About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!

Friday, May 10, 2024

Secondary Target (The Secrets of Kincaid, #1) by Angela Carlisle

Secondary Target (The Secrets of Kincaid, #1)ABOUT THE BOOK

After the brutal murder of her mother and brother twelve years ago, Corina Roberts built a new life in Kentucky. But then strange things begin to happen, and she is thrust into a perilous game of life and death. With nowhere else to turn, her best hope of survival depends on her ex, army veteran Bryce Jessup.

Recently returned from service, Bryce has every intention of staying away from Corina, but when threats close in around her, he isn't willing to leave her safety to chance. As their search for answers uncovers lethal secrets her detective father kept hidden, Bryce and Corina must untangle the mystery of the merciless killer intent on terrorizing and eliminating Corina's family before it's too late.

Debut author Angela Carlisle will leave you breathless with this bone-chilling story of a ruthless murderer, a deadly secret, and an unbreakable love.


MY THOUGHTS.....

How did I know that this would be a book that I would enjoy? The beginning paragraphs have a security alarm blaring, a German shepherd guard dog howling, and a young woman grabbing her .38 Special LadySmith revolver! Why did I find it hard to put down? Secondary Target is an exciting debut novel filled with non-stop action, heart-pounding suspense, and a frantic search for answers. Why has Corina Roberts become a killer's target?

It's hard to believe that this is Angela Carlisle's first published book. I loved the small-town setting, the relatable characters, and the myriad of emotions that are shared. I felt Corina's fear and trauma as she recalled a tragedy from her past and her uncertainty when Bryce Jessup returned to Kincaid, Kentucky. Would this be a temporary reunion or a second chance at love?

If you're looking for a page-turning novel filled with twists, turns, faith, and romance, grab a copy of Secondary Target. I recommend it to all who enjoy romantic Christian suspense and I look forward to another book from this Kentucky author!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Angela Carlisle resides in the hills of northern Kentucky and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and The Christian PEN. Angela is an editor by day and prefers to spend her free time reading, baking, and drinking ridiculous quantities of hot tea. Her unpublished works have won awards in ACFW's Genesis and First Impressions contests and placed in the Daphne du Maurier contest. Her shorter fiction works, including the prize-winning flash-fiction piece "Mansion Murderer," have appeared in Splickety and Spark magazines. 


Learn more by visiting Angela's Website

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Tuesday, May 7, 2024

The Girl from the Hidden Forest by Hannah Linder

The Girl from the Hidden Forest (Regency)
ABOUT THE BOOK

Eliza's Memories Threaten to Kill Her...Enjoy another Gothic Style Regency from Hannah Linder. 

Eliza Ellis has stayed hidden in Balfour Forest for as long as she can remember. Perhaps her only friends are the trees, or her little dog, or her story-telling father called Captain. But at least she is safe from the cruel world outside, a world Captain has warned her against and protected her from. That is, until a handsome stranger named Felton Northwood invades her quiet forest and steals her away. Why does he tell such lies? Why does he insist that her name is Miss Eliza Gillingham, daughter of a viscount, who disappeared fourteen years ago after the murder of her own mother? A murder Eliza is said to have witnessed. 

When Felton returns Eliza to Monbury Hall and reunites her with a man who is told to be her father, all she remembers are the strange nightmares that have plagued her since childhood. Why have they suddenly grown worse? Are the answers hidden inside her own mind? 

As danger mounts and lethal attempts are made on her life, Eliza and Felton must work together to uncover the identity of a killer who has stayed silent for fourteen years. When she finally uncovers the horrendous memories trapped in her mind, will divulging the truth cost her the man she loves--and both of their lives?



MY THOUGHTS.....



I've read several of this author's books and this book confirms what I've already learned. Hannah Linder is an amazing wordsmith! I relished the beauty and seclusion of Balfour Forest, the home of Eliza Ellis, her father, and her beloved dog, Merrylad, but Eliza's life wasn't as idyllic as she believed. The Girl from the Hidden Forest is a captivating Regency story, part fairytale, and part Gothic mystery, that kept me turning the pages to learn the secrets of Eliza's past. Secrets that would forever change her future. Eliza was sweet and innocent, content to live in her magical forest until she was abruptly taken away. What would she discover as she navigated a life much different than the one that she'd always known?

Linder kept me fully invested in this tale that's filled with mystery, suspense, and Gothic vibes, but the emotions were what kept me turning the pages! I experienced surprise, sorrow, and even fear, but there was also immense joy in witnessing the relationship that evolved between Eliza and Felton Norwood. He seemed determined to keep her safe but could Eliza be sure of his true motives? Was he worthy of her love and trust?

This fantastic book fed my love of mystery, Gothic fiction, and Regency romance, but it's also a delight for all who appreciate exceptional writing. I recommend The Girl from the Hidden Forest to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Cynthia Ruchti with Books & Such Literary Management, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels filled with passion, secrets, and danger. She is a double 2021 Selah Award winner, a 2022 Selah Award winner, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Her debut, Beneath His Silence  released in November, 2022.

In way of career, Hannah is a Graphic Design Associates Degree graduate who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, National, and International bestsellers (hannahlinderdesigns.com). She is also a self-portrait photographer of historical fashion.

When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing instruments—piano, guitar, and ukulele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse. Her greatest desire is to please her Savior and to write in a way that glorifies and uplifts Him. 

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OTHER BOOKS BY HANNAH LINDER