You Belong with Me Review

Realtor Hannah Thornton has many talents. Unfortunately, selling houses in the town where her family name is practically poison isn't one of them. When a business tycoon determines to raze historic homes in the small town of Heritage, Michigan, and replace them with a strip mall, Hannah resolves to stop him. She sets about helping Heritage win a restoration grant that will put the town back on the map--and hopefully finally repay the financial debt Hannah's mother caused the town. But at first no one supports her efforts--not even her best friend, Luke.

Luke Johnson may have grown up in Heritage, but as a foster kid he never truly felt as if he belonged. Now he has a chance to score a job as assistant fire chief and earn his place in the town. But when the interview process and Hannah's restoration project start unearthing things from his past, Luke must decide if belonging is worth the pain of being honest about who he is--and who he was.

You Belong with Me was a fantastic debut for Tari Faris. This small town setting features many wonderful characters as well as strong christian themes. Hannah and Luke were both wonderfully relate-able characters and their journey was a fun one to follow. Full of twists and turns this book is sure to hook you on this new author. You Belong with Me is a sweet contemporary romance that is the beginning of what is sure to be a wonderful series by Tari Faris . 

5 out of 5. 

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

The Girl Behind the Red Rope Review

Ten years ago, Grace saw something that would forever change the course of history. When evil in its purest form is unleashed on the world, she and others from their religious community are already hidden deep in the hills of Tennessee, abiding by every rule that will keep them safe, pure--and alive. As long as they stay there, behind the red perimeter.

Her older brother's questions and the arrival of the first outsiders she's seen in a decade set in motion events that will question everything Grace has built her life on. Enemies rise on all sides--but who is the real enemy? And what will it cost her to uncover the truth?

The Girl Behind the Red Rope by Ted Dekker and Rachelle Dekker is a very thought provoking read. This is a book that you read and then think about for a few days. Its message will stick with you and hopefully make you think about things in your own story. I enjoyed the premise and the discussion of fears. I also thought the father/daughter writing duo did a great job on this book and look forward to reading future collaborations by the two of them. 

4 out of 5. 

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

Deadly Intentions Reveiw

Research scientist Caitlyn Lindsey is convinced that someone is taking out her team one by one. First, a friend and research partner was killed in a home invasion. Three months ago, her boss died in a suspicious car accident. Four days ago, another partner supposedly committed suicide. And now Caitlyn herself has miraculously survived a hit-and-run. Afraid for her life with nowhere to turn, she reaches out to one of the victim's husbands, Detective Josh Solomon.

Though initially skeptical about Caitlyn's theory, Josh soon realizes that the attack that took his wife's life was anything but random. Now the two of them must discover the truth about who is after Caitlyn's team--and what their end game is--before it's too late.

Deadly Intentions by Lisa Harris is one of the best mystery/thriller books I've read in a while. It will definitely be taking its place on my favorites shelf. The pace is quick and the plot complex enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. Both of the characters, Caitlyn and Josh, are easy to instantly be invested in. Whether you've been a fan of Lisa Harris from the very beginning or you've just stumbled upon her Deadly Intentions will not disappoint.

5 out of 5. 

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

A Glitter of Gold Review

Anne Norris moved to Savannah, Georgia, for a fresh start. Now her pirate-tour business is flagging, and paying the rent requires more than wishful thinking. When she discovers evidence of a shipwreck off the coast of Tybee Island, she knows it could be just the boon she needs to stay afloat. She takes her findings to local museum director Carter Hale for confirmation, but she runs after a disastrous first meeting.

Carter has been searching for the location of the wreck detailed in the worn pages of an 18th-century diary, the discovery of which could open the door to his dream job at a prestigious museum. But convincing Anne to help him fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle is no easy task. And working with Carter means that Anne will have to do the one thing she swore she'd never do again: trust a man.

Finding a monetary backer and sticking with a search that's turning up nothing will take all their dedication--and every secret they've tried to hide. If they can find the lost ship, they may discover a treasure worth more than all the pirate gold in the world--love.

A Glitter of Gold by Liz Johnson is a wonderful edition to the Georgia Coast Romance series. Also who doesn't like a good story with pirates! Anne and Carter are two characters both at the end of their ropes in one way or another. Together they have to let go of their pasts and work together to find this ship. I thoroughly enjoyed A Glitter of Gold, the mix of past and present story is also a fun twist. I can't wait for whatever Liz Johnson come up with next!

5 out of 5. 

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

Vow of Justice Review

FBI Special Agent Lincoln St. John is living his own personal nightmare. When the woman he loves, Allison Radcliffe, is killed, he devotes his life to tracking down the killers and making them pay for their crimes. He expected it to be a challenge. What he never expected was to find Allison very much alive shortly after her "murder." As his anger and hurt mix with relief, Linc isn't sure how he's supposed to feel. One thing he does know for sure: he and Allison will have to work together to stop a killer before she dies a second time--this time for good.

Vow of Justice by Lynette Eason is such an exciting read! I loved the premise of this story and the mystery had some fun twists. The characters are familiar if you've read the previous books in this series but even if you haven't don't be afraid to jump in, it is it's own story. The action and intrigue will have you turning the pages until late into the night. Vow of Justice is a great conclusion to the Blue Justice series, be sure not to miss it. 

5 out of 5. 

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

Yours Truly, Thomas Review

For three years, Penny Ercanbeck has been opening other people's mail. Dead ends are a reality for clerks at the Dead Letter Office. Still she dreams of something more--a bit of intrigue, a taste of romance, or at least a touch less loneliness. When a letter from a brokenhearted man to his one true love falls into her hands, Penny seizes this chance to do something heroic. It becomes her mission to place this lost letter into the hands of its intended recipient.

Thomas left his former life with no intention of ending up in Azure Springs, Iowa. He certainly didn't expect a happy ending after what he had done. All he wanted to do was run and never look back. In a moment of desperation, he began to write, never really expecting a reply.

When Penny's undertaking leads her to the intriguing man who touched her soul with his words, everything grows more complicated. She wants to find the rightful owner of the letter and yet she finds herself caring--perhaps too much--for the one who wrote it.

Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham is the perfect sweet romance for your summer. Penny is a delightful character who is full of hope. I loved seeing how her actions impacted Thomas' life and others. I also loved the premise of this novel and found it to have a good bit of intrigue mixed in to keep you turning the pages. Yours Truly, Thomas is the perfect book to read when you need an escape into a someone else's story.

5 out of 5. 

The 49th Mystic Review and Rise of the Mystics Review

Some say the great mystery of how one can live in two worlds at once died with Thomas Hunter many years ago. Still others that the gateway to that greater reality was and is only the stuff of dreams.

They are wrong. In the small town of Eden, Utah, a blind girl named Rachelle Matthews is about to find out just how wrong.

When a procedure meant to restore Rachelle's sight goes awry, she begins to dream of another world so real that she wonders if Earth might only be a dream experienced when she falls asleep in that reality. Who is a simple blind girl to have such strange and fantastic dreams?

She's the prophesied one who must find and recover five ancient seals--in both worlds--before powerful enemies destroy her. If Rachelle succeeds in her quest, peace will reign. If she fails, both worlds will forever be locked in darkness.

So begins a two-volume saga of high stakes and a mind-bending quest to find an ancient path that will save humanity. The clock is ticking; the end rushes forward.

Ready? Set?

Dream. 

Rachelle Matthews, who grew up in the small town of Eden, Utah, discovered just how wrong when she dreamed and awoke in another world. There she learned that she was the 49th Mystic, the prophesied one, tasked with finding five ancient seals before powerful enemies destroy her. If Rachelle succeeds in her quest, peace will reign. If she fails, the world will forever be locked in darkness.

In The 49th Mystic, Rachelle found the first three of those five seals through great peril and mind-altering adventure. But two seals remain hidden and the fate of both worlds hangs in their balance.

As Rachelle Matthews sits deep in a dungeon, Vlad Smith is just getting started. Thomas Hunter's world is about to be turned inside out. The mystics say that there is no defense against the Fifth Seal--but finding it will cost Rachelle everything.

So begins the final volume of high stakes in one girl's quest to find an ancient path that will save humanity. The clock is ticking; the end rushes forward.

The 49th Mystic and The Rise of the Mystics by Ted Dekker are two wonderful reads. Especially for any and all fans of Dekker and of his Circle series. I remember the Circle series being the first books of his that I read back when I was in high school and I've enjoyed his writing ever since. That being said The 49th Mystic and The Rise of the Mystics did not disappoint. I feel like you could probably pick up these books without having read the Circle series but I suggest  reading it first anyways because its great. Rachelle is a great character to follow throughout this series. As a reader I feel like you will be able to discover things about yourself along with the characters in the books. The story line is captivating and I once again fell in love with this universe jumping style. Overall Beyond the Circle is a great two book series for lovers of Ted Dekker's wonderful storytelling. 

5 out of 5 for both books.