Behind Closed Doors

Author: B.A. Paris
Book: Behind Closed Doors 
Publication Date: August 9, 2016
Genre: 

Author Summary: 

Everyone knows a couple like Jack and Grace. He has looks and wealth; she has charm and elegance. He’s a dedicated attorney who has never lost a case; she is a flawless homemaker, a masterful gardener and cook, and dotes on her disabled younger sister. Though they are still newlyweds, they seem to have it all. You might not want to like them, but you do. You’re hopelessly charmed by the ease and comfort of their home, by the graciousness of the dinner parties they throw. You’d like to get to know Grace better.

But it’s difficult, because you realize Jack and Grace are inseparable.

Some might call this true love. Others might wonder why Grace never answers the phone. Or why she can never meet for coffee, even though she doesn’t work. How she can cook such elaborate meals but remain so slim. Or why she never seems to take anything with her when she leaves the house, not even a pen. Or why there are such high-security metal shutters on all the downstairs windows.

Some might wonder what’s really going on once the dinner party is over, and the front door has closed.

From bestselling author B. A. Paris comes the gripping thriller and international phenomenon Behind Closed Doors.

My Review: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.  A real page turner!  Jack is a lawyer for battered women.  Grace stays home and tends the house and paints.  Millie is Grace's sister (she has down syndrome).  Millie is almost finished with school and all are looking forward to her moving in with Jack and Grace in their perfect home.  But all is not as it appears to be.  While there is no physical abuse there is definite mental abuse going on.  There were parts of the book where I just had to close the book and read or do something else while processing what I had read.  When I was able to pick the book back up and read more I couldn't put it down.  You find yourself hoping for a solution and wondering where that solution will come from.
I would like to know what happens next.  What happens to the characters after I finished the last page of the book?
I wouldn't mind reading this book from the other perspective.  How all the planning took place, thoughts, feelings, there has to be more than what we are left with.

Finding Margo Review

Title: Finding Margo (Finding Home #1/3)

Author: Jen Turano

Genre: Contemporary Christian/Inspirational Fiction

Book Description:

International pop star Margo Hartman could use a night off. A grueling tour and overbearing entourage have sent her over the edge. It’s time for this diva to disappear. And who would think to look for the superstar in a small Dutch town in Ohio? 

Sheriff’s deputy Brock Moore is undercover as well. He knows Margo isn’t who she appears to be, but her uncanny resemblance to a local Amish woman is raising all sorts of questions…the kind that make her a target for a killer. 

Both are determined to find answers, but their mutual attraction stands in the way of either of them doing it alone. Is finding Margo the solution to Brock’s problems or just the beginning…?

My Review I received a free e-book copy in exchange for an honest review.  This is different from Turano's other books.  Her other series were more historical fiction.  This one was more christian based.  This book did not disappoint.  I laughed, I cried, I feel for Brock and rooted for the characters to find what they were searching for.  As for the ending OH MY!  definitely holds you in suspense for the next book.  Margo is looking to get away from her life in California.  She drives and ends up in a small town where she becomes the target for a killer.  She meets Brock and they work together to solve the mystery that surrounds the small town.  Upon beginning the book it was hard to put down.  You couldn't wait to see what would happen next or if you were able to predict what would happen.  If you are a fan of Jen Turano enjoy books with a little mystery set in a small town this book will not disappoint! 

Shadow of the Storm Review

Author: Connilyn Cossette
Book: Shadow of the Storm Out from Egypt Book 2 (3 book series)
Genre: Biblical Fiction

Author Summary: Having escaped Egypt with the other Hebrews during the Exodus, Shira is now living in freedom at the foot of Mt. Sinai, upon which rests the fiery glowing Cloud containing the shekinah glory of God. When the people disobey Yahweh and build a golden idol, the ensuing chaos gives Shira an unexpected opportunity to learn the arts of midwifery. Although her mother wishes for her to continue in the family weaving trade, Shira's gifts shine brightest when she assists with deliveries. In defiance of her mother, Shira pursues her heart's calling to become an apprentice midwife.

When a delivery goes horribly wrong, Shira finds herself bound to a man who betrayed her, the caretaker of three young children, and the target of a vengeful woman whose husband was killed by Shira's people, the Levites. As contention between the Hebrew tribes and the foreigners fans the flames of another dangerous rebellion, Shira will come face-to-face with the heartbreak of her past that she has kept hidden for so long. How can she let go of all that has defined her to accept the love she's denied herself and embrace who she truly is?
My Review:  I received a copy of this book for an honest review.  This book was truly amazing!  I fell for the characters in Book 1 Counted with the Stars.  The characters continue to grow in Book 2.  This book is written from Shira's point of view.
Shira has always done what everyone wants/needs her to do.  She doesn't realize her own internal strength.  When given the option to learn to be a midwife (a skill her mother strongly discourages Shira from pursuing) she learns how strong she truly is.  
Throughout the story we learn of another woman - Dvorah who shares her story with us as well.  The two women are placed together helping women deliver their babes.  After a delivery goes wrong Shira is bound to a man who deceived her.  After her husbands death Dvorah is dependent upon a man who only wants to use her.  
Shira continues to place her faith in Yahweh.  She finds her internal strength. Shira uses her strength to encourage others to do what needs to be done.  
This is a definite read for those who like biblical fiction.  Once you pick up the book and begin reading it is a difficult one to put down.  After finishing this book I feel as though I have a better understanding of what life would have truly been like for them as they traveled from the only home they know to find life in a new land.  

Counted With the Stars Review

Author: Connilyn Cossette
Book: Counted With The Stars Out from Egypt Book 1 (3 book series)
Genre: Biblical Fiction

Author Summary: Sold into slavery by her father and forsaken by the man she was supposed to marry, young Egyptian Kiya must serve a mistress who takes pleasure in her humiliation.

When terrifying plagues strike Egypt, Kiya is in the middle of it all.To save her older brother and escape the bonds of slavery, Kiya flees with the Hebrews during the Great Exodus.

She finds herself utterly dependent on a fearsome God she's only just beginning to learn about, and in love with a man who despises her people. With everything she's ever known swept away, will Kiya turn back toward Egypt or surrender her life and her future to Yahweh?

My Review:  I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  This was my first biblical fiction book and I wasn't sure how I would feel about reading it.  Once I started  I couldn't stop!  I love that Kiya didn't have to change who she was to be accepted by the Hebrews.  Over time they were willing to accept her.  While traveling with the Hebrews, Kiya discovers herself and is able to take her experiences and make her own conclusions about her future.  This is a definite must read if you like biblical fiction.  This is a sweet story about friendship, love, and acceptance!

The second book - Shadow of a Storm - is set to hit stores October 18th!