, continued interaction between the key characters, I think this is a great read for any suspense lover. Being that it is book two in a series, this novel has me wanting to read Beneath the Surface now (the story between investigator Ryan Parker and NP Leigh Weston, who make appearances in In Too Deep). Regardless, this novel does well as a standalone.
I’m certain romantic suspense lovers will enjoy the budding relationship forming between Investigator Campell and Dr. Fleming. These two each have their own unique personalities and it’s quite the ride as they work together and connect on a more personal level. I highly enjoyed all the characters in this novel. They were well rounded and each had a story of their own, coming from different backgrounds and areas of expertise. My only drawback to this novel was the ending… There was a quick wrap up that I wasn’t expecting to the case and it felt anticlimactic… But then an information dump from the villain left me reading more slowly to make sure I grasped what had really happened. The chapters became short and somewhat choppy plus there was a lot of narrative from the author tying up the details, but it was still a great story and still enjoyable!
Wait for Me by Susan May Warren
5.0
AN ACTION-PACKED, HEART-POUNDING ADVENTURE…
*I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Revell at Baker Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts below are my own.
With a gripping first sentence and a heart racing opening, USA Today bestselling author, Susan May Warren, captures readers attention immediately in Wait For Me, the sixth book of her Montana Rescue series. A suspenseful story of redemption, love, faith, adventure and romance…
Without giving too much of this riveting story away, I’ll simply jump right to my review of this fabulous, new release from Revell and Susan May Warren. I was captivated by the story from the moment I started this book. It is an easy, yet engaging, read that draws readers in with gripping adventure right from the start. As the main characters battle internal struggles and the story forms, disaster strikes when three friends go missing and are feared in danger, including Jess Tagg, the love of Pete Brooks’ life. On the heels of a muddled romance and recent heartbreak, it is up to Pete and the PEAK team to rescue them!
This book is written from multiple points of view and offers perspective on the story from different angles as the plot unfolds. Readers can identify with the relatable struggles the characters face as they not only work to overcome the scars of their pasts but also work together to fight for life and rescue.
I truly enjoyed the way Susan May Warren intertwined the story behind Pete and Jess’s romance as Pete and the PEAK team work to find and save Jess, Ned and Shae. It was beautifully written and I found the characters engaging and relatable. As the plot would thicken, the adventure intensified, keeping me turning page after page in a hurry. As an adult reader, I enjoyed the romance in this book. It was clean, enticing, passionate and tender, making this book a perfect contemporary romance. I will note that since this book is a part of series, there a LOT of characters introduced that I had some trouble keeping up with. However, because this book was so good, Warren has me wanting to read the rest of this series as soon as possible! I did feel that there were a couple of parts where the backstory of Pete and Jess’s romance was repetitive but I will say I enjoyed their interactions and even felt myself tensing over their squabbles and internally fighting for their love and reunification. Overall, a great read and not only a book that deserves an ovation, but a series that deserves recognition as well.
*I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Revell at Baker Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts below are my own.
With a gripping first sentence and a heart racing opening, USA Today bestselling author, Susan May Warren, captures readers attention immediately in Wait For Me, the sixth book of her Montana Rescue series. A suspenseful story of redemption, love, faith, adventure and romance…
Without giving too much of this riveting story away, I’ll simply jump right to my review of this fabulous, new release from Revell and Susan May Warren. I was captivated by the story from the moment I started this book. It is an easy, yet engaging, read that draws readers in with gripping adventure right from the start. As the main characters battle internal struggles and the story forms, disaster strikes when three friends go missing and are feared in danger, including Jess Tagg, the love of Pete Brooks’ life. On the heels of a muddled romance and recent heartbreak, it is up to Pete and the PEAK team to rescue them!
This book is written from multiple points of view and offers perspective on the story from different angles as the plot unfolds. Readers can identify with the relatable struggles the characters face as they not only work to overcome the scars of their pasts but also work together to fight for life and rescue.
I truly enjoyed the way Susan May Warren intertwined the story behind Pete and Jess’s romance as Pete and the PEAK team work to find and save Jess, Ned and Shae. It was beautifully written and I found the characters engaging and relatable. As the plot would thicken, the adventure intensified, keeping me turning page after page in a hurry. As an adult reader, I enjoyed the romance in this book. It was clean, enticing, passionate and tender, making this book a perfect contemporary romance. I will note that since this book is a part of series, there a LOT of characters introduced that I had some trouble keeping up with. However, because this book was so good, Warren has me wanting to read the rest of this series as soon as possible! I did feel that there were a couple of parts where the backstory of Pete and Jess’s romance was repetitive but I will say I enjoyed their interactions and even felt myself tensing over their squabbles and internally fighting for their love and reunification. Overall, a great read and not only a book that deserves an ovation, but a series that deserves recognition as well.
Mind Games by Nancy Mehl
5.0
My favorite suspense novel this year!
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts below are my own.
A brilliant, edge-of-your-seat thriller that will have you turning the pages faster than you can say FBI! Author Nancy Mehl showcases her masterfully created plot as readers follow along with FBI profiler Kaely Quinn and Special Agent Noah Hunter as they hunt down a serial killer on the loose who has sights set on Kaely.
As I pause to review this story, words like gripping, mind boggling, exciting, dangerous and marvelous all come to mind as adjectives to describe this book. It’s a top five read for me in its genre. I enjoyed the well crafted cast of characters and the cunning story line. I hesitate to give too much detail, so as not to give any of the excitement away as readers follow FBI agents Kaely and Noah’s quest to uncover who’s behind a series of murders and threatening letters.
Suspense lovers will enjoy this book for certain. There’s a hint of romance involved, and that’s putting it quite literally. The story line was fast paced and encouraged me to dismiss bedtime and keep reading late into the night; a definite page turner! There were several times I thought I knew who the UNSUB was, but alas, Mehl surprised me! Since this is the first book in this series, I will be anxiously awaiting the books to follow. Also, I felt that Mehl incorporated elements of faith and Christianity quite well.
As the book wraps up, there’s a surprise in store regarding the main character and a feeling that what is to come is going to be pretty exciting. I can’t wait to see how Nancy Mehl tops this story!
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts below are my own.
A brilliant, edge-of-your-seat thriller that will have you turning the pages faster than you can say FBI! Author Nancy Mehl showcases her masterfully created plot as readers follow along with FBI profiler Kaely Quinn and Special Agent Noah Hunter as they hunt down a serial killer on the loose who has sights set on Kaely.
As I pause to review this story, words like gripping, mind boggling, exciting, dangerous and marvelous all come to mind as adjectives to describe this book. It’s a top five read for me in its genre. I enjoyed the well crafted cast of characters and the cunning story line. I hesitate to give too much detail, so as not to give any of the excitement away as readers follow FBI agents Kaely and Noah’s quest to uncover who’s behind a series of murders and threatening letters.
Suspense lovers will enjoy this book for certain. There’s a hint of romance involved, and that’s putting it quite literally. The story line was fast paced and encouraged me to dismiss bedtime and keep reading late into the night; a definite page turner! There were several times I thought I knew who the UNSUB was, but alas, Mehl surprised me! Since this is the first book in this series, I will be anxiously awaiting the books to follow. Also, I felt that Mehl incorporated elements of faith and Christianity quite well.
As the book wraps up, there’s a surprise in store regarding the main character and a feeling that what is to come is going to be pretty exciting. I can’t wait to see how Nancy Mehl tops this story!