Tree Swing Reading

Review of "Misery Loves Company" by Rene Gutteridge

Book Bullets:

•         My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
•         Genre: Suspense Fiction
•         Part of a Series: no
•         Publication year: 2013
•         Publisher: Tyndale House

Description:

Don’t tell me it’s terrifying. Terrify me.

Filled with grief, Jules Belleno rarely leaves the house since her husband’s death while on duty as a police officer. Other than the reviews Jules writes on her blog, she has little contact with the outside world.

But one day when she ventures out to the local grocery store, Jules bumps into a fellow customer . . . and recognizes him as her favorite author, Patrick Reagan. Jules gushes and thoroughly embarrasses herself before Regan graciously talks with her.

And that’s the last thing she remembers—until she wakes up in a strange room with a splitting headache. She’s been kidnapped. And what she discovers will change everything she believed about her husband’s death . . . her career . . . and her faith.

My Thoughts:

I'm thinking that the reference to Stephen King's Misery book is intentional, right?

Anyway, this was a very interesting spin on that novel.  I was totally intrigued by the storyline and found the plot twists and turns very captivating.  There were parts that were a bit odd to me, like why Jules didn't feel more afraid or try harder to escape, but I  came to accept them as the story developed.  I ended up really liking this.  I'm a big fan of Gutteridge's books and was happy to get another suspense from her.

Review of "The Bridge" by Karen Kingsbury

Book Bullets:

•         My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
•         Genre: Romance Fiction
•         Part of a Series: no
•         Publication year: 2012
•         Publisher: Howard Books

Description:

Molly Allen lives alone in Portland, Oregon, but she left her heart in Tennessee with a man she adored in college, a man she forced herself to walk away from five years ago.

Nashville-based guitarist Ryan Kelly can still hear the voice of the girl he can’t have but can never forget. Time only intensifies his memories of Molly—especially of the happy hours they shared at The Bridge.

For three decades, Charlie and Donna Barton have kept the historic Franklin, Tennessee, bookstore afloat. But after a catastrophic flood, the bank pulls their lease, leaving Charlie despondent at The Bridge’s demise. Driving through a blinding snowstorm, alone with his desperate thoughts, Charlie hits black ice and crashes.

Suddenly, in the face of tragedy, miracles—and second chances—begin to unfold for those whose lives have been touched by The Bridge.

My Thoughts:

Sometimes you need a feel-good story, you know?  Kingsbury always knows how to bring about a happy ending kind of story.  This is just what I needed during a rough week--a lovely Christmas story about romance and people helping people in times of need.  A perfect read for a Sunday afternoon with a nice cup of tea in your favorite cozy reading spot.

Review of "The Judge" by Randy Singer

Book Bullets:

•     My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
•     Genre: Suspense Fiction
•     Part of a Series: no
•     Publication year: 2012
•     Publisher: Tyndale House

 

Description:

Staging the ultimate reality show, an eccentric billionaire invites representatives from the world's religions to argue their beliefs. Feisty judge Oliver Finney accepts the challenge---and realizes he's trapped in a deadly game. Will his law clerk, Nikki, be able to decipher his cryptic e-mails before he dies defending Christ? (Previously titled The Cross-Examination of Oliver Finney.)

My Thoughts:

I really like Randy Singer! A good lega-typel suspense always makes me happy.  The reality show premise is great too.  I listened to it while walking and cleaning and found myself walking further just to listen longer.  Randy Singer is a great author, who knows how to spin a good story!

Review of "The Promises She Keeps" by Erin Healy

Book Bullets:

•     My rating: 3 out of 5 stars
•     Genre: Suspense Fiction
•     Part of a Series: no
•     Publication year: 2011
•     Publisher: Thomas Nelson
  

Description:

Promise, a talented young vocalist with a terminal illness, is counting on fame to keep her memory alive after she dies. Porta is an aging witch and art collector in search of the goddess who will grant her immortality.

When Promise inexplicably survives a series of freak accidents, Porta believes that Promise is the one she seeks. But Chase, an autistic artist who falls in love with Promise and opposes Porta, comes between the women with his mysterious visions and drawings, and plunges everyone into a flesh-and-blood confrontation over the true meaning of eternal life.

My Thoughts:

This book was not my favorite.  I normally really like Erin Healy, but this was strange to me.  There was so much to it that was never explained and I felt like aspects of it made we wary and uncomfortable.  Especially the witchcraft stuff and the unexplainable freak events around Promise.  So, while the cover is awesome and some of the characters are great, the book as a whole was bizarre. Just my opinion, of course.

Review of "Stranded" by Dani Pettrey

Book Bullets:

•     My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
•     Genre: Suspense Fiction
•     Part of a Series: yes, Alaskan Courage Series book 3
•     Publication year: 2013
•     Publisher: Bethany House

Description:

When her friend vanishes from a cruise ship, reporter Darcy St. James isn't satisfied with their explanation that she simply left her job of her own accord. Something isn't lining up, and Darcy believes the only way to find the truth is to put herself in Abby's position. Within days, Darcy learns her friend wasn't the only person to disappear mysteriously. Last summer, a woman vanished under almost identical circumstances.

My Thoughts:

I have really enjoyed this series.  I always like the combination of romance and suspense.  The series reminds me a bit of Dee Henderson's books.  So, while the romance was predicatable, the story and the suspense were engaging and enjoyable.  Pettrey is definitely on my must-watch list now!

Review of "The Promise" by Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley

Book Bullets:

•     My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
•     Genre: Contemporary Fiction
•     Part of a Series: yes, book 2 of Restoration Series
  
•     Publication year: 2013
•     Publisher: Revell

Description:

For the last five months, Tom Anderson has been without a job, a fact he's been hiding from his wife Jean-and everyone else. He leaves each morning, pretending nothing has changed, and spends his disheartening day rotating through two coffee shops and the library, using their wi-fi to search for a job on the internet. The stress of keeping this secret is beginning to put serious strain on his marriage and it looks like the legacy that began with his father is still at work, slowly destroying the bond between Tom and Jean. Can their mutual trust-and love-be restored?

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed this book!  I think this series is really great.  Walsh and Smalley are a great combo and seeing a series with a focus on marriage and the different issues couples can face is a nice theme.