About the Book
Book: Counter Point
Author: Marji Laine
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: November 2016
Someone is determined to finish the final assignment of a murdered hitman.
Her father’s gone. Her diner’s closing. Her car’s in the lake. Cat McPherson has nothing left to lose.
Except her life. And a madman’s bent on taking that away.
Her former boyfriend, Ray Alexander, returns as a hero from his foreign mission, bringing back souvenirs in the form of death threats. When several attempts are made on Cat’s life, she must find a way to trust Ray, the man who broke her heart.
Keeping Cat safe from a fallen cartel leader might prove impossible for Ray, but after seeing his mission destroyed and several godly people killed, he knows better than to ignore the man’s threats. Cat’s resistance to his protection and the stirring of his long-denied feelings for her complicate his intentions, placing them both in a fight for their lives.
How can a small-town girl survive when ultimate power wants her dead?
About the Author
Marji Laine has completed seventeen years of homeschooling, but with her publishing business, her various volunteer activities, and her large family, she will likely never live a life of leisure. When she does find spare time, she enjoys watching sports and Hallmark movies and mysteries, loves having game night with her family and friends, and enjoys talking “shop” with other authors. You can usually find her in her favorite recliner, plucking away at her keyboard with her rescue fur-babies at her feet or at www.MarjiLaine.com.
More from Marji
COUNTER POINT takes place in a small town in East Texas. A family-owned diner provides the backdrop for many of the scenes. The owner, Cat McPherson, makes a point of smiling and chatting with everyone who stops by. Even the superior and difficult Mrs. Heath—of the Heath’s Point Heath’s, make no mistake. Mrs. Heath might think she’s all that, but she is still dependent on Cat’s diner for a slice of her favorite Magnolia Pie.
Have you ever had a piece of this custard paradise? Smooth, creamy, and with the minutest crisp of a glazed caramel on top of it. I can practically taste one now. This favorite of mine had to go into my book. I first tasted a Magnolia Pie (my adopted grandmother called it Buttermilk Pie because Magnolia Pie sounded too southern and she was from New Jersey) at a Christmas Eve celebration. It was my instant favorite.
I’ve searched for my grandmother’s recipe through old books that she gave me and a collection that she and several others put together when I got married. Sadly, I cannot find that original recipe that she used. But I think it must have been something like the one I was thinking of when I included Magnolia Pie in my book.
Let me know if you make this recipe! I’d love to enjoy a virtual slice of pie with you!
Magnolia Pie
Ingredients:
3 eggs at room temperature
1 stick of softened butter
1½ cups white sugar
3½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 9-inch unbaked pie shell
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Whisk the eggs until foamy.
- Cream together sugar, butter, nutmeg, and flour. Add the eggs and other ingredients, beating until smooth.
- Pour into pie shell and bake for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely or chill before serving.
I enjoyed this story which was suspenseful, faith filled and had good characters. Ray was someone I liked instantly because he had a heart for God and followed his calling. The missionary work he did was remarkable and he touched many lives.The author does a good job of laying the groundwork for the intrigue in the book, but for me two other topics were more defining for me. Missionary work is hard, dangerous and rewarding. The author shows how much someone can impact lives by doing missionary work. I don't want to forget to mention Cat and her missionary work. She runs her father's diner but also gives food out to the homeless in the area. It is something that she has a big heart for.
At the end of each chapter the author provides a scripture. I loved reading them and how they impacted the story with encouragement. It was nice to see characters praying and never giving up. Another very important part of the book was a character that was struggling with their faith. I thought the author did a good job of letting several characters minister to this person without being pushy. It was a nice addition to the story and I liked following the character to see if they would give their life to God.
The intrigue in the book is good but I did figure out who the bad guy was halfway through the story. The author didn't quite hit the mark in masking who the person was and needed to work on not letting the person be so obvious. The book has lots of twists and there is a lot of violence in the book. Maybe the author can tone that down in the next book. Overall a good story that is rich in faith, keeps readers on their toes with the twists and a great message about trusting God and listening to His calling on your life.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Blog Stops
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 10
For the Love of Literature, December 11
Betti Mace, December 12
For Him and My Family, December 12
Through the Lens of Scripture, December 13
Daysong Reflections, December 14
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 15
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 16
Texas Book-aholic, December 17
As He Leads is Joy, December 18
Maureen’s Musings, December 19
Blogging With Carol, December 20
janicesbookreviews, December 21
A Reader’s Brain, December 22
Sara Jane Jacobs, December 22
Inklings and notions, December 23
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Marji is giving away the grand prize package of a “reading S’mores” Christmas Ornament, a book light, and copies of COUNTER POINT and the first book of the Grime Fighter series, GRIME BEAT!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
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