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.

Happy Friday! Today I’m joining the First Line Friday linkup, hosted by Reading is My Superpower, and featuring Honor Bound by Hallee Bridgeman.

Katangela, Africa

“Captain Rick Norton crouched near the edge of the dirt road.”

Honor Bound by Hallee Bridgeman

The Basics

Title: Honor Bound

Author: Hallee Bridgeman

Series: Love & Honor (Book 1 of 3)

Publication Date: September 6, 2022

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

My Rating: 5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

It may seem odd to seek peace by moving to a war-torn African country, but for medical missionary Dr. Cynthia Myers, it provided a way to escape a shallow life of unearned wealth, a philandering fiancé, and a father now square in the public eye as vice president of the United States. At least here she knows her work and life have meaning. But all that is thrown into chaos when she fails to save the life of a local warlord’s mortally wounded son.

As part of the Army Special Forces A-Team on a mission to capture and subdue the warlord, Captain Rick Norton is compelled to use deadly force to save Cynthia’s life. Enraged at the violence she witnessed and riddled with guilt that men died because of her, Cynthia doesn’t want to like anything about Rick and his team–but an unexpected attraction is taking hold.

With two members of his team badly injured and rebels in hot pursuit, Rick will have to draw upon all his strength and cunning to get her out alive . . . because he’s beginning to think that, despite their differences, they just may be able to make a life together.

My Review

Honor Bound is the perfect blend of romance, suspense, and military thriller all rolled into one! I loved the inside look at how a Special Forces team operates – the action, camaraderie, and dry wit shine with the author’s writing style. Rick and Cynthia seem like an unlikely pair at first, as they don’t see eye to eye on when violence is appropriate, but they both grow to respect and appreciate the other’s perspective. The fast-paced plot and compelling characters make this a book that fans of Dee Henderson and Ronie Kendig will love! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and Hallee Bridgeman’s backlist!

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! After a couple of weeks off, I’m back to link up with Reading is My Superpower for this week’s First Line Friday! Today I am featuring Dangerous Beauty by Melissa Koslin.

“She ran.”

Dangerous Beauty by Melissa Koslin

The Basics

Title: Dangerous Beauty

Author: Melissa Koslin

Publication Date: September 6, 2022

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

My Rating: 4 Stars

From the Back Cover:

What is the price of freedom?

Liliana Vela hates the term victim. She’s not a victim, she’s a fighter. Stubborn and strong with a quiet elegance, she’s determined to take back her life after escaping the clutches of human traffickers. But she can’t stay safely in America–unless the man who aided in her rescue is serious about his unconventional proposal to marry her.

Meric Toledan was just stopping at a service station for a bottle of water. Instead, he becomes the key to Liliana’s rescue. If he can keep his secrets hidden, his wealth and position afford him many resources to help her. But the mysterious buyer who funded her capture will not sit idly by while his prize is stolen from him.

My Review

Dangerous Beauty is the newest novel by Melissa Koslin, a fresh new voice in Christian fiction! I was immediately intrigued by the marriage of convenience plot combined with suspense, and the story did not disappoint! Liliana is a captivating heroine – smart, strong, and tough as nails, yet vulnerable. The blend of heart-pounding action, compelling characters, and powerful storytelling will keep you on the edge of your seat and turning pages late into the night! Fans of hope-filled romantic suspense will enjoy this one.

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! It’s time for another First Line Friday linkup, hosted by Reading is My Superpower. Today I”m featuring Come Down Somewhere by Jennifer L. Wright.

October 1944

“The Army moved in on a Sunday.”

Come Down Somewhere by Jennifer L. Wright

The Basics

Title: Come Down Somewhere

Author: Jennifer L. Wright

Publication Date: September 6, 2022

Genre: WWII Historical Fiction

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

Sixteen-year-old Olive Alexander has lived on a ranch in the Jornada del Muerto region of southern New Mexico her entire life. But when World War II begins, the government seizes her family’s land for the construction of a new, top secret Army post.

While her mother remains behind, Olive is forced to live in nearby Alamogordo with her grandmother and find a place in a new school. When Jo Hawthorne crosses her path, Olive sees a chance for friendship–until she learns that Jo’s father is the Army sergeant who now occupies her beloved ranch. Already angry about her new reality, Olive pushes Jo away. But as she struggles to make sense of her grandmother’s lapses into the past and increasingly unsettling hints about what’s happening at the ranch, she slowly warms to Jo’s winsome faith and steady attempts at friendship . . . until one devastating day when the sky explodes around them and their lives are torn apart.

Seven years later, Jo returns to Alamogordo, still angry and wounded by the betrayals of that fateful day. Determined to put the past behind her once and for all, Jo hunts for answers and begins to realize the truth may be far more complicated than she believed, leading her on a desperate search to find her friend before it’s too late.

My Review

Jennifer L. Wright has written a coming-of-age story that will captivate readers of historical fiction. In the story of Olive and Jo’s unlikely friendship, we see a glimpse of the far-reaching, long-lasting effects of war – not just on nations, but on communities, families, and individuals. The Trinity nuclear test was something I had never read about, and it made for a compelling story, both for the historical aspect and the way Ms. Wright shaped the characters’ lives and stories around it. This beautifully-written story of friendship, loss, betrayal, and forgiveness is one that will stay with you long after the final page. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read whatever Ms. Wright writes next!

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.