TITLE:  The Dragon Roars (The Seven Trilogy Book 2)
AUTHOR:  Sara Davison
DATE:  2016
PUBLISHER: Asberry Lane
STARS:  ****1/2

The year is 2054. As the world descends into chaos around them and Christians in Canada and around the world face tighter and tighter restrictions, Jesse and Meryn wage a battle against forces of darkness--both physical and spiritual. They face the threat of being ripped apart forever as Gallagher closes in on his favorite target. Jesse’s life hangs in the balance.

Jesse, Meryn, and all believers must decide if their faith is strong enough to carry them through these dark days, or if the cost of declaring allegiance to Jesus Christ is just too high.

No one in the army can find out that Captain Jesse Christensen has become a believer. He and bookstore owner Meryn O’Reilly are forced to meet in secret, facing imprisonment or worse if they are found together. Their relationship deepens, but so does Lieutenant Gallagher’s hatred for the Christians in their city. As Gallagher’s power grows, it becomes clear that his connections go much further up the chain of command than anyone realized, putting all believers, especially Jesse, in extreme danger.

Meryn wants to give her heart to Jesse fully, but her past holds her back. Although circumstances conspire to keep her silent, she needs to tell him her secret. When he finds out what she has been keeping from him, nothing will stand between them anymore.

Or nothing will ever be the same.

A word of warning: This series is a trilogy, so The Dragon Roars is not meant to be a standalone. As a matter of fact, reading Sara Davison’s first book of the trilogy, The End Begins, is a commitment to read all three books. These stories will not let you go!

The tension and danger continue for Jesse, Meryn, her family, and all Christians in this too-realistic novel. As the enemies of Jesus Christ gain power, faith is purified and love is a rare and precious treasure. There were times, in reading this story, I had to take a break to allow my heart rate to settle. At other times, I smiled (sometimes through tears) at the innocence and pure faith of the two young children of this tight-knit group.

Sara Davison’s writing is powerful, her message timely. She eloquently portrays both the devastation of evil and the wondrous power of Almighty God. The Dragon Roars earns four and a half stars. Definitely recommended.

TITLE:  Another Day Another Dali (Serena Jones Mystery #2)
AUTHOR:  Sandra Orchard
DATE:  2016
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS:  ****

When a valuable Salvador Dali painting belonging to her grandmother's friend is mysteriously replaced by a forgery, FBI Special Agent Serena Jones is called in to investigate. Serena hopes finding the thief will also mean finally measuring up to Nana's expectations. But when the evidence points to members of the owner's own household, it becomes increasingly clear that Serena won't be winning any popularity contests. 

The Dali isn't the only painting that's fallen prey to the forgery-replacing thief, raising the specter of a sophisticated theft ring--one with links to dirty cops, an aspiring young artist, and the unsolved murder of Serena's grandfather. To make matters worse, someone connected to the forgeries seems to be determined to stop Serena’s investigation—no matter the cost.

Having read and enjoyed Sandra Orchard’s A Fool and His Monet, I was eager to read this second book of the Serena Jones mystery series. Although an astute detective in her field of fine art, Serena seems blissfully unaware of the turmoil she brings to the two men in her life, Tanner and Nate. When her current investigation takes a dangerous turn, both men strive to protect her, and that creates both added tension and some delightful humor.

One thing I missed in Another Day Another Dali was any kind of faith message. For that reason, I struggle with describing the book as a Christian novel, but it is a fun, clean romp of a mystery, suitable for teens and up.

This book is obviously not the final of the series, as some questions were left unanswered. But more than one mystery was revealed, granting satisfaction to this reader. I look forward to the next Serena Jones Mystery, as this one earns a solid four stars. Recommended.
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Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by the publisher; this review is my honest opinion.

TITLE:  The End Begins (The Seven Trilogy, Book 1)
AUTHOR:  Sara Davison
DATE:  2015
PUBLISHER: Ashberry Lane
STARS:  *****

When your beliefs are at war, does love stand a chance?

Bookstore owner Meryn O'Reilly and Army Captain Jesse Christensen are on opposite sides of a battle. After a series of terrorist attacks in 2053, martial law has been declared in Canada and the military has taken over. When a radical Christian group claims responsibility, Jesse and his platoon are sent to Meryn's city to keep an eye on the Christians and ensure they are not stepping outside the confines of the law.

Fiery and quick-tempered, Meryn chafes under the curfew and other restrictions to her freedom. Jesse is equally amused, intrigued, and terrified by her spirit. She could find herself in prison if she shows defiance to the wrong soldier, namely Lieutenant Gallagher.

Jesse watches out for Meryn when possible, although she wants nothing to do with him. His worst fears are realized when she commits a crime he cannot protect her from. Now they both face an uncertain future and the very real threat of losing everything, including their lives. With time running out, Jesse works feverishly to convince the authorities to show leniency to Meryn. And to convince her that love can overcome any barrier that lies between them.

The first book of the Seven trilogy will have you biting your nails to the quick as Jesse and Meryn’s romance takes them to a place they never thought possible. Love and beliefs in 2053 battle it out as Canada, and the world, becomes an increasingly dangerous place for those who call themselves Christians.

I’d seen Sara Davison’s The End Begins on various internet sites, and while intrigued, I didn’t grab a copy right away. Why? Because I was afraid. I usually avoid stories about end times, because fear wraps around my faith and squeezes tightly. But recently I was gifted a copy of this book, and it turned out to be more than worth the risk. Yes, it is tense. Yes, it did make me realize these terrible events could happen—and soon.
Actually, the only complaint I have with The End Begins is the year of the story, because I believe such federal opposition to Christianity is imminent. But the message of faith in the face of trials carried me through this story, and one line continues to resonate: “This is God, pulling out all the stops.” That reminder of Who is in control, no matter the circumstances, shines not only in this story, but in my heart. I feel compelled to share one other line, so beautifully written, as the hero realizes that forgiveness is “the light that counteracts the darkness of all this pain.” Such a wonderful hope!
Ms. Davison’s characters are realistic, and Meryn’s spunk and rock-solid faith contrasted perfectly with Jesse’s doubts and duties. Their dialogue, in particular, sparkles, and the supporting cast covers the spectrum of good and evil.
The End Begins challenged my fearfulness and encouraged my faith. It earns five stars, and I highly recommend it.  

TITLE:  Wild Montana Skies (Montana Rescue #1)
AUTHOR:  Susan May Warren
DATE:  2016
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS:  ****

Search and rescue pilot Kacey Fairing is home on leave in Mercy Falls, Montana, twelve years after she joined the military to escape the mistakes of her past. With a job waiting for her as the new lead pilot of Peak Rescue in Glacier National Park, Kacey hopes to reconnect with the now-teenage daughter she sees only between deployments. What she doesn't realize is that someone else is also back in town. 

Ben King has been building his country music career since the day Kacey shut him out of her life. Now all of that's on hold when his injured father calls him home to help run Peak Rescue until he's fully recovered. It doesn't take long, though, to discover his father's ulterior motives as Kacey Fairing walks into the house and back into his heart. 

With Mercy Falls in a state of emergency due to flash floods, Kacey and Ben are forced to work together to save lives. But when floodwaters turn personal, can they put aside the past to save their future? 

This is the first full-length Susan May Warren novel I’ve read, and I’m quite sure it won’t be the last. Kacey Fairing is an interesting heroine, with her PTSD issues, guilt and anger from the past. So when that past confronts her in the person of Ben King, sparks fly—and they’re not romantic. At least not at first.
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Words of faith are scarce, but they do appear eventually and added an important element. An unsolved mystery from a previous novella added to the tension, and the large cast kept things lively. I enjoyed this story and its message of forgiveness. Wild Montana Skies earns four stars from me. Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

TITLE:  Traces of Guilt
AUTHOR:  Dee Henderson
DATE:  2016
PUBLISHER: Bethany House
STARS:  ***1/2

Evie Blackwell loves her life as an Illinois State Police Detective . . . mostly. She's very skilled at investigations and has steadily moved up through the ranks. She would like to find Mr. Right, but she has a hard time imagining how marriage could work, considering the demands of her job. 

Gabriel Thane is a lifetime resident of Carin County and now its sheriff, a job he loves. Gabe is committed to upholding the law and cares deeply for the residents he's sworn to protect. He too would like to find a lifetime companion, a marriage like his parents have. . . . 

When Evie arrives in Carin, Illinois, it's to help launch a new task force dedicated to reexamining unsolved crimes across the state. Spearheading this trial run, Evie will work with the sheriff's department on a couple of its most troubling missing-persons cases. As she reexamines old evidence to pull out a few tenuous new leads, she unearths a surprising connection . . . possibly to a third cold case. Evie's determined to solve the cases before she leaves Carin County, and Sheriff Thane, along with his family, will be key to those answers. 

Dee Henderson used to be one of my favorite authors because of her high-tension plotlines and realistic characters. In Traces of Guilt¸ the characters are quite compelling, but the action seemed to plod. Since Evie, Gabriel, and the others involved are investigating cold cases, it stands to reason that much research and digging would be required. I’m sure the descriptions of the procedures necessary to work a cold case are accurate, but this story included too much detail and repetition for my liking.
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There were sections of high drama, and I did come to care about the Thanes and their friends/coworkers. For that reason, Traces of Guilt earns three and a half stars. Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

TITLE:  Tangled Webs (Men of Valor #3)
AUTHOR:  Irene Hannon
DATE:  2016
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS:  *****

After a disastrous Middle East mission ends his six-year Army Ranger career, Finn McGregor needs some downtime. A peaceful month in the woods sounds like the perfect way to decompress. But peace isn't on the agenda once he crosses paths with publishing executive Dana Lewis, a neighbor who is nursing wounds of her own. Someone seems bent on disrupting her stay in the lakeside cabin she inherited from her grandfather. As Finn and Dana work together to discover who is behind the disquieting pranks, the incidents begin to take on a menacing tone. And when it becomes apparent Dana's foe may have deadly intent, Finn finds himself back in the thick of the action--ready or not. 

Bestselling author Irene Hannon draws readers into a web of psychological suspense where danger lurks in dark corners . . . and keeps them captive until the very last page. 

It had been some time since I read the first two books of this series, Buried Secrets and Thin Ice, but I had no trouble remembering the characters from each, especially the other two McGregor brothers. Their strong family bond attracted me even more than their strength and good looks. So when Tangled Webs opens with youngest brother Finn trying to overcome his trauma, the reason for his self-imposed isolation and his brothers’ wariness brought me right back into their world.

Dana Lewis’ own trauma sparks an immediate connection with Finn, and the increasing danger that threatens her cements their bond. I admired her courage and levelheadedness as she faced an unknown enemy.

The dialogue, especially the brotherly jibes, added light moments that made me chuckle.

The sheriff’s dilemma broke my heart and made me consider how one choice can affect lives in so many ways.
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Once I began reading Tangled Webs, I was hooked. The characters, tension, romance and subplots wove together to produce and excellent story. My honest opinion is that this book earns five stars. I was given a copy of this book by Baker Publishing Group.

TITLE:  A Lady Unrivaled
AUTHOR:  Roseanna M. White
DATE:  2016
PUBLISHER: Bethany House
STARS:  ****

Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile--even if it's just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well the danger that has haunted her brother and their friend, and she won't wait for it to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better. 

Lord Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he's determined to live a better life. But that proves complicated when old friends arrive on the scene and try to threaten him into a life of crime. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won't budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her--and his daughter--from those dangerous people who seem ready to destroy them all?

Historical fiction is not my usual choice, but this one’s blurb and beautiful cover piqued my interest. While it took me a while to get used to the cadence of A Lady Unrivaled, its intriguing characters, so rich in layers, and sparkling dialogue kept the pages turning.

Lady Ella is a delightful heroine, and Lord Cayton’s brooding, sometimes surly, disposition is the perfect foil for Ella’s perpetual sunshine. I loved their banter as they grew to know and appreciate one another, and the mystery and menace brought by other individuals added greatly to this tapestry of relationships.

Perfect for fans of Downton Abbey, I give A Lady Unrivaled four stars. Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.