A Matter of Trust: A Mia Quinn Mystery

A Mia Quinn Mystery

By Lis Wiehl, with April Henry
Published by Thomas Nelson

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When life is murder, who can you trust?
One minute Mia Quinn is in her basement, chatting on the phone with a colleague at the prosecutor’s office. The next minute there’s a gunshot over the line, and Mia listens in horror as her colleague and friend Colleen bleeds to death.
Mia’s a natural for heading up the murder investigation, but these days she has all she can do to hold her life together. As a new widow with a pile of debts, a troubled teenaged son, and a four-year-old who wakes up screaming at night, she needs more time with her family, not less—and working Colleen’s case will be especially demanding. But Colleen was her friend, and she needs to keep her job. So she reluctantly teams up with detective Charlie Carlson to investigate Colleen’s death. But the deeper they dig, the more complications unfold—even the unsettling possibility that someone may be coming after her.
Lis Wiehl’s signature plot twists and relatable characters shine in this absorbing series debut . . . with an intriguing cameo from her best-selling Triple Threat series.

IN MY OPINION:

As a recent widow Mia now has to play both mom & dad to her teenage son as well as her 4 yr old daughter.  Now raising her kids on her own Mia discovers that her husband was not the man she thought he was.  She was left to discover that he was not as well off in the finance department as he lead her to believe ranking up high credit card bills.   Leasing a vehicle way out of their budget and she is now is faced with the fact that she may never get out of debt.

On top of this she is also a full time prosecutes in the DAs office.  While on the phone with her co worker & best friend she listens as her friend is shot dead.  Mia is used to working with murder investigation but she soon discovers that its not as easy to investigate her friends murder.  She is also paired with a homicide detective whom she feels is untrustworthy.  Charlie isn't always the first to follow procedures by the book.  But he proves himself over & over again to Mia as they face hurdles with every lead they have. She also asks him to help her with another case that she wants to take on.  Its a case that involves a boy who committed suicide in response to cyber bullying. 


I am so impressed with Lis Wiehl for this amazing book.  I could not put it down as it kept me pulled to the pages each and every turn.   I personally love a good crime scene show & as I read it felt like I was watching a great movie.  Also,this book had modern day issues such as Face Book, and cyber bullying.  I recommend this book to anyone who likes to solve a crime.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Tuesday's Book Nook

From the Author:

Ethan and Sophie long to share a future together. But the secrets they’re not sharing could tear them apart.
Sophie Caldwell has returned to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee after years away. Despite the heartaches of her childhood, Sophie is determined to make a home, and a name, for herself in the growing town. A gifted writer, she plans to resurrect the local newspaper that so enchanted her as a girl.
Ethan Heyward’s idyllic childhood was shattered by a tragedy he has spent years trying to forget. An accomplished businessman and architect, he has built a majestic resort in the mountains above Hickory Ridge, drawing wealthy tourists from all over the country.
When Sophie interviews Ethan for the paper, he is impressed with her intelligence and astounded by her beauty. She's equally intrigued with him but fears he will reject her if he learns about her shadowed past. Just as she summons the courage to tell him, Ethan’s own past unexpectedly and violently catches up with him, threatening not only his life but their budding romance.

My Review:

This has been the first book that I have been able to review written by Dorothy Love.  Let me tell you, it was well worth the wait!  Upon starting the first chapter I became aware that this was in fact book 3 (the final) of Hickory Ridge Series.  However, Dorothy did such a fantastic job with her descriptions of all the characters that I immediately felt drawn into the town of Hickory Ridge and the people who lived there.
I fell in love with Sophie immediately.  She came back to a town that she felt judged her while she was a child growing up in an orphanage to restore the towns newspaper.  She faces many challenges while trying to get her life & career back in order, none of which slows her down.  It was during one of her first journalistic interviews that she meets Ethan.
I liked the fact that each character makes assumptions about different situations around them & each assumption is proven wrong.  It even had me, the reader, starting assume situations to not be what they were.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good simple romance.

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Waiting Game

As some of you know one of the reasons this blog has been silent for a few days is because of my brother.  My brother is currently in the hospital with a Subdural hematoma as well as a fractured skull.  We may never know what exactly caused his injuries, and that is one of the hardest things for us to live with.   My brother & I were always close growing up.  He was & is the typical older brother who loves to tease me to no end.  

 According to the neurologist there has not been any improvement in the amount of fluid
or however after two days the hemorrhage has stopped.   He is very restless & the nurses, doctors and rest of the family are just trying to keep him calm.   They had to induce a medically induced comma to help keep him calm.    The other issue happening is that he is having a very irregular heart rhythm. Keep in mind that this could be occurring do to the paid medicine he is on as well as because the heart is not sure if it should be pumping more blood to the brain or less.  Also, when they intubated him, my brother suffered a collapsed lung, that than needed to be re inflated. From what the nurses and doctors have said this is normal, but still needs to be monitored closely. 

It's been 1 week since my brother was put into the hospital. On Saturday the medical staff introduced my brother to a "sedation vacation"  He was able to last for 30 minutes with that on Saturday before his heart rate & blood pressure began to spike.  Then on Sunday he lasted for 60 minutes & was able to open his eyes on command but it only was for a brief second. Every day were told that he is taking baby steps in the right direction.  Its so hard watching him lay on a bed with the machines to help him breath.  I am starting to feel like I am being sucked down into this deep dark hole & there is nothing I can do to help my brother. 

It also doesn't help with the knowledge that this is a frontal lobe injury.  We won't know what type of a person my brother will be when he wakes up.  He may become a risk taker, he may have permanent memory loss, he may be more aggressive.  Only time will tell. 

Its because of this, that I have not been able to write my Mamavation Monday Post or keep up with the Facebook feed.   I feel so out of the loop that I can hardly focus.  But, here is how I have been doing.  I am still trying to make healthier food choices.  I try to take the steps at the hospital vs the elevator.  I also weighed myself today & found that I haven't loss anymore weight.   I'm trying to look at it like the 'glass is half full'  telling myself that I didn't gain weight either & no matter how I look at it I am still down 3#s from the start of the year.  Let me tell you that its not easy.

This week I am asking everyone who stops by to read this post that they pray for my brother.  

Thank you for reading.

Whispers in the Wind

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (August 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764204165
• ISBN-13: 978-0764204166
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.1 x 8.5 inches 

From the Author:

After fleeing North Dakota and the now defunt Wild West Show, Cassie Lockwood and her companions have finally found the hidden valley in South Dakota where her father had dreamed of putting down roots.  But to dismay, she discovers a ranch already built on her land.

Cassie's arrival surprises Mavis Engstorm and forces her to reveal secrets she's kept hidden for years.  Her son Rasnsom is suspicious of Cassie and   questions the validity of her claim to the valley. But younger son Lucas decides from the start that he is in love with her and wants to marry her.

Will Casie be able to build a home on the Bar E Ranch and fulfill her father's dream of raising horses, or will she be forced to return to the itinerant life of her past?

My Thoughts:

I loved the first book in the Wild West Wind Series and was thrilled to be able to review the second book from Bethany House.  The tale starts out with Casie finding out that her father co-owned the ranch with Mavis Engstorms late husband.  I was surprised to find out that not only did Mavis welcome Cassie into her home with open arms she took Casie under her wing & showed her how to keep a home.  Cassie however knows a lot about ranching and wants to be able to do her fair share.  She knows how to shoot and she has learned how to hunt so, she goes on a quest to join shooting contest so that she may earn money to help provide for her & her "family"  However, tragedy strikes just as she is about to compete in a big match.  I won't ruin the outcome for you, so you need to read the book!

Suspense, Faith & Love with "Submerged"

Product Detailshttp://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7198939323480366782#editor/target=post;postID=7594969521963798936

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; Original edition (May 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764209825
• ISBN-13: 978-0764209826

From the Author:
Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey, Alaska, again. She has a past, and a reputation--and Yancey's a town that doesn't forget. She's returned only to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash, but then dark evidence emerges and Bailey's own expertise becomes invaluable for the case.

Cole McKenna can face dangerous rescue dives. He can face the fear a murderer may be threatening his town. But facing the reality of Bailey's reappearance is a tougher challenge. She broke his heart...but doesn't seem to be the same girl who left Yancey ten years ago. And he's not the same guy she left behind.

Racing against the clock and a rising body count, Bailey and Cole must move beyond the hurts of their pasts to work together until the truth of what is hidden in the depths finally surfaces.

My Thoughts:
This was an absolute page turner from the first to the last paragraph.  This was Dani Pettrey's first novel for the Alaskan Courage series.  I was sucked into the life of Cole and Bailey as they fought to over come the emotions of the past as they found clues as to what really caused the plane crash that killed her aunt. I loved that their faith in God helped them to move on from the past and to heal the old wounds they each held in their hearts for one another.  

I also liked that we were introduced to the entire McKenna family and the struggles that they face. My only complaint is that the author leaves us with a cliff hanger that we can't read until her next book comes out!


I received this complementary copy from Bethany House Publishers exchange for my honest opinion*
  

Threads of Grace

I had the pleasure of receiving this e-book thanks to BookSneeze.com in exchange for my fair & honest review.

FROM THE AUTHOR:
 
Grace's autistic son needs a life that is safe and consistent. Seth wants to leave his flirting days behind him and settle down.
Deep in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania, the beautiful and weary Amish widow, Grace Beiler, is not looking for a husband—especially one so much younger than her. But handsome and smitten Seth Wyse stumbles upon a way to help her and they marry to keep Grace’s autistic son safe from his ill-intentioned uncle.
Grace soon discovers that she is far from immune to her young husband’s experienced charm and realizes that her first marriage has not destroyed her capacity for love.
Seth Wyse seeks counsel from his older brother, Jacob, when playing the game of pursuing his wife becomes more dangerous to both his heart and life than he ever imagined.
Yet God can give Grace and Seth a passion for family and each other that teaches them the ways of the Master Quilter through the tangled and tender threads of their lives.

 MY OPINION:

I have always enjoyed books by Kelly Long.  She is able to paint such a vivid portrait of what the characters see & feel so that your transported into the Amish culture.  The story focuses on Grace, who was forced into an early marriage. At first glace you think that Kelly is going to write about the hardships Grace faced being forced to marry a man whom she didn't love, but instead your whisked ahead in time to a point in which Grace's life long dream finally does come true, without her even looking for it.  Were also introduced to Seth, who himself has a secret.  A secret in which he fears that if the town elders found out he may have to give up one of his passions.  But with the strong faith in God that both Grace & Seth share as well as the love that they both have for Graces son you find that dreams really do come true...even for the Amish faith.

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Silent Night: A perfect Ending

I had the pleasure of receiving this e-book thanks to BookSneeze.com in exchange for my fair & honest review.

FROM THE AUTHOR:
 

As Christmas day nears, Bree and her faithful search-and-rescue dog Samson follow the trail of a troubling mystery into the snowy forests of Rock Harbor. Bree Matthews is preparing for Christmas guests, but her heart is reeling from the recent and tender loss of her unborn child. Her sister-in-law, Lauri, suddenly turns up on the doorstep of the lighthouse home Bree shares with her husband, Kade, in Rock Harbor. Secretive and withdrawn, Lauri seems curiously intent on discovering what happened to a parachuter who disappeared in the North Woods along Lake Superior's icy shore.
As Bree and Samson, her search-and-rescue dog, plunge into the search, Bree wonders if Lauri may know more than she’s admitted about the parachuter. And then the clues lead them to the trail of a young woman whose family fears the worst about her disappearance.
Will the search on this snowy, silent night lead Bree and Samson to more than clues about the missing girl? And will Bree’s prayer for a baby ever be answered?

MY THOUGHTS:

This was my first time being able to review a book written by Collen  Coble.  The story takes place near Lake Superior & I felt that the author did a fabulous job describing not just the buildings and the area where the story takes place but also the feelings involved.  My only complaint is that I did not realize that this part of a series.  So because of that I was slightly confused as to who was who & why.  But, I do have to say that I now want to go & find the entire series to learn more about who Bree & Kade are.  Because this is a Novella it makes for a quick read, but its so worth it.  I don't want to give the ending away, but I had tears in my eyes.

FTC Compliance: 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Hearts Awakening ~ Taking A Step back in Time

FROM THE AUTHOR:

  ife has left few choices for Elvira Kilmer. Her hopes for marriage and a family of her own have long since passed her by, and her arrival on Dillon's Island, nestled in the Susquehanna River, is not of her choosing, either. She needs work. And Jackson Smith needs a housekeeper.

Yet Ellie never imagined the widower would be so young... so handsome.

Jackson, on the other hand, has never met anyone quite so... plain. But he quickly comes to realize that Ellie's presence may solve his own problems--both the rearing of his young boys and the scandal that surrounds his first marriage.

When Jackson offers her something quite out of the ordinary, will Ellie look beyond mere necessity and risk opening her heart?

MY THOUGHTS:

I am so glad that I didn't judge this book by its cover.  As a reader we are invited to take a step back in time to the year 1840 to a little island located near Harrisburg PA.  Once there we meet Elivra Kilmer (Ellie) an unmarried woman in her early 30s & we are reminded that back in those days being unmarried one would carry the title of Spinster.  We also meet a cranky man named Jackson Smith who is a widower with two young sons.  Elvira is a temporary housekeeper/nanny for the family & she is met with great hurdles & obstetrical around every corner.  What I enjoyed most is that Elivra always held her ground & refused to change who she was or what she believed.  This is a story about faith, love, grace and forgiveness.  The author did a fantastic job at making you guess what the outcome of the book will be.  Together both Ellie & Jackson battled personal battles while raising the two boys and were able to find love from the inside out.

DISCLAIMER

I recived this book free in exchange for my honest review from Bethany House 

Heart Felt Love Stories~Perfect for those cold nights.

I have always been a fan of the Amish & their religious beliefs, values, and strength.  I had the privilege of reviewing this ebook free of charge thanks to Bookseeze in exchange for my honest review of the story. 
Kelly Long did a great job combining three of her short stories into one book.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

 Three Stories That Share the Adventures of First Love and Second Chances

A Perfect Secret—Rose Bender’s betrothed, Luke Lantz, is safe and dependable, maybe a little too much so. Or so she thinks until she sees him in the woods one night and discovers a secret he’s been keeping. Now his secret haunts her. She wasn’t sure about marrying a man she knew too well. But should she marry a man she doesn’t understand at all?
Christmas Cradles—When Anna Stolis takes over for her aunt, the local midwife, Christmas night heats up with multiple deliveries, three strangers’ quilts, and unexpected help from the handsome and brooding Asa Lapp.
A Marriage of the Heart—Since her mother’s death, Abigail Kauffman has lived alone with her father. She longs to escape the emptiness of the farmhouse that has never felt like home. Joseph Lambert is a newcomer in their close-knit community. Only after suddenly marrying do they begin to understand the tender truths of life-long love.

MY THOUGHTS
Well, as I mentioned I do enjoy reading about the Amish as their community fascinates me.   I did enjoy the books & the stories behind them, but again, I felt as if she was rushing to end the story.  Also, some of the situations seemed a little far fetched.  What I enjoyed most about how the author composed her book was that unlike other novellas that are combined into one book this one had different characters & situations in each.  Even the weather was different in each story.  I defiantly would recommend this book to anyone that just wants a quick read with a glass of wine & a roaring fire in the fireplace. 

FTC Compliance: 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

An Amish Christmas,expanded edition

I have always been a fan of the Amish & their religious beliefs, values, and strength.  I had the privilege of reviewing this ebook free of charge thanks to Bookseeze in exchange for my honest review of the story.  

The book is actually 4 stories by different authors combined into one. Each story easily flows into the next one and is somewhat predictable.  I love how Innocent the love stories are, where the simple feeling of holding a mans hand can cause the butterflies in the belly.

From the Publisher:

Enjoy this Amish Christmas bestseller with an additional new novella from romance author Kelly Long.

"Christmas Cradles" by Kelly Long -- When Anna Stolis takes over for her aunt, the local Amish midwife in Paradise, Christmas night heats up with multiple deliveries, three strangers' quilts, and the help from resourceful and strong Asa Lapp, whose job it is to get Anna through a dangerous blizzard to complete her midwifery rounds.

“A Miracle for Miriam” by Kathleen Fuller: This Christmas, Miriam must decide whether to guard herself or accept the love of a man who once broke her heart.

“A Choice to Forgive” by Beth Wiseman: Lydia, a widow who has given up on love, is shocked when Daniel-- a past love-- returns to the Order, and her life.

“One Child” by Barbara Cameron: This snowy Lancaster Christmas Eve will see two couples’ lives changed by the birth of one child. Contributer Barbara Cameron is the author of fifteen novels and three nationally televised movies (HBO), as well as a recipient of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart.

My Take:

 As I mentioned above the strories tended to be a little predictable, but I am not disapointed in the least.  I also loved that the Authors seemed to have worked together to write the stories beacuse of how easily they flowed from one into the other as to the fact that all the characters always seemed to have overlapped in the book.  

Its so heart warming to be able to read about  the love and the struggles that the Amish faith experiences.  I don't know about you, but their are days where I wish I had the simple life of now electronics Y the strong faith in our lord as they do. Personally, I wouldn't mind living among the Amish even if its for only one day.  

FTC Compliance: 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sunrise on the Battery

 

Sunrise on the Battery is an emotional story about a family trying to find their way towards there faith in God. I was pleasantly surprised when I received this book free, in exchange of my honest review thanks BookSneeze & the Thomas Nelson publishing company.

The beginning of this book was quite dry & it took a little while to pick up speed & interest for me. The author Beth Webb Hart allowed me to follow the Scoville family as they journeyed together to find a comfortable place with God. The Scovilles were a well to do family from Charleston who had no wants in the world, yet the mother Mary Lynn felt an emptiness in her life that no number of social obligations or worldly possessions could full-fill. However once she joined the social ministry at her local church she began to feel uplifted & complete, until she asked God to help her husband Jackson find the faith as well.

Only, to her surprise when Jackson began his journey towards the faith he “went all in” by committing social suicide to which Mary Lynn began to resent her husband. She never dreamed of him helping the homeless & the prostitutes in the manner that he did.

Disclosure: I received this book free from BookSneeze. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."