TITLE:  Dangerous Illusions (Code of Honor #1)
AUTHOR:  Irene Hannon
DATE:  2017
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS:  *****

Trish Bailey is on overload trying to deal with a demanding job, an ailing mother, and a healing heart. When a series of unsettling memory lapses leads to a tragic death--and puts Trish under police scrutiny--her world is once again thrown into turmoil.

Detective Colin Flynn isn't certain what to think of the facts he uncovers during his investigation. Did Trish simply make a terrible mistake or is there more to the case than meets the eye? As he searches for answers, disturbing information begins to emerge--and if the forces at work are as evil as he suspects, the situation isn't just dangerous . . . it's deadly.

Warning: clear your schedule before beginning to read this book! Suspense, romance, and deadly secrets combine to create a tense and enthralling story I could not put it down, as teasers and twists kept me turning pages.

I couldn’t help but admire Trish Bailey. Her strong faith keeps her going when everything falls apart, and the handsome detective, Colin Flynn, makes a worthy hero. His strength of character in spite of doubts about God’s goodness tugged at my heart. The rest of the characters in Dangerous Illusions are multi-layered, and the villain is one of the most fascinating I’ve met in a long time.
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Dangerous Illusions fulfilled all my wishes for a terrific read, and it easily earns five stars. Recommended. Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

TITLE:  The First Noelle
AUTHOR:  Delia Latham
DATE:  2016
PUBLISHER:  White Rose Publishing
STARS:  ****

Noelle Joy stopped celebrating Christmas ten years ago, when Trevor Holden skipped out on their long-planned Christmas Eve wedding. He destroyed her trust in men, crushed her belief in God, and left her cynical about love. Gone is the bright, cheery spirit of the girl she thinks of now as “the first Noelle.” Stronger and savvier, the new Noelle would never be found waiting at the altar for a groom who didn’t show. When a famous-but-mysterious architect commissions her to decorate his mansion for a holiday event, Noelle finally returns to her hometown. Even as she finds an unexpected peace in facing ghosts from the past, her fiercely private client disturbs her.

Michael Holliday is kind and considerate, but far too handsome…and hauntingly familiar. Holliday didn’t choose Noelle to make his home a Christmas wonderland by accident. She’s the only one who can do the job he has in mind—and once she’s in his mansion, he never wants to let her go. But he’s hiding a secret that could destroy any chance of a relationship with the beautiful decorator. A false persona. A shattering secret. Can love break down these insurmountable walls?

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book as a gift. That said, it came when I needed a mental escape, just a little getaway, preferably with romance and suspense. The First Noelle delivered.

When we meet Noelle, she has reluctantly returned to her hometown, determined to complete her design contract and get out—again. Instead, her new client turns out to be much more than she’d bargained for.

The romance between Michael and Noelle compelled me, and the mystery from their past kept the pages turning. I have to admit, when the mystery was revealed, I was disappointed. Up until then, the story was totally believable, but I was unable to suspend reality enough to embrace that scenario. With just a few minor changes, it could have been perfect.
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As it is, I truly enjoyed The First Noelle and award it four stars. I love Delia Latham’s writing; she brings scenes to life with flawless prose and beautiful descriptions. Recommended.