Trial Run Review

Reese Clawson's work is mind-bending--literally. Her company specializes in global data analysis for an elite group of industry executives, and now a lucrative government contract is moving her into the realm of cutting-edge intelligence gathering. She is determined to crack the limits of consciousness--and in doing so, the boundaries of secrets and lies. But her experiment crashes as test subjects slide into a coma-like state. Reese is left scrambling to maintain control, drawing three disparate people into the search for answers--an adrenaline-amped thrill junkie with altered brain chemistry, an Italian scientist working on remote-viewing technology, and a math prodigy whose algorithms subvert 
computer encryption.

Will this piecemeal team prevail when a government operative is sent to investigate? As the threads of perception and reality become tangled and even time itself twists in unexpected directions, one warning remains clear: what you don't know can kill you.

Trial Run by Thomas Locke was a book I had a hard time getting into. I really tried but for me I just couldn't get hooked. I'd read a chapter or two then set it down and not pick it up again for a long while. That being said I still have not finished it. I'm not quite half way through and while I do plan on finishing Trial Run I did not finish it in time for this review. I really want to like this book but for me its a lot of information coming at me that I don't quite understand. I feel like maybe Trial Run is meant for more science loving readers. I am not that. If you enjoy sci-fi I think this would be the perfect book for you. You might be able to understand what is going on more than I have been able to. :) 

3 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that was to much for me to finish.  

I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Through Waters Deep Review

War is coming. Can love carry them through the rough waters that lie ahead?
It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war. Handsome and outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. On shore, Jim encounters Mary Stirling, a childhood friend who is now an astute and beautiful Boston Navy Yard secretary. 

When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is discovered, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges--and dangers--await them.

Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin was a book that made it to my favorites shelve the minute I put it down. It has everything I love! Great history, amazing characters, and heartwarming romance. I love how much history Sarah puts into her books but without it becoming overwhelming. The characters were very easy for me to fall in love with and I can't wait for the next book in this series about the secondary characters Arch and Lillian. (Yes I enjoyed Through Waters Deep so much I read the Dear Readers!) Sarah is an amazing author and if you have yet to read any of her works I would suggest you get on it right away! 

5 out of 5. A lovely Afternoon Snack. 

I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Hope Harbor Review

Come home to Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.
Tracy Campbell never wanted to leave Hope Harbor, Oregon, or the idyllic three-generation cranberry farm where she grew up. But life--and love--altered her plans. Now she's home again--with a floundering farm to run . . . a tragic secret . . . and a wounded heart. Romance is not on her agenda. Nor is it on Michael Hunter's. The visitor from Chicago has daunting secrets and devastating regrets of his own. But when Tracy recruits him to help with a project that is close to her heart, winds of change begin to sweep through Hope Harbor, bringing healing, hope, and love to countless lives--including their own.

Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon was a wonderful story that just makes you feel good after finishing. I loved the wonderful characters that were brought to life and getting to see them each blossom in their own ways. Tracy, Michael, Anna and every other character have you from the very start rooting for a happily ever after. I love Irene Hannon's writing and can't wait to get my hands on more of her future works. I'm sure after reading Hope Harbor for yourself you will feel the same.

5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that is full of hope.

I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.
   

To Capture Her Heart Review

In an uncertain time, she faces a choice that will change her life forever
It is 1653 and Heather Flower, a princess of the Montaukett tribe, is celebrating her wedding feast when a rival tribe attacks, killing the groom and kidnapping her. Though her ransom is paid by an Englishman, she is bound by her captors and left to die--until she finds herself rescued by handsome Dutch Lieutenant Dirk Van Buren.

Still tender from her loss, Heather Flower begins to heal in the home of the Hortons, English friends of her people. Torn between her affection for Dirk and her longtime friendship with Ben Horton, Heather Flower must make a difficult choice--stay true to her friend or follow her heart. 

Okay first off I need to say that I did not read the first book in the series. I didn't know that there even was one before I asked to review To Capture Her Heart. That being said I think my enjoyment of this book was effected slightly because of that. To Capture Her Heart by Rebecca DeMarino was a book that I think I would have liked a lot more if I had read the first book in the series. There were so many characters to get to know and I felt a little lost. The story itself was pretty good. I loved the historical aspect of this story and I learned quite a bit. I just wish I would have paid ore attention and known that this was the second book, then I could have read book one (which sounds amazing by the way!). So I think that if you read book one then To Capture Her Heart will be an amazing read for you. As for me I now need to go find book one so that I can be more prepared when book three comes out!

4 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that would be an appetizing second.

I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Before you go check out this amazing giveaway!

Gone without a Trace Review

The past is repeating itself--and time is running out
It's been more than two years since homicide detective Livy Reynolds's cousin disappeared from Logan Point. Unlike most people in her hometown, Livy has never believed that Robyn left voluntarily. When Dallas private investigator Alex Jennings contacts her concerning a senator's missing granddaughter who was last seen in Logan Point, Livy notices eerie similarities between the two disappearances. With self-doubt plaguing her and an almost instant dislike of the self-assured PI, she's finding this investigation an uphill battle. But with the prospect of finding her cousin on the horizon, she'll have to find a way to work with Alex--before it's too late.

Gone without a Trace by Patricia Bradley was a book that I went through so quickly! In fact I read it almost right after I got it in the mail over a month ago. I almost forgot to write this review in time! But that doesn't mean I forgot about the book. I loved Gone without a Trace! I really fell in love with Alex and have added him to my list of favorite heroes. :) But the reason I loved this book so much wasn't just because of the swoon-worthy hero, it was the amazing writing that had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The mystery and suspense of Gone without a Trace was written perfectly. I was captivated by every page. This is a must read for sure!

5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that is going to have you on the edge of your seat!

I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Now and Forever Review

Saddle up for romance and adventure with the Wilde sisters!
Shannon Wilde is the middle sister--and the one who loves animals. She's established her own homestead and is raising sheep for their wool. Things are going fine...until Shannon gets swept over a cliff by Matthew Tucker!

Tucker seizes every opportunity to get away from civilization, but one particular walk in the woods ends with him sprinting away from an angry grizzly and plunging into a raging river, accidentally taking Shannon Wilde with him. Their adventure in the wilderness results in the solitary mountain man finding himself hitched to a young woman with a passel of relatives, a homestead, and a flock of sheep to care for.

As Tucker and Shannon learn to live with each other, strange things begin to happen on Shannon's land. Someone clearly wants to drive her off, but whoever it is apparently didn't count on Tucker. Trying to scare Matthew Tucker just makes him mad--and trying to hurt the woman he's falling in love with sets off something even he never expected.

Now and Forever by Mary Connealy was the amazing second book in her latest series Wild at Heart. I loved this book so much! But that should be no surprise because I love all of Mary's books! I have yet to read one that has left me disappointed! Her books always make me laugh and are a great pick me up. Great characters and great writing make for a great read. Shannon is a character that I think everyone will fall in love with immediately, as well as Tucker. Shannon's a tough heroine that doesn't just stand off to the side and swoon as the men take care of things. No, she gets right in there and helps save the day. Super fun read that you must start as soon as you can!

5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that I'm sure you'll love now and forever!

 I got a free review copy of Now and Forever from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest review.

The Innocent Review

She longs for peace--for her land and her heart--but can it truly be found at Harmony Hill?
Carlyn Kearney has spent two lonely years not knowing whether to mourn or to hope after she receives word from the Union Army that her husband is missing. When the war ends without further word, Carlyn finds herself penniless, in debt, and forced from her home. With nowhere else to go, she seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill.

The Shakers profess peace through simple living, but to Carlyn, the Shaker life seems anything but simple. When mysterious deaths disturb the peace of the village, Carlyn falls under intense scrutiny. Can a kind sheriff help her expose the true culprit?

The Innocent by Ann H. Gabhart was a book that I enjoyed immensely. I liked both of the main characters, Carlyn and Mitchell, and their story. This is the first book I have ever read about the Shaker community and I found it to be very informative. This is also the first time I have read a book by Ann and I now look forward to reading more of her writing. I'm pretty sure I have one of her books in my tbr kindle pile (which is way to big). I have a vacation coming soon though and I think I have one of the books that will be coming with me. :)

5 out of 5. A delightful Afternoon Snack.

I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.