TITLE:  Beyond the Tides (Prince Edward Island Shores, #1)
AUTHOR:  Liz Johnson
DATE:  2021
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: ****

Back cover:
When Meg Whitaker's father decides to sell the family's lobster-fishing business to her high school nemesis, she sets out to prove she should inherit it instead. Though she's never had any interest in running the small fleet--or even getting on a boat due to her persistent seasickness--she can't stand to see Oliver Ross take over. Not when he ruined her dreams for a science scholarship and an Ivy League education ten years ago.

My review:
Meg’s bitterness toward Oliver prods her to give up her beloved position as teacher to fight for her father’s lobster boat and business. After all, he destroyed her dreams all those years ago; why should he be rewarded now with her father’s trust and her legacy?

Oliver needs to win this duel for the sake of his family and his own future, but he doesn’t want to hurt Meg again. Her father’s decision to make them work together to determine who should get the business doesn’t sit well with either of them, but neither will give in or give up.

Working on a lobster boat has been Oliver’s life for many years, and he knows Meg struggles with seasickness. But instead of making it easy for him to triumph over her, his compassion pushes him to help her. And as he persists, Meg is forced to realize that perhaps her old anger is hurting them both.

I have to admit Meg’s bitterness did not appeal to me, but her love for her parents and determination to overcome her weaknesses won me over. Oliver makes a worthy hero with his strength of physique and character, and I loved “watching” them learn to work together. As a Canadian, I especially appreciated the wonderful Canadian setting.
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The story’s pace felt a bit slow at times, but I enjoyed this story and look forward to the next in the series. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and award Beyond the Tides four stars.
 

TITLE:  The Nature of Small Birds
AUTHOR:  Susie Finkbeiner
DATE:  2021
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: ****

From the back cover:
In 1975, three thousand children were airlifted out of Saigon to be adopted into Western homes. When Mindy, one of those children, announces her plans to return to Vietnam to find her birth mother, her loving adoptive family is suddenly thrown back to the events surrounding her unconventional arrival into their lives.

Though her father supports Mindy's desire to meet her family of origin, he struggles privately with an unsettling fear that he'll lose the daughter he's poured his heart into. Mindy's mother undergoes the emotional roller coaster inherent in the adoption of a child from a war-torn country, discovering the joy hidden amid the difficulties. And Mindy's sister helps her sort through relics that whisper of the effect the trauma of war has had on their family--but also speak of the beauty of overcoming.

My review:
The Nature of Small Birds was not what I’d expected after looking at the cover and reading the back copy, but it surprised me. The cover seemed bland and unremarkable; I chose to read the story anyway, and I’m glad I did. The family’s struggles and bonds of love inserted them deeply into my heart.

Until I started writing this review, I didn’t notice that – as far as I can tell – the family’s last name is not mentioned. Or did I miss it? Because each point of view is written in first person, the lack is not missed. It is a unique method of story-telling, with three points of view and three time periods, The jumps back and forth in time didn’t always flow well, but they did add depth to the characters. And this story is all about character: personalities and how they clash and mesh, family ties even when difficult, and the overriding faith that allows loved ones to fly, to leave the nest.

When I was in high school, one of my friends had been airlifted from Korea after that war and adopted, much like the Vietnam Babylift, so Mindy’s yearning for answers resonated with my memories.
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I was given a copy of The Nature of Small Birds by Graf Martin Communications Inc. and Baker Publishing; it earns four stars. Recommended.
 

TITLE:  The Chase (US Marshalls, Book 2)
AUTHOR:  Lisa Harris
DATE:  2021
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: *****

From the back cover:
US Marshal Madison James may not be sure who shot her three months ago, but she does know one thing--it's time to get back out into the field. When her partner, Jonas Quinn, receives a message that a federal warrant just came in on a man connected to a string of bank robberies, Madison jumps at the chance to get back to work. What she and Jonas find is a bank robbery in progress that's gone wrong--and things are about to get worse.

For these bank robbers, it's never been just about the money. It's about taking risks and adrenaline rushes, and getting caught is not part of the game. When the suspects escape, Madison and Jonas must hunt them down and bring them to justice before someone else--someone close to them--gets hurt . . . or worse.

My review:
Getting reacquainted with US Marshals Madison and Jonas (from The Escape) was a rush. On Madison’s first day back at work after being shot, she and her partner, Jonas, are thrust into pursuing skilled bank robbers. Twists and turns keep the tension high as they strive to solve the identities of the robbers and keep them from hurting anyone else.

The relationship between Madison and Jonas has deepened since their first story together, making a delightful, sweet romance a possibility. Will they admit their feelings or push them aside?

This is the kind of suspense novel I really enjoy: realistic, fast-paced plot, engaging characters, and high tension without gore. Faith plays a important part in this story, also, which I appreciate.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and award it five stars. Recommended!  
 

TITLE:  On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor
AUTHOR:  Jamie Jo Wright
DATE:  2021
PUBLISHER: Bethany House
STARS: ***

From the back cover:
1885.
Adria Fontaine has been sent to recover goods her father pirated on the Great Lakes during the war. But when she arrives at Foxglove Manor--a stone house on a cliff overlooking Lake Superior--Adria senses wickedness hovering over the property. The mistress of Foxglove is an eccentric and seemingly cruel old woman who has filled her house with dangerous secrets, ones that may cost Adria her life.

Present day.
Kailey Gibson is a new nurse's aide at a senior home in a renovated old stone manor. Kidnapped as a child, she has nothing but locked-up memories of secrets and death, overshadowed by the chilling promise from her abductors that they would return. When the residents of Foxglove start sharing stories of whispers in the night, hidden treasure, and a love willing to kill, it becomes clear this home is far from a haven. She'll have to risk it all to banish the past's demons, including her own.

My review:
I wanted to enjoy On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor, but it was too dark for me. I’d wanted a mystery but also got a big helping of horror – not my cup o’ tea.

Not all was negative, though. I loved the relationship between Kailey and her brother, Jude, and Axel intrigued me. The history of the area was a surprise; I enjoy learning as I read, so that was a plus. Author Jaime Jo Wright’s skill as a storyteller is obvious in the way she wove past and present into taut suspense.
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I received a copy of On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor from Graf Martin Communications Ltd. and Baker Publishing Group and award it three stars. 

​TITLE:  At Lighthouse Point (Three Sisters Island #3)
AUTHOR:  Suzanne Woods Fisher
DATE:  2021
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: ****

From the back cover:
Blaine Grayson returns to Three Sisters Island with a grand plan--to take Camp Kicking Moose to the next level. Her dream starts to unravel when she discovers Moose Manor's kitchen has been badly remodeled by her sister, Cam, who doesn't know how to cook. Added to that blow is the cold shoulder given by her best friend, Artie Lotosky, now a doctor to the unbridged Maine islands.

As old wounds are opened, Blaine starts to wonder if she made a mistake by coming home. Little by little, she must let go of one dream to discover a new one, opening her heart to a purpose and a future she had never imagined.

My review:
The cover of At Lighthouse Point caught my eye first, with its beautiful coastal scene the drew me to take a closer look. When I noticed the subtitle and realized this is the third story about Three Sisters Island, I was ready to pack my imaginary bags for another visit to Maine.

Poor Blaine! Eager to return to her home and family, she discovers her older sister has jumped ahead of her carefully designed plans for the family camp’s kitchen, in effect destroying Blaine’s plans. Not only that, the young man she brought home, Jean-Paul, is immediately assumed to be her boyfriend, in spite of both their protests.

The relationship and communication problems of the three sisters and their father tugged at my heartstrings, each one so different yet bound by family ties. Forgiveness doesn’t always come easily, but it is so necessary.

My favorite character in the story is Jean-Paul, the visitor who keeps getting injured. His compassionate wisdom exceeds his years, making a huge difference in the Grayson family.
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I enjoyed At Lighthouse Point and award it four stars. I received a copy of this book from Graf Martin Communications Ltd. and Baker Publishing.
 
 

TITLE:  Along a Storied Trail
AUTHOR:  Ann H. Gabhart
DATE:  2021
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: ****

From the back cover:
Kentucky packhorse librarian Tansy Calhoun doesn't mind the rough trails and long hours as she serves her Appalachian mountain community during the Great Depression. Yet she longs to find love like the heroines in her books. When a charming writer comes to town, she thinks she might have found it--or is the perfect man actually closer than she thinks?

Perdita Sweet has called these mountains home for so long she's nearly as rocky as the soil around her small cabin. Long ago she thought she could love, but when the object of her affection up and married someone else, she stopped giving too much of herself away to others.

As is so often the case, it's easier to see what's best for others than to see what's best for oneself, and Perdita knows who Tansy should choose. But why would anyone listen to the romantic advice of an old spinster?

My review:
Like a once-familiar song, the cadence of Appalachia—part of the charm of this story—took me some time to reconnect with, but within the first chapter the lilts enchanted me once again.

The beautiful and often harsh Appalachia setting makes itself an important character, molding the actions of the other, human characters. I have not yet had the privilege of visiting this area, but author Ann H. Gabhart brings it to life.

Tansy makes a compelling heroine, strong yet unsure of herself. Her determination to fulfill her responsibilities inspire me. Perdita’s journey, both bitter and sweet, adds a plethora of emotions to Along a Storied Trail.

Tansy’s two possible suitors, although unequally matched, added depth and hope, while other characters like young Coralee make me hope for a sequel.
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I enjoyed Along a Storied Trail and award it four stars. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher.
 

TITLE:  Unknown Threat
AUTHOR:  Lynn H. Blackburn
DATE:  2021
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: *****
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Back Cover:
US Secret Service Special Agent Luke Powell is lucky to be alive. Three of his fellow agents have died in unusual circumstances in the past ten weeks. Luke is devastated by the loss of his friends and colleagues, and his inability to locate the killer feels like a personal failure. He's an expert at shielding others, but now the protectors are in need of protection.

FBI Special Agent Faith Malone is driven to succeed and confident in her ability to solve every case she's assigned. She's been put in charge of the investigation into the unprecedented attacks, and with Luke's life in danger, the stakes have never been higher. But it's hard to know how to fight back when you don't know who the enemy is.

As more agents are targeted, Luke and Faith will have to work together to bring a killer to justice and prevent any more names from joining their fallen brothers and sisters on the Secret Service Wall of Honor. 

My Review:
Unknown Threat kept me reading without a break to the totally satisfying end. Luke and Faith are complicated people with histories full of hurt and jagged walls between them. When they’re forced to work together to solve a deadly and tangled case, sparks are bound to fly.

Sparks, bombs, bullets…they all fly in this tight suspense. Each of the agents involved is recognizable, they are so well drawn. And did I mention the tension? Extremely high, and yet touches of humor sparkled in the darkest hours, allowing me to catch my breath.

The growing attraction between Faith and Luke amazed me with it tenderness in such dire circumstances, and I appreciated the spiritual growth in both.

I was given a copy of Unknow Threat courtesy of Graf Martin Communications Ltd. and Baker Publishing Group, and this story easily earns five stars. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense.

TITLE:  Present Danger
AUTHOR:  Elizabeth Goddard
DATE:  2021
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: ****

Back Cover:
Former FBI Special Agent Jack Tanner is working as a detective in Montana when he comes across a body in the national forest during a search and rescue mission. He's committed to finding the killer, even if it means working alongside his old flame, US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors.

When Terra discovers that the murder victim had ties to a powerful and dangerous trafficker of archaeological artifacts, the investigation takes a deadly turn--one that hits too close to home. As Terra fears she lacks the courage to face what comes next, Jack is more determined than ever to protect her. But he's failed her before. And if he fails this time, it will cost them far more than just their hearts.

My Review:
If you enjoy fast-paced stories with multiple characters, twists and convoluted plots, you will love Present Danger. The main characters, Jack and Terra, end up working together to try to solve the dangerous puzzle entangling them and forcing them to confront deep hurts from their pasts. Whether they can solve the crimes is one complex issue; dealing with their personal history is an additional minefield.

The multi-layered mystery kept me riveted, even though the characters didn’t really resonate with me. I did find the short chapters/scenes distracting, but others will likely appreciate them. I enjoyed the story enough to read it twice. Present Danger earns four stars.

I was given a copy of Present Danger courtesy of Graf Martin Communications and Baker Publishing Group.
 
 
 
 

TITLE:  Blackberry Beach (A Hope Harbor Novel)
AUTHOR:  Irene Hannon
DATE:  2021
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: *****

From the back cover:
Katherine Parker is on the cusp of having everything she ever wanted--fame, money, and acclaim. So why isn't she happy? In search of answers, she comes incognito to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast for some R&R. Maybe in her secluded rental house overlooking the serene Pacific she'll be able to calm the storm inside.

Coffee shop owner Zach Garrett has found his niche after a traumatic loss--and he has no plans to change the life he's created. Nor does he want to get involved with his reticent new neighbor, whose past is shrouded in mystery. He's had enough drama to last a lifetime. But when Katherine and Zach are recruited to help rehab a home for foster children, sparks fly. And as their lives begin to intersect, might they find more common ground than they expected . . . and discover that, with love, all things are possible?

My review:
I have loved every Hope Harbour novel I’ve read, and Blackberry Beach continues the trend. Zach intrigued me from the first time we “met,” and Kat/Katherine makes a fascinating heroine. Hope Harbour seems an unlikely home for each of them, given their backgrounds, but something about the small town draws them in.

While Zach is already established in his small coffee shop business, Kat is just vising—hiding, really. Watching their relationship grow from tentative outreaches and responses warmed my heart.

Getting reacquainted with the sweet and quirky residents of Hope Harbour made my time there thoroughly enjoyable. Charley is a perennial favorite, with his mysterious insights and wisdom, while the two pastors and their comical bickering enticed several chuckles.

Faith plays an important role in this story, as in the previous Hope Harbour books; the message comes through clearly and realistically.
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Blackberry Beach is everything I look for in a novel, and it easily earns five stars. I received a copy of this book from the publisher.