Unspoken by Dee Henderson

Book Description:

Charlotte Graham is at the center of the most famous kidnapping in Chicago history. 

The task force of FBI and local cops found her two abductors, killed them, rescued her, but it took four very long years. The fact she was found less than three miles from her home, had been there the entire time, haunts them. She's changed her identity, found a profession she loves, and rebuilt her life. 

She's never said a word--to the cops, to her doctors, to family--about those four years. 
A family legacy has brought her back to Chicago where a reporter is writing a book about the kidnapping. The cops who worked the case are cooperating with him. Her options are limited: Hope the reporter doesn't find the full truth, or break her silence about what happened. And her silence is what has protected her family for years. 

Bryce Bishop doesn't know her past, he only knows she has coins to sell from her grandfather's estate--and that the FBI director for the Chicago office made the introduction. The more he gets to know Charlotte, the more interested he becomes, an interest encouraged by those closest to her. But nothing else is working in his favor--she's decided she is single for life, she struggles with her faith, and she's willing to forego a huge inheritance to keep her privacy. She's not giving him much of an opening to work with.

Charlotte wants to trust him. She needs to tell him what happened. Because a crime cops thought was solved, has only opened another chapter...

_________________________________________

This story was not what I expected, but I really enjoyed it. While this was not an intense, fast paced read, it was interesting and the steady pace perfect for my current mood. The story is mostly told from Bryce's perspective, which I think gives it more of an edge/mystery. I believe if we saw the story more through Charlotte's eyes and heard her thoughts it would actually take away from what holds your interest. Which is in part seeing how the story will unfold not only between her and Bryce, but also how she progresses throughout the story and what she chooses to reveal.

I not only enjoyed the unfolding relationship and the main characters, I also enjoyed characters from Henderson's previous novel being a part of this one (Full Disclosure). All in all, it just hit the spot for me. The pace, characters, relationship building, faith elements and so on, were very well done.

For those worried about graphic details, you do not need to. This was a clean read all the way around. Those looking for a hard hitting, action, fast paced and intense read, this is not it. Rather, it is a story well told!

Falcon (The Quiet Professionals, Book 3) by Ronie Kendig

Book Description:
Special Forces operator Salvatore “Falcon” Russo vowed to never again speak to or trust Lieutenant Cassandra Walker after a tragedy four years ago. But as Raptor closes in on the cyber terrorists responsible for killing two of their own, Sal must put his life—and the lives of his teammates—in her hands. Despite his anger, Cassie is ill-prepared for his resistance and the fallout when she must protect the one asset who can end the attacks. As allies become enemies and hostiles become unlikely partners, Raptor fights for its very existence.

_________________________________________

I have a confession to make, although I have really enjoyed this series; Falcon, or as Cassie refers to him, "Sal" has not been one of my favorite characters. However, I was intrigued to find out the past history of Sal and Cassie, and to finish up the series. In continuing with my earlier confession, Sal was still not a fave of mine in Book 3 either. He did however, become more likable later in the book. I liked Cassie and really enjoyed getting back into the plot of the series and revisiting with the lives of the other characters.

So, while the first part of the book I completely enjoyed, it was the last part of the book that really hooked me in and left me not only completely pleased with its conclusion but also that of the series. It was a fantastic wrap up! Hooah!

Looking forward to Kendig's foray into fantasy (Embers/Book 1), kicking off this fall!

A Love Like Ours (A Porter Family Novel, Book #3) by Becky Wade

________________________________________________________________

Becky Wade has once again crafted a fantastic novel, on so many levels! I loved this one! Her characters are real and seem to come to life right off the page. Their hopes, dreams, struggles are all fleshed out and easy to believe. The relationship dynamics, not only between our main characters, but also that of the secondary characters, are real and heartfelt. I found not only Jake (Mr. Tall, Dark and Brooding) and Lyndie's story to be absolutely wonderful but also enjoyed the added bonus of Amber and Will's story too!

A Love Like Ours, will lure you in and hook you. I so enjoyed the moments within its' pages and really was not ready to bid it farewell. Be prepared to step into a story filled with heart, hope, sweetness, love, hurt, struggles and faith. I chuckled some, I cried some, I was swept away and I came away from this novel not only with a romantic sigh but with a happy satisfaction of a story well done!

Wade has a gift, one I look forward to enjoying again (I hope) in the not too distant future! Fantastic!

Bridge Of Faith by Catherine West

Book Description:
Two lives taken down different roads - one enduring love - one shot at starting over.
If only they believed in second chances. 
Julia Connelly is finally free from twelve long years in an abusive relationship. Now able to live the life she’s longed for, Julia takes her two children back home to Vermont, hoping for peace and healing. The last person she expects to see is the man she eloped with at eighteen—who then abandoned her two months into their marriage, with little explanation. 

When an assignment in the Middle East ends in tragedy, popular news correspondent, Reid Wallace, returns to his hometown seeking answers and peace of mind. 

Confronting his past was not in the plan. 

Now he’s asking different questions. Like why the only woman he’s ever really loved still mesmerizes him. Why the haunted expression she wears reaches right into his soul. 

And why her twelve year-old son looks just like him. 

They say you can’t go home again. Sometimes you don’t have a choice. 

______________________________________________

This is the first novel I have read by Catherine West, but I am sure it will not be the last. West not only captured my attention but my heart, as she wove together a story filled with depth, hope, heart, forgiveness and so much more! Her characters were well developed and the interaction between them kept the pages turning.

Well thought out, richly textured and heartwarming! Loved it!

Remnants: Season of Fire (Book 2, in the Remnants series) by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Book Description:
After tackling her first mission and coming to terms with her power of empathy, Andriana discovers her first battles were only a taste of what is to come. She and her knight, Ronan, have admitted their feelings for each other, but their bonds are tested when Dri is captured by their mortal and spiritual enemy—Sethos—and his master, Keallach, emperor of Pacifica. Andriana is certain Keallach can be convinced to follow the Maker's plan and join the other Remnants … but in time, she must decide whether she really can pull him back to the Way, or if Sethos's web of darkness has slowly and thoroughly trapped them both … forever.

___________________________________

Bergren has done it again! She has crafted not only a well told tale, but also characters, depth, mystery and suspense. To say I am beyond anxious for Book 3 to release is putting it mildly. (Remnants: Season of Glory - late 2016).

Book 2, continued with Dri as our main protagonist, but adds dashes of Ronan's thoughts here and there. I love how Bergren adds depth, not only to the story but also to the characters and how well you can relate to them. And not just in and of themselves, but also in their relationships; all the while, Bergren keeps you on edge, hoping to see these characters pull through victorious and transformed. Like Dri, even I am not sure about Keallach; is he completely lost and given over to the darkness or is there still hope for a transformation coming!?! Come on Book 3!!!

This is a series not to be missed! I just hate the books are releasing spaced so far apart. I had to skim back over Book 1 before starting this one. And with the final book set to release in late 2016, I am sure I will have to do it again. Either way, it will be worth the read!

Hats off to Bergren!

On Shifting Sand by Allison Pittman

Book Description:
Long before anyone would christen it “The Dust Bowl,” Nola Merrill senses the destruction. She’s been drying up bit by bit since the day her mother died, leaving her to be raised by a father who withholds his affection the way God keeps a grip on the Oklahoma rain. A hasty marriage to Russ, a young preacher, didn’t bring the escape she desired. Now, twelve years later with two children to raise, new seeds of dissatisfaction take root.

When Jim, a mysterious drifter and long-lost friend from her husband’s past, takes refuge in their home, Nola slowly springs to life under his attentions until a single, reckless encounter brings her to commit the ultimate betrayal of her marriage. For months Nola withers in the wake of the sin she so desperately tries to bury. Guilt and shame consume her physically and spiritually, until an opportunity arises that will bring the family far from the drought and dust of Oklahoma. Or so she thinks. As the storms follow, she is consumed with the burden of her sin and confesses all, hoping to find Russ’s love strong enough to stand the test.

________________________________________

On Shifting Sand is a story that while being fiction is more like real life. It is gritty, hard, sinful, hopeful, and about real love and grace. I had a hard time deciding how to rate this book, because, while I didn't love it, it was a very good novel and I liked it. I liked the depth, the heart and truths found within its pages, ones that sort of sink in and hit you as you go or maybe as you finish it. I found myself reflecting on it late last night after I finished it. While we might not all be able to relate to Nola and her exact sin, we are all sinners. We all can at times lie to ourselves, as well as others in our lives and if we are truly honest we know; we know our struggles, our weaknesses and like Nola we might say and even want to be forgiven and to not sin, but until we truly resolve, deep down, to CHOSE to repent and turn from our sin, flee from it and be steadfast in keeping our eye on our Maker and the One who not only forgives, but redeems, we seem to swim in a vicious circle of our own making.

This is not a fun or light read, but really one that speaks to you and may continue to speak to you long after you finish its pages. I do recommend it, and hope that like me you might reflect on the truths within and how they apply to you/your life.