Rising Darkness by Nancy Mehl

Romantic Suspense to Keep Readers Guessing Until the Last Page

Sophie Wittenbauer left her strict Mennonite hometown under a cloud of shame and regret. After a rough childhood, her teenage poor choices harmed others, leaving her with no choice but to change her life. Her entry-level writing job at a newspaper puts her in the right place at the right time to overhear office gossip about a prisoner who has information on a decades-old unsolved crime. While the other reporters write off the tip as the ravings of an angry criminal, Sophie can't ignore it because she knows the name of this prisoner from her old life.

Upon learning from the man that one of the other suspects is hiding out in the Missouri town of Sanctuary, she takes on a false identity to investigate and meets the young pastor of a local church--the very man she'd loved as a troubled teenager. As she gets closer to finding the suspect, will the truth of her own past come out before she discovers the identity of the criminal--or the very person she's seeking puts a fatal stop to her investigation?

My Thoughts:
What a page turner.  I was nervous and excited to find out what happened next.  I finished it in 2 days.  I was up most of the night, but that is ok.  I wanted to know how the story ends.  Great Read!!!
I got this book from Bethany House and this is my own opinion and review. 

A Haven on Orchard Lane by Lawan Blackwell

Much-Loved Lawana Blackwell Delivers Another Charming Victorian-Era TaleIn difficult circumstances, Charlotte Ward, once a famed stage actress, tries to restart her career--only to experience disaster. Against her better judgment, her estranged daughter, Rosalind, comes to her mother's rescue and moves her to a quiet English coastal village.

Charlotte is grateful to get to know Rosalind after years apart. As one who has regrets about her own romantic past, it's a joy for Charlotte to see love blossom for her daughter. For Rosalind, however, it's time away from teaching--and now she must care for the mother who wasn't there for her. And what could be more complicated than romance?

Together, mother and daughter discover that healing is best accomplished when they focus less on themselves and more on the needs of others.


My Thoughts
Delightful read.  I will certainly look for her other books.  Uplifting read.

I got this book from Bethany House to review.  This is my own opinion.

Come With Me by Suzzane Eller

Proverbs 31 Author Calls Women to a Revolutionary Faith
What if there was a real-life invitation to a lifetime of unexpected destinations and adventure? What if your faith was the key?

In her warm, conversational way, Proverbs 31 author Suzie Eller shows how your faith is just that. How when you take a step away from the uncertainty, the to-do list, the busy life, the worries and excuses, you take a step toward the One who promises to delight and surprise. Who brings you deeper than you ever thought possible.

Two thousand years ago, 12 men answered the call to follow a man they hardly knew--and they were changed in ways they never imagined. Today that same invitation echoes across history, beckoning you to an adventure that will spill into every aspect of your faith and life. Come with Me. Will you say yes?


My Thoughts:
What a great read.   It really digs deep in understanding and learning what it means to follow and go with Jesus.  This has been a blessing to read and that I will treasure forever.  Comforting and hopeful.

I was fortunate to get this book from Bethany House Publishers.  This is my own honest thought and opinion of this book.

Her One and Only by Becky Wade

After ten years in the NFL, superstar Gray Fowler is accustomed to obsessive fans. But when Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, his team hires an executive protection agency to guard him until the culprit is caught. Dealing with bodyguards 24/7 is a headache, especially when one of them is a young, beautiful woman. How can a female half his size possibly protect him better than he can protect himself?

Dru Porter is a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt--none of which saved her from disaster on her last assignment. In order to rebuild her tarnished reputation, she's determined to find Gray's stalker and, since relationships between agents and clients are forbidden, avoid a romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past.

Yet every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they'll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives--and their hearts--to one another

MY THOUGHTS:

 
I enjoyed reading this book.  It had romance, suspense, mystery, funny moments, and it kept me guessing to figure out the bad guy.  This is book 4 and I didn't feel lost since I didn't read the other 3 books in this series.  I will definitely look for the other books to read over summer.  I was lucky to receive a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing Group.  This is my own honest review.  I also read the story about the cover.  The couple featured are real life husband and wife.  I was drawn to the couple and I could see the chemistry. 

Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg

 







 
  A mystery. And a love they didn't see coming.

Maple Valley became Amelia Bentley's haven after her heart and her dreams of a family were shattered. But her new life as a newspaper editor is shaken when the small-town paper is in danger of closing. Her one hope: A lead on an intriguing story that just might impress the new publisher...if only she knew who he was.

After his biggest campaign success yet, widowed speechwriter Logan Walker now has the chance of a lifetime--a spot on a presidential campaign. But his plans are interrupted when he finds out he's inherited his hometown newspaper. He travels home intent on selling the paper and spending some much-needed time with his young daughter before making the leap into national politics.

But instead of a quick sale and peaceful break from his hectic career, Logan finds himself helping Amelia chase her story. She's scrappy, but wounded. He's dependable, but lost. They may butt heads more than expected, but a series of leads on Maple Valley's quirky unsolved mystery is just the start of the sparks that fly in the office and in their hearts.


My thoughts:  I enjoyed reading this book.   I will certainly look for her books.  
I got this book from Bethany House Publishers.  This is my own thoughts and opinion.

Influenster Maybelline Matte and Poreless

I was excited to get this product from Influenster.   This is from Maybelline Matte and Poreless Foundation.  I received shade 222 True Beige.  I like it so far.  It is smooth, blends really nice, and a little bit goes a long way.  It is not heavy and it looks natural. 



I am pleased with this product line.  It will be added to my favorites!  Thanks Influenster!!!

This was sent to me by Influenster to try, test, and review this Fit Me Foundation.  This is my own opinion.  Everything else I used for my make up I purchased with my own money.  

Braking For Bodies by Duffy Brown

Evie Bloomfield puts the pedal to the metal—in the latest Cycle Path mystery from the national bestselling author of Geared for the Grave.

Moving from Los Angeles to small, picturesque Mackinac Island to work in a bike shop might seem crazy, but Evie knows it’s the best decision she’s ever made. That’s not to say she’s gotten rid of all her stress; after all, the upcoming Lilac Festival has everyone in town riding in circles.

But things really go downhill when a ferry full of tourists—including Evie’s friend Fiona’s former boss, the editor of a sleazy rag in LA—arrives on the island. No one knows why Peephole Perry came all the way to Mackinac, but things aren’t looking good for Fiona when Peep is found dead. Now Evie has to gear up and get a grip on the truth if she wants to clear her friend’s name...

 My thoughts
I really enjoyed this book.   This is the second book in  her series for A Cycle Path Mystery.  It is set in Mackinaw Island.  This book has charm, heart warming characters, and very funny!  I felt like I was in the island with Evie, biking all over town.  I could relate to her huffing and puffing.  This had me trying to guess and figure out who did it.  I was entertained reading this.  I hope there is another book coming out. 


 I was so lucky to get an advance copy of this book from Duffy Brown.   This is my own opinion and honest review.   I plan to get book one Geared for The Grave so my set will be complete for this series.