In 1964, a group of scientists called the Los Alamos Five came close to finishing a nuclear energy project for the United States government when they were abruptly disbanded. Now the granddaughter of one of those five scientists, aerospace engineer Elinor Mitchell, discovers that she has highly sensitive information on the project in her possession–and a target on her back.
SNAP agent and former Navy cryptologist Kekoa Young is tasked with monitoring Elinor. This is both convenient since she’s his neighbor in Washington, DC, and decidedly inconvenient because . . . well, he kind of likes her.
As Elinor follows the clues her grandfather left behind to a top-secret nuclear project, Kekoa has no choice but to step in. When Elinor learns he has been spying on her, she’s crushed. But with danger closing in on all sides, she’ll have to trust him to ensure her discoveries stay out of enemy hands.
Natalie Walters sucks you into the global race for space domination in this perfectly paced second installment of her SNAP Agency romantic suspense series.
Natalie Walters is the author of Lights Out, as well as the Harbored Secrets series. A military wife, she currently resides in Texas with her soldier husband and is the proud mom of three. She loves traveling, spending time with her family, and connecting with readers on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more at www.nataliewalterswriter.com.
Fatal Code By Natalie Walters Book 2 in the SNAP Agency series Rating: 4/5
Wow. Who doesn’t love a thrilling adventure with mystery and intrigue and a whole lot of swoon worthy romance?! Natalie Walters delivers another heart-pounding story filled with code breaking and scientific advancements that could change the world forever. Even though this is book two, it can definitely be read as a standalone novel.
First, I love the cover and color scheme. Second, I loved the characters especially Kekoa. As an Asian American who has visited Hawaii multiple times and almost went to school there, I loved how the author did her best to include Kekoa’s culture and cuisine into the book. She definitely did her research and I was always pleasantly surprised when she mentioned different foods and phrases. She captured his longing for home really well along with his inner turmoil regarding his tragic past. He was both a strong and vulnerable man who was intelligent and compassionate. Elinor was a very sweet character who had more grit than I initially expected. She was smart and capable and I was definitely rooting for her. Third, the plot was well thought out and moved quickly. There are some faith elements included but it wasn’t too “in your face”.
Highly recommend if you enjoy clean romantic suspense with international spies and code breaking.
My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
Title: Turn to Me Series: Misty River Romance #3 Author: Becky Wade Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance Publisher: Bethany House Publishers Release Date: May 3, 2022
His promise will cost him far more than he imagined.
Guilt has defined Luke Dempsey’s life, but it was self-destructiveness that landed him in prison. When his friend and fellow inmate lay dying shortly before Luke’s release, the older man revealed he left a string of clues for his daughter, Finley, that will lead her to the treasure he’s hidden. Worried that she won’t be the only one pursuing the treasure, he gains Luke’s promise to protect her until the end of her search.
Spunky and idealistic, Finley Sutherland is the owner of an animal rescue center and a defender of lost causes. She accepts Luke’s help on the treasure hunt while secretly planning to help him in return–by coaxing him to embrace the forgiveness he’s long denied himself.
As they draw closer to the final clue, their reasons for resisting each other begin to crumble, and Luke realizes his promise will push him to the limit in more ways than one. He’ll do his best to shield Finley from unseen threats, but who’s going to shield him from losing his heart?
During her childhood in California, Becky frequently produced homemade plays starring her sisters, friends, and cousins. These plays almost always featured a heroine, a prince, and a love story with a happy ending. She’s been a fan of all things romantic ever since.
Becky and her husband lived overseas in the Caribbean and Australia before settling in Dallas, Texas. It was during her years abroad that Becky’s passion for reading turned into a passion for writing. She published three historical romances for the general market, put her career on hold for many years to care for her kids, and eventually returned to writing sheerly for the love of it. She’s delighted to be penning warm, wry, and heartwarming contemporary romances for the Christian market. She’s the Christy and Carol award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, the Porter Family series, the Bradford Sisters series, and the Misty River Romance series.
These days Becky can be found failing but trying to keep up with her housework, power-walking her neighborhood, carting her kids around town, hunched over her computer, eating chocolate, or collapsed on the sofa watching TV with her husband.
Turn to Me by Becky Wade Book 3 in the Misty River Romance series Rating: 4.5/5
Becky Wade delivers an incredibly powerful story again! I’m alway so honored to be part of a launch team for a book that I’ve been anticipating and the author did not disappoint. This book could probably still be read as a standalone but why deprive yourself of the rest of the series? They are brilliant reads that touch on real issues and show character development you won’t wanna miss. I highly recommend the entire series and anything else the author has written.
First, the book cover is gorgeous as always. This series has had some amazing looking covers. Second, returning to Misty River is always a treat and I love catching up with old and new characters. The secondary love story was sweet but I actually liked the secondary love story in her second book, Let It Be Me, better. Some of the chemistry seemed lacking or maybe it was just rushed or less detailed? Either way, I loved seeing Ben and the rest of the Miracle Five again. Third, the chemistry between Luke and Finley more than made up for it. They were so well written and fleshed-out as characters. I really enjoyed learning more about life after imprisonment and running an animal rescue shelter. I always appreciate how authentic the author’s characters feel and the depth of their feelings. Finley’s journey after her fiancé’s tragic death was heartbreaking while the reader still felt sympathetic toward Luke as an ex-con. Finley’s father’s influence was felt and the reader can see how much of an impact he had on her life. Fourth, the author is never afraid to incorporate her faith into these books. She shares the message of forgiveness and redemption with so much hope for change.
“She would always bear the mark that Chase’s death had left on her. But that didn’t have to stunt her future. It didn’t have to mean that scars couldn’t become a part of a beautiful whole. God held life in His palms, and He was calling her to continue living and growing.”
Highly recommend if you enjoy Christian contemporary romance with mystery, humor and a lot of heart!
My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
Author Chat Party
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My mom created treasure hunts for my sisters and me when we were small. I thought, “What if a father has a birthday treasure hunt tradition with his daughter? And what if he leaves her the first clue to one final treasure hunt in his will?” Those questions became the inspiration for Turn to Me.
How does Turn to Me stand out from the other books you’ve written?
This novel contains my first “bad boy” hero type. Also, I’ve never written about an animal rescue center before. This book is populated with dogs and one especially adorable puppy that stole my heart!
What lessons do you hope readers gain from reading Turn to Me?
The novel’s theme verse is Isaiah 38:17 “…in love you have delivered my life from the pit of destruction, for you have cast all my sins behind your back.” I hope readers are powerfully reminded that God has the power to deliver any life from destruction regardless of our past mistakes, our heartbreak, or our failings.
Turn to Me Playlist
The book mentions some great songs and The Reel Bookery made a Spotify Playlist! Enjoy!
Title: Willow Series: The Metcalfes #2 Author: Ronie Kendig Genre: Clean with faith elements, Romantic Suspense Publisher: Task Force Press Release Date: April 22, 2022
To save her, he must become the evil he fights.
Aftercare specialist Willow Metcalfe joined Mission: Liberate Everyone to help trafficking survivors navigate the healing process. When MiLE’s Obioma Compound is attacked by the Nigerian mafia, she’s taken hostage. Against nightmarish odds, she and the victims attempt an escape—and are thwarted.
A decade after leaving his beloved homeland, Chijioke “Chiji” Okorie returns to find his sister and fight for his own country. Believing a global trafficking ring behind her abduction and a string of kidnappings across Nigeria, he goes undercover to find the head of the serpent and his sister. Chiji is stunned to discover among the hostages a familiar face—a friend’s sister, Willow. The woman he vowed years ago to marry.
The man who has interfered with her escape attempts seems … familiar, kind—but Willow knows better. He reeks of the warrior ethos that has devoured many a good man. Engaged in an impossible battle and losing at every turn, Chiji is determined to complete his missions—all of them. Even if it kills him.
Ronie Kendig is an bestselling, award-winning author of over thirty books. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband have returned to their beloved Texas after a nearly ten-year stint in the Northeast. They survive on Sonic runs, barbecue, and peach cobbler that they share—sometimes—with Benning the Stealth Golden. Ronie’s degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.
Willow by Ronie Kendig Book 2 in the Metcalfes series Rating: 4.5/5
I was so excited to read what came next in this series, that I devoured the story. It jumps right in and hooks you from the start. I absolutely loved the story and its adrenaline-filled suspense. As someone who is passionate about social justice especially when it comes to human trafficking, I have loved how the author wasn’t afraid to go where she needed to go to express the horrors and psychological trauma that occurs. She even gives a warning in the beginning of the book regarding what she felt she needed to include in the story. The author also took strides to keep the Nigerian characters as authentic as possible with the help of some of her readers. Ronie Kendig delivers another thriller that you won’t be able to put down. I believe you can still read this story as a standalone but I highly recommend reading Stone first because it will help give a little bit more background and you won’t be disappointed with the story.
First, the cover is gorgeous. However, as the story is set in Nigeria and on the water, I don’t think her clothing is quite right and not sure the background really fits but that might just be me being nit-picky lol. Second, the story is really good and keeps you engaged. The suspense is real and the stakes seem higher than normal. The changes in POV help drive the story forward. Third, the main characters are endearing and undergo powerful character development. Some faith elements come into play but they help move the story forward and bring more character development. The chemistry between the two characters was great. Chiji’s character could have come off in a negative way but the author does a good job of making him more sympathetic and sweet. I also loved Willow’s relationship with Ife.
Highly recommend if you enjoy Christian romantic suspense that isn’t afraid to address the horrors of human trafficking and spotlight those that are fighting against the darkness. The author includes some different organizations that you can donate to at the end of the story.
My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
Bookstagram Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a copy of Stone and Willow, O.U.R. Freedom Flag tee, and O.U.R. drawstring backpack. (US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Instagram is not affiliated with nor responsible for this giveaway. Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on May 11, 2022.)
Enter the giveaway by following the instructions on Instagram.
If you’d like to learn more about Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.), please visit their website and/or watch this video.
Hello. This blog is all mine and I will do my best to post what interests me and what books I read with honest reviews. I am a lover of good Christian fiction with a touch of romance, mystery, intrigue, humor, fun, etc. I invite you to join me as I read my way through books and life. I am currently pursuing my residency training as a family medicine physician!!! I have to carefully choose what I want to read for fun. My name is Kim and you are entering the Wong Mind.
