Happy Friday! Today I am linking up with Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. The book I’m featuring is perfect for this weekend!

August 1910

“When death came to visit, no one ever prepared tea and cookies.”

The Premonition at Withers Farm by Jaime Jo Wright

The Basics

Title: The Premonition at Withers Farm

Author: Jaime Jo Wright

Publication Date: October 11, 2022

Genre: Christian Suspense/Thriller

My Rating: 5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

The voices of the past cannot stay silent forever.

In 1910 Michigan, Perliett Van Hilton is a self-proclaimed rural healer, leaving the local doctor convinced she practices quackery. It doesn’t help that her mother is a spiritualist who regularly offers her services to connect the living with their dearly departed. But when Perliett is targeted by a superstitious killer, she must rely on both the local doctor and an intriguing newcomer for assistance.

In the present day, Molly Wasziak’s life has not gone the way she dreamed. Facing depression after several miscarriages, Molly is adapting to her husband’s purchase of a peculiar old farm. A search for a family tree pulls Molly deep into a century-old murder case and a web of deception, all made more mysterious by the disturbing shadows and sounds inside the farmhouse.

Perliett fights for her life, and Molly seeks renewed purpose for hers as she uncovers the records of the dead. Will their voices be heard, or will time forever silence their truths?

My Review

I was enthralled with this story from the very first line! There’s definitely a creepy factor, and dark themes are addressed, but always through a redemptive light, bringing us back to important spiritual truths. Jaime Jo Wright never ceases to amaze me with her ability to deftly weave the two timelines together through a shared mystery. She has such a way with words that makes you think and brings you beneath the surface of the plot, into the characters’ minds and hearts. Perliett and Molly are both captivating heroines, strong and brave in their own ways. The sparks of suspense keep you turning pages, but it’s the characters and powerful storytelling that really shine.

Now it’s your turn! Please share the first line of the book you’re reading in the comments below. Don’t forget to head to Reading is My Superpower to see what first lines other bloggers are sharing, or to share your own!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Happy Friday! For today’s First Line Friday linkup, hosted by Reading is My Superpower, I’m featuring the final installment of Irene Hannon’s Triple Threat series, Body of Evidence.

“Someone was in the mortuary prep room. Someone besides her and the body in the cooler awaiting tomorrow’s autopsy.”

Body of Evidence by Irene Hannon

The Basics

Title: Body of Evidence

Author: Irene Hannon

Series: Triple Threat (Book 3 of 3)

Publication Date: October 4, 2022

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

My Rating: 5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

Forensic pathologist Grace Reilly has seen her share of unusual deaths in rural Missouri. But when she begins to notice a curious pattern in autopsies of older residents whose demises appear to be natural, she takes her concerns to Sheriff Nate Cox.

Nate is skeptical about the link Grace is seeing between the deaths, as well as her suspicions of foul play. But her persistence is compelling. And once they join forces to investigate, danger follows close behind. Because exposing the truth could destroy several lives–including Grace’s.

My Review

Body of Evidence is the final book in Irene Hannon’s Triple Threat series, featuring the third Reilly sister, Grace. This was definitely my favorite of the series! I was hooked on the down-to-earth, relatable characters from the beginning, and I loved catching up with the sisters we met in the first two books. Grace and Nate’s romance was refreshingly uncomplicated and straightforward, although they had to overcome quite a few obstacles before they made it to their first date! The intricate plot was full of unique twists, red herrings, and clues that wrapped up by revealing an unexpected killer. This gripping story is one that suspense fans will love! I am looking forward to Irene Hannon’s next series, as her books just keep getting better and better.

Now it’s your turn! Please share the first line of the book you’re reading in the comments below. Don’t forget to head to Reading is My Superpower to see what first lines other bloggers are sharing, or to share your own!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Happy First Line Friday! For today’s linkup with Reading is My Superpower, I’m featuring The Secrets of Emberwild by Stephenia H. McGee.

“Freedom rushed through Nora Fenton’s veins, erupting with each breath. Invisible shackles didn’t bind out here.”

The Secrets of Emberwild by Stephenia H. McGee

The Basics

Title: The Secrets of Emberwild

Author: Stephenia H. McGee

Publication Date: October 4, 2022

Genre: Historical Romance

My Rating: 4 Stars

From the Back Cover:

A gifted trainer in a time women are not allowed to race, Nora Fenton prefers horses to men. They’re easier to handle, they’re more reliable, and they never tell her what to do. After her father’s passing, Nora is determined to save her struggling horse farm, starting with entering her prize colt into the harness races at the 1905 Mississippi and West Alabama Fair. If she wins, she may have a chance at independence. But when a stranger arrives and starts asking disconcerting questions, she suspects he may have other motives than unseating her in the training job that is rightfully hers.

Silas Cavallero will do whatever it takes to solve the mystery of his father’s death–even if it means training an unwieldy colt for Nora, who wants nothing more than to see him gone. But when mysterious accidents threaten their safety and circumstances shrouded in secrets begin unlocking clues to his past, Silas will have to decide if the truth is worth the risk of ruining everything for the feisty woman he’s come to admire.

My Review

I grew up reading a steady diet of horse books like the Heartland series, Saddle Club series, and Phantom Stallion series, so reading The Secrets of Emberwild felt a little bit like returning to my reading roots! Stephenia H. McGee was a new-to-me author, and I enjoyed the story she crafted centered around a horse farm in the early 1900s. Nora’s colt, Arrow, really made the story shine – he had just as much personality as any other character!

While this is a horse story, it is also so much more. It’s the story of Nora, a gifted, feisty heroine constrained by the cultural expectations of her time. It’s the story of Silas, the kind, patient hero she never knew she needed. It’s the story of a mother and daughter finding their voices and independence after the man they trusted betrays them. And of course, there is enough mystery mixed in to keep you on the edge of your seat! I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction.

Now it’s your turn! Please share the first line of the book you’re reading in the comments below. Don’t forget to head to Reading is My Superpower to see what first lines other bloggers are sharing, or to share your own!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Happy Friday! Today for First Line Friday, the weekly linkup hosted by Reading is My Superpower, I’m featuring DiAnn Mills’ latest release – Concrete Evidence.

“Avery Elliot spurred her horse across one of the thirty-five thousand rolling acres of the Brazos River Ranch in the blazing heat.”

Concrete Evidence by DiAnn Mills

The Basics

Title: Concrete Evidence

Author: DiAnn Mills

Publication Date: October 4, 2022

Genre: Romantic Suspense

My Rating: 3.5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

On the family’s Brazos River Ranch in Texas, Avery Elliott helps run her grandfather’s commercial construction business. Raised by Senator Elliott, Avery has never doubted her grandfather is the man of integrity and faith she’s always believed him to be …. until the day she finds him standing with a gun over the body of a dead man. To make matters worse, Avery just discovered a billing discrepancy for materials supposedly purchased for construction of the Lago de Cobre Dam.

Desperate for answers, Avery contacts FBI Special Agent Marc Wilkins for help. As Marc works to identify the dead man Avery saw, threats toward Avery create a fresh sense of urgency to pinpoint why someone wants to silence her. With a hurricane approaching the Texas coast and the structural integrity of the Lago de Cobre Dam called into question, time is running out to get to the bottom of a sinister plot that could be endangering the lives of not only Avery and her loved ones but the entire community.

My Review

Concrete Evidence is classic DiAnn Mills – fast-paced suspense with a unique plot that will keep you turning pages late into the night! I loved the Texas ranch setting, and the issues with the dam the Elliot family’s company built provided a sense of urgency that kept the story moving. There were so many potential bad guys, I found it a little difficult to keep track of them and their motives at times, but everything came together in a satisfying conclusion.

Some of my favorite moments featured Marc’s mother and sister, who added depth to his character and to the overall story. I also enjoyed seeing the authentic growth in Avery and her grandfather, as they struggled with doubts but ultimately grew in their faith and in their relationship. This story will delight fans of DiAnn Mills and anyone who enjoys romantic suspense!

Now it’s your turn! Please share the first line of the book you’re reading in the comments below. Don’t forget to head to Reading is My Superpower to see what first lines other bloggers are sharing, or to share your own!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.