Review of More Than We Remember by Christina Suzann Nelson

About the Book ~

One night changes everything...

When Addison Kilbourn's husband is involved in a car accident that leaves a woman dead, her perfectly constructed life crumbles apart. With her husband's memory of that night gone and the revelation of a potentially life-altering secret, Addison has to reevaluate all she thought she knew.

Emilia Cruz is a deputy bearing a heavy burden far beyond the weight of her job. After a traumatic brain injury, her husband is no longer the man she married, and Emilia's determined to prevent others from facing the same hardship. When she's called to the scene of an accident pointing to everything she's fighting against, she's determined to see justice for those wronged.

Brianne Demanno is hiding from reality. She once thrived as a counselor, but when tragedy struck a beloved client, she lost faith in herself and her purpose. When her neighbors, the Kilbourns, are thrown into crisis, Brianne's solitary life is disrupted and she finds herself needed in a way she hasn't been for too long.

As the lives of these women intersect, they can no longer dwell in the memory of who they've been. Can they rise from the wreck of the worst moments of their lives to become who they were meant to be?

For more information about Christina Suzann Nelson and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

More Than We Remember by Christina Suzann Nelson is a search for hope in a complex, heartbreaking world! 

More Than We Remember is an intricately woven story, one that allows readers to see into the unique life of each main character while they unravel the mystery of that fateful night. The author does a great job maintaining the pace of the overall story, and little, significant details are disclosed at just the right moments.

More Than We Remember is a heavier book. It delves into potentially triggering topics like traumatic injuries, suicide, sexual abuse, and substance abuse. While not soulmate characters for me, I greatly appreciated the author's honest portrayal of emotions in the difficult and dark places Addison, Emilia, and Brianne have to navigate. More Than We Remember highlights the need for hope; regardless of the harder topics, readers will turn the pages and find God's hope in the characters' search for exactly that! 

Three Stars ~ More Than We Remember by Christina Suzann Nelson is a story of hope in the darkness! More Than We Remember is a standalone from Bethany House, but the author has more novels for readers to enjoy!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill

About the Book ~

The case was tragic. But it was an accident. Right?

Three years ago, a collision between a fast-moving freight train and a school bus full of kids led to devastation and grief on an unimaginable scale. But a fresh clue leads San Antonio police detective Amara Alvarez to the unlikely conclusion that one of the children may still be alive. If she's correct, everything law enforcement believes about the accident is a lie. 

With time running out, Amara must convince others -- and herself -- that despite all the evidence to the contrary, the boy is alive. And she will do everything in her power to bring him home.

A fresh voice in suspense, Tom Threadgill will have you questioning everything as you fly through the pages of this enthralling story.

For more information about Tom Threadgill and his books, check out his website here!

My Thoughts ~

I almost didn't read this book.

I'm serious. The horrific deaths of innocent children made my mama heart burst into tears at the thought of something so tragic!

But I decided to give this new-to-me author a chance, and I'm so very glad I did! Because OHMYGOODNESS! I highly recommend Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill!

I really enjoyed entering Amara's story when she's trying to work her way out of Property Crimes. The daily grind, the smaller cases, and the subtle weaving of Amara's backstory, hopes, and dreams helped me feel connected to her as a character despite the fact that this is a more plot-driven story. Watching all these clues come out on a smaller scale before Amara was ushered into the multi-agency investigation also helped make this story feel more realistic. There's also, possibly, maybe a subtle romance in the works. Maybe. Regardless, I'm pining for it to happen, LOL!

Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill has an intensity to the storyline that gave me all the Taken vibes, yet the plot surprised me with the twists in the mystery. The story felt very realistic and contained doses of much-needed humor that ensured I didn't feel sad for too long! Though I recommend you have tissues for that ending! In the end, this bittersweet search for truth delivers exactly what you're looking for -- truth. 

And btdubs, I am NEVER letting my daughter ride a school bus!

Four Stars ~ Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill is an intense suspense that's realistic, funny, and filled with the search for truth! This is the author's first book in a series featuring Detective Amara Alvarez, and I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of End Game by Rachel Dylan

About the Book ~

Each New Clue...
Every Crime Scene...
Brings Them Closer to Discovering the End Game

When elite members of the military are murdered on the streets of Washington, DC, FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan and NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini must work together to bring the perpetrator to justice. Unfortunately, all evidence points to a Navy SEAL sniper who Baily refuses to believe is guilty.

When Bailey and Marco start to connect the dots between the victims, they wonder if there's a deeper cover-up at play. After Bailey is targeted, it becomes clear that someone is willing to kill to keep their dark secrets.

With the stakes getting higher by the moment, Bailey and Marco rush against the clock to determine whom they can really trust in this twisted conspiracy. As allies turn to enemies, the biggest secret yet to be uncovered could be the end of them all.

For more information about Rachel Dylan and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Romantic Suspense Fans, if you've been craving the bookish mashup of NCIS, JAG, and your personal favorite FBI drama, then End Game by Rachel Dylan will be the love of your bookish life!

I found End Game to be a plot-driven, whodunit story. The author did a really good job portraying the investigative nature of the various agencies featured in End Game. I was impressed by how realistic this aspect was, and the inclusion of multiple perspectives really helped with that! This aspect of the story means that readers learn some of the information and twists as it's being reported to the main characters.

While the characters weren't soulmate characters for me, the multiple perspectives provide a plethora of relatable, real-life issues! For instance, as the attraction between Bailey and Marco develops into the potential for something more, Bailey has to confront her fear of loss before she can open her heart to something new with Marco. Izzy, the rookie NCIS agent, finds God as she struggles with moving past a trauma (this trauma could be triggering, but it was delicately handled). Additionally, NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini is the bookish equivalent of NCIS ' Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo -- swoon, LOL!

Three Stars ~ End Game by Rachel Dylan is an intriguing start to what is sure to be an intriguing series! End Game is the first book in the author's new Capital Intrigue Series from Bethany House.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of The Way of the Brave by Susan May Warren

About the Book ~

Haunted by the memory of a rescue gone wrong, former pararescue jumper Orion Starr has no desire to join Hamilton Jones's elite rescue team. But he also can't shirk his duty when the call comes in to rescue three lost climbers on Denali in Alaska.

Jenny Calhoun's yearly extreme challenge with her best friends is her only escape from her guilt. The former CIA profiler and psychiatrist green-lighted an operation against the Taliban that ended in ambush and lives lost. When her cathartic climb on Denali turns deadly, she'll be forced to trust her life to the most dangerous of heroes -- the man she nearly killed.

Orion and Jenny will have to put their wounds behind them to save their friends...and their hearts.

For more information about Susan May Warren and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

I recommend reading The Way of the Brave by Susan May Warren while buried under a mountain of blankets. You'll still be cold, but you can remind yourself that you're not lost in an avalanche of ice and snow as you burrow deeper into the blankets, LOL!

As a mountain girl, I enjoyed the snowy nature of The Way of the Brave! However, I know nothing about climbing an icy mountain prone to avalanches, so there was a lot of technical information to learn. The author definitely did a lot of research for The Way of the Brave, and the action picked up pretty quickly. I absolutely LOVE a good Man VS Nature story, and the author nailed this! The captivating intensity was everything I hoped to find in such a storyline. Additionally, there's intriguing and emotionally-tugging setup for future books in the series -- something the author also does really well!

Orion and Jenny's relationship was forged in the fires of shared hardships! Their backstory -- though brief -- gave them a strong connection. A connection they both held on to when their worlds were shattered. I enjoyed seeing how that connection deepened when they reconnected -- through even more hardships! I also enjoyed the setup for Jake and Aria's story and getting a glimpse of who they are now.

The hero quality of this series is evident. Like seriously, look at that swoony cover, and have you read the title??? But what makes a hero? Is it a man who never needs help? Is it a woman who has never made mistakes? These questions make up some of the spiritual themes of Orion and Jenny's story as their separately (and together), confront their fears, break free from the past, and bravely give God the broken pieces of their hearts. And the way God's love and grace leaps from the pages might result in a soggy book!

Four Stars ~ The Way of the Brave by Susan May Warren is an exciting story with an important message! This is the first book in the author's new Global Search and Rescue Series from Revell. I'm looking forward to the next book, The Heart of a Hero!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Seconds to Live by Susan Sleeman

About the Book ~

The seconds are ticking down before someone dies.

When cybercriminals hack into the U. S. Marshals' Witness Protection database and auction off witnesses' personal details to the highest bidders, the RED Team, led by FBI Agent Sean Nichols, begins a high-stakes chase to find the hacker. But before he can even get started, the first witness is targeted and barely escapes with her life. Sean believes Phantom, an obsessed hacker who previously outwitted the top minds in the field, is behind the attack, and Sean needs this witness's help, as she's the person who has come closest to discovering Phantom's identity.

Trouble is, she's under the care of U. S. Marshal Taylor Mills, and Sean is reluctant to work with the captivating Marshal who knows his deepest secrets. But Phantom seems to be one step ahead at every turn and will stop at nothing to kill the witness. To stop the hacker, Sean and Taylor must learn to trust each other as danger draws ever closer.

For more information about Susan Sleeman and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

If you are a fan of shows like NCIS, then Seconds to Live by Susan Sleeman is the book equivalent that you need on your bookshelf!

Readers will be thoroughly pulled into the world of law enforcement in Seconds to Live! I liked how the author showed so many different agencies, their various roles, and even some of the science behind evidence recovery. While this did mean a slower pace at times, the in-depth investigative nature is what makes the story so intriguing. I have always enjoyed learning through a well-crafted story, and it was fun to experience the frustrating red tape, the crushing dead ends, and the triumphant breaks in the case right along with the characters!

Speaking of the characters, I really liked the "internet buddies" angle that the author used to give Sean and Taylor a firm foundation for their romance! It didn't feel rushed or forced at all because they had spent so many months getting to know each other online. I also really liked this angle because it felt so realistic! So many friendships and even romantic relationships are begun and strengthened via the internet now, and it was refreshing to see this angle play out in a safe, healthy way.

The emotional, spiritual, and relationship journey in Seconds to Live comes down to one word: trust. Sean and Taylor really, definitely, absolutely had some painfully-earned trust issues due to their respective pasts. While they weren't bookish soulmates for me, I could relate to their struggles to trust each other and God. The author realistically handled how deeply trust issues can affect an individual, and that made each step forward a victory I could share with them!

Three Stars ~ Seconds to Live by Susan Sleeman was a romantic, interesting, and suspenseful read! Seconds to Live is the first book in the author's new Homeland Heroes Series from Bethany House. I look forward to reading the rest of the series and discovering more information for a particular case with the RED Team!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!