"Code 13"

Don Brown

THE U.S. NAVY’S BILLION-DOLLAR CONTRACT FOR THE SALE OF DRONES LANDS TWO NAVY JAG OFFICERS IN THE GUN SIGHTS OF A KILLER.
Caroline is just getting her feet wet at the prestigious Code 13, but is thankful for at least one familiar face—her old flame, P.J. MacDonald. He loops her into the assignment he is currently working on—the legality of a proposed drone-sharing contract with Homeland Security that would allow the sale of drones for domestic surveillance. The contractor wants a legal opinion clearing the contract for congressional approval. But the mob wants the proposal dead-on-arrival.
When P.J. is gunned down in cold blood and a second JAG officer is killed, one thing becomes clear: whoever is ordered to write the legal opinion on the drones becomes a target. Which is exactly why Caroline goes to her commanding officer and volunteers to write the legal opinion herself. She is determined to avenge P.J.’s death and trap the killer, even if that means making herself a target.
It is a deadly game of Russian roulette for the sake of justice, but Caroline is determined to see it through, even if it costs her life.

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Code 13 was an excellent book...at the beginning. The plot is excellent and very suspenseful at points. As you read through the book different characters and their actions are introduced; however, the actions of the characters is what made me have to stop reading the book without completing it. In this "Christian" book drinking and smoking are mentioned often; then infidelity of some characters is mentioned and even at one point homosexuality. I was reading along not expecting any of it but especially the mention of homosexuality. As soon as I read it I put down the book and haven't read anymore of it. Just because things like this is happening in real life does not mean that it must be mentioned at all to sell the book. The plot was enough to sell the book without the frequent indiscretions. Also, for it being a Christian book God and the Bible were not mentioned anymore than five times in the first 250 pages I read. This only added to the disappointment. I rate the book a two but only because of the interesting plot.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM BOOK LOOK BLOGGERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES. 

 

 

 

"Keeper Of The Stars"

Robin Lee Hatcher

Because it’s not always love at first sight!
When her mother died from pneumonia, Penny Cartwright was heartbroken. But now, after burying her younger brother just 12 years later, she is devastated. Anger, guilt, and sorrow cloud Penny’s mind, and the last thing she wants is to be reminded of her pain—but that’s exactly what happens when a stranger comes to town.
Trevor Reynolds has been chasing fame for more than a dozen years, but his musical career can’t get off the ground. While on the road, an accident kills his young drummer, Brad Cartwright. Trevor wasn’t behind the wheel, but he still blames himself… and so does Brad’s sister, Penny. Now Trevor finds himself in Kings Meadow, determined to follow through on his final promise to his friend.
Still feeling the pain of Brad’s death, Penny and Trevor must learn that forgiveness is the only thing that can heal their hearts. And if they do forgive, something beautiful may rise from the ashes of heartbreak.

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This novel is as beautiful as the cover is!  It's filled with sweet moments, sad moments, happy moments, unsure moments and everything in between.

I must admit, I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book at first.  I got the impression that it was going to be a tear jerker, but it wasn't that at all. 

The characters are well developed and may seem predictable at first but they are not.  They are all struggling in one way or another, but they all learn to let go and let God do His will.

I absolutely loved Trevor's character.  He wasn't your average musician who is so self-centered that they don't even realize that there's a world that exists beyond the end of their nose.  Trevor was a truly selfless person, yes, he still wants to be a singer, but he realized that it's not about him.  I'm glad that Robin Lee Hatcher didn't drag that part out, for any of the characters.  

Usually, the characters wait until the absolute end of the book to get things right, but that wasn't the case in this one and it was so refreshing.  

Another refreshing part of the book was the fact that Penny didn't struggle so much with her growing affections for Trevor.  She did at first, but then she realized he wasn't the jerk she thought he was.  She also learned to forgive and to finally put everything in God's hands.

Penny's dad and Trevor's mom were very likable characters as well.  I was hoping that something would develop between them, but Robin Lee Hatcher leaves it up to your imagination.

This book is a must read for those who enjoy reading about second chances, romance and people who learn to fully trust in God.  Even though this is book three, it is also a stand alone novel.

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM BOOKLOOK BLOGGERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

 "Whispers In The Reading Room"

Shelley Shepherd Gray

Set in Chicago just after the closing of the Chicago World's Fair, "Whispers In The Reading Room" is a page turning historical mystery.  

Lydia Bancroft, who is a librarian, loves her job.  She is in her own world among her beloved friends, which are her books.  

She has noticed a mysterious dark-haired, dark-eyed handsome patron.  He comes to the reading room and immerses himself in reading different books, but he never checks them out to take with him.  Lydia then decides to "save" his current selection for him so when he comes back next time he "conveniently" finds it on the table next to his favorite chair.

While having tea with wither her fiance, Jason Avondale, she finally meets this mysterious stranger as he rescues her from her fiance's violent temper.  This allows them to strike up a fragile friendship.  She then learns that his name is Sebastian Marks and is a very wealthy "gentleman".  But she is shocked when she learns that he is the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club.

Instead of ending their friendship, Lydia insists on visiting his establishment and ends up being suspect in a murder investigation, much to the shock of her mother.  Her mother only wants her to patch things up with Jason Avondale, saying it was Lydia's fault he became angry with her and hurt her.

Lydia must decide who she can trust, who is innocent and if Sebastian Marks - the man so many people fear - is actually everything her heart believes him to be.

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This book shows us the shady side of Chicago.  A side where sin and crime runs rampant.  "Whispers In The Reading Room" is a very different from how Shelley Gray usually writes.  Even though I enjoyed this book I would have like it to have a more spiritual application.  One where Sebastian turns from his life of making money off of people's sins and turns to the Lord.  

This book was written during the time of Billy Sunday, so Marks could have heard Sunday street preaching and changed his life.  

I also didn't like all of the references to prostitution.  I guess Shelley Gray felt she had to include it to make it more authentic, but I felt she could have down played it some.  

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM BOOK LOOK BLOGGERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES. 

 

"Falling Like Snowflakes"

Denise Hunter

When the Christmas season finds Eden in Summer Harbor, Maine, she's on the run from trouble. Romance is the last thing on her mind.

Riding in a bus in the thickly falling snow, Eden Davis wonders how it ever came to this-fleeing under cover of night with young Micah sleeping fitfully in the seat beside her. When a winter storm strands them in Summer Harbor, Maine, Eden wonders if what might have been the end could be a new beginning.

Beau Callahan is a habitual problem-solver. He's recently left his job with the sheriff's department to take over the family Christmas tree farm to save it from insolvency. But he's flummoxed. During the busiest season of the year, he's shorthanded. Then Eden shows up looking for work, and Beau believes he's been rescued. Competent, smart, and beautiful, Eden's also guarded and quiet. He soon figures out she comes with a boatload of secrets. But Beau can't seem to help himself from falling for her.

As Christmas Eve approaches, Beau discovers he'll do anything to keep Eden safe. But who's going to protect his heart from a woman who can't seem to trust again?

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This book tells a beautiful story about faith, love, family, trust and letting go of fear.  I was swept away from page one with this lovely novel.  The characters were all likable and jelled very well together.  Since this book takes place during winter and they celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's, I loved this book even more!  

While you may think this book would be predictable, it isn't.  The end result was expected, but the way it came together wasn't.  

Eden had a hard life, but in this book, everything turns out perfect for her.  I LOVE books that have a happy ending.  

There was also some unexpected suspense throughout the whole book.  Looking at the cover you wouldn't think that this was a suspense book, but it was!  It was written very well! 

"Falling Like Snowflakes" would be a new favorite of mine, however, I did NOT appreciate all of the language in a Christian fiction book.  Really?  Is it necessary?  NO!  The language really disappointed me, even if it was "slang".  I especially when God's name was taken in vain.  Unacceptable.  

Hopefully the next book will be just a good of a story but without the language!  

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM BOOK LOOK BLOGGERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES. 

 

"A Heart's Promise"

Colleen Coble

A rival threatens Emmie's budding romance with Isaac.

At Fort Laramie, soldier Isaac Liddle determines he will court and win Emmie Croftner's hand. Though courting seems improbable for a woman in her condition, Emmie begins to care deeply for Issac and chafes as Jessica Dubois sets her bonnet for him.

When Jessica learns of Emmie's secret pregnancy, she blackmails her. With the Sioux Wars raging outside the safety of Fort Laramie, Emmie knows she cannot lose Isaac. But will he reject her-and her child-if he learns the truth? 

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I have really enjoyed reading these books, but would enjoy them more if they were just compiled into one or two.  But going from one book to another and having to wait in between makes me lose track of what's been going on.  

The Journey of the Heart series are very interesting books that keep your attention.  Can't wait to find out what happens in the last one! 

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM BOOK LOOK BLOGGERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES. 

 

"A Heart's Betrayal"

Colleen Coble

Emmie Croftner was only married for three months when she loses her husband in an accident.  She wonders if matters can get any worse.  

Even though she is a widow, she still has their nice home.  Until one day she answers the door to find her husband's first wife and children.  A wife to whom he was still married.  Now, she no longer has a husband or a home because the home legally belongs to the first wife.

Emmie is displaced, powerless and ashamed, so she travels to Fort Laramie, Wyoming, to find her friend Sarah Montgomery and a new beginning.  But when she arrives there, she discovers she is expecting and her new start slips through her fingers.  

She meets Isaac Liddle, a handsome soldier with a kind heart.  But Emmie's afraid of what Isaac will say when he discovers her secret.  

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All of Colleen Coble's books are very well written and grab your attention.  But just when you get into the book, it ends.  This really leaves you hanging and anxious to read the next book. 

Read more about the book here.  

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FOR FREE FROM BOOK LOOK BLOGGERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"A Heart's Danger"

Colleen Coble

Sarah is trying to move on wither her life, since her ex-fiance is engaged to Jessica.  She is seeing Issac and knows he will be popping the question soon, but does she love him enough to say yes?

She overhears Jessica & Ben Croftner (her ex-fiance when she thought she was dead) plotting harm to someone, but who?

While out on a picnic outing with Jessica and her mother, Sarah is captured by Indians.  But are they really Indians?  

Will Rand find her in time and discover the truth behind Sarah's abduction?

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This book is very well written and keeps your attention from beginning to end.  My only complaint is the same as before, I wish the didn't chop the book up into mini ones.  

This book is full of suspense and keeps you guessing until the end.  Then you're still guessing until you read the next book!  I read this from cover to cover in one sitting because I was so engrossed in it.

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FOR FREE FROM BOOK LOOK BLOGGERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"A Heart's Disguise"

Colleen Coble

The Civil War is over, but not everyone is coming home.  Sarah Montgomery's fiance didn't make it through the war.  Her ailing father is pushing her to marry and settle down before he leaves this world.  Her brother, Wade, is also pushing her to marry, but for different reasons.  He gains a big profit if Sarah marries Ben Croftner.

So reluctantly, Sarah agrees to marry Ben, but she doesn't really know Ben, who has kept a huge secret.  By lies, deceit and thievery, Ben has kept the fact that Rand Campbell is not dead like everyone thought.  

Then Rand, Sarah's former fiance, comes home to find Sarah engaged to someone else.  When Sarah finds out the truth she breaks off her engagement.  But Ben doesn't take rejection well.  So he kidnaps Sarah.  Rand rescues her and asks him to go to his new post as his wife. But can Sarah leave her dying father?  

Will Rand go to Wyoming by himself?  Is Ben satisfied with Sarah's decision or does he have some more devious planes up his sleeve?

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I enjoyed this book very much, except the fact that it ended too son.  I understand that this series was originally 2 books.  Now it's chopped up into 6 smaller books.  I don't see the purpose in that.  Just when I was really getting into it, the the book just stops.  I am looking forward to reading the other 5!  

Read more about the book here.  

 I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM BOOK LOOK PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.  

 

"Miracle At The Higher Grounds Cafe"

Max Lucado

 

What if you could ask God anything? What would you ask? And how would he answer?

Chelsea Chambers is on her own. After a public split from her NFL superstar husband, Chelsea takes a bold step out of the limelight and behind the counter of the Higher Grounds Café, an old-fashioned coffee shop in dire need of reinvention. But when her courage, expert planning, and out-of-this-world cupcakes fail to pay the bills, this newly single mom finds herself desperate for help. Better yet, a miracle.

Then a curious stranger lands at Chelsea's door, and with him, an even curiouser string of events. Soon, customers are flocking to the Higher Grounds Café, and not just for the cupcakes and cappuccino. They've come for the internet connection to the divine. Now the café has become the go-to place for people in search of answers to life's biggest questions.

When a catastrophe strikes and her ex comes calling, Chelsea begins to wonder if the whole universe is conspiring against her quest to make it on her own. After a shocking discovery opens her eyes to the unseen world around her, Chelsea finds the courage to ask, and heaven answers in a most unexpected way. 

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Ever since I first heard about "Miracle At The Higher Grounds Cafe" I've been very intrigued by it.  First of all, coffee always gets my attention.  Secondly, the whole plot about an angel working at a coffee shop more than piqued my interest.  Needless to say, I was very excited to be able to get to review this book.  

Max Lucado's ability to get your imagination working is amazing.  While this is a fiction book the spiritual aspect of this book is not.  Reading this book reminded me of the spiritual war that is going on around us, yet we may not exactly be aware of it.  The way that he wrote about guardian angels and spiritual warfare was so neat.  Who would ever think to write about Gabriel and Micheal the Archangel and make them characters in a book?  

This book made me thankful that God doesn't leave us to fight our battles alone.  We always have His help, even if we don't realize it.  The devil is constantly trying to get us to fall, but God is also constantly helping us not to, if we let Him.

Read more about the book here.  

 I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FOR FREE FROM BOOK LOOK BLOGGERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.