"Lights Out," by Natalie Walters

"Lights Out," by Natalie Walters

CIA analyst Brynn Taylor developed a new program to combat terrorism, and she invited members of foreign intelligence agencies to America to foster cooperation between countries. Now one of them, Egyptian spy Remon Riad, is missing.

Jack Hudson has been working for the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency for almost nine years and takes the lead in hunting down the missing spy. But he isn't at all pleased to find out Brynn is involved. It's hard to trust a woman who's already betrayed you.

Every lead they follow draws them dangerously deeper into an international plot. Kidnapping, murder, explosions, poisoning--the terrorists will do anything to accomplish their goal of causing a digital blackout that will blind a strategic US military communications center and throw the world into chaos.

Can Brynn surrender control to a man who doesn't trust her? And can Jack ever get over what she did to him? The fate of the world--and their hearts--hangs in the balance.

Oh my, what a book.  This one is addictive, you HAVE to know what happens next.  The book is so fast paced, you are running to keep up with it.  Where does Natalie gets her ideas from........actually I know where she gets her ideas from as she says before chapter one:

"They always say be careful what you say around an author because it could be used in a story.

This book and series are dedicated to my friends in those three-letter agencies who were less than careful."

This is the first book in the "Snap Agency," series and what a start to the series.  There are twists and turns all along the way.  It is so realistic that you begin to question what is real and what is not real.  Could this happen in real life?  After reading this book, you begin looking at those everyday people you meet in the street.  Could they be terrorists?  Of course they could.

All the characters were well thought out.  You want to learn more about each and every one of them.

Stars out of 5 : 5 I couldn't find any fault with this book.  This is one of the best books I have read in a long time.  The next in the series is published in May of 2022.  I will be first in line for a copy of that 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".

"A Deep Divide," by Kimberley Woodhouse

 "A Deep Divide," by Kimberley Woodhouse

After being kidnapped as a child, heiress Emma Grace McMurray has seen firsthand the devastation that greed causes in the world, and she wants nothing to do with it. When she discovers her father has offered her up as a bargaining chip to expand his empire, she disappears into the night. Determined to stay hidden, even if it means always looking over her shoulder, she finds herself working as a Harvey Girl at the El Tovar Hotel.

When Ray Watkins arrives at the hotel on business, he is immediately captivated by the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Though his fame-seeking father aims to lure new investors to the Arizona Territory, Ray dreams of one day taking over the family business and doing good with the profits.

Ray immediately admires Emma Grace, and though an attraction begins to form, she can't let go of the deep-rooted fear that he's just like every other wealthy man she's known. When suspicious activity follows Emma Grace and Ray to the El Tovar, they are pulled into a mystery that stirs up their worst fears. And as shocking revelations come to light, they are left to question all they thought to be true.

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about this book is "never judge a book by it's cover."  The same goes for people, and this story is a prime example of that.  Due to past experiences in Emma Grace's life she thinks all men are the same; not to be trusted.  This story show's her that they are not all the same.  

I had never heard of "Harvey Girl's," and found that aspect of the story quite interesting.  Interesting enough, that I have looked up on the internet to find out more about them.  The author's notes at the end of the book were interesting and well worth reading.

The way the author describes the Grand Canyon is so life like you can visualize it exactly.  It's a place I have never been but would love to visit.  The El Tovar hotel is actually a real hotel, and looks lovely online.

Stars out of 5 : 4.5 Although I enjoyed the book, this book wasn't a page turner.  I read it over a few days.  It was easy enough to pick up where I had left off.  A lovely book but one I will forget about in time.

"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".

"Every Word Unsaid," by Kimberly Duffy

"Every Word Unsaid," by Kimberly Duffy 

Augusta Travers has spent the last three years avoiding the stifling expectations of New York society and her family's constant disappointment. As the nation's most fearless--and reviled--columnist, Gussie travels the country with her Kodak camera and spins stories for women unable to leave hearth and home. But when her adventurous nature lands her in the middle of a scandal, an opportunity to leave America offers the perfect escape.

Arriving in India, she expects only a nice visit with childhood friends, siblings Catherine and Gabriel, and escapades that will further her career. Instead, she finds herself facing a plague epidemic, confusion over Gabriel's sudden appeal, and the realization that what she wants from life is changing. But slowing down means facing all the hurts of her past that she's long been trying to outrun. And that may be an undertaking too great even for her.

The way Kimberly describes India in her books makes you feel as though you are right there with all the characters in the book.  It is her strong point I think where her writing is concerned.  She can describe a scene and you can visualize it right away.  I also like how she incorporates so many historical facts within the book, so you are learning something as you read.

On a more negative side though, I found the book difficult to immerse myself into until Augusta finally lands in India. The story picked up from that point and became more interesting; at least for me.

The one thing I took from this book was how words that are said to you throughout your life can have a negative impact on your life.  If those same words are repeated to you on a regular basis, those words can hurt you mentally and you have to work hard to rid yourself of them.

Stars out of 5 : 4 I found the book very hard to get into at the beginning.  It felt as though it was too long of an introduction to the characters.  India was a delight as always and the relationship between Gussie and Specs was perfect and very believable.  Well worth reading.

"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".