"A Matter of Trust" by Lis Wiehl and April Henry

Oh. My. Goodness. I loved this book. Very rarely do I read something that has me reading without breaks, but “A Matter of Trust” was a book I couldn’t put down.

Lis Wiehl pairs up with April Henry to craft the first story (hopefully of many) about Mia Quinn. Mia is returning to work as a prosecutor for King County when she catches a big case quickly. While talking to her best friend on the phone, her friend is shot, and so begins her entrance back into the work field. She takes on her friend’s case while simultaneously working a case of a bullied teenager. She works closely with homicide detective Charlie Carlson who, despite his trying hard not to care, seems jealous of Eli Hall- the new public defender in town- and his apparent crush on Lis.

This book is well crafted since Lis Wiehl bases her novels on real life cases; it’s also relevant with today’s social issues including gun rights and cyberbullying. It’s sounds cliché, but I can’t wait until the next book about Mia Quinn is released!

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 Survivor" by DiAnn Mills

“The Survivor” is DiAnn Mills’ second book about Kariss Walker, the first being “The Chase.” In this second installment, Kariss has agreed to write the story of Dr. Amy Garrett, a woman who survived a horrid attack as a child. What Kariss doesn’t know is that she is getting herself into a heap of trouble.

Tigo Harris is an ex-boyfriend of Karris who is investigating a bombing that killed the mother and daughter of a local family. The FBI agent still has feelings for Karris, but he struggles with her view of God and her religious beliefs and her knack for getting herself into trouble.

This suspenseful novel keeps you guessing, making you determined to see “whodunit” to characters you can relate to. The drawback for me was the story was choppy in some areas. Right when you thought something was going to be elaborated on, the chapter ends abruptly. Kariss and Tigo also have a more caustic and blunt way of dealing with people, which has the potential to get aggravating.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. I’m going to have to go back and read “The Chase” to fill in the pieces I have missed. I like Kariss & Tigo as a couple and hope to read more of their story in the future.

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 Widow of Saunders Creek" by Tracey Bateman

Corrie Saunders is grieving her husband, Jarrod- a soldier who gave the ultimate sacrifice. After half a year, she packs up everything she owns to move to his childhood home, desperate to feel close to him and not ready to give up on his memory yet. She may just get what she wanted- things are moving on their own due to a notable presence in the house.

Jarrod’s cousin Eli helps Corrie with the renovations of the house and warns her against the spiritual dabbling of some of his family members who might be trying to convince Corrie that Jarrod’s spirit is searching for her in the house. Corrie, who misses her husband deeply, may just believe that the spirit that lives in her house is Jarrod.

I wasn’t sure how I was going to like this book, but I was pleasantly surprised. Stories filled with demonic presences can be hokey, but this wasn’t one of them. Corrie has to work through the process of grief while fighting her emotions versus her logic. On the flip side, Eli feels guilt for falling for his dead cousin’s widow. A moving story about the power of the name of Jesus.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

"Echoes" by Robin Jones Gunn

“Echoes” is the third book in Robin Jones Gunn’s Glenbrooke series. Lauren is a vivacious young lady who has a hard time after going through a broken engagement. With the help of her family, some good friends, and an on-line pen pal, she learns to move on. What she didn’t bank on was falling for the person on the other side of the computer known only to her as K.C. They correspond for a year, but then Lauren has to make the decision- do they meet face to face? She’s faced rejection so many times, is it a good idea? Should she even be meeting someone she’s never seen- isn’t that dangerous?

I loved this book. Maybe because I’m a sap for a good romance and honest characters. Gunn does a good job of creating characters that aren’t realistic- they mess up just like real people do. The nice thing is that, although the book is part of a series, you’re able to read it without knowing the background story of the series.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

"Neighbors and Wise Men: Sacred Encounters in a Portland Pub and Other Unexpected Places" by Tony Kriz

Readers might recognize “Neighbors and Wise Men” author as Tony the Beat Poet from Donald Miller’s “Blue Like Jazz.” Tony Kriz has written his own story and, like “Blue Like Jazz,” it is special.

“Neighbors and Wise Men” is a book of thoughts. Each chapter is broken into sections based on Tony’s thoughts about living the Christian life and what it looks like sharing the Gospel. His thoughts range from his time as a broken missionary in Albania to living life at Reed College to learning Biblical truths from nonbelievers.

I loved this book. Even though it’s a book of musings, they challenge you to think about the strict guidelines Christians often impose on themselves and others- many times without thought or question. Even if you don’t agree with everything he talks about, it’s a good read to make you chew on some of the things he points out.

It’s a good read for anyone, whether you believe in God or not, because it focuses on relationships cross-culturally. I highly recommend it. It’ll end up on my Favorites shelf.

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.”

"Clouds" by RobinJones Gunn

"Clouds" is the republished fifth book of Robin Jones Gunn's Glenbrooke series. The story revolves around Jonathan Renfield and Shelly Graham-kids who grew up together and eventually fell in love. But due to harsh words, the two break ties. The book picks up five years later as Shelly moves home and memories of Jonathan overwhelm her as she wonders where life has taken him. 

The story is an enjoyable romance filled with travel and sisterhood. I enjoyed the story Robin weaves. Part of me wonders if this is one of her first books published, as it isn't as fluid as some other books I've read of her such as the Christy Miller series. I was sad that the book had such an abrupt ending. Hopefully we'll see more of Jonathan and Shelly in the remainder of the Glenbrooke series, because they have a sweet story. 

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.