Christian Suspense Review: DECEPTION by Elizabeth Goddard

The Mountain Cove series continues with a story about the town’s much respected police chief, Colin Winters. I’m so glad the author decided to include this seasoned professional among her younger heroes. He’s been there for all of the other stories and deserved one of his own.

Here’s the short version (Amazon):

Jewel Caraway thought she’d left her mistakes in the past—but then her past arrives at her door. Though she’s thrilled to reunite with her estranged sister, something about her sister’s new husband makes Jewel uneasy. Does he know her secret? Is he the one behind the growing list of attacks against her? And if he is involved…does that mean her sister is, too? With nowhere else to turn, Jewel must rely on police chief Colin Winters—the first man to make the widow question her resolve to never love again. But will he stay by her side when her guarded secrets are revealed?

Mountain Cove: In the Alaskan wilderness, love and danger collide.

My take:

I find it hard to believe that Elizabeth Goddard didn’t grow up in Alaska. Her descriptions of the beauty, intricacies, and uniqueness of this land are so vivid. I felt I was in the ice cave (and feeling a little chlostorophic, by the way), and getting slapped by juniper trees as I fled through the forest.

And yes, I ran right alongside Jewel Caraway. (Though my running days are long over!) I lived her panic with her, though I don’t think I would have put myself in some of the questionable situations that she chose. Yikes!

I must say that Chief Winters was my favorite character in this story. His internal battle was so true to life, and he had just enough faults to make him an incredibly sympathetic character. And what a satisfying romance! The two mains were like chocolate chip cookies and milk. Every page made me anxious for their next encounter – and I was never disappointed.

Your Turn: Is there a setting that you’d like to see through the “eyes” of a novel?

TAILSPIN left me Breathless!

Do you like to read my books and other Christian mysteries or suspense. Chances are good that you’ll love this newest episode from the Mountain Cove series. It is packed with suspense to the extreme! See all of what I thought about this latest Love Inspired Suspense from Elizabeth Goddard! Click over HERE!

New Christian Reads for June

I’m super excited about Elizabeth Goddard’s latest book in her Mountain Cove series, Backfire. Here is the short version from Amazon, but check out the review for Backfire on the Suspense Sisters review page:

Tracy Murray had thought she’d be safe disappearing in the wilds of Alaska after her testimony put away a gang leader. But the gang symbol tattooed on an attacker’s arm means the clock has run out. She’s been found—and she knows the killers won’t let her escape alive again. She can’t fight an entire gang alone—she needs help. But when she finds herself relying on widowed firefighter David Warren, a new struggle emerges. Fleeing Alaska and cutting all ties could be the only way to survive…but it would mean leaving her heart behind. Mountain Cove: In the Alaskan wilderness, love and danger collide

Here are some other good bets that have made it to my reading list. If you like Christian or clean romances, mysteries, or suspense, these books should be on your list as well!

I’ve divided my list into categories depending on what I know of the author and the type of story that their blurb suggests. 

• Bathtub Reads (Light, fluffy, sweet, and/or humorous. Good books, but easy to set aside until another quiet time.)

Family of Her Dreams by Keli Gwyn: A headstrong housekeeper who longs for a family of her own must convince a withdrawn widower she’s the right person to care for his children—and help him learn to live again. Love Inspired Historical. I got to read Keli’s debut and enjoyed it. I can highly recommend this one!

• Every Moment Reads (Mysteries or romances that beg to be picked up again and again. These stories compel the reader to find moments to read a few more pages.)

Undercover Bride by Margaret Brownley: Pinkerton operative Maggie Michaels travels to Arizona Territory as an undercover mail-order bride to track down the notorious Whistle-Stop Bandit. If she doesn’t prove the suspect guilty before the wedding—she could end up as his wife! I LOVED Brownley’s last book, The Petticoat Detective. See my review of it! Can’t wait to read this one!

• Sleepless Night Reads (No putting the book down until finished or the eyelids are forced shut. These stories are too intense to put off even for a good night’s sleep.)

Desperate Measures by Sandra Orchard: Researcher Kate Adams has finally pinpointed the medicinal plant responsible for tearing her family apart. She’s certain that discovering its secrets is her only hope of solving the mystery surrounding the disappearance of her father. Kate will risk anything to find the truth–even her budding relationship with Detective Tom Parker. But more people than she can fathom are after the plants and going it alone just might prove to be a fatal mistake.
Award-winning author Sandra Orchard pulls out all the stops in this breakneck and breathtaking conclusion to the Port Aster series. Fans will not be disappointed by the surprises they find inside. Sandra Orchard has been one of my favorites and I enjoyed the first book of the Port Aster series. 

And don’t forget to vote for your favorite hero from the online serial, Unlikely Merger. You can find all of the chapters linked at the title or on WriteIntegrity.com. And the complete ebook will be available and free at AMAZON on July 1!

Review: Love in the Wind by Elizabeth Goddard

I can’t believe at my age, I’ve never been the least bit interested in sailing. Until reading Elizabeth Goddard‘s new book, Love in the Wind. This book is such a peaceful read after the intense suspense stories that I’ve been indulging in. Love in the Wind is like a breath of fresh sea air. (Or breezy lake air as the case may be.)

Top 20 To-Read in Christian Fiction for 2014

I’m so excited about my list of to-reads this year. My first “writing” year, I concentrated on debut authors, enjoying their excitement – living vicariously. Last year, I tried to read books by friends and connections through the various conferences I visited. This year, I’m focusing on authors that I’ve already liked. I’m honing in on my own voice and style, so relishing potential new favorites will give me the opportunity to analyze why I like the books as I read them. I hope that I can not only encourage these wonderful novelists, but get more than enjoyment from the time I spend with their books.

Review: Love on the Slopes by Elizabeth Goddard

I have an new book to review! I LOVE reading Christmas or wintery themes during this season, and this book fits the bill! The perfect size for a relaxing afternoon or a before-bedtime distraction, this story is great for anyone desiring a clean romance.

Review: Wilderness Peril by Elizabeth Goddard

Intense action and deep-set passions set Wilderness Peril at the top of my list of favorites!

Elizabeth Goddard weaves a gripping plot that begins in the first paragraph and doesn’t release until the final pages of the book. The plan seems simple enough for airplane mechanic, Shay Ridiker; fix a broken plane that her company needs to repossess and let the pilot fly it back to the base. Normal, routine …

Conference Reflections

Munchkins Becky Yauger and Marji Laine

Last year at the ACFW Conference here in Dallas, I was a newbie. I had this lovely little brown flag hanging off of my name tag that said First time attendee. It was like a free pass proclaiming, “Gotta love me, cause I don’t know any better.”

Blogging – What’s the Point?

I’ve been hearing lately that blogging has little effect on a writer’s career. Really? Because when I started this journey, the first few media gurus I encountered insisted that a regular blog was essential.

Hmm.