Review of “Facing the Dawn” by Cynthia Ruchti

This is the first novel I have read by Cynthia Ruchti. Facing the Dawn is unlike any book I have read lately. Lately I have been reading a lot of suspense and romantic Christian fiction novels but this one falls into a category all its own. If I had to put this book into a category, then it might be called real life is messy and not always easy fiction. The author does an exceptional job of handling difficult situations in this novel; however, some of these difficult situations may trigger some people when reading this novel. You may find yourself feeling the emotions that the main character, Mara Jacobs, is feeling and losing yourself in the story. I do believe that if you can handle reading about some of the harder events that can occur in life then you will appreciate this novel. While it is not my typical type of read, it is really well done. I would recommend this book to the others.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.

Review of “When Twilight Breaks” by Sarah Sundin

This is the second novel I have read by Sarah Sundin and both have been based during World War II as are all her books based on the books listed on her website. “When Twilight Breaks” is a stand-alone novel so you do not have to have read one of her other books first. Like a lot of World War II and historical fiction books for me, this one is not as fast of a read. Part of the reason this is a slower read for me is that the author uses some German in the book which slows me down. With that being said, I am not saying that I did not like the book because I definitely enjoyed reading this novel. The author did a great job with such heavy topics as the treatment of Jews during this time. She does not downplay the horrible parts of this time in Germany at all. I found myself frustrated along with the main female character, Evelyn Brand, because she was trying to show the truth in her articles but her boss kept changing them on her before they were printed in the newspaper. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.

Review of “Network of Deceit” by Tom Threadgill

“Network of Deceit” is the sequel to “Collision of Lies”. While I would recommend you read that one first, I do not feel it is necessary to be able to follow this one. If you like romantic suspense and are not sure if you will like this one because it is considered just suspense, then I think you should still give it a try anyway. Tom Threadgill does not disappoint when it comes to the suspense in his books which keeps you so busy trying to figure everything out that you do not miss the romance. There are several things going on in “Network of Deceit” that keep you guessing the whole way through the book.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.

Review of “Obsession” by Patricia Bradley

This is the second novel in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series. Even though I would recommend reading the first book before this one, it is not necessary to be able to follow along and enjoy this one. The title of the book gives you a good idea of what it is about because the main female character, Emma Winters, has a stalker who as the title tells you is obsessed with her. There are also a few other things going on in this novel that add to the suspense and mystery. There is a ten year old cold case in which a girl named Mary Jo Selby was murdered as well as the fact that the brother of Emma Winters has been missing for that same amount of time leading a lot to believe that he is the guilty party. If you like the following: puzzles, suspense, and romance, then you will definitely enjoy this book.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.

Review of “Roots of Wood and Stone” by Amanda Wen

This is Amanda Wen’s debut novel and it is split-time. Part of it is set during present day and the other part is set in the 1800s, but the whole novel is set in Kansas. Amanda Wen does an excellent job of drawing you into the lives of her characters and making it so you want to stay awhile. She also does a great job of describing things so that with your imagination you almost feel like you have jumped into the story. Also even though this book is listed as a romance, I think it also has some mystery elements to it. You find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat thinking what is going to happen next. Will Sloane find the answers that she feels she needs or realize that she doesn’t need them to become who she wants to be? Will she figure out all she wants to know about Annabelle with whom she can relate to so well? If you are curious then you need to read the book to find out.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.