Texas Book-aholic

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Aug 18, 15 · edit

bookshelves: to-read

Read on August 03, 2015

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review

Jess has had to overcome tragedy in her life. Her parents had been murdered in their home and she was left with unanswered questions. She finds out that her dad had worked for the government and now wonders if he knew something that got him and her mom killed? Jess is a very determined strong willed woman. She work with the FBI as a profiler. As I started reading the book, I felt a sense of walking onto the stage of Criminal Minds and observing as they present a case. The use of the word UNSUP had my attention quickly as the team hunts for an online predator who kills without warning.

Jess gets a lead and thinks she has found the UNSUB. During an intense encounter the suspect gets away and leaves Jess with many unanswered questions. Her boss pulls her from the case for her safety. She retreats to a very familiar place where she soon will discover is not so secure. I love the character development of Jess. The author gives us a glimpse into her past and the emotional scars she still deals with. Her boss, Tom is a fierce protector of Jess . Do they have feelings for each other? Is it possible that Jess knows the UNSUB?

The book is well written with non-stop action and twists and turns that have you guessing until the end. This is not a typical mystery that can quickly be guessed by the reader. The brilliant writing gives you subtle hints of who the killer may be. The author keeps you glued to the book anticipating the identity of the killer and shocks you when the killer is revealed. I love intrigue and this is a perfect book for those who love a great mystery with a powerful ending.

Texas summers are no doubt some of the hottest you'll find. The heat encountered during this summer is not at all what Taylor bargained for. She's at a crossroads between childhood and womanhood, rummaging through the emotions of first love versus passion. Two young men tangle a web of needs and desires in her heart. The summer before college begins, Taylor is thrust from her childhood home in Houston to an inherited family farm on the outskirts of Schulenburg, Texas. Eric, her first love, has gone states away to play college football. Low-spirited and merely trying to get through an expectantly boring summer, she is nearly run off the road by her new country neighbor, Maxwell. Ruggedly handsome, devilishly charming and everything Taylor seeks to avoid, Maxwell does something to her emotions she's struggling desperately to interpret, as they spend the summer filled with each other. Boundaries are tested and the scales of lust tip despite hesitations. A final decision must be made. Did she ever truly love Eric? Is Maxwell simply a lustful thought, or is there more to uncover beneath the surface? One thing is for certain, this summer will change Taylor in every possible way: mind, body and soul.

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BARNES & NOBLE: http://bit.ly/1fHeAJ6

IBOOKS: https://itun.es/us/0wg-7.l

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Where is he driving? We’ve been in the truck for over an hour and a half. All I know is we are headed west on Highway 21. ; Not not an area I know well.

“How long until we get there?” Wherever there is.

“Not much longer,” is all he offers.

“Still not giving me a clue?” My mind is toying with ideas, but I can’t gather anything concrete. Whatever he has in store is truly a surprise.

“No, ma’am,” he grins naughtily then stupefies me with his next question. , “Everything okay in the Eric department?”

I sit stunned as fury builds in me. My face feels hot from anger. It must be red. “I don’t want to talk about it,” I utter hastily. The female voice on the phone still has me hot and bitter.

“Okay. Sorry,” he apologizes.

“You don’t need to be sorry, I just don’t want to talk about it,” I mutter. Opening up to Max about the issue will only make things worse. Besides, the day has turned into a positive, and only looks to get better. Drowning it with my childish rant over the Eric call would be a mistake, I reason. I change the subject. “Have you ever taken anyone to do whatever we’re going to do?” I prod.

“Nope. Not a soul,” he answers. I feel his eyes on me and I turn to meet them.

“Why now?” I ask with wonder.

“You’re different.” My insides melt. Different how? “I don’t know what I’m supposed to say…”

“Don’t say anything,” he answers. It only makes me appreciate him more. He doesn’t push, yet a part of me wants him to push. I’m attracted to Max and jaded with Eric. Tides are definitely turning.

Max reaches for my hand, curling his fingers over my knuckles. He doesn’t let go. I don’t pull away.

Beth Ann is a wife, mother, blogger and book lover from Texas. Her passion is writing stories that draw a reader into a world where they can become the characters and experience a gamut of emotions. When she's not writing, she loves to be home with her family and two yellow labs. In addition she's a sucker for super sappy romance movies, loves trying out Texas wines, is an avid hot tea drinker and enjoys checking items off of her ever-growing bucket list.

AUTHOR LINKS:

http://www.bethannstifflemire.com

http://www.divertedheart.com

http://www.thewritingtexan.com

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/bastifflemire

Twitter: @BASAuthor

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Monday, August 17, 2015

To Soar on Eagle's Wings by Renee Blairb

I received a copy of this book from book fun.org for an honest review Rachel Fitzgerald is a school teacher who is ready for a break. She knows that since her mother died, her relationship between her siblings are strained. . Rachel decides that she will take a trip and go to Crystal Lake and the Snowy Range to sort out her life. She hopes to find peace there and leave the past behind . Rachel sets off to the mountains where she meets the new game warden who happens to be Steve, her brother's old roommate. He brings back memories to her of a long ago crush she had on him. Rachel has headed down the mountain on her snowmobile while Steve sets off to investigates a wildlife situation which turns into danger for both of them. Will Rachel be able to trust Steve and rely on God? The author has written a great adventure between two people who must learn to depend on God while dealing with intrigue that surrounds them. Rachel loves the mountains and feels at peace there . The beauty of the mountain gives her peace and comfort as she tries to sort out the turmoil in her family . Can Steve and Rachel renew a relationship that was once important in their lives? The author has written a very detailed action packed story filled with mystery and mixed a little romance in to deliver a powerful story that will keep you engrossed until the end. The details of the Wyoming background is breathtaking as she paints a glorious picture of God's majestic land. The symbolism she uses with the Eagles is not to be missed. To soar like an eagle, to be free can only come from the grace that God gives us. This is one story I could read again and again, because it has such a powerful message . Thank you for writing a story that will stay with me forever.

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Crazy Little Thing Called Love By Beth Vogt

I received a copy of this book from Bookfun.org for an honest review

Vanessa and Ted are getting married. Ted is an ER doctor and being a practical type person has decided they should have a destination wedding. He wants the wedding in Destin , Florida so they can spend their honeymoon there and he can attend some classes related to his work. There are two problems with this great idea of Ted's. First , is he kidding with the idea of a romantic honeymoon mixed with work ? The second problem is a bit more serious. How can Vanessa go back to Destin, Florida and plan a wedding where she had her first wedding?

Logan is a storm chaser and has never gotten over Vanessa, the girl he married when they were both young. What are the odds that they are at the beach at the same time when a young child is drowning. When they both come to the boy's aide , they are shocked to see each other. Is there still a spark between them? I love how the author has so strategically placed them in unlikely places to bump into each other. They go from saving a life to dealing with a hurricane to realizing there may be some unresolved feelings .

The story flows so well that I lost track of time as I read it. The characters each struggle with real life issues and the author delivers a great story of dealing with past mistakes, relying on God and an unforgettable ending to a story that will have you cheering for second chances . Many of us can relate to this story that deals with a love thst got away. Will Logan and Vanessa find their way back to each other? What will happen when they take a leap of faith? I won't spoil the ending , but it is one of the best endings to a story I have read .

Saturday, August 15, 2015

Holly Garden, PI: Red Is for Rookie: Book 1 in Handcuffed in Texas Series… by Anne Greene

I received a copy of this book from bookfun.org for an honest review

Holly is a private detective who has several agendas. She is trying to clear her dad's name, find out who killed him and prove to her family that she can handle the job of being a PI and being able to protect herself. The action starts at a Valentine's meet party. Holly and her partner Matt are doing security for the party. Holly notices a group of men that look out of place and before you can blink an eye, chaos erupts.

When the fighting and turmoil is over , Holly finds her partner hurt. She asks someone to call 911. Within minutes they arrive and she notices something doesn't feel right. Her partner is being stuck with a needle and rushed off in an ambulance. Holly can't find out what hospital Matt has been taken to and realizes something is very wrong. Before long , word has gotten back to Holly that Matt has been kidnapped . Why would someone want to kidnap her partner? The bigger question is who is Stryker? Why was he at the party as security also?

I found the book to be a light quirky and funny mystery. Holly tried to put out a fire with a prime rib, she seems to always be just a few feet away from danger and she is hopelessly clumsy. Her character is very well written and centers on her faith. She has two men vying for her attention, but she is so distracted by the case, will she miss her chance at love? The story flows effortlessly and with action that keeps you glued to the pages.

The author references scriptures throughout the book in a thoughtful way. I loved her use of Deuteronomy 31:8 " The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid ; do not be discouraged." What a great encouragement for Holly as she tries to shuffle through a case that can save her partner and perhaps clear her dad's name. The author wrote "If a place is dark, even a flickering candle sheds a lot of light." Holly uses her faith to shine light on the darkness that surrounds her life. I am excited to know that there will be another book in this series. Thank you Anne Greene for an amazing mystery and a story filled with hope and God's direction.

Monday, August 10, 2015

EASTER’S LILY

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EASTER'S LILY

Judy Serrano

It was Easter Sunday; the day Lilly’s life went from safe and comfortable to dangerously unfamiliar. Her transformation takes her from a small town girl having an affair with a low ranked gangster in the Montiago crime syndicate, to a woman of grace and fortitude married to the head of the organization.

Lilly tells the story of her life -- and the lives of her children -- with childlike innocence, yet she's desperate for security and companionship. The hint of forbidden love and betrayal that ultimately puts brother against brother adds to the suspense and intrigue. The syndicate engulfs the Montiago family as they turn each other inside out over the love of a woman. Easter's Lilly is an inspired journey from the idyllic to the darker side of self-discovery. Read as the over-privileged brothers embark on their journey that twists and turns down the road of unbridled passion in the first book of the series.

AMAZON BUY LINK

BARNES AND NOBLE BUY LINK

Judy's books are available in print in Hastings

and Roma's Books in Rockwall, Texas,

and anywhere ebooks are sold.

Judy Serrano holds a Master of Arts in English from Texas A&M University, Commerce. She is the owner of Make Cents Editing Service, and was an adjunct professor at a local college. Currently she teaches high school English and is a freelance writer for certain on-line publications. Judy also writes romantic suspense and paranormal romance novels. She is the author of The Easter’s Lilly Series,The Linked Series, and Ivy Vines, Visions.Although originally form New York, Judy resides in Texas with her husband, four boys, four dogs and now two cats. She sings and plays guitar when she has time and enjoys singing with her very musical family in church when she is able.