Fiction Review: OVER THE EDGE by Irene Hannon

 

OVER THE EDGE

by Irene Hannon

368 pages

Published by Revell 
October 1, 2024

Synopsis: Trauma survivor Lindsey Barnes hasn't fully recovered from the ordeal that almost took her life, and now she's in the middle of another crisis. Not only is she the sole witness in a high-profile murder case, but someone is also pushing her to question her sanity.

Police detective Jack Tucker doesn't know what to make of her story, especially when her elusive enemy leaves no evidence behind to lend credence to her claims. Yet the more he gets to know the appealing personal chef, the more he's convinced someone is targeting not only her sanity, but her life.

And unless they can figure out who is behind the campaign to undermine her credibility, a murderer could slip away--leaving more than one body in his or her wake.

Review: Another winner by Irene Hannon!  Love the suspense and the romance in Over the Edge.  I read her first book in the series, Into the Fire, which is another page turner.  I just love Hannon's writing style and I particularly enjoy the multiple point of views.  You can really get into the heads of the characters a lot better this way. As in the first book, the romance in this one is slow burn which makes it more realistic.  I also love the plot twists in her books!  

If you love psychological romantic suspense, then you will enjoy this one.  This is a Christian fiction novel; however, it is light on the faith elements. There is some praying and mentions of church.  Overall, a fun read that you will enjoy with a cozy blanket and some hot chocolate! Books in this series can be read out of order.

4 Hearts!

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Fiction Review: HIDDEN IN THE NIGHT by Elizabeth Goddard

 

Hidden in the Night

by Elizabeth Goddard

336 pages

Published June 4, 2024 by Revell

Synopsis: At the behest of her ailing mother, former FBI special agent turned rare-book collector Ivy Elliott arrives in Alaska to secure an unpublished Jack London manuscript kept secreted away for decades. But when she arrives, she learns the manuscript is gone--taken by the granddaughter of the woman who possessed it. Ivy sets off in pursuit, not just to save the manuscript but to save the vulnerable girl, who was previously trafficked and has no idea what she's getting herself into.

Joining forces with Alaska State Trooper Nolan Long, Ivy must battle a blizzard, sabotage, and the worst of an Alaskan winter as the search goes on. But every answer they find only raises more questions--and the danger to their lives and to the missing girl may only be the tip of the iceberg.

Review: If you are looking for a romantic suspense novel that's set in the harsh climates of Alaska, then Hidden in the Night by Elizabeth Goddard should definitely be your next read. Even though this is book 3, it can be read as a stand alone novel. However, characters are mentioned that appeared in previous books, so I would recommend reading the first two books to get the full experience. In Hidden in the Night, the story follows former FBI agent, Ivy Elliot and Alaska State Trooper, Nolan Long, in their search of a missing girl and manuscript. Blaming herself for the death of her sister, Ivy is determined to do whatever it takes to find this missing girl, who also holds the answers to the manuscript she is family-bound to acquire. Nolan doesn't want Ivy in Alaska right now. He wants her safe back in Florida. But, not even a murder will deter Ivy from finding Danna, the missing girl who reminds Ivy so much of her dead sister.

Goddard does a great job in this final installment of her Missing In Alaska series. Set in one of the coldest places on Earth, Ivy and Nolan work together is this beautifully written book about hope, sacrifice, and the power of faith. This is the kind of book you sit back and read with a nice cup of hot chocolate as you immerser yourself in the beautiful, yet harsh Alaska wilderness. The romance between Nolan and Ivy was sweet and would be considered slow burn. It wasn't rushed and it felt more realistic that way. Plenty of suspense to keep the pages turning. Perfect for fans of Susan May Warren books.

*I received an ARC for my honest review.

4 Hearts!

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Lone Star Book Blitz: FROWNS AND GOWNS by Amanda Thrasher ***Review & Giveaway***

 

FROWNS AND GOWNS

The Mischief Series, Book 5

By AMANDA M. THRASHER

Children’s Chapter Book / Fantasy / Fairies

Publisher: Progressive Rising Phoenix Press

Page Count: 236

Publication Date: September 12, 2023

Embark on a Magical Adventure with Lilly, Boris, and Jack!

Get ready to join Lilly, Boris, and Jack on an unforgettable journey filled with excitement, laughter, and a touch of mayhem. Brace yourself for a whirlwind of mishaps as these three fairies plan a magnificent magical ball, only to encounter an unforeseen disaster! Experience the magic of friendship with Lilly, the quick-witted and resourceful fairy, Boris, the mischievous fairy with a heart of gold, and Jack, the troublemaker with a curious, adventurous spirit on their latest adventure.

Throughout, Lilly, Boris, and Jack teach the true meaning of friendship and teamwork. Together with their friends, they'll overcome challenges, learn valuable lessons, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don't miss out on this enchanting tale!

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Frowns and Gowns by Amanda Thrasher is the fifth book in her Mischief series where Jack, Boris, Lily and their friends have to work together to plan a magical ball.  Of course the girls are more excited about the ball than the boys, but as a team they have to come together to make it happen. Planning a ball is not an easy task and the fairies have to solve many challenges along the way.

This was such a cute story that covers a lot of life lessons for young children. Perseverance, teamwork, and the importance of being kind to others just to name a few.  There is a fairy character that uses a “chariot” to get around because of her weak legs.  I thought this was such a unique way of including a disabled character, and I loved how the other fairies always included her in everything they did.  They didn’t treat her any differently because of her disability. And of course Boris and Jack bring comedy and "mischief" to the story with their stinky moss balls! I enjoyed the side characters that brought more depth to this magical world, especially Broadrick the spider who loves to bake and knit! 

Overall, Frowns and Gowns is a cute addition to the Mischief series that is perfect for your child to learn about friendship, teamwork, and overcoming obstacles. Even though this is book five in the series, you don’t have to read them in order to understand the story. A magical chapter book series with life lessons that is perfect for readers ages 7-10 years old.

5 Stars!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Award-winning author Amanda M. Thrasher was born in England and moved to Texas, where she lives with her family. She writes YA, general fiction, middle grade, early reader chapter, and picture books. She is the founder and CEO of Progressive Rising Phoenix Press.

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Fiction Review: THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE by Laura Frantz

 

The Seamstress of Acadie 

by Laura Frantz

Published January 9, 2024

416 pages

Plot: As 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the British on Canada's Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and her family--French-speaking Acadians wishing to remain neutral--are caught in the middle, their land positioned between two forts flying rival flags. Amid preparations for the celebration of Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war, and William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger raising havoc across North America's borderlands.

As summer takes hold in 1755 and British ships appear on the horizon, Sylvie encounters Blackburn, who warns her of the coming invasion. Rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from their land, he resigns his commission. But that cannot save Sylvie or her kin. Relocated on a ramshackle ship to Virginia, Sylvie struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. When her path crosses once more with William's, they must work through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to navigate the present and forge an enduring future.

Review:  The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz is an intriguing historical romance that beautifully intertwines the history of the Acadian's past with a lovely slow burn romance between Sylvie Galant (an Acadian seamstress) and William Blackburn (a British Army Ranger turned ally). Sylvie is a skilled seamstress who cares deeply for her family and her home and William is a man determined to right some wrongs. It was heartbreaking to know the expulsion of the Acadians (present day Nova Scotia) was something that actually happened in 1755.  There was a lot of suffering and hardship that the Acadians had to endure and you felt every bit of it as the story unfolds. Sylvie was such a wonderful character and you couldn't help but root for her and William to get their happily ever after. The theme of having faith in God is present throughout the story.

Overall, The Seamstress of Acadie is one of those books you just sit back and enjoy over a cup of tea or hot chocolate.  At over 400 pages this is not going to be a quick read, nor do you want it to be. This is a take your time and live the story type of book that is worth every minute you spend reading it.  There is so much history and depth to this story that you feel transported to the time period and experience the story like you are living it too.  This is my first Laura Frantz book and I must say I will definitely be reading more of her stories as I just adore her writing style.  A captivating story of strength, faith, and resilience.  A must read! 

*I received an ARC for an honest review from the publisher.

5 Stars!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐