Review of Don't Keep Silent by Elizabeth Goddard

About the Book ~

Justice comes easy for these two. But forgiveness? That's another matter altogether.
Investigative reporter Rae Burke will do anything to find her missing sister-in-law, even if it means facing Liam McKade, a man who almost lost his life saving hers. A former DEA agent, Liam thought he could find peace at his Wyoming ranch, but he doesn't feel at home anywhere anymore. When the reporter who blew his cover on an important investigation inserts herself back into his life, he's less than thrilled. But Rae's keen investigative skills have led her down the right path--and directly into the dragon's mouth--leaving Liam no choice but to protect her.

As the danger increases, the past they both tried to flee catches up to them, along with the feelings they once had for each other . . .

For more information about Elizabeth Goddard and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Ready for a mystery that will have you shifting the story's sands for that one and only clue that will tie everything together? If so, then Don't Keep Silent by Elizabeth Goddard is for you!

In addition to an intricate mystery -- no spoilers! -- there was several key aspects that I really loved in Don't Keep Silent! I loved the setting! The author does a wonderful job bringing this town in Wyoming to life, and the wildness of the land reminds me of my own backyard. Additionally, one of the things I was delightfully surprised to find in Don't Keep Silent was the representation for the Autism Community. As a mom to a young child with Autism, I love seeing Autism represented in stories! While this wasn't a huge focus in Don't Keep Silent, the fact that it was represented there at all blessed my heart!

The spiritual dynamic in Don't Keep Silent was more subtle. Due to Liam and Rae's history, they're struggling to forgive each other -- or are they? In reality, this was a convenient façade they each donned in order to keep them from dealing with the real issue -- that they are both uniquely called to protect those can't cry out for help. They are individually struggling with the painful realities of that calling and the traumatic ways it has impacted their lives. Because of this, they are afraid to open their hearts -- and each other -- up to the pain that love can bring. I loved that once they stripped that façade away and looked this fear in the face, they bravely choose one of the scariest gifts God gives us: love.

Three Stars ~ Don't Keep Silent by Elizabeth Goddard is an intricate mystery that will keep you asking questions! Don't Keep Silent is the third book in the author's Uncommon Justice Series. The overall mystery can be read as a standalone, but readers will understand the family dynamics better if the series is read in order.

Possible triggers ~ Death, abduction, human trafficking.

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 loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

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 Heart of a Hero by Susan May Warren

About the Book ~

Jake Silver may not be able to put the memories of his time as a sniper and Navy SEAL behind him, but at least he can put his skills to use as a part of the Jones Inc. rescue team. Saving the life of pediatric heart surgeon Dr. Aria Sinclair on Denali helped too. Now he can't get her out of his head, and when he hears she is in the path of a hurricane down in Key West he can't help but jump on a plane to rescue her.

Aria has dedicated her life to helping children born with defective hearts. After all, she was one of those children. Now driven to succeed, she lives a lonely, stressful life. One she would have lost on Denali if it hadn't been for Jake. Jake is exciting and handsome, but he's also dangerous, and she's already lost one person she loves. She can't bear it again.

It's not until she finds herself trapped in the middle of a category 4 hurricane that she can admit she needs Jake desperately. With their very survival in the balance, can they hope for a second chance at life . . . and love?

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

My Thoughts ~

Find a place to huddle down while reading The Heart of a Hero by Susan May Warren because you will be swept away by this epic story! The Heart of a Hero features Jake and Aria -- who readers got to know a little through an excellent setup in The Way of the Brave -- as they fight against their hearts, their false narratives, and the brute strength of a hurricane! Like...why aren't you reading this book right now?

The hurricane angle in The Heart of a Hero hooked me right away! This had such a disaster movie vibe -- with an incredible faith angle, but more on that in a moment! Between the ragtag crew, the danger from the storm itself, and the danger the storm unleashed (no spoilers!), each new development had my eyes rushing to keep up with the flipping pages. And my little scaredy-cat self is thankful I got to experience these terrifying ordeals from the safety of my cozy nook!

As the title suggests, Jake and Aria struggled with their hero hearts. Jake believed himself to be more villain than hero; Aria believed her life to be a mistake, causing her to fear actually living life. And God's heart leapt from the pages as Jake and Aria grappled with surrendering their hearts to Him. This story is for anyone who has ever believed they must be worthy of forgiveness through the qualifying lens of a debt that can never be repaid while an internal shame megaphone reminds them of this over and over again. This story is for everyone because it proclaims these freeing truths: we are forgiven, washed clean, and loved.

Four Stars ~ The Heart of a Hero by Susan May Warren is thrilling, healing, and not to be missed! The Heart of a Hero is the second book in the author's Global Search and Rescue Series. This could be read as a standalone; however, the backstory and an on-going mystery will be more easily understood if the series is read in order.

Possible triggers ~ Death, traumatic situations, physical attacks.

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 loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

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 Key to Everything by Valerie Fraser Luesse

About the Book ~

Peyton Cabot's fifteenth year will be a painful and transformative one. His father, the heroic but reluctant head of a moneyed Savannah family, has come home from WWII a troubled vet, drowning his demons in bourbon and distancing himself from his son. A tragic accident shows Peyton the depths of his parents' devotion to each other but interrupts his own budding romance with the girl of his dreams, Lisa Wallace.

Struggling to cope with a young life upended, Peyton makes a daring decision: He will retrace a journey his father took at fifteen, riding his bicycle all the way to Key West, Florida. Part declaration of independence, part search for self, Peyton's journey will bring him more than he ever could have imagined--namely, the key to his unknowable father, a reunion with Lisa, and a calling that will shape the rest of his life.

Through poignant prose and characters so real you'll be sure you know them, Valerie Fraser Luesse transports you to the storied Atlantic coast for a unique coming-of-age story you won't soon forget.

For more information about Valerie Fraser Luesse and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Despite whatever I subconsciously expected to find in The Key to Everything by Valerie Fraser Luesse, I was not prepared for the way this story would WRECK me with its BEAUTIFULNESS!

You can't prepare for it, dear readers. But you can read it and experience it for yourself. Because it's a journey that should not be missed!

The author has a real talent for immersing readers in the era and the setting! In the span of a few words, I was transported into Peyton's world. I was surrounded by the stuffy, backstabbing Cabot family. I was biking down the A1A to the island world of Key West in 1947. I was transformed by the new experiences, people who loved their neighbor, and hardships that only offer two options: grow stronger or remain stuck.

Peyton's coming-of-age story truly moved me! The "keys" to where Peyton came from, the man he was growing into, and the opportunities to love had me crying every few pages! However, the aspect that undid me the most was the way Peyton's story intersected with Kate's (Peyton's mother) unconditional love and journey through grief. Marshall's (Peyton's father) heart-twisting story lays out the story of a man with more good in him than not, a man who made mistakes, a man Peyton could learn from even in the end. The truth that your bad choices -- even choices with devastating consequences -- don't have to define your life for eternity is a narrative that is so very needed in this world! The Key to Everything challenges her readers to learn and grow with a beauty that will wreck you!

Five Stars ~ I can't recommend The Key to Everything by Valerie Fraser Luesse enough! The Key to Everything is a standalone, but the author has other titles in her backlist for readers to enjoy!

Possible Triggers ~ Grief, death of a loved one.

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 loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

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!