TITLE:  Pursuit (The Lewis Legacy Series, Book 8)
AUTHOR:  JoAnn Durgin
DATE:  2017
STARS:  *****

From the time he was a little boy, all Will Lewis wanted to do was ride a rocket ship to the stars. Now, more than three decades later, NASA Commander William Jordan Lewis prepares to lead his STS-777 Pursuit shuttle crew on a six-week mission to the International Space Station. Nothing and no one will interfere with his single-minded purpose…until four months before his mission, Will meets the girl next door, a petite beauty with a southern accent and a masculine-sounding name who challenges and completely captivates him. 

Dalton Smith isn’t sure what to make of her very tall, space-obsessed—and annoyingly handsome—astronaut neighbor. Her career as a contemporary Christian vocalist is beginning to soar, and she has no time for a romantic relationship. But Commander Lewis captures her attention and won’t let go. 

Like many others, I waited anxiously for Pursuit, the eighth novel in JoAnn Durgin’s Lewis Legacy series. I’d read and loved each of the previous books, so it didn’t take much arm-twisting to convince myself to purchase this one. I’m so glad I did.

Astronaut Will Lewis made only brief appearances in the other Lewis Legacy stories, so I was eager to get to know him better. As it turns out, so was his new neighbour, Christian singing artist Dalton Smith. Watching their relationship develop was a sweet joy, perfect for this Valentine’s week—or any time.

The author’s tremendous research shone in this story, and she incorporated NASA information seamlessly. Well done! Ms. Durgin managed to make the space shuttle and ISS familiar enough that I could envision it, a truly amazing feat.

But this is not simply a sweet love story between a singer and an astronaut. Pursuit is a fitting title, as it’s the name of the shuttle Will commands but it also describes God’s quest for a close relationship with His children. Through fears, thrills, and dangers, Will and Dalton have choices to make: trudge on their own way, or yield to God’s pursuit.
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Highly recommended. I give Pursuit five stars and wish I could give more.

TITLE:  Justice Delayed (Memphis Cold Case #1)
AUTHOR:  Patricia Bradley
DATE:  2017
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS:  *****

It's been eighteen years since TV crime reporter Andi Hollister's sister was murdered. The confessed killer is behind bars, and the execution date is looming. But when a letter surfaces stating that the condemned killer didn't actually do it, Detective Will Kincaide of the Memphis Cold Case Unit will stop at nothing to help Andi get to the bottom of it. After all, this case is personal: the person who confessed to the crime is Will's cousin. They have less than a week to find the real killer before the wrong person is executed. But much can be accomplished in that week--including uncovering police corruption, running for your life, and falling in love.

First, the disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I’ve read several books by Patricia Bradley and have enjoyed each nail-biting tail, so when this one arrived, I knew it would be an entertaining thrill. Ms. Bradley did not let me down. And I could not put the book down. From the opening lines of the prologue, tension held me in its grip as I quickly got to know and care about not only the lead characters, but their supporting case, as well.

The ticking clock echoed loud and clear throughout this story, as Andi and Will dug into carelessness and cover-ups, all while Andie was being hunted. Twists and false leads kept me guessing until the end—not easy to do.
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If you enjoy fast-paced, thrilling stories with some sweet romance, Justice Delayed is a great choice. Highly recommended, it earns five stars.
 

TITLE:  Love at Sunset Lake: The Abundance Series Book 1
AUTHOR:  Sally Bayless
DATE:  2016
PUBLISHER: Kimberlin Belle Publishing
STARS:  ****
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A caterer who’s been burned by love. An artist who’s withdrawn from the world. A property battle that just might heal them both. 

When struggling caterer Tess Palmer inherits her great-aunt’s home at Sunset Lake, Missouri, she thinks she’s found the way to save her business. Selling the property can provide just the infusion of capital she needs to pay off her debts and move to a larger commercial kitchen. 

Wildlife painter Jack Hamlin, who lives across Sunset Lake, wants the area kept exactly as it is—a place where waterfowl can thrive and where he can find peace and solitude to ease his troubled heart. Although he’s drawn to Tess’s honesty and beauty, he’s appalled to learn she would welcome a deal with a developer, and he vows to stop her. 

As Tess discovers the reasons why Jack is so passionate about protecting the lake, she finds him more and more attractive, and she takes a tentative step past her own emotional pain. But there seems to be no solution to the impasse over the property. As a sale becomes imminent, can Jack and Tess overcome the obstacles to trust and love, and finally find their hearts’ desire? 

Love at Sunset Lake drew me in, first with the setting—who wouldn’t love to live beside a quiet lake? Then the characters, finely drawn and deeply layered, invited me to enter their lives. Tess’s business is in trouble, and she’s focussed on saving it, no matter what. At first.

Jack will do anything to save his precious lake from development, and his cousin is more than willing to help him. Oh dear. That’s all I can say without giving too much away.

I thoroughly enjoyed Love at Sunset Lake and award it four stars. Recommended. Disclaimer: I received this book through a BookBub ad, with no expectation of review. All opinions are my own.