Lynn's List (June 30, 2017)

Each Friday I publish a list of titles I have come across, during the past week, that I find interesting. Happy reading!

My Fourth of July read this year is 1776 by David McCullough.

• Medea's Curse by Anne Buist
• Dangerous to Know: Shocking. Page-Turning. Crime Thriller with Forensic Psychiatrist Natalie King by Anne Buist
• Among the Departed by Vicki Delany
• Dare to Remember by Susanna Beard
• The Teacher's Secret by Suzanne Leal
• Faithful: A Novel by Alice Hoffman
• Almost Dead by Lisa Jackson
• Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley
• Marching to Valhalla: A Novel of Custer's Last Days by Michael Blake
• The Water and the Blood by Nancy E. Turner
• No Darker Place (Shades of Death #1) by Debra Webb
• California’s Deadliest Earthquakes: A History by Abraham Hoffman
• Jane Addams Pioneer of Social Justice by Cornelia Meigs
• Beneath the Apple Leaves by Harmony Verna
• Federal Reports on Police Killings: Ferguson, Cleveland, Baltimore, and Chicago by U.S. Department of Justice
• Part of the Silence by Debbie Howells
• Home for the Summer by Holly Chamberlin
• American Dreams by Janet Dailey
• The Shipkiller: A Novel by Justin Scott
• The Enemy Above: A Novel of World War II by Michael P. Spradlin
• Dawn Over Zero: The Story of the Atomic Bomb by William L. Laurence
• Carrier War by Lt. Oliver Jensen
• Red Sky at Night: The Story of Jo Capka by Capt. Jo Capka
• East River by Sholem Asch and A. H. Gross
• Before We Were Yours: A Novel by Lisa Wingate
• The List by Siobhan Vivian
• Stolen by Lucy Christopher
• Five Presidents: My Extraordinary Journey with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford by Lisa Mccubbin and Clint Hill
• Only Yesterday by Frederick Lewis Allen
• Since Yesterday by Frederick Lewis Allen
• Can't Stop Lovin' You by Lynnette Austin
• The Inseparables: A Novel by Stuart Nadler
• Chiefs: A Novel (25th Anniversary Edition) by Stuart Woods
• Sexual Violence in a Digital Age by Nicola Henry and Anastasia Powell
• The CBS Murders: A True Account of Greed and Violence in New York's Diamond District by Richard Hammer

Review: Dare to Remember by Susanna Beard

Title: Dare to Remember
Author: Susanna Beard
Publisher: Legend Times
Publication Date: June 1, 2017
Edition: Paperback (288 pages)
Genres:

• Fiction
• Crime Fiction
• Mystery

Dare to Remember by Susanna Beard

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Lisa Fulbrook was a young woman living an ordinary life. She had a job and lived with her best friend. That all changed one night. She was attacked and her roommate and best friend was killed. Her old life gone. She left the city and retreated to a small cottage--wishing to have a life of solitude in order to heal. Her journey toward healing is a painful one, but also one filled with self-discovery and self-determination.

Though the subjects of violent attack and PTSD are not easy ones, I enjoyed this book immensely. I liked Lisa so much. So often, I've read books where these subjects are part of the story, but the aftermath of violence is glossed over or not fully addressed. Susanna Beard writes candidly and in depth about the feelings and trauma that come after Lisa becomes a crime victim, and also about the other victims of this crime. I felt I was right there with her, as she worked through her trauma. The entire presentation was simply excellent. One of my best reads of the year.

Review: Never Never (Detective Harriet Blue, #1) by James Patterson and Candice Fox

Title: Never Never (Detective Harriet Blue, #1)
Authors: James Patterson and Candice Fox
Publisher: Century
Publication Date: August 25, 2016
Edition: Paperback (342 pages)
Genres:

• Fiction
• Adult Fiction
• Crime Fiction
• Mystery
• Thriller

Series: Detective Harriet Blue #1

Never Never by James Patterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


When Detective Harriet Blue, a sex crimes investigator, is called into her Chief's office, she never imagined it would be to learn that her brother, Sam, has been arrested for the murder of at least three women. Knowing that the media would sensationalize the case and pounce on Harriet, her Chief arranged her transfer to a remote mining camp to investigate the disappearance and possible murder of a miner. Harriet was not at all pleased with this, nor was she initially pleased with the partner assigned to work the case with her. But she never imagined the horror and killing that awaited her, and the psychological maneuvering it would take to outwit this killer.

I thought I figured out the identity of the killer fairly early on, but of course I kept reading. The book was more violent in nature than I expected, and though the story line was interesting and well developed, it is a book I will likely not choose to revisit. If violence disturbs you, this is not a book for you, and I definitely would not recommend it for young readers.

Lynn's List (June 23, 2017)

Each Friday I publish a list of titles I have come across, during the past week, that I find interesting. Happy reading!

• "The President Has Been Shot!": The Assassination of John F. Kennedy by James L. Swanson
• The Boy at the Top of the Mountain by John Boyne
• As the Crow Flies by Jeffrey Archer
• Damaged (A Rosato & DiNunzio Novel) by Lisa Scottoline
• Miracle in the Mine: One Man's Story of Strength and Survival in the Chilean Mines by José Henriquez
• Secrets of Sloane House by Shelley Gray
• Honestly by Sheila Walsh
• Joni: An Unforgettable Story by Joni Eareckson Tada and Billy Graham
• Broken Wings by Terri Blackstock
• Storm Runners (Storm Runners #1) by Roland Smith (middle-grade)
• The Force: A Novel by Don Winslow
• Here and Gone: A Novel by Haylen Beck
• Without a Trace: An Annika Bengtzon Thriller by Liza Marklund
• Girl Last Seen by Nina Laurin
• Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach
• The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon
• Boundaries: When To Say Yes, How to Say No by John Townsend and Henry Cloud
• How To Have That Difficult Conversation You've Been Avoiding: With Your Spouse, Adult Child, Boss, Coworker, Best Friend, Parent, Or Someone You're Dating by Henry Cloud and John D. Townsend
• Integrity by Henry Cloud
• The Law of Happiness by Henry Cloud
• The Lime Pit by Jonathan Valin
• What She Knew: A Novel by Gilly Macmillan
• Sarah's Child by Linda Howard
• Never Never by James Patterson and Candice Fox
• No Recourse by Mari Carr
• Candy from a Stranger by Daryl Buckner

Review: Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Henry Cloud and John Townsend

Title: Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life
Authors: Henry Cloud and John Townsend
Publisher: Zondervan
Publication Date: November 2, 1992
Edition: Paperback (314 pages)
Genres:

• Nonfiction
• Christian
• Leadership
• Marriage
• Psychology
• Relationships
• Self Help

Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Henry Cloud

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Doctors Henry Cloud and John Townsend have written an absolutely indispensable guide to boundaries--from their definition to their necessity. The book is written from a biblical perspective, but anyone reading it will benefit from doing so. This book is truly life changing. Chapters address such topics as: what a boundary looks like; how boundaries are developed; laws of boundaries; common boundary myths; boundaries and your family; boundaries and your friends; boundaries and your spouse; boundaries and your children; boundaries and work; and boundaries and God.

I first read this book over twenty years ago, and it helped me to understand and address some problem areas in my life. It gave me a peace about interactions with others which has continued to this day. I decided to reread it because some weeds have sprung up in my boundaries garden, and I needed a refresher. I got it, and more. I'm going to make it a point to reread this book, and others by the authors, on a regular basis. I recommend this book to anyone who is struggling in any way with setting limits or feeling guilty about doing so.

Review: Come Sundown by Nora Roberts

Title: Come Sundown
Author: Nora Roberts
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: May 30, 2017
Edition: Kindle (477 pages)
Genres:

• Fiction
• Adult Fiction
• Contemporary
• Mystery
• Romance
• Romantic Suspense
• Thriller

Come Sundown by Nora Roberts

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Bodine Longbow is part of a large ranching family in Montana! The ranching operation also includes a resort which caters to tourists. She manages the resort end of things. She is strong, decisive, and very attracted to Callen Skinner, who has recently returned to his roots after seeking his fortune in California. Around the time of his return, two women are found dead, and at least one member of law enforcement is convinced their deaths and Callen are connected. Twenty-six years before, Bodine's aunt left home. Some think she is dead--but is she?

I've been a Nora Roberts fan for a long time, and this book is heading for a place on my favorites list. The characters are more than surface constructs, and the psychological suspense is powerful. This book has all of Nora Roberts' talents on full display. It's a great story with resilient characters.

Lynn's List (June 16, 2017)

Each Friday I publish a list of titles I have come across, during the past week, that I find interesting. Happy reading!

• Diana: Her True Story in Her Own Words by Andrew Morton
• Impeached by David O. Stewart
• The Company She Keeps by Georgia Durante
• Father's Day by Debbie Macomber
• Hurricane Agnes in the Wyoming Valley by Bryan Glahn
• The Push: A Climber's Journey of Endurance, Risk, and Going Beyond Limits by Tommy Caldwell
• The Sacred Acre: The Ed Thomas Story by Mark Tabb
• America's Struggle against Poverty in the Twentieth Century by James T. Patterson
• The Homeplace (Singing River #1) by Gilbert Morris
• The Dream (Singing River #2) by Gilbert Morris
• The Miracle (Singing River #3) by Gilbert Morris
• The Courtship (Singing River #4) by Gilbert Morris
• The Saddle Maker's Son by Kelly Irvin
• The Bishop's Son by Kelly Irvin
• The Beekeeper's Son by Kelly Irvin

Review: Death in the Off-Season (A Merry Folger Nantucket Mystery #1) by Francine Mathews

Title: Death in the Off-Season (A Merry Folger Nantucket Mystery #1)
Author: Francine Mathews
Publisher: Soho Crime
Publication Date: May 3, 2016
Edition:Paperback (384 pages)
Genres:

• Fiction
• Crime Fiction
• Mystery
• Mystery Thriller
• Thriller

Series: A Merry Folger Nantucket Mystery #1

Death in the Off-Season by Francine Mathews

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Merry Folger is a newly minted Detective on the police force and she is confronted with her first murder case. The son of a wealthy Nantucket family is found lying face down in a cranberry bog, dead. He has been out of the country for a decade--and it seems his brother, and others on the island, have no idea he has returned until they learn of his death. Yet, there are motives a plenty for his murder. Merry has to unravel fact from fiction and fit the pieces together in order to solve the case. At the same time, she also has to prove herself worthy of the rank of Detective to her father, the Chief of Police.

Francine Mathews has written a great story. Just when I was sure I had the killer's identity solidly in my mind, I found I found didn't! So many characters had motive, means and opportunity, but none stuck out as a villain, other than, perhaps, the murder victim. I enjoyed the book, and will be returning to read more in the Series.

Review: The Hidden Target (Robert Renwick #2) by Helen Macinnes

Title: The Hidden Target (Robert Renwick #2)
Author: Helen Macinnes
Publisher: Titan Books
Publication Date: July 9, 2013
Edition:Kindle (389 pages)
Genres:

• Fiction
• Espionage
• Mystery
• Mystery Thriller
• Spy Thriller
• Suspense
• Thriller

Series: Robert Renwick #2

The Hidden Target by Helen MacInnes

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Nina O’Connell thought her trip around the world was just that. Little did she know that she was in the clutches of terrorists. But Robert Renwick, ex-army major attached to NATO, knew all too well. He wanted to catch the terrorists he was hunting and keep Nina safe.

This book is one of my favorites. My mom first introduced me to it, shortly after its original publication in 1980. And I only recently discovered that it is the second book in a Series of three. It is fast-paced and the characters are captivating, not to mention the author's writing style. This book is definitely a continuous reread for me as I revisit the characters from time-to-time.

Book Rereads

Summer 2017 is heating up here. We've had at least two days of record breaking heat, and it's only June! I've also been breaking with my usual reading pattern by rereading more old favorites.

I often read old favorites at night, but I've carried it over into day-time reading this summer. It's amazing how much I enjoy certain books more and more, no matter how many times I reread them. Happy reading!

Lynn's List (June 9, 2017)

Each Friday I publish a list of titles I have come across, during the past week, that I find interesting. Happy reading!

• A Soldier's Story by Omar N. Bradley, Caleb Carr, and A. J. Liebling
• Summit: A Novel by Harry Farthing
• Can't Look Away by Donna Cooner
• Sailing Alone Around the World by Joshua Slocum
• Amelia Earhart by Marie K. Long and Elgen M. Long
• Abandoned by Rhonda Pollero
• God Bless the Broken Road: A Novel by Jennifer Dornbush
• Tumbling by Diane Mckinney-Whetstone
• Death in the Off-Season (A Merry Folger Nantucket Mystery #1) by Francine Mathews
• While My Eyes Were Closed by Linda Green
• No End Save Victory by David Kaiser
• Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

Amazon Kindle

• Etched in Sand: A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island by Regina Calcaterra
• The Politics Of Murder: The Power and Ambition Behind "The Altar Boy Murder Case" by Margo Nash
• Fragile Cord: A gripping psychological thriller (DS Coupland Book 1) by Emma Salisbury
• Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine

Review: Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine

Title: Stillhouse Lake
Author: Rachel Caine
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer, Seattle
Publication Date: July, 2017
Edition:Kindle
Genres:

• Fiction
• Thriller
• Psychological Suspense

Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Gina Royal is a stay-at-home mom who wants nothing more than to take care of her children and be a good wife to her husband. But life, as she knew it, ended the day she discovered that her husband was not at all who she thought he was. Gina and her children have to move constantly to escape their past. They start over in the community of Stillhouse Lake, hoping to rebuild their lives. But they are relentlessly threatened and terrorized. And the same murderous events that caused them to run from their old lives are repeating themselves in Stillhouse Lake.

I have come to enjoy reading psychological thrillers, so when "Stillhouse Lake" appeared as a June Kindle First title, I decided to take a chance on it. I am very glad I did. It is a well-written story with many twists and turns that made me want to keep reading. This book does contain graphic descriptions of murder scenes, so if you're bothered by that kind of thing, this book is not for you. I would characterize it as an adult novel.

Review: Gold in the Fire (The Ladies of Sweetwater Lake #1) by Margaret Daley

Title: Gold in the Fire (The Ladies of Sweetwater Lake #1)
Author: Margaret Daley
Publisher: Steeple Hill Love Inspired
Publication Date: March 21, 2011
Edition:Kindle (256 pages)
Genres:

• Fiction
• Christian Fiction
• Romance

Series: The Ladies of Sweetwater Lake #1

Gold in the Fire by Margaret Daley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Darcy O’ Brien came home, just for the summer, to help her dad manage the family's horse farm while he recovered from a heart attack. What she didn't count on or plan for was falling in love with firefighter, Joshua Markham. And she didn't really want to explore the strained relationship with her father either. But life is filled with surprises.

Margaret Daley has written a good story that explores the complexity of human emotions, faith in God, and the unexpectedness of life's twists and turns. I read with anticipation to see what would happen next.

Lynn's List (June 2, 2017)

Each Friday I publish a list of titles I have come across, during the past week, that I find interesting. Happy reading!

• Poisoned Dreams: A True Story of Murder, Money, and Family Secrets by Jim Manchester and A. W. Gray
• Capitol Scandal by A. W. Gray and Rebecca Mitchel l
• The Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt (American Presidency Series) by Lewis L. Gould
• Raspberry Pi For Dummies, 2nd Edition by Sean Mcmanus
• The Death Penalty by Jacques Derrida
• The Death Penalty, Volume II by Jacques Derrida
• If You Can Keep It: The Forgotten Promise of American Liberty by Eric Metaxas
• Miller's Valley: A Novel by Anna Quindlen
• Murder at McDonald's: The Killers Next Door by Phonse Jessome
• The Inevitable: Understanding the 12 Technological Forces That Will Shape Our Future by Kevin Kelly
• J.T. Ellison Taylor Jackson Series Books 1-4 by J. T. Ellison
• The Cross and the Lynching Tree by James H. Cone
• Not a Sound: A Thriller by Heather Gudenkauf
• A Seaside Christmas by Sherryl Woods
• Gold in the Fire by Margaret Daley
• A Dream to Share by Irene Hannon
• From This Day Forward by Irene Hannon
• Living Together by Carole Mortimer
• The Horseman by Charlotte Nash
• Apollo 8: The Thrilling Story of the First Mission to the Moon by Jeffrey Kluger
• My Life with Bob: Flawed Heroine Keeps Book of Books, Plot Ensues by Pamela Paul
• Silent Rain by Karin Salvalaggio
• Pantsuit Nation by Libby Chamberlain
• Mockingbird Songs: My Friendship with Harper Lee by Wayne Flynt
• Come Sundown by Nora Roberts
• My Last Continent: A Novel by Midge Raymond
• Testimony by Scott Turow
• Under Color of Law by Sylvie Fox

Amazon Kindle

• Sister Sister: A gripping psychological thriller by Sue Fortin
• Lockdown - Ryan Lock #1 by Sean Black
• Treasure Harbor (Complete Series) by Leah Atwood, Belle Calhoune, Patricia Pacjac Carroll, Kristen Ethridge, & Angel Moore
• Before he Kills (A Mackenzie White Mystery-Book 1) by Blake Pierce
• The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
• Don't Tell Meg (Don't Tell Meg Trilogy Book 1) by Paul J. Teague
• Tears of the Silenced: A True Crime and an American Tragedy; Severe Child Abuse and Leaving the Amish by Misty Griffin
• Forgiven: The Amish School Shooting, a Mother's Love, and a Story of Remarkable Grace by Terri Roberts, Jeanette Windle, and Beverly Lewis
• Vengeance: "Dark Agents Series #1) by Paul J Coggins
• When the Smoke Clears (Deadly Reunions Book #1): A Novel by Lynette Eason
• The Romanov Sisters: The Lost Lives of the Daughters of Nicholas and Alexandra by Helen Rappaport

Review: The Guardian (O'Malley Series #2) by Dee Henderson

Title: The Guardian (O'Malley Series #2)
Author: Dee Henderson
Publisher: Multnomah Books
Publication Date: November 1, 2005
Edition:Paperback (275 pages)
Genres:

• Fiction
• Christian Fiction
• Romance
• Romantic Suspense

Literary Awards:

• RITA Award by Romance Writers of America Nominee for Inspirational Romance (2002)
• Christy Award for Romance (2002)
• HOLT Medallion by Virginia Romance Writers Nominee for Long Inspirational (2002)

Series: O'Malley #2

The Guardian by Dee Henderson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


As head of the O'Malley family and his job as a United States Marshall, Marcus O'Malley is a busy man. On assignment, a Federal Judge is murdered, and he is assigned to protect the witness, Shari Hanford. What happens after that is totally unexpected.

This book is a reread for me. All of the characters in this book, and the Series, are captivating, strong and people who pursue their dreams. Their faith journey is explored, as part of who they are. The depth and scope of this Series is such to keep me reading and rereading.