Glimpses of God: Summer Devotional for Women Blog Tour and Giveaway

About the Book

Book:  Glimpses of God: A Summer Devotional for Women
Author: Shirley Crowder & Harriet Michael
Genre:  Devotional
Release Date: April 29, 2020

Creator God made the world in which we live. He placed the moon and stars in the sky, the rivers and ocean on the earth. He also created seasons throughout the year. Each season is defined by specific features/attributes that are common although the degree varies depending on where a person lives. In winter we think of cold weather; in spring, blooming flowers; in summer, warm weather; and in the fall, beautifully colored leaves.

As Christ-followers we also experience spiritual seasons. These seasons do not come in order like seasons in nature, which come regularly without fail. Each spiritual season we experience is defined by certain features also. In spiritual winter we think of the coldness of our relationship with God; in spring, new

This devotional is focused on summer—both calendar and spiritual. Our spiritual summer is a time of growth, hard work, and relaxation as we nurture and care for the new things that were planted in our spiritual spring and allow them to ripen or mature.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

There are sixty-five devotionals contained in this book, divided into collections of five on a topic. Reading them would take one through the summer months. The authors share many of their own experiences and draw spiritual lessons from them. The two authors involved in writing the devotionals and that offers a little variety to the writing style and devotional content. Each devotion includes a written prayer and a Thought for the Day.

Many of the topics deal with summer types activities, such as mission trips, Vacation Bible School, or vacations in general. Others are lessons from childhood experiences in Nigeria. There is a good collection of encouraging devotion for when things turn sours or there is unexpected tragedy.

I was surprised to find that several of the devotions deal with specifically American ideas. The first collection starts with an emphasis on Memorial Day, its American roots and the blessings those of us have who live in The United States. In another devotion, Shirley writes of her frustration when she sees people not respecting the flag of the United States. (Loc 1189/3352) In another devotion, Harriet celebrates July 4 with a Happy Birthday, America theme. Another is on football and is titled, America's Favorite Pastime. (Loc 2930/3352) While both authors relate their devotions to spiritual truths, I think those topics limit the appreciation of their work to citizens of the United States. I found that a bit odd since both of the women were born in Nigeria and became friends there before moving to the United States.

This is a good collection of devotionals for the summer season.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the  Authors

Shirley Crowder was born in a mission guest house under the shade of a mango tree in Nigeria, West Africa, where her parents served as missionaries. She and co-author Harriet E. Michael grew up together on the mission field and have been life-long friends. Shirley is passionate about disciple-making, which is manifested in and through a myriad of ministry opportunities: biblical counseling, teaching Bible studies, writing, and music.
She is a biblical counselor and is commissioned by and serves on the national Advisory Team for The Addiction Connection. She is an award-winning writer who has had several of her articles appear in “Paper Pulpit” in the Faith section of The Gadsden Times, and in a David C. Cook publication. She also writes articles for Life Bible Study, Woman’s Missionary Union, The Addiction Connection and Inspired Prompt. She has authored, co-authored, or contributed to eight books.
Shirley has spiritual children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren serving the Lord in various ministry and secular positions throughout the world.

Harriet E. Michael was born in Joinkrama, Nigeria, deep in the African jungle in the Niger River delta, where her father served as the only missionary doctor at that station. A few years later, the mission moved the family to a larger hospital in Ogbomoso. Co-author Shirley Crowder and her family lived right across the dirt road. The two children became constant playmates. Today they continue to enjoy their lifelong friendship.
Harriet is a multi-published, award-winning writer and speaker. She has authored or co-authored seven books (six nonfiction and one novel) with several more under contract for future release. She is also a prolific freelance writer, having penned over 200 articles, devotions, and stories. Her work has appeared in publications by Focus on the Family, David C. Cook, Lifeway, Standard Publishing, Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Upper Room, Judson Press, Bethany House, and more. When not writing, she loves speaking to women’s groups and teaching workshops on freelance writing.
She and her husband of more than 40 years have four children and two grandchildren. When not writing, she enjoys substituting at a Christian school near her home, gardening, cooking, and traveling.

More from Shirley

In the same way that nature’s seasons serve a purpose on earth, so do the seasons in our spiritual lives. God provides, cares for, and sustains the earth, and in His faithfulness, He does the same for us. Our responsibility is to be obedient to God’s commands in the Bible and to cling to the truth that God is in control.

Our “Glimpses of God” series consist of:

• Glimpses of God: a winter devotional for women
• Glimpses of God: a summer devotional for women
• Glimpses of God: a spring devotional for women (due out in early 2021)
• Glimpses of God: an autumn devotional for women (due out in late summer 2021)

We pray that as readers meditate upon the Bible passages and truths in each devotional, they will catch glimpses of God in and through everything around them.
How has He provided for you? How is He protecting you? How is He teaching you?

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 11

Spoken from the Heart, August 11

Inklings and notions, August 12

Get Cozy Book Nook, August 12

Artistic Nobody, August 13 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Older & Smarter?, August 14

Musings of Sassy Bookish Mama, August 14

Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 15

Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting, August 16

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 17

deb's Book Review, August 17

Texas Book-aholic, August 18

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, August 19

Mary Hake, August 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 20

Lighthouse Academy, August 21

CarpeDiem, August 21

For Him and My Family, August 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 23

Splashes of Joy, August 24

Fiction Full of Faith, August 24

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Shirley and Harriet are giving away the grand prize package of a print copy of Glimpses of God: A Summer Devotional for Women and a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/fee5/glimpses-of-god-a-summer-devotional-for-women-celebration-tour-giveaway

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Minutes to Die by Susan Sleeman

I liked this novel of suspense incorporating operatives from a number of government agencies. It was interesting to see how the agencies work together. I was a little surprised at the heavy use of surveillance videos in finding the bad guys before they managed to kill millions of people. I had no idea so many businesses and municipalities had so many cameras on street locations. I was also surprised at the advances made with DNA. It can be used to provide physical characteristics which can be compiled into a composite sketch. It is not an exact science and cannot be used in court but what an amazing advance in police procedure.

The characters were developed well in this novel. The main ones, Kiley and Evan, get off to a rough start as they work together on this investigation. That is because this is the second in a series and both characters still have strong feelings from events in the first novel. While this one can be read alone, the full impact of the development of their relationship will not be appreciated without reading the previous novel.

One pet peeve from this reader. Kiley “marched” several times to her next location. I should have counted them but I noticed at least twice in two chapters, 13 and 16. And I cannot tell you how many times Kiley had acid in her stomach during a tense time. A little editing of those repetitive aspects would had helped my enjoyment of the author's writing style.

All in all, this is a good romantic suspense. While there are a couple of desperate prayers to God during the last heightened suspense, there is nothing else really Christian about the novel.

You can read my review of the first novel in the series, Seconds to Live, here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Susan Sleeman is the best selling author of more than 35 romantic suspense novels with sales over one million copies. She has won several awards, including the ACFW Carol Award for Suspense and the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award. She hosts the popular Suspense Zone website at www.thesuspensezone.com. She lives in Portland, Oregon. You can find out more at www.susansleeman.com.

Bethany House Publishers, 368 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Love and a Little White Lie by Tammy L Gray

I enjoyed this contemporary Christian romance. Besides the rewarding story of Jan possibly finding spiritual truth as well as the guy for her, Gray has added a number of interesting issues to the plot.

Jan is an avowed atheist who, at a low time in her life, is convinced by her Christian aunt to take a temporary job at a large church. Gray does a good job of letting us readers view the character and work of the staff through outside eyes. And then there are all the activities and the immense amount of work necessary to keep all those activities going. And what about serving the Lord? Can a musician do that only by being on a worship team or can he do it by being part of a “secular” band? And what about honesty? Should Jan really tell her boss he is wrongly assuming she is a Christian?

The romance itself also highlights Christian character issues. Cameron is almost the perfect Christian. Dillon is mad at God for recent tragedies in his life. Jan is attracted to both. Which of the men really has the heart she needs? Will Jan finally accept the One who loves her more than anyone else ever could?

Unfortunately there are no discussion questions included in this novel. That's too bad because I think there is much in the novel that is good for discussion. Is it better to concentrate on loving a person rather than forcing a conversion, for example?

This is a good Christian romance with characters and side issues adding to the reading enjoyment.

You can read an excerpt here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Tammy L Gray has written nine modern and true to life contemporary romances including the 2017 Rita Award-winning My Hope Next Door. She lives in the Dallas area with her family where she serves as the financial administrator at her hometown church. You can find out more at www.tammylgray.com. Photo credit: ©Karen Graham

Bethany House, 368 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Persian Betrayal Blog Tour and Giveaway

About the Book:

How much can Brian Mullaney risk to serve God and save lives – without losing his own?

DSS Regional Security Officer Brian Mullaney has been tasked with an incredibly dangerous mission. When a synagogue in Jerusalem is destroyed by an explosion, burying the second key prophecy Mullaney is hunting – and the deadly box that protects it – the answer he desperately needs are also crushed. How can he discover the meaning of the centuries old prophecy now? Why are he and the ambassador he's assigned to protect being targeted? And is there any way this lone man can thwart a nuclear arms race between three ascendant empires of the past?

An otherworldly servant of evil known only as the Turk is maneuvering all three nations into an intricate dance designed to undermine prophecy about the end times. And he won't let Mullaney or anyone else get in his way.

Wounded in a bloody shoot-out, pressured by his wife to come home, and mourning the death of his best friend, Mullaney doesn't need a powerful enemy. Who is he to save the Ishmael Covenant, the treaty promising peace in the Middle East? Despite angelic intervention, Mullaney wants nothing to do with his final assignment. But without him, evil will win the ultimate struggle . . . and humankind will have no hope left.

My Review:

This is an action packed continuation to Ishmael Covenant. The structure of the novel covers many characters in several locations. It may be a bit confusing unless you've read the previous novel. Also, much of the plot in this book centers on action taken in the previous novel and you may not understand all the tensions without having read Ishmael Covenant.

Brennan does a good job of setting up the situation in the Middle East. The Muslims are waiting for the last and greatest caliph, the Mahdi, who will lead warriors to conquer the world, ushering in peace and prosperity. There are those who wish to rebuild the Ottoman Empire, rising from Turkey, including acquiring nuclear supremacy. There has been a proposed agreement to form a Palestinian state. Some Jews and Christians are greatly opposed to it. Tensions are high and the situation is volatile in Israel.

There is a great deal of action in the book as well as much background information on a possible developing situation in the Middle East. Much is made of Exodus 17:14-16, that the name of the Amalekites will be completely blotted out and that the Lord will be at war against them. That passage is used to oppose any agreement by Israel with Arabs. One character argues, “The 'sons of Amalek' are the Arab nations...” (203) My issue is that Amalek, son of Eliphas, son of Esau, son of Isaac, son of Abraham, was Semitic. The Amalekites were direct cousins to to the Jews leaving Egypt, hence the Lord's strong reaction. (Amalekites remaining were killed by Saul, except Agag, killed by Samuel. I Sam. 15:3. Haman was an Amalekite, killed during the time of Esther.) Also, defining “Arab” is difficult, much more complex than just saying they are the descendants of Ishmael. While Brennan includes historical notes at the end of the novel, nothing was included about what I consider an inaccurate representation of ethnicity.

This novel is for readers interested in the prophecies yet to be fulfilled in the last days and the promises God made to the Israelites. Believing that a temple must yet be built and that God is still working supernaturally through the Jews is essential to enjoying the plot. You'll get a taste of the spiritual battle around the Lord's return and the influence of wealthy people in forming American international policy. It's not the end of the story and we await the sequel to resolve the tensions presented in this novel.

You can read my review of Ishmael Covenant here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Terry Brennan is the award-winning author of The Sacred Cipher, The Brotherhood Conspiracy, and The Aleppo Code, the three books in The Jerusalem Prophecies series. His latest series is Empires of Armageddon, which includes Ishmael Covenant and Persian Betrayal.

A Pulitzer Prize is one of the many awards Brennan accumulated during his 22-year newspaper career. The Pottstown (PA) Mercury won the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing for a two-year series published while he led the team as the newspaper's Editor.

Starting out as a sportswriter in Philadelphia, Brennan became an editor a publisher for newspapers in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New York and later moved to the corporate staff of Ingersoll Publications (400 newspapers in the U.S., Ireland and England) as Executive Editor of all U.S. newspaper titles.

In 1996, Brennan transitioned into the nonprofit sector, spending 12 years as VP Operations for The Bowery Mission and six years as Chief Administrative Officer for Care for the Homeless, both in New York City.

Terry and his wife now live in Danbury, CT.

You can find out more at www.terrybrennanauthor.com. He is also on Facebook (Terry Brennan) and Twitter (@terrybrennan1).

Kregel Publications, 320 pages.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by the publisher.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Healing Thru Service Blog Tour and Giveaway

About the Book

Book:  Healing Thru Service
Author: SGT Q
Genre:  Nonfiction
Release Date: April 22, 2020

In this new war, the battlefield of the mind, hope would become my new ammunition, and the mission field would be the centerpiece of my new battlefield.

A proud Marine since right out of high school, Aaron Quinonez (Sgt Q) was trained to fight the enemy and was prepared for war. When he volunteered for a combat tour in Iraq, little did he know his real battle would be fought in his mind. After eight years of military service, Sgt Q suffered from depression, anger, and panic attacks and was diagnosed with PTSD. He nearly ended his own life in the parking lot of a church, where later he was redeemed by Jesus Christ, who gave him a new life.
Sgt Q traded the battlefield for the mission field and found healing and purpose through building homes and churches, feeding children, and supplying precious hope to struggling communities worldwide. God then called him to form QMissions, a pathway for veterans—Sgt Q’s fellow warfighters—to replace the battle scars of their minds with the joy of serving. In Healing thru Service, you’ll find:

• personal recons—Sgt Q’s anecdotes and adventures
• scientific research on recovering from PTSD and using hope to create new, positive triggers
• the award-winning step-by-step process of healing through mission service, leading to a life of gratitude, fulfillment, and purpose

Although originally aimed at struggling veterans, this book also offers help for anyone in crisis and may be your ticket to a more fulfilled life.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Sgt Q has been there and writes from his experience of dealing with PTSD after his tour in the Marines. He spent years studying how to heal from the effects of war and shares what he has learned.

I am impressed with the amount of information he includes and the practical steps he gives. His insights on thinking and the subconscious are enlightening for everyone, not just veterans. He deals with many issues, such as identifying traumatic stress triggers and understanding your identity after military service. He gives practical exercises for healing, such as how to change perceptions. He is very honest, sharing his ongoing battle with fear. He is clear that you must belong to Jesus to experience the deep and lasting character work the Holy Spirit can do.

He wraps his memoir and practical insights and strategy around the concept of serving others. And if you wonder where you might serve, Sgt Q suggests you find your pain and that is where your ministry will be.

This is a good manual for healing. It contains honest experiences, good strategy and practical suggestions. Readers who have been in the military will particularly appreciate it but all readers could benefit from its contents.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author

Aaron Quinonez (Sgt Q) gave eight honorable years to the US Marine Corps. After volunteering for a combat tour in Iraq in 2003, he was diagnosed with PTSD and contemplated suicide, until Jesus Christ rescued him and gave him a new life and a new purpose. Today he heads QMissions (Qmissions.org), restoring hope and purpose to struggling veterans through mission service. In 2017 Sgt Q was named Seattle’s Hometown Hero. He’s married to Holly, who cofounded QMissions and serves as its director of development.

More from Sgt Q

I am excited to release my first book, Healing thru Service, a Warrior’s guidebook to overcoming trauma. My sincere hope is that this book will lead you on a path of healing and restoration. That the lessons within will help you to to lead a more fulfilled life free from your past. God has been so gracious with me as He led me through this process as I am sure He will be with you as well. Each chapter is structured so that I mentor you through the process building one concept on top of another until we get to the final chapter where you will be challenged to put the things you have learned into practice.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 7

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, August 8

Texas Book-aholic, August 9

Spoken from the Heart, August 10 (Author Interview)

Inklings and notions, August 11

For Him and My Family, August 12

deb's Book Review, August 13

Through the Fire Blogs, August 14 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 15

Artistic Nobody, August 16 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Simple Harvest Reads, August 17 (Author Interview)

Captive Dreams Window, August 17

Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 18

Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting, August 19

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, August 20

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Sgt Q is giving away the grand prize package of a signed copy of the book, free access to the online curriculum, and an opportunity to join Q Missions on a mission in 2021!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/fe9e/healing-thru-service-celebration-tour-giveaway

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit. 

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

No Small Caper Blog Tour and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: No Small Caper
Author: Cynthia Hickey
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release Date: May 3, 2019

“No one does a final suspense scene like Cynthia Hickey!” – Stewart Writing Services

A rash of burglaries?

What kind of job had she been hired to do?

CJ Turley is excited to begin her new life as overseer of Heavenly Acres, a tiny house community in the Ozark mountains. As she’s handed the keys to her new house, by a woman who seems far too eager to leave the job to someone else, CJ is told the community is experiencing a rash of burglaries and she should visit the nearby Park Ranger for help.

Can CJ and her new friends stop a thieving murderer before they lose something far more precious than jewels? Their life!

From first day, to spending time with handsome ranger, Eric Drake, to a cast of quirky characters who are all suspect in CJ’s mind, you’re bound for a fun, hilarious, romp in this first book of a new small town, cozy mystery series by best-selling and award-winning author.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

What a fun cozy mystery. The plot is not overly complex yet includes a good bit of mystery. The characters are entertaining even though they are not developed with great depth. My favorite characters was Mags. What a fun senior citizen ready for her next adventure. There was some clever dialogue too.

I do wish there had been more description of the initial setting. I am not familiar with collections of tiny houses, some owned, apparently, and some vacation rentals. And I never quite understood the relationship of Eric, the ranger, to the campground and the tiny house park. So a little more initial set up would have helped my appreciation of the rest of the story.

This is a fun, quick read for those who enjoy a good cozy mystery with fun characters and a hint of romance.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author

Multi-published and Amazon and ECPA Best-Selling author Cynthia Hickey has sold close to a million copies of her works since 2013. She has taught a Continuing Education class at the 2015 American Christian Fiction Writers conference, several small ACFW chapters and RWA chapters, and small writer retreats. She and her husband run the small press, Winged Publications, which includes some of the CBA’s best well-known authors. She lives in Arizona and Arkansas, becoming a snowbird, with her husband and one dog. She has ten grandchildren who keep her busy and tell everyone they know that “Nana is a writer”.

More from Cynthia

I’ve always been fascinated by tiny houses and love writing cozy mysteries. What’s better than a cozy mystery series in a tiny house community? Not an inch of space wasted. You’ve got to be creative with your storage. Even hiding things in the floor which occurs when CJ Turley takes over as manager of Heavenly Acres. The pup she inherited when her grandmother died has a nose for diamonds. Who’d guess there were so many places in a tiny house to stash things?

I don’t live in a tiny house, but my husband and I downsized from a 2100 sq. ft home to a 1,000 sq. ft. home. Guess which one we prefer? The smaller one 😊 We always know where things are, it’s easier to keep clean, and no stairs to go up and down when we forget something. I’m pretty sure I couldn’t live in anything less than 400 sq. ft. if I lived alone, but it was fun to write about those who do.

I’ve watched so many tiny house shows, I’m pretty sure I could design one with everything I’d need. We even told our son that if he moved where we live, we’d build him one in the backyard! He wasn’t amused.

On a serious note, just kidding. While my cozy series have humor, they also have murder and mayhem with quirky characters and a dash of romance. I like my readers to chuckle as the characters strive to take down the culprit without too much danger to themselves.

Happy reading!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 7

21st Century Keeper at Home, August 7

Sara Jane Jacobs, August 8

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, August 9

Genesis 5020, August 10

deb's Book Review, August 10

She Lives To Read, August 11

Artistic Nobody, August 12 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 13

Blogging With Carol , August 13

Texas Book-aholic, August 14

Inklings and notions, August 15

For Him and My Family, August 16

Mary Hake, August 16

Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting, August 17

Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 18

CarpeDiem, August 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cynthia is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/ff4f/no-small-caper-celebration-tour-giveaway

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

The Night Swim by Megan Goldin

This novel is a slow paced one with dual mysteries. Rachel has a successful investigative crime podcast. She investigates a rape case, submitting her daily insights from interviewing people and then sitting in on the trial. She has also been receiving notes from Hannah, a woman who claims her sister was murdered twenty-five years ago. The death of the young sister had been ruled accidental but Hannah wants Rachel to look into it and find the person she is convinced murdered her sister. Hannah remains out of sight and Rachel tries to find out more about her and eventually force a face to face meeting.

The narrative varies from Rachel's inquiries to the texts of the podcasts to the communications from Hannah. As the plot progresses, Goldin does a good job of keeping readers wondering if the current case is really rape or a false accusation. There is the same kind of wondering about the true circumstances of the death of Hannah's sister.

While this novel is a bit slow going, it is an interesting study on character and how our opinions about a person can change, depending on who is conveying opinions. It is also a reminder of the power of wealthy people or politically powerful people in affecting the outcome of a possible crime. It is also a challenge to stand up for the truth. The pace might have been slow but it did keep my interest, reading to the end.

You can read an excerpt here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Megan Goldin worked as a correspondent for Reuters and other media outlets where she covered war, peace, international terrorism and financial meltdowns in the Middle East and Asia. She is now based in Melbourne, Australia where she raises three sons and is a foster mum to Labrador puppies learning to be guide dogs. This is her second novel.

St. Martin's Press, 352 pp.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Acceptable Risk by Lynette Eason

About the Book:

Barely back home after being held hostage overseas, journalist Sarah Denning digs for the truth behind her brother's death with the help of former Army Ranger Gavin Black. As her enemies seek to silence her, Sarah and Gavin race to peel back layers of lies so the truth can finally be revealed.

My Review:

This novel from Eason has lots of action and a timely plot. Although it is the second in a series it centers on a different character and can be read as a stand alone. (You can read my review of the first in the series, Collateral Damage, here.)

Sarah is a feisty heroine. Her stubborn character was developed well. I liked her presence of mind when held hostage in Afghanistan. And Gavin is a likable hero. Their romance is handled well. The plot was kind of easy to figure out and I knew who the big bad guy was early on. Nonetheless, in this time of Covid and the rush to develop a vaccine, the plot gave me much to think about.

Eason has added several issues to the main plot. One is family relationships. Both Sarah and Gavin have issues with family members, Sarah with her Dad and Gavin with his sister. Eason does a good job of showing how reconciliation can come about.

I was disappointed there was no Christian emphasis in this novel. Gavin says, “Thank God,” twice but that's about it. With the issues of forgiveness and reconciliation I would have liked something said about God's forgiveness and the gift of reconciliation. Readers who do not like mention of Christianity will find nothing offensive in this novel.

You can read an excerpt here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Lynette Eason is the author of several novels of suspense. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master's degree in education from Converse College. She lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. You can find out more at www.lynetteeason.com. Photo credit: Mary Denman.

Revell, 320 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)