Bridge to Haven

Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers

Francine Rivers is an author in a league of her own. Rivers takes excerpts of Scripture and writes a parable. Bridge to Haven is another to add to her stellar list of God-honoring, well-written works.

Abra is abandoned within minutes of her birth. The newborn is left under a bridge in the town of Haven. Pastor Ezekiel Freeman discovers her during his early morning prayer trek through town. Despite his wife's delicate health, the Freemans adopt Abra. Until Abra is five she knows nothing outside of having loving parents and a brother, Joshua. When Marianne Freeman dies, Pastor Zeke is forced to make the hardest decision of his life. He asks Priscilla and Peter to adopt her. Suddenly Abra has two parents and now a sister, yet her five year old  mind can't understand what she did wrong to make Zeke not want her anymore.

Thus begins a pattern in young Abra's life or so she sees. Penny, her newly adopted sister, soon becomes jealous of her. Zeke pulls himself farther away in order to make the transition easier for Abra. She only sees Josh on Sundays, and then he's drafted and away for three years. Despite the leading of the adults in her life, Abra can't understand why God would or should care about her. Her heart becomes ripe for the enemy's picking as her fears of abandonment blossom.

Cue Dylan. Dylan is the extremely handsome new boyfriend of Penny. Abra takes one look and she's both jealous and intrigued. It isn't long before Dylan drops Penny and challenges Abra to leave Haven behind. Her desire to be wanted and Dylan's smooth ways soon have her visiting the worst places California has to offer. Dylan keeps her around longer than he has any of his other conquests, but it more the challenge because Abra never adopts the attitude of worshiping Dylan. Eventually he does want to trade her out so she's passed over to another man.

Franklin Moss has other intentions for Abra besides the sexual pleasure Dylan sought. He sees potential in her to make money. Soon Abra Freeman is gone and Lena Scott is born. Her beauty captivates audiences as she begins making movies. However, Franklin's motives turn more selfish and he eventually marries her to control her.

After years of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse; Abra is ready to resurface. The foundation laid by Pastor Zeke and the people of Haven is still strong. Abra eventually leaves Hollywood behind with no destination in mind. A series of hardships fall on her and she ends up in the same town as Joshua Freeman who has spent five years praying she'd return to him. In a desperate attempt to get Josh to leave her alone, she confesses all her sins and only finds forgiveness. His forgiveness becomes the bridge to Haven.

Bridge to Haven is a masterful tale of the power of forgiveness and the lesson faithfulness. God's timing isn't always our and we can't always see His plan, but it is there and we need to trust. No matter how much sin separates us from God, the bridge to Him is the length of the cross. Always the length of the cross. The cross is never too short nor is it too long. It bridges the gap to His loving presence.

Firewall

Firewall by DiAnn Mills

Taryn Young has landed the perfect guy. Francis Shepherd fell into Taryn's life like a gift from God. He was everything she dreamed of and he swept her off her feet. The only thing standing between her and happily ever after is a dream honeymoon  until terrorists blow up the Houston airport. Now Mrs. Shepherd is 1/2 of a suspected terrorist duo who have killed American citizens.

Waking up in the Houston hospital, Taryn goes head-to-head with FBI Special Agent Grayson Hall. He's not convinced she knew nothing about her husband's plans nor how he left the airport just minutes before the bomb went off. Desperate Taryn escapes her hospital room to seek answers of her own. The next time she sees her husband he isn't the Prince Charming she dreamed of. He's the man who killed her best friend, kidnapped a child, and is using a gun to threaten Taryn.

Mills is the master of crafting a suspense, action-adventure. She weaved enough red herrings into this plot to keep the mastermind hidden from view until the last minute. Mills always writes must-reads.

My only nitpick is the "mastermind" appeared in chapters in the first person. This has become a new fad in writing and it irritates the appreciation right out of me. I tend to skip those chapters. Which means maybe I could have figured out who did it if I had read those pesky switched POV chapters. Skipping them didn't detract from my appreciation of the story so I 'm not factoring it into my rating.

Critical Pursuit

Critical Pursuit by Janica Cantore

Cantore brings another intense police adventure. Brinna Caruso was abducted as a child. The cop who found her, Milo, never rested until she was back home. Taking a page from his book, Brinna dedicates her life to finding missing children with her K-9 partner, Hero. An incident while on duty sidelines Hero and puts Brinna back on patrol with Jack O'Reilly. Jack is grieving his wife and unborn child killed by a drunk driver. Unable to go back to Homicide, O'Reilly took desk duty until he was told to return to Homicide or patrol.

Neither wants to be in a squad car with each other. Suddenly though their pasts catch up with them. Young girls are being abducted and Brinna is being taunted by the abductor. The driver who killed Jack's wife will be sentenced in two weeks. Brinna's mentor, Milo, passes away and her father is dying of cancer. There isn't time to face the past though when two young girls close to Brinna are abducted by the person who abducted her twenty years before.

Cantore delivers with real-life police situations and the application of where God fits in amidst tragedy.

When I Fall In Love

When I  Fall In Love by Susan May Warren

Warren has a way of telling a story which will completely gut you and fill you with hope simultaneously.  Grace Christiansen has a gift, but fear has sidelined her from experiencing the potential she possess. Max Sharpe lives life fearlessly on the hockey ice and off except when it comes to love. Their lives intertwined through Max’s former teammate and Grace’s brother, Owen, is about to clash. Max has no time for fear and Grace has no time for anything she fears. Until a vacation in Hawaii has them learning about more than just mixing ingredients which shouldn’t complement each other into gourmet meals.

While Grace and Max learn to overcome their fears, we are introduced to Casper Christiansen and Raina. I’m hoping a story for Casper is on the horizon although depending on what Warren does with Raina, we might be visiting Owen first. Either way I’m interested to see the next saga of the Christiansen family. Warren has a way of surprising you.

I don’t want to spend too much time on the story because if you enjoy a good novel, you don’t want to miss out on When I Fall In Love. However, I need to take a moment and recognize the gifting Warren has for intertwining story with lessons. Each of Warren’s novels has caused me to pause and reflect. When I Fall In Love resonated with me. Ten years ago I was Max, concerned less with the future and more with this present moment. These days I’m Grace, bogged down with responsibility of being dependable to those in my life. It isn’t just “falling in love” where Warren will challenge how you view life. The truth is there needs to be a balance. It is about marrying Max and Grace in our own lives so we glorify Christ with our eyes on eternity while not worrying about tomorrow.

A good story is a wonderful escape. You might find yourself in another country or falling for a man you wouldn’t in real life. A great story will do the same, but also challenge your way of thinking. Warren proves to be consistent with each novel.

Here To Stay

Here To Stay by Melissa Tagg

I am so glad Tagg told Blake Hunziker’s story.

*ahem*

Blake Hunziker returns to his hometown of Whispering Shores five years after leaving to forget the painful memories of his brother, Ryan. Ryan’s death has simultaneously pushed Blake to a life of adventure while guilting him into leading a quiet life. After a fake marriage with a reality TV star, Blake returns home to face the wrath of his family.

Except wrath isn’t waiting for him when he opens his parent’s front door. Unexpectedly his parents couldn’t be happier to see him and Blake wasn’t prepared for their joyous response. At his father’s bidding Blake finds himself committing to reviving the Christmas Festival. Facing tinsel instead of a lynching mob has Blake overwhelmed, he turns to Autumn Kingsley to assist with the planning.

Autumn’s life is wrapped up in a not-so-perfect bow in Whispering Shores. Her family’s Inn is falling apart and one missed loan payment away from no longer being the family inn. Her not-so-secret dreams of leaving Whispering Shores are one letter away from coming true. If she can just get an investment, she can save the Inn and the jobs of her friends. When Blake shows up on her doorstep asking for her help, she agrees believing a successful festival will cement the chances of her departure.

What follows is a fun and charming story. Made To Last was a cute story, but Here To Stay was memorable. A good writer tells a story. A great writer makes you part of the story. I was engulfed in Here To Stay. I wanted Autumn to realize her dreams of traveling. I wanted Blake to come home and finally shake off the guilt. I wanted them to be together. I’m curious to see what Tagg has planned next.  

Made To Last

Made To Last by Melissa Tagg

What does a woman who hosts a home repair show with slipping rating do to increase public interest? She introduces the husband she's spoken about for the past three years. What does a woman who hosts a home repair show do when there is no husband? She hires one to be a stand in for the press. What does a supremely private woman do to further help her struggling show? She allows a reporter to shadow her and compose a daily blog.

At least this is what Miranda Woodruff does when her show is threatened with cancellation. Only three people know the truth the husband she talks about so often was supposed to be the ex-fiance who walked out on her three years prior. She mistakenly believes Blake "Blaze" Hunziker is the former fiance, Robbie, and an idea is born.  Suddenly Randi's solitude in the mountains of North Carolina is overrun when reporter, Matthew Knox, moves in to a cottage on her property to observe her relationship with Blaze. The weight of the lie rests heavily on Randi's shoulders until it threatens to overwhelm her when Blaze, Matthew, and Robbie collide.

Made To Last was the first book by Tagg I've read. I enjoyed her voice and the authenticity she pens stories with. I would have appreciated a little more information on Blaze. I'm over the schtick of introducing a character and teasing their back story for the follow up novel. It tends to keep the character from being fleshed out.

Beside the one minor nitpick, I am looking forward to Tagg's next novel. Luckily for me it is Blaze's story. It's on to Here To Stay.

Undetected

Undetected by Dee Henderson

Gina Gray excels at everything academic she touches. Twenty-nine years old and she's a secret weapon for the U.S. Navy. She fails socially in her own mind. Freshly single with her thirtieth birthday around the corner, Gina recovers from her breakup at her brother's condo on a Navy base.

When she asks Jeff to consider introducing her to a few of his friends, Jeff immediately considers Mark Bishop. After consulting with Mark, Jeff introduces Gina to Daniel Field. As Gina and Daniel grow closer, Mark realizes his mistake.

While Gina struggles with determining her romantic future, her professional future stands on the cusp of a breakthrough. As Gina's discovery change the scope of modern warfare for the U.S. Navy, her personal life becomes a series of conflicting emotions. As Gina grows socially and determines the roles of the two men in her life, she becomes a national asset with long-reaching ramifications.

I was hesitant to invest in Undetected. I've loved Henderson's writing from the O'Malley series. She came back from her hiatus and lost the action-suspense which set her apart from most other writers. Her books have become light on action while increasing the number of pages.

Undetected was a wonderful read. While still light on the action-adventure, the characters and their journeys was compelling. Gina Gray is awkward with her relationships with men. She wants a straight-forward answer and direction. She's looking for honesty. Mark Bishop, a widower, is looking to be a good husband again. Daniel Field is hoping be a husband one day to the right woman.

Each character had flaws. While at times the characters can appear to be a bit too perfect, they are real. They struggle with their faith and hoping for a future. Gina tries to balance the responsibility of her naval discoveries and the insecurities she feels regarding every other aspect of her life. Once I opened the pages to Undetected I became lost in the story.

Raptor 6

Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig

Kendig begins her third military series with Raptor 6 with Captain Dean Watters and his team in Afghanistan. A local school is blown up and when Dean and his team show up with an assist, he meets missionary Zahrah Zarrick. An American with Afghan bloodlines, Z is a contradiction who holds secrets which will make her a target either of her own people or the American soldiers fighting against terrorists. As their lives continue to intertwine and nefarious plans come to light, Dean battles his history as it shapes his future.

I enjoyed Raptor 6 more than Kendig's last tale in her Military Working Dog series. I connected with Dean and Z almost from introduction. My only complaint is real life kept me from finishing the book in one sitting. The plot moved at a pace which meant putting the book down was torture.

Kendig's fictional work is an homage to our men and women and the sacrifices, burdens they shoulder, and the honor with which they live their lives. There were roughly five chapters in Raptor 6 which were hard to read because Kendig writes with respect and realism. She doesn't glorify the soldiers as unbreakable, perfect men and women. She gives them faults and allows them to make mistakes, but doesn't shy away from the realities they face on the battlefield.

Reading Raptor 6 so close to Easter brought to mind the photos which make their way around Facebook periodically. On Good Friday we watched The Passion of the Christ. Raptor 6 tied in to the sacrifice our Lord made for us. He bore the pain and suffering we earned. He endured the cross to save us from the torment.

The ending of Raptor 6 gave us a brief glimpse this ride isn't over. We'll be revisiting Dean and his team as they neutralize the continued threat.

The Men of the Texas Rangers

There are four books in The Men of the Texas Rangers series by Margaret Daley.
Saving Hope
Shattered Silence
Scorned Justice 
Severed Trust

I'm doing a combined review because I honestly didn't take a breath between reading books. The first was marked complete and the second was opened in a heartbeat.

Margaret Daley pens a great story of the men who comprise the modern day Texas Rangers. Each book contains a mystery to be solved (murder, missing children, drug distribution) while her heroes are everyday people. I like my heroes with faults. The perfect hero doesn't exist. Daley blends together the warmth of southern hospitality, the grit of Texas living, the power of the Texas Rangers, the romance of loving a Texan, and action. I appreciated the stories are contemporary as usually Texas Rangers get the historical treatment.

Heart of the Country

Heart of the Country by Rene Gutteridge

True story. I read this book after seeing the movie. I couldn't figure out why the title and cover of the movie were so familiar. Then one day I stumbled upon the book in my Kobo account. It clicked.

The book is always better than the movie.

Luke Carraday rode into Faith's life like a knight on a white steed. His family lived in the castle on the hill. Ok, not really, but the Carraday's weren't hurting for money. Faith, a simple country girl, was suddenly living the life she'd always dreamed of. Until the day Luke was arrested for his part in a Ponzi scheme. Faith finds herself stuck between the family she left and the in-laws who never really approved. Eventually facing the family she had abandoned became her only choice.

Returning to the country where she grew up, Faith finds she has more growing to do. The only question is will Luke be there or is the new Faith one whose life won't have room for Luke?

It took longer than normal from start to finish with Heart of the Country. Mostly because I'd spoiled the story for myself by watching the movie.

Beowulf

Beowulf by Ronie Kendig

The third in A Breed Apart series brings Beowulf, an explosives detection dog, and his handler, Timbrel Hogan. Beowulf and Hogan are assigned to assist with sniffing out some potential WMDs with a team in Afghanistan. A member of the team, Candyman, took a liking to Timbrel when they met. Using Beo as a buffer, Timbrel does her best to avoid him and get the job done. When Beo hits on explosives and it turns out to be a false hit, Timbrel's confidence takes a hit and she returns stateside. However, she was on a collision course with Tony "Candyman" Van Allen and the proof she needed that Beo has a perfect track record without a false hit. Add in a Hollywood starlet mother and Timbrel must face her past to march on to her future.

Kendig kept the action rolling in Beowulf.  She never fails to deliver a story which will increase your appreciation for our military men and women. I have to admit though Beowulf failed to keep my attention as her other books have when not focused on the action portion of the story.

I found Timbrel to be a tough-as-nails chic. The problem is that she never showed a vulnerable side which justified Candyman's attraction to her. Of course Candyman's internal monologue showed exactly what he was attracted to and it wasn't her personality. In order to account for Timbrel's lack of personality, Kendig increased her physical attraction. Honestly between Timbrel's attitude, Beowulf, and  their bond;  I don't know why Tony stuck around or pursued her as he did. She never cracked enough to give him hope.

When she did finally crack Tony was the one pushing her away. Tony's family history complicated his recovery from a potentially career-ending injury. His fears of a dim future created a distance that Timbrel had just attempted to close.

Beowulf seemed overwrought with romantic drama. I don't recall any of Kendig's previous stories being centered on the love story before. The epic love story or OTP as TV viewers would refer to it was the weak section of Beowulf. When moving through the military action or even the tracking of the WMDs, Beowulf was a story I couldn't be pulled away from. The drama from the romance bogged the book down.

I still have to rate this book high because I'm not sorry I read it. Compared to Kendig's other works it is probably her weakest in the A Breed Apart series. Kendig continues to deliver on the action though and it appears it will be Dean Watters turn in Raptor 6.

Lone Survivor

Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell

There are a few things that I need to preface this review by saying.
A) I am a firm supporter of our military men and women.
B) I set aside a bunch of quotes from the book but really you just need to read the entire book.
C) I read this in anticipation of the movie coming out. I knew the story but wanted the details.
D) I am not a fan of the media. Primarily the American media. a
E) I'm not a fan of politics. Any politics

Marcus Luttrell was 1/4 of the Seal team dispatched for Operation Redwing. An operation took them to the mountain of Afghanistan where a decision cost 3/4 of them their lives. Michael Murphy, Matthew Axelson, and James Suh gave their lives that day for the country they pledged to fight for.

There is something about a Navy SEAL that demands respect. Before they earn their tridents, they are a breed apart from most of the civilization. They are the .05% of the population. They approach life not with the decision to be warriors; they are warriors. It is sewn into their DNA like a calling.

The fabric of who they are in encapsulated in one of the lectures Luttrell received in BUDs.
"Accountability.... Respect.... Integrity.... Reputation...."

There were a whole bunch of words between those key words and the message was character-building and life-changing. The tangible difference between men of SEAL caliber and normal citizens is they possess a determination that won't allow them to quit. They are ingrained with a sense of justice and fight for what is right with unyielding perseverance.

In my opinion this very character trait is the sticking point which put Operation Redwing in dire straits. Faced with killing three unarmed goat herders or risking the consequences of letting them go, they made the decision their conscience could live with.  It pinned them down in enemy territory outnumbered 30-1.

As the three other members of Operation Redwing were gunned down, Marcus Luttrell dug deep and fought to survive. Determined to not let his teammate's deaths be in vain, he crawled to survive. The kindness of an Afghanistan man and an ancient principle known as Lokhay kept him alive until he was reunited with American soldiers.

In an age of technological connection, it was a village on the side of a mountain disconnected from the rest of the world where two men from different cultures both risked their lives to save another. Four SEALS spared the lives of innocent farmers while an Afghan village protected an American warrior from the Taliban.

I have many opinions on the vultures who front as reliable news media personnel. I have opinions on the bureaucrats who effectively tie the hands of our military men, leaving them as targets to the enemy who don't fight the war with dignity.

Mostly though I know there are a select few in our Country who are stitched together with loyalty, courage, determination, perseverance, and a confidence to be the best that ever wore a uniform. Marcus Luttrell is one of these men and he told the inspiring story of his survival and the brave men of Operation Redwing.

In Memoriam
http://www.navy.mil/moh/mpmurphy/soa.html

Trapped

Trapped by Irene Hannon.

Every teenager suffers through rules. The curfews are too early. The bedroom doesn't have to be clean if you close the door. The backpack gets left on the couch. Every teenager pushes the boundaries of authority.

However, Laura Griffith wasn't prepared for her step-sister's resentment of every request Laura made of her. Darcy's father died only a few months before and yet it feels like a lifetime go. Darcy inherited their mother's free-spirit. Laura's life is practical and organized. Their worlds collide when all they have left is each other.

Darcy feels anything but gratitude and eventually she takes off. She's lined up a place to stay in Chicago if only she can get a ride through the winter storm blanketing St. Louis. As the storm draws out her departure date, Darcy befriends a volunteer at a shelter. Mark is a kind guy who is almost too good to be true. Eventually, Darcy realizes he is when Mark traps her in a soundproof room in his basement.

Laura Griffith turns to Phoenix, Inc for help in locating her wayward step-sister. James Devlin is a former ATF agent who knows the risks that a teenager on the street faces. He takes the case hoping to relieve the fears that haunt Laura.

The reunion between Laura and Darcy culminates in an inferno of sisters learning how to encourage each other to live.

Hannon is one of the top suspense writers for Christian fiction. She keeps you guessing as to how the case is going to be solved.

Glittering Promises

Glittering Promises by Lisa T. Bergren

Third book in the Grand Tour series.

The rebirth of Cora Diehl Kensington comes full circle. After discovering that she's part of the wealthy Kensington family and joining them for a Grand Tour through Europe, Cora becomes a tabloid sensation. The story of a poor girl coming into a wealthy inheritance has caught the eye of reports, paparazzi, and criminals.

Cora follows her heart and defies society by picking her tour guide, Will. Despite being pursued by a wealthy Frenchman, Cora believes her future is with Will. However, doubt and insecurity being to creep in and soon enough their promising future looks a bit uncertain. Along the way more attempts are made on Cora's life as loss continues to pile up for the Kensington family.

I'm glad  this series is over. There was never any doubt who Cora would choose and the journey to get there was exhausting. At every turn there seemed to be a more ridiculous obstacle in Cora's way. Sudden jealousies arise between Will and Cora that were fabricated through ridiculous plot points. As the tour comes to a close Cora is dodging metaphorical bullets. She's been kidnapped more than once. She's been fooled repeatedly. This series would have benefited from being a single book on the longer side. It reached beyond ridiculous at points.

When we finally reach the end, it is abrupt and anorexic. I wanted more and it wasn't there. We wasted too much time on ridiculousness and the payout wasn't enough.

I wanted to like this series more. However, between the uncomfortable reading of switching voices when moving between points of view and the drawn out plots, I just couldn't endorse this series.

Real Men Don't Text

Real Men Don’t Text by Michael and Ruthie Dean

The Deans bring advise to a generation of tech-savvy daters wondering how to navigate the virtual waters to marriage. Attempting to date a serial texter requires a translator. Michael and Ruthie brought a crash course in understanding what a texter means when they say “are you busy tonight?”

I found Real Men Don’t Text gave a lot of practical advice. If the guy doesn’t have the motivation to call you, you shouldn’t find the motivation to get dolled up for a date. If the guy texts you like he texts his friends, he probably doesn’t intend on you being anything other than a friend. You can’t sit around and wait for the next text, you need to live life. If the text doesn’t come, move on.

What I felt Real Men Don’t Text failed to take into consideration is we are far down the technological road. We can no longer see the point we started from in the rearview mirror. I’m probably a few years older than the intended demographic for this book and many of my friends wouldn’t be “friends” if we followed the logic in Real Men Don’t Text. We’ve reached the point of a generation not reaching for the phone to make a call first, but reaching to text. We are tweeting our devotion to our significant others. Facebook statuses are proclaiming our love. One-on-one communication is dying.

I love the idea behind going “old school” and speaking to each other. There are many phone conversations in my past with wonderful friends and boyfriends which lasted multiple hours. Many time I think “I miss the sound of so-and-so’s voice.” The reality is we need to accept the evolution of today’s advancement and train our children to respect themselves and others. Text messages don’t have to be booty calls. They are simply what Facebook is to MySpace. 

I'm No Angel

I'm No Angel by Kylie Bisutti

 Kylie spent her life battling with her physical appearance. Her long legs and trim figure partnered with a beautiful face prompted adults around her to comment on her future as a model while children mocked her. Eventually their words became a driving force behind Kylie's desire to be a model and eventually achieve the pinnacle of being a Victoria Secret's Angel.

This book highlights two truths - beauty is sometimes an illusion and God's will for our lives will propel us into unique places meant to glorify Him. Kylie's natural affinity for modeling helped her own runways and photo shoots internationally. As a teenage Kylie achieved two milestones in her life; she became a Christian and an Angel. Only one of those would give her peace and an everlasting treasure. The other robbed her of the very essence of an empowered woman.

I can't say I enjoyed this book because my heart is broken. Too many girls won't read this book because they don't want to hear from a fallen VS Angel. They are more intrigued by the current cast of disillusioned women who believe their worth lies in the slimness of their thighs, the tightness of their abs, and the perkiness of their breasts. The facade of perfection is achieved after countless hours of lies and manipulation through fake tans, Photoshop, and the more dire physical punishment that models endure. I couldn't put this book down though because the transformation was beautiful. Too many people view models as butterflies, but it was only after leaving behind the extensions, make up, bronzer, and designer clothing that Kylie truly transformed.

Kylie shines a light on the lies of the modeling industry; the reality of women who sell their bodies or use sexual stimulating images to garner attention. It is a dangerous mentality for young girls to become women who place their value in how they compare to other women. Her journey from determined model to a content woman of God is a beautiful tale of how when God is the center of our lives our thoughts change to mirror His. Scriptures are tied in skillfully with the lessons that Kylie learned in each chapter even when she didn't know the lesson herself.

With brutal honesty Kylie penned her way from Angel to being shunned by the modeling industry.

Stranded

Stranded by Dani Pettrey is the third in her Alaskan Courage series. It follows Submerged and Shattered. 

I've been looking forward to today for a while. Really since the publishing date was announced. Even with all the anticipation, Pettrey didn't disappoint. Stranded took us on another Alaskan adventure that kept me reading until the last page.

Darcy St, James first appeared in Shattered. She assisted the McKenna family in proving their brother,innocence. During that time she became close to Gage McKenna. A few fundamentals kept them apart though. She was a Christian. He had very painful memories of his last relationship. Darcy left on assignment and now five months later it is as if Gage never existed.

Their paths meet when both are hired by Destiny Cruise Lines. Darcy is writing publicity articles on the Alaskan Adventure excursions that Gage is in charge of. Darcy isn't simply writing articles though. She's assisting her former investigative journalist partner, Abbey, with uncovering the truth behind some sketchy happenings. The problem is that Abbey disappears before Darcy has a chance to speak with her.

While accompanying passengers on kayaking trips and hiking trails for their Alaskan Adventure expeditions, Darcy and Gage find one of their own. Something evil is afloat and they are determined to put an end to its voyage.

Again Pettrey delivers. She paints Alaska as an imperative character in each of her novels. The McKenna family remains interesting and with each adventure we learn more about them. I'm looking forward to their next adventure in Silenced.

Renegade

Renegade by Mel Odom

Odom follows Deployed with Renegade. We pick up a few months later and follow Private Pike. He's in Witness Protection trying to bring justice for the death of his only friend. He's a tough case though. He's a Marine Reservist and isn't easy to get along with. The marshals have frustrated him with their procrastination on bringing Petey's death to a close. He holds himself aloof from everyone because history proves they won't care for him in the long run.

Until a young boy named Hector begins to weave his way in through the few cracks that Pike has. Pike begins a tough battle within himself as he slowly begins to care for Hector, a few fellow Marines, and the occasional person who appears in his life.  It's easier to shut  his emotions down, but shutting down his emotions creates a monster.

Orders to Afghanistan separate him from Hector only to bring him in direct contact with Bekah Shaw. When Pike finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time, he determines to shut himself down for good. The problem is that Bekah won't let him close that door.

I really enjoyed the story, but I liked the analogy that Odom drew even more. Without losing his story or getting preachy, Odom points out bluntly that you can't have it both ways. You have to choose to care or choose to not care. You can't live forever in a state of flux. Caring leaves you susceptible but it also renders great rewards.

As with Deployed, there are still loose ends in Renegade. I'm  hoping we return to Bekah, Pike, and Shaw down the road.

Dead Lawyers Tell No Tales

Dead Lawyers Tell No Tales by Randy Singer

This was the first book I ready by Singer. It won't be the last. First his title sounds like something out of Pirates of the Caribbean. Second his main character is a former quarterback.  Touchdown!

Landon Reed has discovered a new version of himself. A former high-ranked college quarterback he fell from his  pedestal when it was discovered he'd been part of a point shaving scheme. After two years in jail he is released. First he marries his longtime girlfriend and mother of his daughter. Second he buckles in to earn his degree as a defense lawyer.

As he struggles to make his way without being that guy who shaved points, Harry McNaughton comes along and gives him an opportunity. Harry is unconventional at best, but he knows how to win. Landon is pumped to learn from Harry. That is until other lawyers in the firm are killed. Including Harry. As Landon takes on one of Harry's high profile cases, he realizes he may have stepped onto a field he wasn't ready for.

Singer ties together this story with precision. I was worried the legalese would bulk it up and weigh it down, but I was fascinated through the entire story.  Can't wait to read more!

Grave Consequences

Grave Consequences by Lisa T. Bergren

Bregren picks up where she left off in Glamorous Illusions with Grave Consequences. Cora Diehl is adjusting to life on a Grand Tour as Cora Diehl Kensington. Her life went from being a farmer's daughter with a couple of dresses and a hope of becoming a teacher to a life where she wears multiple dresses a day and being courted by a French nobleman.

Danger still haunts their steps even as they leave France. Cora's heart is torn between her growing feelings for the forbidden Will and the charming Pierre. As Cora fights to reclaim her identity despite new found blood lines, adventures await in foreign lands.

I found Grave Consequences to be a bit too long. A personal dislike of mine is that Cora's portion of the story was written in first person while Will's was written in third. It was a distraction and not one that I found easily overcome. While the meat of the story was engaging and entertaining, the completed work needed to be cleaned up.

I'll read the third in the series just to see how it ends. I'm not jumping to purchase more of Bergren's books though.