Happy Friday, and Happy New Year! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and maybe some time off to read this week! Today I am linking up with Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday and sharing the first line from Dark of Night by Colleen Coble.

“Should she even be out here alone? Michigan’s U.P. was a whole lotta wilderness.”

Dark of Night by Colleen Coble

The Basics

Title: Dark of Night

Author: Colleen Coble

Series: Annie Pederson (Book 2 of 3)

Publication Date: January 10, 2023

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

My Rating: 3.5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

The law is about justice—not grace. But perhaps ranger Annie Pederson can find a way to have both.

As if the last few months haven’t been hard enough—complete with threats on her life and the return of her first love, Jon—Annie has to figure out whether or not to believe a woman who claims to be her sister, Sarah, who was abducted twenty-four years ago at age five. Annie’s eight-year-old daughter, Kylie, has plenty of questions about what’s going on in her mother’s life—but there are some stones Annie doesn’t want uncovered.

As Annie grapples with how to heal the gulf between her and her would-be sister and make room in her daughter’s life for Jon, she’s professionally distracted by the case of yet another missing hiker in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A woman named Michelle Fraser has now been abducted, and though the woman’s estranged husband is at the top of their suspect list, Annie and her colleagues will need to dig deeper and determine whether these recent mysteries are truly as unrelated as they seem.

In this second novel of bestselling author Colleen Coble’s latest romantic-suspense series, Annie and Jon must fight for the future—and the family—that could once more be theirs.

My Review

One thing I really enjoy about Colleen Coble’s books is the way she weaves together multiple plot lines, in each book and throughout the series. Dark of Night was no exception, with several mysteries to keep you guessing, as well as continued growth in Annie and Jon’s relationship. You will definitely want to read Edge of Dusk first, since several integral storylines are continued here. Annie and Jon are both deeply layered characters who are easy to become invested in. I can’t wait to see how Coble finishes putting the pieces together in Break of Day, set to release in July 2023! This series hits all the right notes for fans of romantic suspense and Coble’s earlier Rock Harbor series.

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 First Line Friday! Today I’m linking up with Reading is My Superpower and sharing the first line from J’nell Ciesielski’s latest historical novel, The Brilliance of Stars.

“‘I think we’re safe for now.'”

The Brilliance of Stars by J’nell Ciesielski

The Basics

Title: The Brilliance of Stars

Author: J’nell Ciesielski

Publication Date: November 1, 2022

Series: Jack and Ivy (Book 1)

My Rating: 3.5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

Amid the chaos of the Great War, two elite assassins learn precisely how dangerous it is to have something—or someone—worth losing.

Washington, DC, 1914. Ivy Olwen knows how to survive on the streets without two coins to rub together. But when destiny thrusts her into the nest of a covert agency of assassins sworn to drive back the world’s darkness, she acquires a new set of lethal skills. Her education—from explosives to etiquette, sharpshooting to sabotage—is as far-reaching as the organization’s missions. But it’s the hours she spends among the towering bookshelves in the library and stargazing on the roof with Agent Jack Vale that make her heart fly.

Jack knew plenty of hardship before the agency refined his rough edges, transforming him into the man who never misses. But he didn’t know the feeling of home until Ivy entered his world. Now, Jack’s heart drums with a singular purpose: he will fight for her, fight alongside her. No matter the cost.

When the pair is sent on a seemingly simple mission to take down Russia’s newest and most dangerous arms dealer—a soulless man using the Great War as an opportunity to further his own depraved agenda—they discover that no amount of training could have prepared them for a manhunt that takes them across the frozen tundra, to the Crimean Peninsula, and along the Trans-Siberian Railway . . . only to discover that there is evil in the world they are just beginning to understand.

My Review

The premise of this book sounded really interesting – history, romance, espionage… what more could you want in a book? While I did enjoy the fast-paced action, the story overall fell a little flat for me. Some parts seemed a little unrealistic, trending more towards fantasy or science fiction mixed with history. I enjoyed the friendship between Jack, Ivy, and Phillip, but I had a hard time really connecting with them as characters. However, I know this book has received many rave reviews! It may not have been my cup of tea, but fans of historical fiction with plenty of action may enjoy it more than I did.

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! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday, and that you have a day off to enjoy a good book today 🙂 I’m linking up with Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday and featuring Authentically, Izzy by Pepper Basham.

“Dear Reader,

This is a cautionary tale.”

Authentically, Izzy by Pepper Basham

The Basics

Title: Authentically, Izzy

Author: Pepper Basham

Publication Date: November 15, 2022

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Rating: 3.5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

“Dear Izzy—I feel certain there’s a book-loving man living relatively nearby waiting to speak bookish to you ’til death do you part. You just haven’t met yet.”

Izzy Edgewood is a wannabe bookstore owner, quote queen, and Lord of the Rings nerd who has been waiting for Prince Charming to sweep her off her sneakered feet. But it’s hard to meet people when you spend more time with fictional humans than real ones. Which is why her pragmatist cousin Josephine decides to take Izzy’s future into her own meddling hands and create an online dating profile for the hopeful romantic.

To Izzy’s shock (and suspicion), Josie’s plan works. Soon, she’s dialoguing with a Hobbit-loving man named Brodie who lives in a small town an ocean away from her home in the Blue Ridge Mountains. But is their shared love of books, family, and correspondence enough to overcome Izzy’s fear of flying and the literal distance between them? And is a long-distance relationship even worth considering when a local author has been frequenting the library where she works and is proving to be a perfectly fine gentleman?

My Review

Authentically, Izzy is a sweet contemporary romance written in Pepper Basham’s signature style, full of wit and charm with dashes of Appalachian and British culture. This story is told mostly in epistolary format, through emails, text messages, and online dating messages. It is a unique format for a unique story! Izzy and Brodie’s friendship, formed through a mutual love of books and clever banter, is sweet to watch as it develops into romance. They are a perfect pairing, like a cup of coffee or tea and a good book – bringing out the best in each other. Izzy’s cousin Luke stole the show for me, though! His witty yet sincere wisdom and advice added a sweet richness to the story in the middle of his sister’s scheming. Bibliophiles and contemporary romance fans will be delighted to spend a few hours in Izzy’s world!

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 a book that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Dark Fall is the third book in Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson’s Shepherd Series – don’t start it at night, or you won’t get any sleep!

“Dagan Meier stopped to catch his breath as he wove his way up the mountain.”

Dark Fall by Andrews & Wilson

The Basics

Title: Dark Fall

Author: Brian Andrews & Jeffrey Wilson

Series: The Shepherds (Book 3)

Publication Date: November 8, 2022

Genre: Military/Supernatural Thriller

My Rating: 5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

When a remote Peruvian village is reduced to ash in seconds, the Shepherds face a horrific question: Is this the work of a man-made weapon of unthinkable power, or is God raining down judgment from above, as some believe?

As the recently installed leader of the Joshua Bravo team, Jedidiah Johnson shifts into covert operation mode to follow rumors of a new energy-based weapon able to incinerate a target–even a human target–with no warning. With the assistance of the CIA, Jed’s team deploys to Hong Kong to extract the Chinese scientist who helped develop the weapon.

What the Shepherds learn from Dr. Zhao confirms their worst fears: The weapon is real and has disappeared from the testing facility where it was held. With help from the Watchers, Jed discovers that Victor, the leader of the Dark Ones, has the weapon and intends to use it to wreak untold damage and destabilize the faith of millions. But as Jed and his team race the clock to find and disable the weapon, Victor begins to unfold secret plans for another attack . . .

And this target is much closer to home.

My Review

I have been eagerly awaiting the release of Dark Fall, and this captivating story does not disappoint! The story arc that began in Dark Intercept is concluded here in spectacular fashion. The authors’ tight writing style is perfect for the military thriller genre, with details and descriptions that put you right in the middle of the action. The character development is excellent, shown especially through Jed’s growth into his leadership role and Sarah Beth’s courage in facing off with the enemy. I love the spiritual warfare component and how clearly it shows the stark contrast between good and evil, light and darkness. If you love high-stakes suspense mixed with profound truths that will make you see your faith in a new way, don’t miss this series!

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 linking up with Reading is My Superpower for another First Line Friday. I’m featuring a collection of fast-paced novellas by three favorite romantic suspense authors. Targeted will delight fans of Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, and Natalie Walters!

“Daria Nevsky slammed the door of her Ford F-150 truck and tucked her jacket under her chin to ward off the chill of the November wind.”

Targeted by Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, and Natalie Walters

The Basics

Title: Targeted

Author: Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, and Natalie Walters

Publication Date: November 1, 2022

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

My Rating: 4 Stars

From the Back Cover:

Get ready for triple the thrills with three heart-stopping stories from your favorite romantic suspense authors!

In On the Run, IT Specialist Daria Nevsky is a highly skilled FBI agent with the ability to hack any computer. She must go on the run to find out who wants her dead–and Dr. Ryker Donahue refuses to let her do it alone.

In Deadly Objective, physical therapist Emily Dixon and Secret Service Agent Liam Harper are committed to keeping their relationship professional. But when the vice president’s son enters the crosshairs of a killer, some lines will have to be crossed in order to keep him safe.

In Caught in the Crosshairs, there is no love lost between former Army PSYOPS officer Ari Blackman and CIA officer Claudia Gallegos after Claudia is implicated in the murder of a Saudi prince. But to prevent a coup that would put America at risk, they’ll have to learn to trust each other–before it’s too late.

My Review

When I saw this novella collection by three of my favorite romantic suspense authors, I had to read it! I was familiar with all of the main characters from reading the authors’ other series, but you could read this collection as a standalone. Novellas can tend to feel rushed, but the character development and pacing were handled beautifully here. Each story was packed with just the right blend of suspense, action, and romance! Whether you are already a fan of these authors or are looking for a new favorite, don’t miss the high-stakes suspense found in Targeted!

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, hosted by Reading is My Superpower, I’m excited to share a book that just came out this week. Honor’s Refuge is the third book in Hallee Bridgeman’s Love and Honor series – I have loved this series so much, I wish this weren’t the last book!

“Missy huddled with three-year-old Lola between the nightstand and the bed, praying her little sister would stay asleep.”

Honor’s Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman

The Basics

Title: Honor’s Refuge

Author: Hallee Bridgeman

Series: Love and Honor (Book 3 of 3)

Publication Date: November 1, 2022

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

My Rating: 5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

When she was just five years old, Melissa Braxton watched her father take her mother’s life and suffered the pain of separation from her sister, Lola. Melissa grew up with a strong desire to help those stuck in abusive relationships. It’s why she became a therapist and opened a domestic abuse shelter.

After losing a leg to a gunshot wound in the line of duty, Phil Osbourne has felt like a man without a purpose–until he hears Melissa’s story and decides to use his Special Forces contacts to track down her missing sister, the wife of a Colombian cartel teniente. He knows what he discovers will break Melissa’s heart. What he doesn’t realize is that helping the women reunite will bring the cartel down on them like the category 5 hurricane striking Miami.

Bruised yet not quite broken, Melissa and Phil battle the storm and the cartel, calling on strength they didn’t know they had to escape death, save the innocent, and–just maybe–find healing in each other’s arms.

My Review

Honor’s Refuge is my favorite of this series – each book just keeps getting better! I love that this book includes a couple of Phil’s military buddies, but there is a different spin on the suspense as Phil is now serving in his hometown as a paramedic. His past still haunts him as he doesn’t believe he can be the “whole man” he wants to be for Melissa. She is the perfect match for him, loving him and believing in him when he doubts himself. His strength and determination make him just the steady force she needs in her life.

The suspense is top-notch as they race to rescue Melissa’s sister from the cartel – I had to stay up late to find out what would happen! While I loved the fast-paced plot, my favorite part was how real Phil and Melissa’s faith is to them, evident through their prayers and their actions. I highly recommend this series and am eagerly awaiting whatever Hallee Bridgeman 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.

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.