Happy Friday! If you are a fan of romantic suspense with nonstop action, you won’t want to miss the book I’m featuring for today’s edition of First Line Friday! Rachel Dylan is one of my favorite suspense authors, and her newest release doesn’t disappoint.

“The incessant knocking on her condo door made Layla Karam grumble as she threw off the covers.”

Backlash by Rachel Dylan

The Basics

Title: Backlash

Author: Rachel Dylan

Series: Capital Intrigue (Book 2)

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

My Rating: 4 Stars

From the Back Cover: With a target on her back, she’s determined to find answers. But can she escape the deadly backlash?

CIA analyst Layla Karam is thrust into a dangerous DEA field operation against a cartel, and after one of her team members is murdered because of fallout from the op, Layla is left scrambling to find safety.

At the same time, the CIA opens an internal investigation against her. Out of options, Layla turns to ex-boyfriend and private investigator Hunter McCoy for help finding out who might want to ruin her career.

Layla and Hunter soon discover that a mole inside the DEA has sold out the team’s identity to the cartel. She needs to clear her name with the Agency in order to protect herself and her teammates from cartel retaliation. With threats on all sides, Layla must put her trust in Hunter–the man who broke her heart–and hope they both come out of it alive.

My Thoughts

This is the second book in Rachel Dylan’s Capital Intrigue series, and it’s filled with just as much intense action as the first! In Backlash, we meet the same core group of friends – Layla, Viv, Bailey, and Izzy. This story focuses on Layla, a CIA analyst whose bosses want her to get out in the field – a decision that has had dangerous consequences.

This book features several subplots and secondary characters that help keep up the fast pace of the story. Layla and her DEA teammates are facing several different threats that keep them constantly looking over their shoulders. I really enjoyed Layla and Hunter’s second chance at love and watching their friendship be restored. Some of my favorite parts were the threads of Izzy’s story continued from the last book, and I hope a future book will focus on her! This gripping suspense series is a must read for fans of Lynette Eason, Lisa Harris, and Dani Pettrey.

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 Hoarding Books 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 Friday! If you’re a fan of small-town romance, you’ll love the sweet story I’m sharing for today’s First Line Friday linkup – The Key to Love by Betsy St. Amant!

“The only thing Bri Duval loved more than romance was a perfectly executed French macaron. Fortunately, at least one of the two was within reach.”

The Key to Love by Betsy St. Amant

The Basics

Title: The Key to Love

Author: Betsy St. Amant

Publication Date: October 13, 2020

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

My Rating: 4 Stars

From the Back Cover: The only thing Bri Duval loves more than baking petit fours is romance. So much so that she’s created her own version of the famous Parisian love-lock wall at the bakery where she works in Story, Kansas. She never expects a video involving the wall to go viral–or for Trek Magazine to send travel writer Gerard Fortier to feature the bakery. He’s definitely handsome, but Bri has been holding out for an epic love story like the one her parents had–and that certainly will not include the love-scorning Gerard.

Just when it seems the Pastry Puff is poised for unprecedented success, a series of events threaten not just the bakery but the pedestal she’s kept her parents on all these years. Maybe Gerard is right about romance. Or maybe Bri’s recipe just needs to be tweaked.

My Thoughts

Betsy St. Amant is a new-to-me author, and my first taste of her writing was definitely sweet! I loved the small town of Story, Kansas, and the quirky characters who call it home. Bri and Gerard are the epitome of opposites attracting – homebody Bri dreams of a romance like her parents’, while career-focused Gerard never stays in one place for long and is a little jaded after a broken engagement.

If this story were a petit four, the supporting characters would be the icing on top! Mabel and Agnes, the owners of the bakery, are the charming matchmakers who are like aunts to Bri. Casey and Nathan’s love story provides both funny and heartwarming moments too. This book has all the charm and sweetness of a Hallmark movie with a spiritual depth that fans of Melissa Tagg and Tari Faris will enjoy.

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 Hoarding Books 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. Thank you, Revell!

Happy Friday, reader friends! The book I’m featuring today for First Line Friday is a gripping new suspense novel by Siri Mitchell. Everywhere to Hide will be released on October 6, and if you’re a fan of the suspense/thriller genre, you won’t want to miss it!

“I was just ten steps away from the Blue Dog|RINO coffee shop where I worked when a hand closed tightly around my forearm.”

Everywhere to Hide by Siri Mitchell

The Basics

Title: Everywhere to Hide

Author: Siri Mitchell

Release Date: October 6, 2020

Genre: Christian Suspense/Thriller

My Rating: 5 Stars

From the Back Cover: How can she protect herself from an enemy she can’t see?

Law school graduate Whitney Garrison is a survivor. She admirably deals with an abusive boyfriend, her mother’s death, mounting student debt, dwindling job opportunities, and a rare neurological condition that prevents her from recognizing human faces.

But witnessing a murder might be the crisis she can’t overcome.

The killer has every advantage. Though Whitney saw him, she has no idea what he looks like. He knows where she lives and works. He anticipates her every move. Worst of all, he’s hiding in plain sight and believes she has information he needs. Information worth killing for. Again.

As the hunter drives his prey into a net of terror and international intrigue, Whitney’s only ally, Detective Leo Baroni, is taken off the case. Stripped of all semblance of safety, Whitney must suspect everyone and trust no one—and hope to come out alive.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed Siri Mitchell’s last suspense novel, State of Lies, and after reading this one, I am officially a fan of her work! This book was deeply layered in so many ways, from the plot to the characters to the suspense. It feels ripped from the headlines, dealing with subjects like cryptocurrency and China’s quest for power.

Despite her rare condition of face blindness, Whitney is a relatable character as she struggles with getting a job, getting out of debt, and moving past the pain her ex-boyfriend caused her. Leo really helped make the story for me too! His care for Whitney, and the way he would do anything to protect her, added him to my list of favorite fictional heroes. The suspense and tension ran high throughout the book, with twists and turns around every corner. The story struck just the right balance of compelling characters and an engaging plot that makes you think and keeps you guessing. Everywhere to Hide is an excellent suspense novel – one that I think fans of Rachel Dylan, Carrie Stuart Parks, and Sibella Giorello will especially enjoy!

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 Hoarding Books 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! I’m so excited to share this book with you for First Line Friday. Today’s first line comes from a debut novel by an author I think you’ll love – The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox.

September 8, 1994

People considered him homeless because he didn’t have an address of his own, but Harvey James would’ve been homeless even if he owned the turreted mansion off State Route 460. To have a home, you’d have to feel as though you belonged. The edge of the highway was the closest he’d ever been.

The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox

I couldn’t resist sharing more than one line… the whole first paragraph is such a beautiful introduction to the story!

The Basics

Title: The Edge of Belonging

Author: Amanda Cox

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

My Rating: 5/5 Stars

From the Back Cover: When Ivy Rose returns to her hometown to oversee her late grandmother’s estate sale, she soon discovers that the woman left behind more than trinkets and photo frames–she provided a path to the truth behind Ivy’s adoption. Shocked, Ivy seeks clues to her past, but a key piece to the mystery is missing.

Twenty-four years earlier, Harvey James finds an abandoned newborn who gives him a sense of human connection for the first time in his life. His desire to care for the baby runs up against the stark fact that he is homeless. When he becomes entwined with two people seeking to help him find his way, Harvey knows he must keep the baby a secret or risk losing the only person he’s ever loved.

In this dual-timeline story from debut novelist Amanda Cox, the truth–both the search for it and the desire to keep it from others–takes center stage as Ivy and Harvey grapple with love, loss, and letting go.

My Thoughts

It’s hard to believe that this is Amanda Cox’s debut novel! She has expertly woven together two storylines from the past and present to create a beautiful story about love, family, and finding a place to belong. 

While the plot is unique and the themes are powerful, it’s the rich characterization that sets this story apart. Harvey is such a compelling character, as we see him turn the pain from his past into an unconditional love that would do anything for the baby he found and cared for. Pearl, the grandmother in the story, extends wisdom and grace to everyone she meets. Ivy is someone many women can relate to, as she searches for her purpose in life and healing from an abusive relationship. And Reese, Ivy’s lifelong friend, has become one of my favorite fictional heroes – you’ll have to read the book to find out why! 

Amanda Cox is an author to watch – I can’t wait to read whatever she writes next! I highly recommend The Edge of Belonging, and I think fans of Erin Bartels and Amanda Dykes will especially enjoy this book.

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 Hoarding Books 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. Thank you, Revell!

It’s Friday, and you know what that means… time for another First Line Friday linkup, hosted by Hoarding Books! Today I’m featuring a new release by a new-to-me author: Nine by Rachelle Dekker.

“Olivia’s lungs burned as short bursts of air escaped her mouth. Her pulse pounded violently inside her head and for a moment blocked out everything but the vibrations of her feet slamming against the forest floor. But as quickly as the world had gone it came rushing back, and she wasn’t alone.”

Nine by Rachelle Dekker

Okay, I know that’s actually three lines… but I think that sets the scene a little better!

The Basics

Title: Nine

Author: Rachelle Dekker

Genre: Christian Suspense/Thriller

My Rating: 4/5 Stars

From the Back Cover: Zoe Johnson has spent most of her life living in the shadows, never drawing attention to herself, never investing in people or places. But when a wide-eyed, bedraggled teenager with no memory walks into the diner where Zoe works, everything changes.

Against her better judgment, Zoe, who has been trying to outrun her own painful memories of the past, finds herself attempting to help a girl who doesn’t seem to have any past at all. With little warning, they must follow the only sure thing they know: a woman hundreds of miles away, will either save them . . . or be the last person to see them alive.

My Thoughts

“She could have walked away a dozen times before arriving at this moment. She could have followed her gut, which had screamed for her to listen at every turn. She could have blocked out Lucy from the beginning. Done what her mother had always taught her: to fear. And what the world had never stopped reminding her: to protect.”

This was the first of Rachelle Dekker’s books I’ve read, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Honestly, I was a little surprised by how much I enjoyed this story! It does have a bit of a dystopian/sci-fi element, but not so much that it didn’t feel like it could have been ripped from future headlines. The action and emotion are intense, as there are twists around every corner for Zoe and Lucy, and they never know who they can trust.

The gripping storyline is given more intensity by the powerful message that we don’t have to let our past define us, but we can make the choice to leave our fear, our mistakes, and our guilt behind as we become the people we were made to be. Each of the main characters – Zoe, Lucy, and Agent Seeley – come to experience forgiveness and redemption in their own unique ways. I’m a new fan of Rachelle Dekker, and I can’t wait to see what she 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 Hoarding Books 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. Thank you, Revell!

Happy Friday, fellow readers! It’s the start of a holiday weekend, and a great time to find some new books through Hoarding Books’ First Line Friday linkup 🙂 Today I’m featuring a new release that just came out this week – Something Worth Doing by Jane Kirkpatrick.

June 1852

“Her dreams of late had been of books with maps of unknown places.”

Something Worth Doing by Jane Kirkpatrick

The Basics

Title: Something Worth Doing: A Novel of an Early Suffragist

Author: Jane Kirkpatrick

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction (based on a true story)

My Rating: 3.5 / 5 Stars

From the Back Cover:

Some things are worth doing–even when the cost is great

In 1853, Abigail Scott was a nineteen-year-old school teacher in Oregon Territory when she married Ben Duniway. Marriage meant giving up on teaching, but Abigail always believed she was meant to be more than a good wife and mother. When Abigail becomes the primary breadwinner for her growing family, what she sees as a working woman appalls her–and prompts her to devote her life to fighting for the rights of women, including the right to vote.

Based on a true story, Something Worth Doing will resonate with modern women who still grapple with the pull between career and family, finding their place in the public sphere, and dealing with frustrations and prejudices when competing in male-dominated spaces.

My Thoughts

“But of course, living held risk, the very act of breathing meant another step into the unknown. How one took those steps would shape the character of those around you….”

This was the first of Jane Kirkpatrick’s books I’ve read so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I ended up really enjoying this story! Something Worth Doing follows the life of Abigail Duniway, a entrepreneur and suffragist in 19th-century Oregon. I thought the book presented a well-rounded picture of her life and the obstacles she faced. She worked so hard for so many years, facing disappointments and tragedies in her personal life and her work, but she never gave up. The tension she faced between her dedication to her family and her work is something women today can relate to. The balance is hard to find, and we see in her story that she didn’t always make the right choices, but women in the United States wouldn’t be where we are today without her and the cause she advanced.

Parts of the book did feel more like an account of events than an engaging story, but overall it was an enjoyable read. It’s very timely as well, as 2020 marks 100 years since the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution granted women the right to vote. Fans of historical fiction and students of history will enjoy this book!

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 Hoarding Books 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. Thank you, Revell!

Happy Friday, friends! We’ve made it through another week, and that means it’s time for another First Line Friday linkup! The book I’m featuring this week hits a little close to home in 2020… Airborne by DiAnn Mills centers around a deadly virus and the race to discover who released it. The Kindle version is already available, and the paperback will be out on September 8th!

“Vacations offered a distraction for those who longed to rest and rejuvenate, but FBI Special Agent Heather Lawrence wrestled with the decision to take an overseas trip alone.”

Airborne by DiAnn Mills

The Basics

Title: Airborne

Author: DiAnn Mills

Genre: Christian Suspense/Thriller

Release Date: April 28, 2020 (Kindle); September 8, 2020 (Paperback)

My Rating: 4/5 Stars

From the Back Cover: Heather Lawrence’s long-awaited vacation to Salzburg wasn’t supposed to go like this. Mere hours into the transatlantic flight, the Houston FBI agent is awakened when passengers begin exhibiting horrific symptoms of an unknown infection. As the virus quickly spreads and dozens of passengers fall ill, Heather fears she’s witnessing an epidemic similar to ones her estranged husband studies for a living—but this airborne contagion may have been deliberately released.

While Heather remains quarantined with other survivors, she works with her FBI colleagues to identify the person behind this attack. The prime suspect? Dr. Chad Lawrence, an expert in his field . . . and Heather’s husband. The Lawrences’ marriage has been on the rocks since Chad announced his career took precedence over his wife and future family and moved out.

As more victims fall prey days after the initial outbreak, time’s running out to hunt down the killer, one who may be closer to the victims than anyone ever expected.

My Thoughts

Airborne by DiAnn Mills is definitely a timely story – one that could almost be ripped from the headlines! While there are differences from real life – this fictional virus is incredibly deadly and released as a bio-weapon – the fact that we are living through a global pandemic makes this story seem much more real.

The story is full of nail-biting suspense, as we’ve come to know and love from DiAnn Mills, but it also includes plenty of dynamic characters. Chad and Heather both go through some challenging circumstances, both together and separately, as their marriage is in trouble and it looks like Chad might have something to do with the virus. I did have my suspicions about who the killer might be, but I was definitely surprised by how it all played out! This book will keep you turning pages long into the night. Another great book by DiAnn Mills!

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 Hoarding Books 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, friends! If you are a fan of contemporary romance with a little historical mystery and treasure hunting mixed in, you will love the book I’m featuring today! It’s A Dazzle of Diamonds by Liz Johnson, the third and final book in her Georgia Coast Romance series. I’m linking up with Hoarding Books for First Line Friday to share the first line and my review!

“Penelope Jean Hunter loved every wedding she’d ever been to. Except her own.”

A Dazzle of Diamonds by Liz Johnson

What a great first line! I don’t know about you, but I have to keep reading to find out what happened at Penelope’s wedding!

The Basics

Title: A Dazzle of Diamonds

Author: Liz Johnson

Series: Georgia Coast Romance (Book 3 of 3)

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

My Rating: 5/5 Stars

From the Back Cover: Penelope Hunter loves her job as the events manager at one of Savannah’s premier historic venues–until her ex-fiancé walks into her office with his new bride-to-be. To make matters worse, a scheming social matriarch is intent on seeing Penelope fired, especially if she insists on being seen with Tucker Westbrook.

Since returning from serving two tours in the Middle East, Tucker has built a thriving security company. His work is nearly as stabilizing as his friendship with Penelope, who has been by his side since childhood. But when the lone candidate for county sheriff goads him, Tucker loses his cool and ends up on the ballot–and on the receiving end of a smear campaign claiming the Westbrooks were traitors to the South.

To clear his name, Tucker and Penelope must join forces to find the truth behind a 150-year-old lost treasure. But the more time they spend together, the closer she comes to losing her job–and falling helplessly in love.

My Thoughts

This story certainly lives up to its name – it is dazzling! I loved Penelope and Tucker’s relationship and the chemistry between them. Marriage of convenience, or in this case dating relationship of convenience, is one of my favorite storylines, and it’s done beautifully in this story. The Southern charm and history of Savannah lends itself to the treasure-hunting element of the book, this time focused on smuggled goods from the Civil War. It’s a beautiful story of friendship that turns into a love story, and whenever I had to put the book down I couldn’t wait to jump back in!

Penelope, who always has a plan for everything, is afraid that pursuing a relationship with Tucker will ruin their lifelong friendship and send him running like her father and ex-fiance. Tucker, a strong yet gentle veteran, believes that he isn’t worthy of her and feels like he has something to prove, to his father and to the whole city as he runs for mayor. The history of the treasure and long-ago love story woven in adds just the right amount of sparkle to the story. This is the last book in a series (see my reviews of the first book here), but all three books can be read as stand-alone novels. I highly recommend this book (and series) to fans of Courtney Walsh, Becky Wade, and Rachel Hauck!

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 Hoarding Books 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. Thank you, Revell!

Happy Friday! For today’s First Line Friday linkup, hosted by Hoarding Books, I’m featuring a new release from a new-to-me author – Love and a Little White Lie by Tammy L. Gray. I have to admit, the title really intrigued me, and I ended up really loving this story!

“I’ve face-planted myself into rock bottom.”

Love and a Little White Lie by Tammy L. Gray

Isn’t that a great first line? What a way to start the story!

The Basics

Title: Love and a Little White Lie

Author: Tammy L. Gray

Series: State of Grace (Book 1)

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

My Rating: 4/5 Stars

From the Back Cover: After a heartbreak leaves her reeling, January Sanders is open to anything–including moving into a cabin on her aunt’s wedding-venue property and accepting a temporary position at her aunt’s church despite being a lifelong skeptic of faith. Choosing to keep her doubts to herself, she’s determined to give her all to supporting Grace Community’s overworked staff while helping herself move on.

What she doesn’t count on is meeting the church’s handsome and charming guitarist. It’s a match set for disaster, and yet January has no ability to stay away, even if it means pretending to have faith in a God she doesn’t believe in.

Only this time, keeping her secret isn’t as easy as she thought it would be. Especially when she’s constantly running into her aunt’s landscape architect, who seems to know everything about her past-and-present sins and makes no apologies about pushing her to deal with feelings she’d rather keep buried.

Torn between two worlds that can’t coexist, can January find the healing that’s eluded her, or will her resistance to the truth ruin any chance of happiness?

My Thoughts

This was such a fun book! It’s lighthearted with serious moments too, as Jan struggles with feeling lost after her breakup, move, and job change. Her job at a church, combined with her skepticism towards faith and her unfamiliarity with “Christianese,” provide some humor as well as heartfelt moments. The two heroes in the story also make things a little unpredictable, and I really enjoyed the witty dialogue and writing style.

Some Christian fiction can come across as cliche, cheesy, or preachy, but that’s not the case here. I love the way Jan’s questions about faith are explored – her story was portrayed in a genuine, authentic way. I’m looking forward to reading more of Tammy L. Gray’s books!

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 Hoarding Books 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, fellow readers! It’s time for another First Line Friday linkup, hosted by Hoarding Books. Today I’m featuring a new release from this week – Minutes to Die by Susan Sleeman!

“Exposed. Kiley felt exposed.”

Minutes to Die by Susan Sleeman

The Basics

Title: Minutes to Die

Author: Susan Sleeman

Series: Homeland Heroes (Book 2 of 3)

Genre: Christian romantic suspense

My Rating: 4/5 Stars

From the Back Cover: It’s the intel every agent fears–terrorists have been smuggled into the country, intent on unleashing the most deadly attack since 9/11. With the threat imminent, FBI Agent Kiley Dawson and ICE Agent Evan Bowers are charged with taking down this terrorist cell. The only problem is Kiley blames Evan for the death of her former partner, and she can barely be in the same room with him. But with millions of lives on the line, she has no choice.

If it wasn’t for a bad call Evan made, Kiley’s former partner would still be alive, and Evan has to live with that guilt for the rest of his life. When he starts falling for her, the agent’s death seems an impossible obstacle. As the terrorist plot targets Kiley’s family, the two are pushed to the breaking point in a race to save countless lives.

My Thoughts

The first book in this series, Seconds to Live, was my introduction to Susan Sleeman’s books. It wasn’t my favorite, but something changed with this book, and I absolutely loved it! The intensity and action drew me in from the beginning, and I had a hard time putting it down!

The chemistry and relationship between the main characters, Kiley and Evan, seemed much more authentic than the first book. The plot was gripping, which is to be expected in a story about terrorist plot, but I thought the balance between the action and quieter moments was really well done. I enjoyed the unique focus on the RED Team and their camaraderie, and I can’t wait for the next book!

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 Hoarding Books 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.