Book Reviews

Book Review: Silenced by Dani Pettrey, Rating: 4/5

Silenced by Dani Pettrey
Book Four of Alaskan Courage Series
Release Date: May 6, 2014
Rating: 4/5
Bethany House – Romantic Suspense

As the expert rock climber in her family, Kayden McKenna is used to taking care of herself and is determined to not have to rely on anyone else if she can help it. After losing both of her parents, she doesn’t want to ever suffer the same heartbreak. After finding the dead body of a fellow climber, something is off. She suspects that someone tampered with his chalk, but that would mean murder. Will her expertise help figure out what happened or is the situation even more dangerous than suspected? When the local sheriff (her soon-to-be brother-in-law) assigns family friend and former detective, Jake Westin, to be his next deputy to investigate, the two of them are in for a dangerous ride. Ever since Jake’s past was revealed, Kayden has treated him differently. For Jake, he’s been in love with Kayden for a long time. He will always remember and love the wife and unborn daughter he lost, but his heart and life are Kayden. Too bad she doesn’t even know his feelings, but he knows that Kayden is still grieving the death of her parents, especially her mother’s battle with rheumatoid arthritis. Can he keep her safe without his past getting in the way? Can Kayden open up her heart and let Jake in?

I was so excited to continue reading this series by Dani Pettrey! After finding the first three books at my local library, I had to get the next one as soon as possible! I was NOT disappointed. I loved getting to know Kayden and Jake’s characters more; however, I didn’t think that the characters were as well developed as the other books with the McKenna siblings. I loved that the book was almost like watching an episode of Castle – I do love a good procedural TV show with great chemistry between the main characters. I felt like there was less of a religious/inspirational thread through this story than her other books, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it was different than what I was used to.

I absolutely could not put the book down – read it in a few hours. The pacing was good and kept my attention. My only critique (and the reason for a 4 rating instead of 5) is the near ending and actual ending were a little confusing – without spoiling anything – I still have some questions regarding the ending but it was still very satisfying. I look forward to the next book about the last brother, Reef.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a good, clean, romantic suspenseful story.

I received this book for free from Bethany House and NetGalley but was not required to give a positive review.

If you’d like to check out my other Dani Pettrey review of Book Three, Stranded, click here.

May 2, 2014 by Kim Book Reviews

Book Review: One Perfect Spring by Irene Hannon, Rating: 4/5

One Perfect Spring by Irene Hannon
Release Date: May 6, 2014
Rating: 4/5
Revell – Contemporary Fiction

As a single mother, Claire Summers is used to taking care of herself and her daughter, Haley. Though money is tight and the house repairs unending, the elementary teacher is proud of all that she’s done with what life has thrown at her. When Haley writes a letter asking a philanthropic businessman to help find her neighbor’s son who was adopted, Keith Watson’s world turns upside down. Keith is a workaholic and the executive assistant sent to investigate. After a rough introduction, Keith and Claire can’t deny the sparks between them. Both have been damaged by past relationships and are weary to trust again. Can Keith confront his traumatic past and find the truth and closure he desperately needs? Can Claire learn to trust another driven man who won’t open up about his past?

The theme of this book centers around how even after long, harsh winters, spring continues to blossom and produce the loveliest of flowers – some flowers, like lilacs, even require a longer cold period in order to bloom. Claire and Keith find each other and the strength to confront their pasts after having experienced trauma. From a personal standpoint, I loved the theme and thought behind the story of redemption. Winter seasons are not fun, but when new life springs forth, hope is released. Claire is a supermom learning to trust again and accept help from others who care about her. Keith is a private person who loves his adoptive family but has questions as to why his biological mother gave him up; his feelings of unworthiness drive him as a workaholic. I felt the characters were relatable and authentic. The pacing of the book is a little slower than I would have liked, but the story is well developed and well written. I’ve always liked reading Irene Hannon’s books because there’s always some sort of mystery to solve that keeps me guessing.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a fun and charming story of healing and redemption.

I received this book for free from Revell but was not required to give a positive review.

May 1, 2014 by Kim Book Reviews

Book Review: The Pelican Bride by Beth White Rating: 4/5

The Pelican Bride by Beth White
Release Date: April 15, 2014
Rating: 4/5
Revell – Historical Romance

In Book One of Beth White’s Gulf Coast Chronicles, Frenchwoman Genevieve Gaillain and her younger sister have just arrived in the New World in 1704 on The Pelican. The Louisiana colony needs wives for their settlers and soldiers while the young women need a quick escape from the religious persecution in France. What the ladies of The Pelican find at Fort Louis is not what was promised by the government.

Meet Tristan Lanier. The widower chooses to live outside the fort closer to his late wife’s native family. A cartographer, Tristan was one of the original Canadian settlers. After a quick courtship, he and Genevieve get married, but he must go on a peacemaking mission of the utmost importance that will easily take 2 months. The safety and future of the French colony is at stake. Can the two learn to trust each other with their darkest secrets?

I don’t believe I’ve ever read such an interesting, historically-based story. As someone who loves history, I enjoyed all the hard work and research that went into making this book a reality. I can just imagine how hard life was for these Pelican brides. At the end of the book, White shares some more background regarding the history of the colony, and I must say that I want to know more. Having never studied the Louisiana colony so thoroughly, I was happy to learn something new.

The characters are lovely, flawed and authentic. I also enjoyed all the intrigue and mysteries in the story. I found the story to be less of a romance and more of a mystery-thriller. I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I read the book, but I was pleasantly surprised; I could not put the book down because I had to know what was going to happen next. The writing is rich with history and sucks the reader into the 18th century. I’m excited this is only the first in the series and can’t wait to read the others.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves historical romances with some mystery involved.

I received this book for free from Revell but was not required to give a positive review.