"Beneath The Surface," by Lynn H. Blackburn

"Beneath The Surface," by Lynn H. Blackburn

After a harrowing experience with an obsessed patient, oncology nurse practitioner Leigh Weston needed a change. She thought she'd left her troubles behind when she moved home to Carrington, North Carolina, and took a job in the emergency department of the local hospital. But when someone tampers with her brakes, she fears the past has chased her into the present. She reaches out to her high school friend turned homicide investigator, Ryan Parker, for help.

Ryan finds satisfaction in his career, but his favorite way to use his skills is as a volunteer underwater investigator with the Carrington County Sheriff's Office dive team. When the body of a wealthy businessman is discovered in Lake Porter, the investigation uncovers a possible serial killer--one with a terrifying connection to Leigh Weston and deadly implications for them all.

This is the first book in the "Dive Team Investigations,"series.  This had me hooked right from the first page.  What a story, it put's you through a roller coaster of emotions.  You think you have it all worked out then something else happens, which puts you right back at the beginning.  Add to that a whole slew of great characters and a bit of romance and this book is just about as perfect as it gets.

In fact I will say this is one of the best books I have read in a long time.  The detail is great and you are constantly thinking how did the author come up with that part of the plot?  I REALLY want to read the rest of the books in this series, as if they are half as good as this one, they will be great.

Stars out of 5 : 5 I don't have a negative thing to say about this book; well other that I couldn't put it down as I HAD to know what happened next.  A super book.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"In Places Hidden," by Tracie Peterson

"In Places Hidden," by Tracie Peterson

Camrianne Coulter's brother Caleb is a successful San Francisco attorney. But when three months go by without a word from the usually communicative Caleb, Camri boards a train to the booming West Coast city to find out for herself why he hasn't written. When she arrives at his home, nobody seems to know where he is, or what has become of him.

Camri's search for her brother leads her deep into the political corruption of the city--and into the acquaintance of Patrick Murdock, who Caleb successfully defended from a false murder charge. Getting to know this handsome Irish contractor challenges all of Camri's privileged beliefs, but Patrick is unshakably loyal to her brother, and he seems to know more about what happened to Caleb than anyone else. As the two edge closer to the truth behind Caleb's disappearance, they risk angering the powerful forces that control the city. Can Camri trust Patrick to protect her from the dangers that lie hidden in San Francisco's backstreets?

This is the first book in the "Golden Gate Secrets" series.  The other two books in the series will be released in July and September of 2018, so not long to wait for them.  I did enjoy this book and the overall story, but there was one aspect I was disappointed with and that was the brother.  I can't really go into it without spoiling the ending.  However I am guessing it had to be written in the story that way for the rest of the story to make sense.

The characters were well thought out, and one thing the story stressed you never stop learning from other people and what your thoughts and ideals are may, and are probably not the same as everyone else out there, but that's how you grow and learn as a person.

Stars out of 5 : 3.5  Although a big fan of Tracie's this was not one of her best I am sorry to say.  It's one of those books that I probably won't remember.  I would however like to read the series to see what happens to the other characters mentioned in the book.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"Keturah," by Lisa T. Bergren

"Keturah," by Lisa T. Bergren

In 1772 England, Lady Keturah Banning Tomlinson and her sisters find themselves the heiresses of their father's estates and know they have one option: Go to the West Indies to save what is left of their heritage.

Although it flies against all the conventions, they're determined to make their own way in the world. But once they arrive in the Caribbean, conventions are the least of their concerns. On the infamous island of Nevis, the sisters discover the legacy of the legendary sugar barons has vastly declined--and that's just the start of what their eyes are opened to in this harsh and unfamiliar world.

Keturah never intends to put herself at the mercy of a man again, but every man on the island seems to be trying to win her hand and, with it, the ownership of her plantation. She could desperately use an ally, but even an unexpected reunion with a childhood friend leaves her questioning his motives.

To keep her family together and save the plantation that is her last chance at providing for them, can Keturah ever surrender her stubbornness and guarded heart to God and find the healing and love awaiting her?

This is the first book in "The Sugar Baron's Daughters" series and it does pave the way for the other books in the series.  I learned a thing or two about the sugar plantations of Nevis; as I knew nothing about any of that.  The depth of character that the author gave Keturah was very realistic and made you want to help her with all the problems she encounters along the way.

It's no real surprise to see how this book ends, it's an entertaining book and one with plenty of ups and downs.  It was a pleasant book to read over a couple of afternoons, but will I remember it in the next month or so; probably not.

Stars out of 5 : 4 Interesting book where I learned something new.  I would like to read the others in the series when they come out, just to see what happens with Keturah's sisters.  This would make a great book to read when relaxing on the beach or by the pool.  A nice light read.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".