Death Times Seven by Anne Perry and Victoria Zackheim

Death Times Seven

by Anne Perry and Victoria Zackheim

Rating: 5 star rating

I really liked this book, "Death Times Seven." This final Daniel Pitt mystery has courtroom drama, family secrets, and a murder investigation that kept me wondering what was going to happen next.

Toby Kitteridge is a friend and colleague of Daniel, and he is dealing with a heartbreaking family tragedy after his mother is murdered and his father becomes the main suspect. 

Toby is also dealing with his sister, Alberta, and her bitterness towards him because he rarely visited. She was also jealous because their parents helped Toby get an education and become a lawyer. While everyone back home had to pinch pennies to get by, and she was expected to get married and have kids.

Alberta doesn't like any suggestions Toby makes towards solving the crime. In the meantime, Toby and Daniel are trying to figure out if Tobys father actually killed his mother. 

As a consequence of the above, Daniel has to take over a current murder case of Toby's. Daniel has to defend Peter Ward, a young man accused of killing Alexandra Stanton, while his friend deals with his personal issues. Meanwhile, Daniel's wife, Miriam, uses her skills as a forensic pathologist to uncover clues that others have missed.

Daniel refuses to stop searching for the truth, even when the evidence seems stacked against his client. The mystery unfolds at a steady pace, with several twists and hidden connections between the two cases. The ending brings justice, answers long-standing questions, and gives the main characters a sense of hope and peace without wrapping everything up too neatly.

As the final Daniel Pitt novel, Death Times Seven feels like a respectful tribute to Anne Perry's legacy and a satisfying conclusion for fans who have followed Daniel and Miriam's journey.

This book is also special because it serves as a farewell to Anne Perry, who passed away in 2023 after completing the first nine chapters. Victoria Zackheim finished the novel using Perry's notes and plans for the story. You can still feel Anne Perry's familiar style throughout; the pacing, character development, and attention to moral choices that made her mysteries so enjoyable.

I believe Victoria Zackheim did a great job putting this story together and finishing Anne Perry's last book. I hope to read other books by both of these authors.

Thank you, NetGalley, Ballantine, and the authors Anne Perry and Victoria Zackheim for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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Seeking After the Heart of God for 52 Weeks A Bible Study on the Life of David by Max Lucado

Seeking After the Heart of God for 52 Weeks

A Bible Study on the Life of David

by Max Lucado

Rating: 5 star rating

I am really enjoying "Seeking After the Heart of God for 52 Weeks" by Max Lucado. This Bible study on the real life of King David has been such a great tool for my own quiet time.

Max Lucado breaks the workbook down into short weekly lessons. Each one includes a brief reading, a summary, reflection questions, and space for prayers and memory verses. It is easy to follow, whether you are doing it alone for personal study or using it in a small group.

What encourages me is that Max Lucado doesn’t sugarcoat anything. You walk through David’s entire life chronologically; from his brave moments with Goliath and his painful years running from King Saul to his moral failures with Bathsheba and his interactions with the prophet Nathan. It tracks his growth over the years and across traits like courage, trust, and deep repentance.

The study ends on such an encouraging note. Lucado reminds us that David wasn’t called a man "after God's own heart" because he was perfect, but because he always ran back to God after he messed up and sinned time after time. This book taught me to look at my own heart and faith, and I can not recommend it enough.

Thank you, NetGalley, Harper Christian Resources, and the author Max Lucado for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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The Last Run by Rachel Weaver

The Last Run

by Rachel Weaver

Rating: 5 star rating

I really enjoyed The Last Run by Rachel Weaver. This is the story of Ellie, a single mom in Alaska who discovers that her father, Pete, has gambled away the family's fishing boat and permit. She is trying to save what is left for her young son, Drew. She agrees to spend one last fishing season with her father to try to earn the money to get it back. 

What I loved most about this book was the relationship between Ellie and her father. Neither one is perfect, and both have made mistakes, but I found myself rooting for them. Drew was also a wonderful young boy and added a lot of heart to the story.

The Alaska setting felt very real, and the commercial fishing scenes made me feel like I was right there on the boat. The story tells about a storm that damages the boat and how the family stands behind each other; with forgiveness, hard work, and acceptance of help from each other. 

The ending left me feeling hopeful. The major conflicts are resolved when, at the end of the story, Ellie meets the man who holds her fathers gambling debt and title to the boat. This will be a surprising ending to the story.

If you enjoy family dramas with strong characters and beautiful settings, I would definitely recommend this book. It was emotional, uplifting, and hard to put down.

Thank you, NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Rachel Weaver for this book review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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Jake Doe Burning Bright by Edward Trimble

Jake Doe Burning Bright

Empty Mind  Extraordinary Mission

by Edward Trimble

Rating:  4 star rating

I just finished Jake Doe Burning Bright by Edward Trimble, and honestly, I'm still processing it.  It's so good.  Imagine waking up one day with a totally blank mind; no name, no memories, nothing, in the middle of a country that has completely lost its mind to a crazy, high-tech government censorship. That's what happens to Jake. The author traps you in this action-packed two week schedule,where Jake is desperately trying to figure out who he is, while running for his life. 

The characters are what kept me hooked.   Jake Doe is great, because his strength is literally his deep meditation and focus.  

Evie quickly becomes the absolute heart of the story. She’s this incredibly smart, tough girl who isn't afraid to be emotionally vulnerable, and her chemistry with Jake is so real.  

Dr. Ben Brooks adds some really cool, nerdy sci-fi flavors to the mix.  What I loved most is how the author weaves real quantum physics into the plot. Through Dr. Brooks, the story builds on mind-bending concepts like artificial intelligence, quantum entanglement, and other such ideas. It’s not just thrown in there to sound smart it actually ties into the creepy, high-tech surveillance system the government is using to hunt them down.  This makes the whole mystery feel so much deeper and more realistic.  

They're all being hunted by a wild eyed President and a total psycho, which forces them to hide out with an underground mountain resistance. 

The book wraps up with this one terrifying, completely unforgettable climax.  It gives you real closure for the main plot, but the author leaves just enough tiny, hidden mysteries at the very end that I am already expecting a book two. Seriously, if you want a page-turner, this is it!

Just a quick heads-up before you buy it: it definitely hits some mature themes with gritty violence,  pretty explicit romance scenes, and some cursing language using the F-bomb quite a bit, so keep that in mind.

Thank you, NetGalley, JakeDoeMedia, and Edward Trimble for this book review consideration.  All review opinions are my own.

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Jesus Will Meet You There by Kristen Wetherell and Sarah Walton

Jesus Will Meet You There

by Kristen Wetherell and Sarah Walton

Rating:  5 star rating

I picked up this book looking for encouragement, and it ended up being exactly what I needed. It felt like sitting down with a trusted friend who understands that life can be hard and who gently points you back to Jesus.

One part that especially stayed with me was the discussion of how we are like lambs. The authors talk about our tendency to wander, worry, and become anxious when life feels uncertain. As someone who struggles with anxiety at times, I found that comparison both humbling and comforting. We often try to handle everything ourselves, but like sheep, we really need the care and guidance of our Shepherd.

I was especially touched by the illustration of the "bummer lamb"; a lamb that has been rejected by its mother and must be cared for closely by the shepherd. The shepherd feeds it, carries it, and gives it special attention. The authors use this picture to show how Jesus draws, especially near to those who are hurting, broken, lonely, or struggling. Rather than being forgotten, the bummer lamb often becomes the one that stays closest to the shepherd. I found that image both beautiful and encouraging.

Throughout the book, the authors share scripture, personal experiences, and stories from Jesus' ministry to remind readers that He understands our fears, grief, doubts, and disappointments. They don't offer easy answers, but they do offer something better; a reminder that Jesus is present with us in the middle of our struggles.

By the end of the book, I felt comforted and encouraged. It reminded me that I don't have to carry every burden alone and that Jesus is patient with my worries and fears.

I would recommend this book to anyone dealing with anxiety, loss, loneliness, or simply needing reassurance that God has not forgotten them.

A gentle, hope-filled book that reminds us that even when we feel like the bummer lamb, we are deeply loved and cared for by our Good Shepherd.

Thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Random House Christian Publishing, Kristen Wetherell and Sarah Walton authors, for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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The Pleasures of God by John Piper

The Pleasures of God

by John Piper

Rating: 4 star rating

I picked up The Pleasures of God by John Piper expecting to learn more about God, but I didn't expect it to make me stop and rethink so many things about my faith. This wasn't a book I could sit down and breeze through in a weekend. I often found myself reading a few pages and then putting it down for a while to think about what I had just read.

What I liked most was that the book kept pointing me back to God instead of focusing on people. So often, I find myself asking what God can do for me, but this book challenged me to think about what brings God joy and delight. That was a different perspective than I'm used to, and I found it refreshing.

I especially appreciated the many Bible references throughout the book. When Piper made a point, he usually backed it up with Scripture, which helped me trust what he was saying even when the ideas were difficult for me to understand at first. There were definitely sections that I had to re-read, and a few times, I felt like I was stretching my brain a little more than usual. Still, I never felt like the effort was wasted.

For me, the biggest takeaway was realizing how much bigger God is than I often imagine. The book reminded me that God's plans, purposes, and glory are at the center of everything. It also encouraged me to spend more time in worship and gratitude instead of focusing only on my own needs and problems.

The writing is thoughtful and challenging. At times, it can feel dense, so this is not a book to rush through. I found it worked best when I read a chapter at a time with plenty of reflection.

This is not a book I would recommend to someone looking for a light devotional, but I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys studying the Bible and wants to grow deeper in their understanding of God. Even though it was challenging at times, I'm glad I read it, and I think some of its lessons will stay with me for a long time.

Thanks to NetGalley, Crossway, and John Piper, author, for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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A Light for Lucinda by Olga Herrera

A Light for Lucinda 

by Olga Herrera

Rating: 5 star rating

This is a simple but touching picture book, set during the Cuban Revolution. It follows a young girl named Lucinda who is just trying to make sense of the scary things happening around her; noise outside, tension in her home, and adults who clearly understand more than she does.

Lucinda comes across as real. She’s curious, a little scared, and keeps asking questions because she doesn’t fully understand what’s going on. Her mom (Mamá) stood out to me the most; she’s calm, steady, and keeps things going by doing everyday things like cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the home, even when everything outside is scary and uncertain. It’s her way of protecting Lucinda and giving her something normal to hold onto.

Her grandmother, abuela, is quieter and wise. She doesn’t panic. She just gives comfort in small ways, like being present and reassuring, without making a big deal out of things. Lucinda’s aunt, Tía, also helps keep her calm and makes the house feel less frightening. Together, they create this strong sense of being there together,for each other, even when the outside world feels unstable.

What I personally liked was how normal everything felt inside the house, compared to the fear outside. The moments between the characters; it’s more like small actions that show love: such as cooking, talking softly, staying close, and trying to keep Lucinda safe emotionally and physically.

The ending is gentle and hopeful. Lucinda doesn’t suddenly understand everything, but she does start to see that even in hard times, people can still take care of each other and create safety in small ways.

Overall, this story is about family during a very difficult time in history. It’s easy to read, but it stays with you because of how real the relationships feel.

Thanks to NetGalley, Charlesbridge, and Olga Herrera, author, for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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Letters from the Last Apothecary(Tressport Magic, Book 1) by Bita Behzadi

Letters from the Last Apothecary(Tressport Magic, Book 1) by Bita Behzadi, author

Narrated by E.M. Wylde and Samara Naeymi

Rating: 4 star rating

This audiobook is a cozy fantasy romance set in a magical apothecary in the city of Tressport that’s barely staying afloat.

The main character is Josephine Pinova. She’s a young woman just trying to get steady work and prove she can handle herself. She’s hardworking, pays attention to details, and really wants to do well, but she’s also kind of figuring things out as she goes. She ends up in this apothecary job that slowly turns into a lot more emotionally complicated than she expected.

The shop is run by Aufidius Reid, who is very serious, controlled, and honestly pretty hard to read at first. He runs the apothecary tightly and expects things to be done right, but he’s not great at explaining himself or opening up. He and Josephine don’t really click at the start; they misunderstand each other a lot, and there’s constant tension, but there’s also clearly more going on underneath.

Aufidius also has a couple of friends who show up around him and give you a better sense of who he is outside the shop. They’re more relaxed and social than he is, and you can tell they’ve known him long enough to see past his serious exterior. They also kind of nudge him, in their own way, towards dealing with things instead of shutting down.

Then there’s a bit of outside danger mixed in with everything; an encounter involving a local mobster like figure tied to the city’s underworld. This reminds you that this apothecary isn’t just struggling financially; it’s operating in a world where magic, business, and crime all overlap.

There’s also Elric Vance, the person Josephine corresponds with through letters. He represents someone she’s slowly opening up to in writing. What makes it difficult is that the emotional connection in the letters is very real and vulnerable, while in person, everything is awkward, tense, and misunderstood.

A big part of the story is watching all these parts overlap; workplace tension, secret emotional connections through letters, and the pressure from outside forces that threaten the apothecary’s survival.

Overall, it’s a slow-burn romance with mistaken identity, emotional buildup, a bit of underworld tension, and two people who are much closer than they realize, while still trying to figure each other out in real life.

This is a great read that you should listen to. The narrators bring the characters to life and make the story become real. I look forward to listening to this complete series. This is a must-read to listen to.

There is some slow heat for those looking for a clean romance that may want to be warned.

Thanks to NetGalley,Penguin Random House, Bita Behzadi author, and E.M. Wylde and Samara Naeymi, narrators for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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Prayers for Ordinary Life by Reclaim Today

Prayers for Ordinary Life

Meeting God in Everyday Moments

by Reclaim Today from Our Daily Bread Ministries

Rating: 5 star rating

I really enjoyed this book. It is a collection of prayers for everyday life. The prayers cover many situations that most people face, such as feeling worried, tired, lonely, discouraged, thankful, or overwhelmed. There are also prayers for family relationships, difficult days, and times when you just don't know what to say to God.

What I liked most was how easy it was to read. The prayers are short but meaningful. They feel honest and relatable, like they were written by someone who understands real-life struggles. I found several prayers that put my feelings into words better than I could myself.

The book reminds readers that God cares about ordinary moments, not just big events or emergencies. Whether you're having a good day or a difficult one, there is likely a prayer that fits your situation. I also liked that I could open the book to any page and read a prayer without having to start at the beginning.

This would be a wonderful book to keep on your bedside table for a few minutes of prayer before going to sleep or when starting your day. It would also work well alongside a Bible study, providing thoughtful closing prayers after your study time. If you enjoy journaling, the prayers can serve as a starting point for writing your own reflections and prayers. I can also see it being useful for small groups or personal devotional time.

If you're looking for a deep Bible study, this is probably not the book for you. But if you want encouragement, comfort, and help with your prayer life, this book is a great choice.

Overall, I found "Prayers for Ordinary Life" to be uplifting, practical, and easy to use. It helped me remember that God is with us in the small, everyday moments of life just as much as in the big ones.

I would recommend it to anyone who wants a simple, encouraging prayer book that can be picked up whenever a little extra guidance, comfort, or inspiration is needed.

Thank you, NetGalley, Our Daily Bread Publishing, and Reclaim Today for this book review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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The Keeper by Charles Martin

The Keeper

by Charles Martin

Rating: 5 star rating 

I really enjoyed The Keeper by Charles Martin. This book had plenty of action and suspense, but it was the characters that made it special for me.

Murphy Shepherd is still grieving the loss of Bones, his mentor, teacher, and father figure. Bones may be gone, but his wisdom and influence are present throughout the story as Murphy struggles to carry on the work they started together. Murphy is tough and skilled, but he is also hurting, which makes him feel very real to me.

The story centers on the kidnapping of the three daughters of Aaron Ashley, a presidential candidate who is desperate to get his girls back safely. As Murphy and his team try to find them, the danger keeps building, and the stakes become higher and higher.

I also enjoyed the members of Murphy's rescue team. They are loyal to one another and willing to risk their lives to save innocent people. Their friendship and teamwork add to the story. Murphy's dog, Gunner, was another favorite character of mine. He is more than just a pet; he is a constant companion who provides comfort and protection when Murphy needs it most.

What stood out most was the emotional side of the story. Murphy isn't a perfect hero. He struggles with grief and the pressure of trying to live up to Bones's example. Watching him grow and learn to trust what Bones taught him was as interesting as the rescue mission itself.

Charles Martin does an excellent job of making the characters feel like real people. I found myself caring about Murphy, the kidnapped girls, Aaron Ashley, and the entire rescue team. There were several emotional moments that touched my heart, along with enough suspense to keep me turning pages late into the evening.

If you enjoy Christian fiction with great characters, meaningful themes, suspense, and a message of hope, The Keeper is definitely worth reading. It is a powerful story about courage, faith, sacrifice, and the belief that every life is worth saving. I finished the book feeling satisfied, encouraged, and eager for the next Murphy Shepherd story.

Thanks to NetGalley,Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Charles Martin, author, for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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Whispers of Sea Glass by Wendy Lynn Decker

Whispers of Sea Glass

by Wendy Lynn Decker

Rating: 5 star rating

I really enjoyed Whispers of Sea Glass by Wendy Lynn Decker. Ivy Jean Munroe is a smart, curious teenager growing up in the 1950s with dreams of becoming a detective. After being transferred to a new Catholic school, she struggles to fit in and adjust to the strict rules and new surroundings. I felt for her as she tried to find her place while dealing with all the changes in her life.

One of my favorite parts of the story was Ivy's relationship with her grandfather. He is one of the few people who truly understands and encourages her curiosity. Their bond adds warmth to the story, and his support helps give Ivy the confidence to keep asking questions and searching for the truth. But her father deals with health issues, and mysteries of his own.

I also enjoyed Ivy's friendship with Stella. Stella may have a reputation as a troublemaker, but she is loyal and brave. Together, the girls investigate a secret connected to their school, and their friendship grows stronger along the way.

The mystery kept me interested, but what I loved most was watching Ivy grow. She learns that people are not always what they seem and that sometimes the truth is more complicated than expected. The 1950s setting, family connections, friendship, and mystery all came together beautifully.

This was a heartwarming story with characters I genuinely cared about. If you enjoy historical fiction with strong family bonds, memorable friendships, and a good mystery, I highly recommend this book. It stayed with me long after I finished reading it.

Thanks to NetGalley, Virtual Serenity, and Wendy Lynn Decker, author, for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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Prowl by Colleen Coble, author and Karen Peakes, narrator

Prowl 

by Colleen Coble, author

and Karen Peakes, narrator

Part of the Sanctuary series

Rating: 5 star rating

If you want a clean Christian mystery with a great message about trusting God, you need to listen to Prowl. It is the second book in Colleen Coble's Sanctuary series.

The audiobook starts with a crazy mystery. A worker named Ivy is found dead inside the tiger cage at a wild animal park. At first, the police think the tiger attacked her. But the autopsy proves someone actually shot her with a tranquilizer gun loaded with a deadly dose of animal medicine!

The local deputy, Creed Greene, immediately blames Blake Lawson. Blake co-owns the park with his mother. He has access to the tranquilizer guns. Blake is innocent, but he is stressed out trying to clear his name and keep the animal park from running out of money.

Someone is also trying to ruin the park. They are cutting down fences and letting animals loose. All because there is a secret soil test that showed there are valuable "rare earth elements" deep in the ground on the park land. The bad guys want to force Blake to go broke so they can buy the land cheap and dig it up.

In the mean time Blake’s girlfriend, Paradise Alden, who is a wildlife vet, is trying to find her biological brother and figure out who murdered her parents years ago. But a hacker keeps deleting her DNA test results from her computer, and someone even breaks into her apartment to scare her away.

I also loved how much faith is in this book. Blake, his mom Jenna, and his little brothers have a huge trust in God. When the police are pointing fingers and everything is falling apart, they turn to prayer. The big lesson in the story is that God gives second chances and that true freedom comes when we choose to forgive.

Karen Peakes does an amazing job narrating. She voices Blakes steady strength and perfectly captures Paradise's independent spirit, making it easy to keep track of all the small town characters.

Finally, the ending explains who killed Ivy and who was sabotaging the animal park. Plus, Blake and Paradise's romance gets super sweet! Know that the bigger mystery about Paradise's parents isn't solved yet, but more will be revealed in the next book. 

Listen to book one Ambush first so that you will know why Paradise and Blake are dating.

Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, Colleen Coble author, and Karen Peakes narrator, for providing this audiobook for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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This is a review of the audiobook.

Ambush by Colleen Coble author and Karen Peakes narrator

Ambush

by Colleen Coble author

and Karen Peakes narrator

I love this audiobook Ambush, by Colleen Coble, which is an exciting Christian mystery mixed with a sweet, clean romance and a strong message of faith. The audiobook is narrated by Karen Peakes, and she is incredible at bringing the whole cast to life!

Paradise Alden is a vet who has had a really tough life. When she was a kid, her parents were murdered, and she grew up in an abusive foster care system. Lately, she has also been recovering from a terrifying jaguar attack that almost ended her career. To face her fears of big cats and try to remember what happened the night her parents died, she moves back to her hometown in Alabama to work at The Sanctuary Wildlife Preserve.

Her first day is a total nightmare. An animal activist is found dead in a horse trailer on the property. Right after that, a mysterious villain starts trying to destroy the preserve by setting fires, shooting at the animals, and letting dangerous predators loose.

The local police blame Blake Lawson; the manager of the preserve and Paradise's first love, who broke her heart years ago. Paradise knows Blake is innocent, so they have to team up to find the real killer before the animals, or they get hurt.

Because of all her past trauma, Paradise starts the book angry at God. She feels like He abandoned her when she was a child. A big part of the story is about her journey to stop being so defensive, let go of her anxiety, and realize that God has been waiting for her with open arms all along. Blake’s steady faith also helps her see that she can trust again. It has a beautiful, inspiring message about forgiveness, grace, and finding peace in God when life gets scary.

The narrator, Karen Peakes, does an amazing job. She changes her voice perfectly for everyone—from little kids to tough guys—making it feel more like a movie than just one person reading a book.

The audiobook provides a great ending. The bad guy who is trying to ruin the sanctuary is caught, the animals are saved, and Paradise and Blake finally fix their relationship. It completely wraps up the main mystery while leaving a little hint about Paradise’s past to get you ready for book two. I highly recommend it! I can't wait to listen to the whole series.

Thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins Christian Publishing, Colleen Coble author, and Karen Peakes narrator, for providing this audiobook for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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This is a review of the audiobook.

Scent of Hope by Susan May Warren, author and Brian Hutchison, narrator

Scent of Hope

by Susan May Warren, author

and Brian Hutchison, narrator 

Rating: 5 star rating 

I really enjoyed Scent of Hope. This story takes readers back to the Alaskan wilderness, where Harley Tatum returns to Copper Mountain after years away. She's been carrying the weight of a tragedy from her past and wants nothing to do with the memories waiting for her there. But when a dangerous fugitive connected to those events escapes, Harley is pulled into a search that forces her to face everything she's tried to leave behind.

The situation becomes even more complicated when she has to work with Jericho Bowie, the search-and-rescue expert she once loved. As they follow clues through rugged mountains, harsh weather, and increasingly dangerous situations, they uncover secrets, confront old misunderstandings, and find themselves in more danger than they expected. Jericho's rescue dog, Orlando, was a wonderful addition to the story and often stole the scene.

I loved how Susan May Warren blended suspense, adventure, and romance with strong Christian themes. The story focuses on forgiveness, healing from past hurts, trusting God's plan, and finding hope when life seems broken. The faith elements felt natural and added depth to the characters' journeys.

Brian Hutchison's narration kept me engaged from beginning to end, bringing both the tension and emotional moments to life. The ending wrapped up the suspense well and gave the characters a satisfying, hope-filled conclusion.

If you enjoy Christian romantic suspense, second-chance romance, wilderness survival, and stories about God's redemption and grace, this audiobook is definitely worth listening to.

Thanks to NetGalley, RBMedia, Susan May Warren author, and Brian Hutchison, narrator, for providing this audiobook for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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This is a review of the audiobook.

The Secret Dowry by K.C. Cowan

The Secret Dowry 

by K.C. Cowan

Ratings: 5 star ratings

I really enjoyed The Secret Dowry by K.C. Cowan. The main character, Charlotte Kendall, is the kind of heroine I love reading about. She is kind, modest, and a little unsure of herself after two unsuccessful seasons. She has pretty much accepted that she may never marry, so it comes as a surprise when several gentlemen suddenly begin showing an interest in her.

Charlotte's sister, Dorothea, plays a big role in the story. She loves her sister and wants the best for her, but her decision to secretly increase Charlotte's dowry ends up creating all kinds of complications. Even though Dorothea means well, her actions set the story into motion.

I also found Robert Morton to be an interesting character. At first, he seems charming, attentive, and everything Charlotte hopes for in a suitor. I could understand why she was drawn to him. As the story unfolds, however, Charlotte has to learn some difficult lessons about trust, appearances, and what truly matters in a relationship.

One of my favorite parts of the book was Charlotte's friendship with Frederick. He is Roberts' brother. Their drawing sessions were some of the sweetest scenes in the story. Through those quiet moments, Frederick's kindness, patience, and genuine concern for Charlotte shine through. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop naturally and seeing how comfortable Charlotte felt when she was with him.

What I liked most was watching Charlotte grow. She starts out believing she has little to offer, but by the end, she has gained confidence and learned her own worth. I found myself cheering for her and hoping she would find someone who appreciated her for who she was, not for the size of her dowry.

This is a sweet, clean Regency romance with family drama, lovable characters, and a satisfying happily-ever-after. If you enjoy historical romances with kind heroes, strong family relationships, and a heroine who discovers her own value while finding true love, this is a book I would definitely recommend. 

Thanks to NetGalley, Dragonblade Publishing, and K.C. Cowan for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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Solid Ground by T. W. Lewis

Solid Ground 

by T. W. Lewis

Rating: 4 star rating

Audiobook Review:

I enjoyed listening to Solid Ground by T. W. Lewis. This is a nonfiction audiobook about building a successful and meaningful life through hard work, personal responsibility, strong character, and serving others. It almost comes across as an autobiography about himself and his work ethic. Lewis shares stories from his own life and business career to illustrate the lessons he has learned along the way. He uses examples from other famous people who have had successful careers and explains their stories and successes. 

What I liked most was the practical, down-to-earth advice. The author discusses goals and how to accomplish them in life, education, and work and how we need to adjust these goals to stay on track. You need to become aware of your values and strengths so that you can become more self aware, and accomplish your goals. 

Lewis has a conversational style that makes it easy to follow. He uses a clear business like voice throughout and uses his experiences to encourage listeners to pursue their goals with determination and integrity.  

Overall, this is a thoughtful and motivating listen for anyone interested in personal growth, leadership, and finding purpose in life. I would recommend it to listeners who enjoy inspirational nonfiction and practical life advice.

Thank you, NetGalley, Thomas W. Lewis audiobooks, and the author T. W. Lewis for the audiobook review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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This is a review of the audiobook.

The Dragoneer Book 1 – The Bonding by Vickie Knestaut; Danny Knestaut Narrated by Stacy Gonzalez

The Dragoneer

Book 1 – The Bonding

by Vickie Knestaut; Danny Knestaut

Narrated by Stacy Gonzalez

Rating: 5 star rating

I really enjoyed The Bonding, the first audiobook in The Dragoneer series by Vickie Knestaut and Danny Knestaut. If you like dragon rider stories with a strong female lead, then this one is worth a listen.

The story takes place in the kingdom of Aerona, where dragons and humans have lived together for generations. The position of "Dragoneer" is one of the most respected roles in society because the Dragoneer leads the dragons and their riders during times of war.

Trysten, is the only child of the current Dragoneer. She has spent her life learning about dragons and developing a unique connection with them. However, tradition dictates that only men may inherit the title of Dragoneer. When her father is seriously injured and unable to continue leading, a successor must be chosen before the kingdom's enemies become a threat again.

Trysten struggles against centuries of tradition, she becomes involved in an important dragon-bonding process that could determine the future leadership of both dragons and humans. 

Elevera is a powerful dragon who becomes one of the most memorable characters in the book. Elevera is far more than a simple animal companion and has a strong personality of her own. 

Trysten's Father, the current Dragoneer, whose injury creates the succession crisis. He loves his daughter but must balance family loyalty with long-standing traditions.

Trysten's Childhood Friend, chosen as the potential successor despite Trysten's qualifications. His relationship with Trysten is complicated by friendship, duty, and expectations.

One of my favorite parts was the relationship between the dragons and their riders, especially Elevera, who felt like a real character rather than just a dragon and her connection with Trysten.

The book wraps up with them fighting a dragon hoard from a far different location. This leaves enough unanswered questions to make me interested in continuing the series.

Overall, this was an enjoyable, family-friendly fantasy with memorable characters, dragons, and a strong coming-of-age story. I look forward to seeing where the series goes next.

Thank you, NetGalley, Tantor Media, Vickie Knestaut, Danny Knestaut, and narrated by Stacy Gonzalez for the audiobook review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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This is a review of the audiobook.

The Jewish Hospital by Jonathan Hammel

The Jewish Hospital

by Jonathan Hammel

Rating: 5 star rating

This was a great moving and thought-provoking historical holocaust novel set in Berlin during World War II. Lena Schild, a young nurse, takes a position at the Jewish Hospital with the help of her father. This hospital is one of the few places where Jewish people could still receive medical care under Nazi rule. Lena faces difficult choices about loyalty, courage, and doing what is right, as things become more dangerous.

The author, Jonathan Hammel, does a great job bringing this story with a little-known piece of history to life. 

The characters feel real, and the story has historical detail that offers emotional depth and feelings. I especially enjoyed the friendship between Lena and Sophie, Arthur, and Stefan. The novel shows ordinary people trying to maintain their humanity in extraordinary circumstances, but things don't always stay the same in hard circumstances. 

The book is not fast-paced, but it kept my interest because I cared about the characters and wanted to know what would happen to them. Readers who enjoy World War II historical fiction with strong themes of hope, compassion, and moral courage will likely appreciate this novel.

Overall, The Jewish Hospital is an engaging and heartfelt story that shines a light on a lesser-known chapter of Holocaust history. I enjoyed the way the author ended the story, with a lot of detail. I would recommend it to fans of historical fiction and stories about resilience in difficult times. I thought this was great historical book.

Thank you, NetGalley, Skyhorse Publishing, and the author Jonathan Hammel for the eARC book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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