Uncommon Ground by Joy Ohagwu

Another great story by Joy Ohagwu! Stella Heart sees firsthand how God can move even when you're going through something and you don't know why or see no way out. God is already there.

Michael Huddleston doesn't understand God's ways, but knows He sees and watches out for us in spite of ourselves.

Putting God first, they see God move in unexpected ways. Uncommon Ground is a suspenseful Christian romance that will keep your finger on the edge of the page, turning to see what happens next.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

http://www.amazon.com/Uncommon-Ground-Christian-Romantic-Suspense-ebook/dp/B01A1WX2ZG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1461088428&sr=8-2&keywords=uncommon+ground

Friend Me By: John Faubion

Friend Me is John Faubion’s first novel. I hope he writes many, many more. This was a great book full of suspense and mystery. I kept turning the pages, waiting to see what would happen next. Faubion has a unique way with words that brings the characters to life and pulls you into the action. What happens when you can’t talk to anyone and you feel like you don’t have any friends who care? Technology has progressed to the point that a company can make virtual friends. They can be friends with you on facebook, send you emails, and even video chat. You supply all the information about what you want this friend to think, act, say, and do. Want this virtual friend to replace a deceased family member or friend? No problem. Send in a picture, voice tapes, characteristics of the person, and your virtual friend comes to life on your computer screen. Scott works hard and comes home late. Rachel is lonely and creates Suzanne, a virtual friend. She starts putting ideas in Rachel’s head about what Scott could be doing working so late and not spending time with her. Does she really need a friend like that? Scott endures pressure at work, trying to make a financial account worth more. He employs a scheme he knows he shouldn’t, but he can’t afford to lose his job. Does he discuss it with his wife? No, but he discusses it with his virtual friend, who has become all the things he wished Rachel could be. Does he remember she isn’t real? Probably, until he thinks he sees her walking around in real life. What happens when his virtual friend decides he’s the husband for her and his wife needs to be permanently out of the picture so she can take her place? If Scott and Rachel had just communicated what they were feeling, Rachel would not have felt neglected nor needed a virtual friend to confide in, and Scott would not have needed to create Alicia. This puts events into motion that would change their lives. Add in a person who is mentally unstable, and you have a thriller like no other. Once you start this book, you will not be able to put it down till you get through all the twists and turns to the end. Can Scott and Rachel save their marriage and their lives before it’s too late? You’ll have to read the book to find out! John Faubion is celebrating his debut novel, Friend Me, with a Kindle HDX giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire HDX
• Friend Me by John Faubion

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 22nd. Winner will be announced February 24th on John Faubion's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by John's blog on the 24th to see if you won.

Deadly Devotion By: Sandra Orchard

This is the first book in the Port Aster Secrets series and the first book I have read by Sandra Orchard. If you are looking for a great murder mystery, look no further. I loved this murder, suspense, romance, who-dun-it story! From the first, you are trying to solve the mystery of who killed Kate Adam’s friend Daisy Leacock. I had an idea of who it might be, but none of the clues really led you there. Kate goes to the police and talks with Tom Parker about reopening the case into her friend’s murder. He tells her it is a closed case; his supervisor tells him it is a closed case. Other people get upset because she is investigating the murder and getting too close to the truth. But who is worried she will figure it out? Edward, who isn’t who he says he is, Hank, Parker’s boss, Darryl, husband to Kate’s best friend? Somebody else? Or is it all a figment of Kate’s imagination and Daisy really killed herself and Kate just needs to accept it? Tom helps Kate investigate, but he is going against his boss’ orders. Can he keep Kate safe? I loved the Jaws’ theme (Tom’s boss says this: “I got a call from the mayor this morning. Seems Miss Adams complained about our handling of the Leacock case. With tourist season around the corner, the mayor doesn’t want rumors of unsolved murders tarnishing the town’s reputation.” At another point, Tom reflects that his prime suspects were switching up faster than ducks in a shooting gallery. That pretty much sums up the story! You’ll think you know who the killer is, but then you’ll rule them out! This is a great story by a wonderful author and I can’t wait to read more. If you love a great mystery, you will love this book! I received this copy free from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Formula for Danger By: Camy Tang

If you like romance and suspense you will love this book by Camy Tang! Someone is trying to steal Rachel Grant’s scar-reducing cream formula and they will go to any length to get it, even killing people who get in the way. What can Rachel do to prevent them from getting it? Who can she trust? Edward Villa has agreed to watch out for her, but can Rachel trust him? Will she allow him to become a target? Rachel is working to gain the approval of her father. He is harder on her than her sisters; he expects more out of her and is never satisfied. As she’s trying to live up to his expectations, or her perception of them, will she push Edward away? He used to be a good friend, but then he started distancing himself. If her own father treats her this way, how can she expect God to be satisfied with her? Edward’s father worked all the time, canceling family events at a moment’s notice. Now that Rachel is doing the same thing, he can’t trust her with his heart, so he backs away. Edward tells her she thinks more about what her father thinks of her than what God thinks of her. Can she be secure in her confidence in Christ’s love before it is too late? Formula for Danger has many twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages. The romance, suspense, and the truth of God’s love are interwoven throughout the pages. Pick up this book today for a great suspenseful and encouraging read!

Rosemary Cottage By: Colleen Coble

I loved this book by Colleen Coble! Rosemary Cottage is the second in a series. Tidewater Inn is the first; you do not need to read the first one to enjoy this one. If you love mystery, suspense, and romance you will love this book! How well do you know your friends, your family? What you don’t know, may surprise you. Amy Lange and Curtis Ireland are trying to figure out why someone killed Amy’s brother Ben and Curtis’ sister Gina. As they dig deeper, they get closer to getting themselves killed. Who resorted to murder to keep Ben and Gina from talking? What are they afraid Curtis and Amy will find out? No matter what is in your past, God will forgive you. There’s always a way of redemption. This is a key theme that runs through this book. We must forgive others as God forgives us. Can Curtis and Amy let the past go, regardless of what they find out? Or will they let it hold them back from a future together? You’ll have to read the book to find out! The characters in this book are memorable characters that you can relate to, even the secondary ones. Rosemary Cottage becomes a place you’ll want to go visit, maybe even move to. The people and place become real as you read. The mystery and suspense will keep you turning the pages. I now want to go back and read Tidewater Inn and I can’t wait for the next book in this series to come out!! I received this book free from Thomas Nelson publishers in exchange for a review.

Rare Earth By: Davis Bunn

Rare Earth is an adventurous page turner revealing what happens when once-obscure minerals are discovered in Africa. How far will the Chinese go to retain the monopoly on these rare earths? Marc Royce finds out—all the way. What does it mean to be a hero? For most, it is to be called a great man. For Marc Royce, it is the true meaning—sacrifice. He is brought in as an accountant to audit a relief organization in Africa at a Kenyan refugee camp. Serge Korban is a medical technician who has been kidnapped and is presumed dead. Kitra Korban is his sister and is a nurse. They were working together in Africa at this refugee camp when he was abducted. A conversation in the beginning between Royce and Kitra set up the novel, “Think about it. I have been inserted into a critical situation. After an investigation that has stretched across three continents. No matter how much you love your brother, even you have to accept that more is at stake than one man’s disappearance.” Once I read this sentence, I was hooked on the book and wanted to see what was going on. A volcano could erupt at any time. Who can Royce trust to figure out what is going and why and who is involved? Lodestone employees, camp officials, church elders, UN officials, who can be trusted? Royce must find out in order to put his plan into motion to save the refugees, their villages, and protect the rare earths from getting into the wrong hands. And all has to be accomplished before the clock stops ticking. After reading this book, I will be looking for more Davis Bunn books! If you enjoy a heart-stopping thriller with page turning action, you will love this book! The descriptions of the scene in the hotel room where Royce is hiding from his attackers, the story of the baobab tree, and the final phase of going after the enemy, are a priceless piece to the story and are a pleasure to see happening as I read the book. I received this book free from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

Shattered By: Dani Pettrey

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a review. Shattered grabbed me from page one and wouldn’t let go! The characters are fully developed and the plot is very suspenseful. The evidence presented is enough to have Reef McKenna arrested; how can his sister prove his innocence? Reef McKenna is arrested for killing Karli Davis. His sister Piper knows he didn’t do it. Deputy Landon Grainger is a friend of the family, but he believes the evidence will prove Reef’s guilt or innocence, regardless of how this affects Piper’s feelings toward him! Landon grew up thinking people lie; evidence doesn’t. Can he learn to trust the people he loves; can he learn to trust God? Piper must learn trust as well. When she sees Becky in Landon’s house, can she trust Landon that nothing happened, or will she trust the evidence? Shattered takes you on an adventure to prove Reef’s innocence. Why was Reef found standing over Karli’s body with the murder weapon in his hand? Who wanted Karli dead? What happened to Karli’s mother? Each clue leads Landon and Piper further into Canada’s backcountry and closer to each other. Can they learn to trust each other? If you are looking for a great suspenseful mystery that will keep you turning the pages, this is the book for you! Submerged is the first book in the series, but you can read this book as a stand-alone. There are more books coming in the series. I cannot wait to read more books by this author!

Full Disclosure By: Dee Henderson

This is another amazing book by Dee Henderson! From the first sentence, “I’m pulling into the scene now,” you are hooked and can’t put the book down. Special Agent Paul Falcon has been trying to solve a case for many years. Midwest Homicide Investigator, Ann Silver, delivers some information that will help break open this case. But who exactly is Ann? What are her secrets? Paul wants to find out. Dee does a superb job of weaving this story together with Paul trying to catch someone off the Top Ten Most Wanted list. Step by step, follow Paul as he solves this murder investigation. Intrigue, suspense, romance, and faith in God are all the components needed for a great story. Paul realizes several of his friends and family know Ann. He finds out he has to get Ann to trust him so he can get past the friendship stage to something more permanent. At one point, he shows up at her house. He tells her, “I show up when friends move.” He’s letting her know he’ll be there for her. Do we take time for our friends? Or do we take them for granted? Dee does an awesome job of rounding out the characters and bringing the story to life. And of course at the end, there is a twist you won’t believe. Be prepared to not put this book down until you’ve read the last sentence!

The Chosen By: Alexandra and Joyce Swann

The Chosen, by Alexandra and Joyce Swann, is the sequel to The Planner. This is an eerie conclusion to what can happen when the government has complete control. The Electronic Communications Agency, ECA, is formed by the government and it redefines anti-American speech to be anything the administration deems it to be. What happens when a handful has complete control over everyone’s thoughts and actions? People are kidnapped and imprisoned as terrorists without trial and without proof. They can be held indefinitely or killed. Don’t agree with what the government is doing? You can be arrested. Kris and Kyle Mitchell must fight against this government that has taken complete control. They must fight for the God-given rights that were bestowed on this nation by our Creator. Fight for Freedom. Fight for the Constitution. Fight for the laws of our country. Many people are disappearing and being held or killed. Kris’ husband and brother in law are arrested and she has no idea where they are being held or what has happened to them. In order to fight back, Kris hires Julian Cicchetti to defend her case that this action by the government is unconstitutional. Will he be willing to go on record as being against the government and the Supreme Court who has upheld the government’s stance? Will the Supreme Court be willing to hear this case? They had previously sided with the government and closed down. Once the Supreme Court is out of the way, the Senate and the House of Representatives will be targeted next. Then the only branch of government will be the President and he will have ultimate control. Will anyone be willing to stand up for their rights and put a stop to this out of control government? If you won’t stand up for your rights, who will? Be ready to hold onto your seat as you read this suspenseful tale of a controlling government and the few who dare to stand up for what they believe in. The eerie part is what happens in this book could realistically happen. Will there be anyone strong enough who will stand up for their rights? The conclusion to this story is the best I’ve seen. Now that’s a great book! I can’t wait to read more books by Alexandra and Joyce Swann. If you like suspenseful tales that won’t turn you loose from page one, you will love this book!

The Planner By Alexandra Swann

Kris Mitchell had everything, until the bottom fell out. She had a great job, a big house, a great boyfriend, but then the real estate market went south, and all she has left of her old life is her Cadillac. Now Kris has a new job as a Level I Planner to sell Smart Seniors Communities to the retired community. Could you turn over all your assets to the government in exchange for room and board for life? Social security will be ended in 90 days. If you don’t move here, you will not have money to live on. But it’s only by invitation that you can live in one of these communities. Why is that? Each community is filled with like-minded people, the officials make certain that the seniors in each community are in similar age groups and come from similar religious and social backgrounds. They have prescreened friends, a fully staffed clinic, a dining hall that provides three meals a day, a gym, and laundry service. All they have to do is transfer ownership of their home and their assets to the Federal Municipal Planning Division in exchange for a guaranteed life –lease. Sound too good to be true? Kris’ father is a fun character. While she is explaining to him and her mother about her new job as a Level 1 Planner for FMPD, he keeps interjecting his opinion. Kris’ mother is hoping Kris will find her way back to God. The long, stressful nightmare that Kris had called her life for the past four years has finally ended with her new job. The future is going to be great. But Kris soon realizes things are not as they appear. The truth is more sinister than Kris can even imagine. Why are only certain people invited into the communities, can the government really control every aspect of your life, and what happens if you don’t want to do as you’re told? The Planner is another exciting novel by Alexandra Swann. Once you start this book, you will not be able to put it down. This book is a definite must read for anyone who loves suspense. How much control should we give to our government? This book reveals what could happen if we give them too much control. Is security worth our freedom? Are we better off giving everything we own to the government in exchange for life-long security and care? I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.

Deadly Disclosures (Dinah Harris Mystery) By: Julie Cave

I had not read any books by this author before, but I am glad I read this one! This is an author I will keep a watch on and get future books. I loved this story. The parts about the open debates of creation against science were very interesting. Having debates between both sides of the issue, made it enjoyable instead of dry. This is the whole crux to the story. How far will someone go to silence a strong Christian voice? You won’t want to miss this book! Dinah Harris is suffering from depression and a struggling alcoholic trying to do her job, but not being successful. Every one knows she is one step away from being fired as an FBI agent. Then, high profile Secretary of the Smithsonian turns up missing. Dinah must break through her problems to solve this case! This is a great suspense novel! I can’t wait to read more by this author. Her other books are now on my “to be read” list! If you love suspense, detective novels, and murder investigations, you will love this book!

The Twelfth Juror By: Alexandra and Joyce Swann

This is a great book by Alexandra and Joyce Swann! Megan Cleary has everything going for her—she is a partner in a law firm, has the perfect boyfriend, and is enjoying life to the fullest. Or, so she thought. When she decides to work late one night, she is beaten and raped. Her world is turned upside down. Her way of thinking changes, her lifestyle changes, her financial situation changes, and even who her friends are changes. Who can you turn to when everything around you is crumbling down? God is still in control. That’s the lesson Megan has to learn. Megan buys a gun to protect herself after the shooting, and when she is attacked again by the same man, she shoots and kills him, and then runs. See how she copes with the tragedy that has befallen her and how she deals with the punishment she has bestowed upon her attacker. Once you start this book, you will not be able to put it down. If you love mystery, suspense, and legal thrillers you will love this book. Learning to let go of fear and guilt play a big part in this story; learning to let God be in control of your life is sometimes the hardest thing to do—read to see how Megan turns loose and lets God have control of her life so she can live again. This book is a definite must read and I can’t wait to read other books by Alexandra and Joyce Swann. Just when you think you have it all figured out, something unexpected happens and keeps you turning the pages to the end!

A Rich Man for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad

A Rich Man for Dry Creek By Janet Tronstad Another great book by Janet Tronstad! Robert Buckwalter III is a wealthy playboy carrying out a rich man’s lifestyle. Jenny Black is a working girl employed by Robert’s mother. She is in Dry Creek as a personal chef for the youths staying at Garth’s ranch. Can Robert convince her he is really interested in her and it doesn’t matter that she’s part of the working class? Can she overlook his money and fall in love with him for who he is? Or, is he only interested in her because her sister works for the editors who compile the bachelor list? Janet Tronstad uses humor, suspense, and God’s love to weave her tales. You are drawn in from page one and won’t be able to stop reading until the last page. “He (Robert) had met the woman the Bob inside him wanted to marry and she was looking at him this very minute like he was some hair ball a very unwelcome stray cat had coughed up.” Humor is used all through the book. You will laugh and cry with the inhabitants of Dry Creek. They become your neighbors and your friends. Each book features different community members and continues their stories. You can read the books out of order and not get lost figuring out who is who. I enjoy reading them in order and following their stories.

Attracted to Fire by DiAnn Mills

Attracted to Fire By DiAnn Mills I received this e-book free from NetGalley in exchange for a book review. Attracted to Fire is a great book! Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down. If you are looking for a very suspenseful page-turner, this is it! Somebody is responsible for all the trouble and nobody can trust anybody. Bob Lawson and Meghan Connors are assigned to protect Vice-President Hall’s daughter, Lindsay. VP Hall becomes President when the President’s cancer spreads. Lindsay is a drug addict and alcoholic. Ash Zinders is the agent in charge and he doesn’t like female agents. Sparks fly when Meghan and Ash get together at the Dancin’ Dust Ranch where Lindsay is taken for rehab and to be watched. While they are there, an agent is killed, a scorpion ends up in Meghan’s bed, a ranch hand and the cook are killed. Does Lindsay hold the key to what is happening? Lindsay doesn’t know who to trust or who to tell her secrets to. When she starts talking, you won’t believe what happens. You will not be able to put this book down. David Sanchez is the psychologist the Vice-President calls in to help Lindsay. He uses supplements, vitamins and diet to combat her addictions. Does it work or is she living a nightmare? Does she really know what is going on or just imagining things? Suspense starts from page one and does not stop until you read the last page. Lindsay realizes her choices had destroyed any dreams of having the life she longed to live. She learns she has to face her demon and find out what he wants so she can stop him. She can’t trust anybody and feels she has to do it on her own. This book is about trust and forgiveness. You can’t do things on your own. You need God on your side and you need your friends so you don’t feel alone. Read Attracted to Fire by DiAnn Mills. You will be glad you did. Even after reading the book, you will be thinking about the characters and what you learned about God and trust and forgiveness. This is a definite must read! I look forward to reading other books by DiAnn Mills.

Accused By: Janice Cantore I loved this book! Janice Cantore does a great job of pulling you into the story and not letting you go. Detective Carly Edwards is a patrol cop. She is part of an officer-involved shooting and is reassigned to a desk job in juvenile. She doesn’t understand why God would do this to her. She loses her patrol job, goes through a divorce, and is left wondering where God is in her life. Nick, her ex-husband, is also a cop and has become a Christian since their divorce. He has been spending time with Carly’s mother and she has introduced him to a personal relationship with God. Carly has to figure out who she can trust and who is out to kill her. When the mayor is killed, Carly must find out who is part of the conspiracy. Carly wants to do everything herself; it’s safer that way. However, she must learn to trust God and learn to forgive. You will not want to put this book down once you start! By the time you finish this book your faith will be strengthened and renewed. Follow Carly as she questions God and see if she surrenders to God, or stays on the same path resisting God. If you love a good mystery, this book is for you. The suspense and intrigue will keep you on the edge of your seat to the very last page. Nick is there with her every step of the way, but is he part of the conspiracy? Pick up this book today and be ready to be swept away! Janice Cantore is a retired Long Beach police office and brings her background into her novel. The scenes are depicted realistically and the characters are believable and lifelike. I can’t wait to read another novel by Janice Cantore.

Street Judge by Judge Greg Mathis

Street Judge
Judge Greg Mathis

Street Judge is a fictionalized look at Judge Greg Mathis’ time as a Judge. We get to see his first day as a Judge, the cases he is dealing with, and the people he comes in contact with. As you start the first page, you won’t be able to put the book down. From an unsolved murder, to being accused of taking bribes, to setting up Shelia’s house, you get a bird’s eye view of what Judge Greg Mathis has to deal with.
If you like mystery, suspense, and intrigue, you will love this book. Judge Greg Mathis weaves a powerful tale. The compromising videotapes coming in the mail makes you want to help solve what is going on. This is a very engaging tale from page one. Reading Judge Greg Mathis’ reasons for opening Shelia’s House makes you realize how sincere he is with helping the youth. In real life he is the founder of Young Adults Asserting Themselves. Shelia’s House gives you an inside look to some of the issues affecting the youth.
I highly recommend Street Judge to anyone who enjoys a great book. This book makes references to the time before the Judge became Judge. If you’re interested in seeing how he became Judge, and what he overcame, I recommend his memoir Inner City Miracle.

The Devil Amongst the Lawyers by Sharyn McCrumb

The Devil Amongst the Lawyers
Sharyn McCrumb
The Devil Amongst the Lawyers is one of Sharyn McCrumb’s best books yet. According to the acknowledgments in the book, it is a fictionalized version of the 1935 murder trial of Edith Maxwell, which took place in Wise County, Virginia. I was hooked on this story from page one. You follow some of the reporters traveling to Wise by way of Abingdon to cover the trial. The descriptions of Abingdon, the Martha Washington Inn, and the Barter Theater in 1935 are very interesting. They stay overnight in Abingdon, and then head on to Wise, VA. A young lady has been accused of killing her father because of a dispute over her curfew. The story unfolds of the life of the young lady and her family, and their life in Wise.
This story was very entertaining and thought provoking. You follow along and learn what is going on as the reporters learn. The dialogue is easy to follow, and you can keep up with the characters and what is going on with them. The big city reporters describe the scene as a “back of beyond” place, a phrase from the book. Another reporter decides to tell the truth about what he sees. He ends up getting fired from his job for reporting the truth. Between following the trial, learning some of the history of Abingdon and Wise, and having some characters with the Sight, this book was a delight. I would recommend it to anyone who likes trials, history, suspense, or other Sharyn McCrumb books.
I was left with one question while reading the book. When Nora Bonesteel was traveling to Wise, she encountered another woman on the train. Nora says to herself, “There wasn’t any point in telling the woman something that she wouldn’t believe anyhow. She would find out for herself soon enough.” What did the lady find out when she got to Knoxville? It is never revealed.
The side story of Henry, one of the reporters, is very touching. I cried at a couple of places. The descriptions of what he goes through, and how he got to where he was in the book, will touch your heart. I recommend this book wholeheartedly.

The Long Way Home by Andrew Klavan

THE LONG WAY HOME

ANDREW KLAVAN

When I first picked this book up, I was excited about reading it. Charlie West is an accused murderer and supposed terrorist. This book is about him proving his innocence. From the first page, you are hooked and don’t want to put the book down. The story is told in an energizing, energetic manner. You find out how his friends help him along the way, and the different situations Charlie gets in to prove who the murderer really is.
This story is suspenseful, romantic and entertaining. The action doesn’t stop from page one. This is the second book in a series. The first book is “The Last Thing I Remember”. I recommend reading the books in order. You can then relate better to the characters in the story. The back of the book tells you all this action is going to happen. You are not disappointed. From the attack at the library to the surprise visitor at the mansion, you are kept on your toes wondering what is going to happen next. The title of the book, “The Long Way Home”, is appropriate. He has to go home to find out who he is. It is there he realizes who his friends are and who the murderer is. Sometimes you can’t do it by yourself. It is then you find out who your true friends are. The romantic side plot adds another dimension to the mix, as well as his faith in God. I highly recommend this book. This book is listed as for young adults, but I found it very engaging. I can not wait until the next book comes out in this series.