Free Fall By Nancy Mehl

Free Fall

by Nancy Mehl

Publisher: Bethany House

Series: The Quantico Files

ISBN: 9780764237652

I was excited to finish The Quantico Files series by Nancy Mehl! There's been a lot of anticipation for Free Fall. The publisher sent me the book for review on behalf of the author!

Summary:

The closer she comes to the truth, the deadlier her chase gets. 

FBI behavioral analyst Alex Donovan and her colleague Logan Hart have been called upon to write a profile for a missing woman, but a little digging quickly turns up more disappearances in Virginia with the same physical description. 

Alex is in a race against the clock to rescue the missing victims, so when the UNSUB makes demands of her in exchange for information, Alex takes the bait. But when her life is put in jeopardy, Logan must do whatever it takes to track them down before time runs out.

Alex works to think one step ahead of the suspect, but the more Logan and the BAU learn about the serial kidnapper, the more they fear Alex may not make it out alive.

My Review:

Well, if it's any indication of how deep I was in to Free Fall, I stayed up so late reading that I could barely keep my eyes open.

This was a twist on a movie I never saw in the theaters because I can only handle so much. In fact, I was so engrossed in this story that I woke up in a bit of a panic on the second night! The storyline was definitely getting into my psyche. lol

I really enjoyed, once again, how the author gives us a glimpse into how profilers work. I can't even imagine what it's like living in their brains! Trying to work out all of the small bits of information they have to figure out who the bad person is is fascinating. Alex seemed more "centered" in book three. I think she'd been through so much and grown as a character that now in book three she seems to have "normalized" as much as she can. I thought Logan's storyline was an interesting one as well.

Needless to say, the storyline was creepy. I actually guessed what was going on not too far into the story, but trust me, it didn't make it any less nail biting. There were a couple uses of God's name that I felt were in "vain" and not necessary. On the opposite end of the spectrum though, I loved that the characters would pray together, individually, and talk openly about their faith. I'm always thankful when an author doesn't shy away from adding that strong element to the story!

The end happened way too quickly for me. I would've liked another half of a chapter or so to get a bit more closure or understanding or maybe even a little more of a struggle where the bad guy revealed more about his craziness. I don't know, it just ended so fast I wasn't quite prepared.

And then there's another ending which I felt, after three books, I would've liked to be more of a fly on the wall for the truths to come out instead of having it explained to me in just a paragraph or two.

That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the story as well as the entire series! I look forward to more suspense/thrillers from the author!

About the Author:

Nancy Mehl (www.nancymehl.com) is the author of more than forty books and a Christy Award finalist, as well as a Carol Award winner, the winner of an ACFW Book of the Year Award, and the winner of the Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense in the inspirational romance category. Her short story, "Chasing Shadows," was in the USA Todaybestselling Summer of Suspense anthology. Nancy writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their puggle, Watson.

Shoal Waters By Normandie Fischer + GIVEAWAY

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for Shoal Waters by Normandie Fischer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! I received the ebook as part of this tour.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Shoal Waters 

Series: Carolina Coast Stories #6 

Author: Normandie Fischer 

Publisher: Sleepy Creek Press 

Release Date: June 14, 2022 

Genre: Inspirational/Clean Women's Fiction 

Dementia, mad gunmen, and a yearning for something more make life difficult for the Beaufort folk in this series finale. 

Georgie's mind threatens to go walkabout, and she'd better get help soon if she's to stop her daughter from taking over. Enter granddaughter, Jeminy, a songwriter from L.A., and Eric, her lawyer. 

Jeminy hates herself and is pretty sure God does, too. There’s that huge unforgiveable sin, plus the boyfriend/manager who dumped her and lost her a music deal. Her mistakes. Her fault. 

When Mother plots to tuck Nana Georgie neatly into a nursing home to gain access to Nana’s money, Jeminy hightails it out of L.A. and back to Beaufort. God may still hate her in North Carolina, but at least she’ll be on hand to protect her beloved grandmother. 

Enter Eric, the lawyer hired to help Georgie protect herself--and possibly Jeminy, too. But Eric just rescued his orphaned stepson from Social Services, and while he’s adept at legal briefs and courtroom dramas, classrooms and angry second graders are brand new territory. 

Guitar in hand, Jeminy tries to write songs to jumpstart her flagging career, but when someone threatens her life, she has to ask why. Could it have to do with the money missing from her bank accounts (and maybe her unstable ex)? If she prays for help, will God even listen to someone with her baggage? 

With the help of the Beaufort crew, a new father and a terrified musician struggle to safeguard everyone they love, but it’s going to take more than good neighbors to show each of them the true meaning of grace. 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub  

Enjoy this excerpt:

Jeminy Chapter 5

Jeminy didn’t—wouldn’t—care that her life had been reduced to a moderate

savings account and the plans she now had to make. Nana’s call precipitated her

decision to move out of Los Angeles, and that was no bad thing. It was past time.

This place of promise and glitter had captivated her until she’d looked more

closely at its underbellies, from enclaves peopled with the untouchable elite to Skid

Row’s un-helped homeless. Many of those living in between stumbled around on

the verge of bankruptcy as they clawed toward access to the gated communities.

Once upon a time, she’d been on the fringes of money and fame.

She didn’t—wouldn’t—care about the trappings of her big-city life she’d be

leaving, not the BMW she’d thought hers, not this apartment.

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Normandie Fischer had the best of several worlds: a Southern heritage, access to schooling in the DC area (which meant lots of cultural adventures), and several years of sculpture studies in Italy. It might have been better for her if she'd used all these opportunities more wisely, but it's possible that the imperfect and the unwise also add fodder for the artist and the writer.

Her life changed radically when she married the love of her life at an age when some would have said she was over the hill and way past her prime. (Clichés often speak the truth, don't they?) A lifelong sailor, she was delighted to find that Michael also longed to cruise lovely waters, which is what they did from Northern CA to Mexico, spending too-few years in the incomparable Sea of Cortez. Sea Venture, their 50' ketch, is back home in North Carolina now because Normandie's mama needed care. Still, it's gorgeous there, too, and she can write from home as easily as she could on the boat. 

Her two grown children and two step-sons are handsome (or gorgeous, as the case may be), talented, and a delight. And now there's a granddaughter and grandson in the mix--woohoo! She just wishes they lived a lot closer to home.

Connect with Normandie by visiting normandiefischer.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and one signed book written by Normandie Fischer (winner's choice)!

 

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 10, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 17, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Blood Secrets By Morgan Busse

Blood Secrets

by Morgan Busse

Publisher: Enclave Escape

Series: Skyworld

ISBN: 979-8886050004

After being so thoroughly drawn in by book one, Secrets in the Mist, I was thrilled to join the launch team for book two in this duology. 

Summary:

Not everyone wants to see the world saved . . .

Time is running out. Cities are being engulfed in the Mist and humanity is on the brink of extinction. Theo believes he has found a way to stop mankind from Turning, but he doesn’t know how to alter Cass’s unique blood into a cure. Or if it can even be done.

Meanwhile, Cass struggles with the idea that she is possibly the savior of the world—a world she is not sure is worth saving.

From the Winchester manse to the steel city of Decadenn, there is something more chasing Cass than the House of Lords or the masked man who can walk in the Mist. Soon she must decide if she will use her blood to save mankind or let those who only care about themselves perish.

My Review:

I was excited to dive back into the Skyworld series with Blood Secrets after the cliffhanger of Secrets in the Mist! I couldn't wait to learn what happened with Cass and Theo.

This was an interesting read. While I've read almost all of Morgan's books, they all have the same "feel" in them. This one seemed different somehow. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it felt like it was missing something. I like that she does duologies like this one because we don't have to wait for a 3rd book for the conclusion.

What I liked about this book is that Cass struggles with knowing she can help everyone from becoming a Turned, but the way she and others have been treated over the centuries, she questions if she wants to even help. Luron is just as creepy in this story as he was in the first one. He tries to lure her to his way of thinking and in a way, it makes sense. Readers will be able to see the gray area between good and evil as these two struggle with the future.

Theo once again plays the hero, and one we can all count on! I think we can all agree that when someone is in power and they truly care about others, we want them to come out on top. Too bad others in power don't want the same thing!

I never realized how much of a fan I would be of the steampunk genre until I read Morgan's books! She's able to bring that world to life and have it all make sense. There are a number of tense scenes that had me quickly swiping my ebook pages!

If you're a fan of this genre, don't miss out on this whole series! Skyworld will come to life for you through Morgan's writing.

About the Author:

Morgan L. Busse is a writer by day and a mother by night. She is the author of the Follower of the Word series, The Soul Chronicles, and The Ravenwood Saga. She is a three-time Christy Award finalist and winner of both the INSPY and the Carol Award for best in Christian speculative fiction. During her spare time she enjoys playing games, taking long walks, and dreaming about her next novel. Visit her online at www.morganlbusse.com.

The Stories Of God (And Kiki) By Dave Connis & Amy Domingo

The Stories of God (and Kiki)

Story by Dave Connis

Art by Amy Domingo

Publisher: Waterbrook

Series: Made in His Image

ISBN: 9780593233573

In my quest to build my granddaughter's library with faith-filled books I was excited to be invited to join in the launch of this story! I was sent the hardcover for this review.

Summary:

From the creators of The Inventions of God (and Eva) comes a delightfully illustrated picture book that tells the story of would-be author and artist Kiki—and the God who created her to be a lot like Him.

Little Kiki is an aspiring author and illustrator who weaves daring tales about swashbuckling otters, all-knowing sea cucumbers, and nail-biting rescues from the clutches of gerblins (part gerbil, part goblin). But where do her imagination, creativity, and ideas come from?
 
Meet God, the author of all stories. He writes adventurous tales such as Esther Saves Her Family and Friends, Jesus and the Tomb that Couldn’t Hold Him, and the Story of Kiki.

Kiki loves to write but sometimes she forgets to include important pieces (like the time she forgot to give the ship’s cook a kitchen). God also loves to write, and He knows exactly what every story needs. They are both writing their biggest story of all, and the endings are bound to be incredible.
 
Children and parents alike will delight in the playful illustrations, imaginative side stories, and the gentle reminder that the image of God is alive in each of us. 

My Review:

The Stories of God (and Kiki) is a delightfully illustrated story with the comparison of how God writes stories and little Kiki writes her stories.

The illustrations have a LOT going on in them. Trust me when I say your little one will be going back to this story and seeing something new each time. It's fun to see Kiki's imagination on the page in the way a child might draw them. It's a great way for kids to relate to her. 

It starts off with an introduction to who God is and who Kiki is. From there it compares the stories each of them has written. The story shows how Kiki might forget something in her story, but God never forgets. The story also reminds children that God wants them to use the gifts He's given them. 

I love that it conveys that God wants children to enjoy life and that He has good things for them. Also, that there's so much to look forward to when He creates a new Earth. I think children will be encouraged to be more of who they are through this story and might even encourage others to figure out more about what they like to do. It's definitely a great conversation starter on many levels!

About the Author:

Dave Connis is a former librarian and the author of several YA novels, including The Temptation of Adam and Suggested Reading, recipient of a starred review from Kirkus Reviews. He lives in Georgia with his wife, three kids, and a dog that barks at nonexistent threats.

Love And The Dream Come True By Tammy L. Gray

Love and the Dream Come True

by Tammy L. Gray

Publisher: Bethany House

Series: A State of Grace

ISBN: 9780764235931

I have been looking forward to Cam's story for a couple of years now. I was so thrilled to be on the launch team and immediately dove into the story. I was sent the book for review.

Summary:

Their faith will face its toughest test yet.

Four years after getting the biggest break of his life, Cameron Lee's music career has taken a nosedive, leaving him two options: become a sellout or give up on his lifelong dream. He reluctantly returns home for his sister's wedding, hoping to avoid his past and find his love for music again.

Single mom Lexie Walters has suffered her fair share of tragedies and setbacks, but she has finally scraped together the money to achieve her dream of going into business with her cousin as an interior designer. When Lexie's life is at an all-time high, she runs into her teenage crush, Cameron Lee.

Lost in the emotional turmoil of failure, Cameron is immediately drawn to Lexie and her infectious smile and optimistic spirit. Moreover, he adores her mouthy, no-holds-barred daughter. But fantasies only last so long, and soon Lexie and Cameron must face the real world, the one fraught with heartbreak, disappointment, and questions that sometimes can only be answered by a leap of faith.

My Review:

I've need Love and the Dream Come True since book one! My heart just ached for Cameron. He just could NOT catch a break. First with January, the new gal on the scene, and then with Darcy, who he thought he had a future with.

When we're introduced to Lexie, I wonder how she's going to break through the wall Cam has around his heart. I have to admit, I wasn't a fan of her 13 year old daughter, Morgan, initially. In fact, I had very little patience with how she treated Lexie. As I read more and got to know what was going on in their lives, I began to understand their relationship more and why Morgan talked to her the way she did. I know, I'm being cryptic, but I want you to give her a chance once you start reading the story. In fact, some of my favorite scenes ended up including her.

And Cameron. His brokenness that he doesn't seem to see or understand was incredibly palpable. His anger towards so many and not wanting to be back in Midlothian... I felt it too, for him! The emotional scenes with Bryson, Darcy, and Mason had my heart racing! They were very powerful moments and watching him grow, seeing scales fall from his eyes (and his heart) just filled me up so much. Watching him heal and be restored was wonderful.

One of the things I liked most about this story was Lexie and her perpetual cheerfulness. Usually that would be an immediate turn-off for me, but she was so well written that it endeared her to me! We get to understand what's taken place over the course of her life to make her this way and it's bittersweet. The storyline between her and Cam was raw and beautiful. I kept wanting to turn the page to read as their relationship grew deeper and deeper.

I appreciated Cam's faith journey as well. Watching as he begins to unravel what he's pushed aside and how it's affected his entire life. What a story of seeing someone in a fog see clearly again!

I'm completely sad the story is over and I want Mason's story now!! I didn't know I wanted it until we got to know him better in this story. I can't tell you how sad I am that there aren't 4 books in the series with the last one ending on him.

About the Author:

Tammy L. Gray (www.tammylgray.com) lives in the Dallas area with her family, and they love all things Texas. Her nine modern and true-to-life contemporary romances include the 2017 RITA Award-winning My Hope Next Door. When not taxiing her three kids to various events, Tammy can be spotted crunching numbers as the financial administrator at her hometown church.