Blood Money Faith

Blood Money Faith by Haris Steed

Rating: 5 Stars

Thank you, #NetGalley , #HarisSteed author, and #HarrisSteedPublishing, for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Review: A Gripping Mystery/Thriller!

Blood Money Faith is a fast-paced thriller set in 1980s South Africa. It’s a great look at a mix of a classic detective story and a deep look at a world of secrets and "blood money."

The Story:

When teenager Sofie Sassoon vanishes after a frantic call to her pastor, Noel, the mystery begins. Soon after, Noel is found dead. The police call it a suicide, but former detective Francois Stoltz suspects a cover-up. He teams up with Millie Cromwell to take on a greedy religious group called "The Body of Christ" that is hiding a web of scheming, corruption, and murder.

The Characters:

* Francois Stoltz: A tough, ex-cop, who was determined to find the truth.

* The Pastor’s Sister, Millie Cromwell: She travels from London to get justice for her brother. She also carries secrets of her own.

* Sofie Sassoon: The missing school girl whose disappearance starts the whole investigation.

The Ending:

The ending is a real nerve-racking experience! Stoltz finally exposes the corruption at the heart of the church and forces the scoundrels to face the truth. It’s a powerful finish that shows how brave people can stand up to evil, even when things look hopeless.

If you love thrillers with big twists and complex characters, you won't be able to put this down!

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Paul and John in Harmony

Paul and John in Harmony

A Theological and Historical Exploration

by Michael J. Gorman

Book Review: 

Rating: ★★★★☆

Thank you, #NetGalley , #MichaelJGorman author, and # publisher, for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Main Narrative and Comparison:

Most people think Paul and John wrote about different versions of Christianity. Michael Gorman’s book shows they actually share a "perfect harmony". He weighs their different writings side-by-side to show they carry the exact same message

Gorman compares Paul’s letters about Jesus’ humility to John’s story of Jesus washing the disciples' feet. He shows that both authors give equal weight to the idea that being a Christian means living a life of service, like Jesus did.

The book compares Paul’s focus on faith vs. John’s focus on abiding in God’s love. Gorman proves these aren't different ideas; he sees Paul and Johns ideas as two sides of the same coin.

Conclusion:

It’s a great pick for any church member who wants to see how the New Testament fits together. It turns an academic comparison into a practical guide for living like Jesus. It loses one star because some chapters get a bit academic, but the message into how Paul and John support each other is eye-opening.

It's a great look at how the Bible’s two biggest voices can sing the same song and still be in harmony.

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The Sapphire Sea

Audiobook Review: 

The Sapphire Sea by Davis Bunn

Thank you, #NetGalley , #DavisBunn author, and #RBmedia publisher, for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Overall Rating: ★★★★★

The Story: Plot & Characters

The book follows Colin Eames, a super-smart kid who has had a rough life at home. He moves to a special school in the Outer Banks of North Carolina to get away from his father's temper and try to make a future for himself. Along the way, he makes real friends, falls in love for the first time, and tries to figure out what his mother meant by the "Sapphire Sea."

The Characters:

​Colin: The main character, Colin, is a genius, but he’s also just a kid trying to find where he belongs. You really feel for him as he grows up.

​Mira: A girl who has been through some hard times herself. She becomes a great friend to Colin when he needs it most.

​Tiana: A student from Hawaii who shows Colin what it’s like to really fall in love and feel like you belong

 

The friendships and the romance aren't too much; they feel like relationships that help Colin heal. Even though it’s a deep story about feelings and growing up, the story keeps you wanting to know what happens next.

The Author: #DavisBunn ★★★★★

Davis Bunn is a great writer who has sold millions of books. He is really good at making you feel like you are actually at the beach in North Carolina. He writes about hope and second chances in a way that is easy to understand.

The Narrator: #SusanBennett ★★★★★

The audiobook version is read by Susan Bennett, and she is awesome. She makes every character sound different, so you always know who is talking. Her voice is very smooth and makes the 9-hour audio book fly by.

If you want a great story that makes you feel something without being too overwhelmed, this is it. It’s a beautiful book about leaving a bad past behind and finding a place to call home. Whether you're at the beach or just on your couch, it’s a total 5-star read.

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The Patriot’s Daughter

​Review: The Patriot’s Daughter

​Rating: ★★★★★

Thank you, #NetGalley and publisher, Crooked Lane Books, for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

​If you want a book that you can’t put down, you have to pick up 

#ThePatriotsDaughter by Brittany Butler. This book really makes you think, and with the author being a past CIA agent herself, it makes the story come alive.

​The story follows Ava Anderson. She’s a CIA officer who is smart and tough, but she’s also dealing with some heavy family secrets about her mother. She gets pulled into some serious espionage involving secret agents and a Russian plot that could cause a lot of trouble back home. It’s exciting because it’s not just about the mission; it’s about Ava trying to find the truth while trying to stay out of trouble with her CIA boss. 

The main character is ​Ava, she is a great lead because you really want to root for her. One of the best parts of the book is her relationship with Ben, a veteran officer she works with. The romance and the "will they or won't they" tension between Ava and Ben adds a really nice spark to the story. It’s not just all about the spy stuff; seeing their connection grow while they are in the middle of a dangerous mission makes the book feel much more personal. You also have the target, Konstantine, a Russian spy, who keeps you guessing about who you can actually trust. 

​It’s easy to get into, and it's an action-packed story. The ending will surprise you, and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes, but it never gets confusing. It’s just a solid, five-star thriller with a great mix of action and heart. Highly recommended.  

There will also be a sequel out in July or August 2026. I can't wait to read the sequel, I'm sure it will be great, too.

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