TITLE:  The Escape (US Marshals)
AUTHOR:  Lisa Harris
DATE:  2020
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: ***1/2

Back Copy:
US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn are thrust into a high-profile case when they are called on to transport two prisoners across the country on a private plane. But when the plane experiences engine trouble en route from the Pacific Northwest to Colorado, the pilots crash-land the aircraft deep in the heart of the sprawling Salmon-Challis National Forest.

When Madison and Jonas regain consciousness, they find both pilots and one prisoner dead--and one fugitive on the run. They'll have to negotiate the rugged and remote backcountry through Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado while tracking a murderer who is desperate to disappear--and will do anything to stop them.

My Review:
I’ve read several books by Lisa Harris and expected a fast-paced, high tension story. This one almost met those expectations. My attention wandered now and then, and there were places where the plot line seemed terribly familiar to another story. Coincidence? Perhaps.

Madison James appealed to me. Capable in spite of pain, she is a worthy heroine. Jonas Quinn felt a little flat but still attractive. The settings, first the rugged Idaho mountain forests and then the amazing scenery of Wyoming, kept me reading.

When I pick up a book to read, I expect a full story: great beginning, compelling middle, and fabulous ending. This story did not end well. The problem at the beginning of the story was not resolved, and I felt cheated. Used. Cliffhangers, in my opinion, are not a good way to treat a reader/reviewer.

As a Christian reader, I want to see faith lived out and the main characters growing in their faith. In The Escape, God was mentioned a few times. The characters depended on themselves and their team—not a bad thing, but not enough.

All in all, I was disappointed by this story. I hoped to award five stars, but The Escape earns three and a half stars from me. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher.
 

TITLE:  A Haven for Her Heart (Redemption’s Light #1)
AUTHOR:  Susan Anne Mason
DATE:  2020
PUBLISHER: Bethany House
STARS: *****

Back Copy:
Homeless after being released from a women's reformatory in 1939 Toronto, Olivia Rosetti is taken in by an angel of mercy, Ruth Bennington. The two discover they share a painful past and together decide to open a maternity home for troubled women.

Despite the success of the home, Olivia is haunted by her inhumane treatment at the reformatory and the way her newborn son was taken from her. She feels undeserving of love--until she meets businessman Darius Reed. Although his attention makes her heart soar, he can never learn of her past.

Greek widower Darius Reed is determined to protect his daughter from the prejudice that killed her mother. He'll ensure her future by marrying a woman from a respected Toronto family. But when Darius meets Olivia, he's immediately drawn to her beauty and compassion.

Can love prove stronger than prejudice and past mistakes? Or will Olivia's secrets destroy any chance at a future together?

My Review:
A Haven for Her Heart opened my eyes to a piece of Canadian history that enraged and challenged me. Who knew that not that many years ago (the reformatory was finally closed in 1969), unmarried, young pregnant women could be arrested and jailed for the crime of being incorrigible? The prejudice against these girls and their vile treatment was beyond horrible. This book is based on actual places and one woman’s true experience, making the story even more intense.

Sweet, young Olivia Rosetti gave in to her fiancé’s passion before he shipped out to fight in World War II, and the results of that one night changed the course of her life. Betrayed and disowned by her father, Olivia can never go home again, even after enduring eighteen months of violence at the women’s reformatory.

I couldn’t help but admire Olivia as she struggles to make her suffering a turning point, to reach out to others in the same predicament. Ruth is a true angel, coming to Olivia’s rescue and giving her a reason to live. Darius goes through a major change in attitude and choices, drawn to Olivia’s beauty of face and character.
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Each character in this story became real to me. My heart hurt for the pain the young women endured, sorrow upon sorrow. The author has written a magnificent tale of forgiveness, faith in God, and sacrificial service that eventually can lead to great joy. A Haven for Her Heart affected me deeply and earns five stars. I was given a copy of this book by Baker Publishing and Graf Martin Communications..

TITLE:  Nothing Short of Wondrous (American Wonders Collection #2)
AUTHOR:  Regina Scott
DATE:  2020
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: ****
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From the back cover:
It is 1886, and the government has given the US Cavalry control of Yellowstone. For widowed hotelier Kate Tremaine, the change is a welcome one. She knows every inch of her wilderness home like the back of her hand and wants to see it protected from poachers and vandals.

Refused a guide by Congress, Lieutenant William Prescott must enlist Kate's aid to help him navigate the sprawling park and track down the troublemakers. But a secret from his past makes him wary of the tender feelings the capable and comely widow raises in him. When her 6-year-old son is kidnapped by a poacher who wants the boy to guide him to the place where the last of the Yellowstone bison congregate, Will and Kate must work together to rescue him, save the bison, and protect the park. In doing so, they may just find that two wounded hearts can share one powerful love when God is in control.
 
My reactions:
Memories of spending a week exploring the wonders of Yellowstone years ago drew me to the setting of Nothing Short of Wondrous. The setting almost overshadows the characters in this story, but that’s not a negative. After all, the dangers of the fascinating area bring the lead characters together as Kate acts as guide to Will and his men.

One cannot help but admire Kate Tremaine. Widowed and left to maintain an aging hotel while caring for its guests, raising her son, and fending off unwanted proposals, financial and otherwise, Kate meets each challenge with determined spunk.
When foes do their best to ruin her reputation, thus jeopardizing her lease on the hotel, Will has the chance to be the hero he longs to be. But his dark secret may destroy a possible relationship with the lovely Kate.

I enjoyed this story, not only for the setting but because the characters became real to me. I adored young Danny and hoped Kate and Will could overcome their problems to find happiness together.
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Nothing Short of Wondrous earns four stars. I received a copy of this book from the publisher.