OVERFLOW by Linda Rodante, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise for #JustRead

Book 2 of The Waterfall Mysteries, 

Christian romantic mystery and suspense

 

PAULA'S REVIEW:

This is a continuation of Waterfall and is the best read after that book. 
 

The four friends, Anna and Laurie who own a B&B and Richard and Trevor who are psychologists, are hiking near a beautiful waterfall. Laurie is injured, and the other hikers go to summon help. While sitting by the falls, she sees something frightening in the water: a body of a woman with a flashy ring on her finger.
 

This was an absorbing, complex story that kept you trying to figure out who could have put the body there, who took the ring, and who was threatening which of the friends. What an exciting plot, and a surprise ending.
 

I enjoyed the portrayal of faith discussions between the four friends and the romance that progressed.
 

I am looking forward to more stories in this fictional Tennessee town.
*A complimentary copy of this. Book was provided by the author for review. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

4 stars and a solid faith thread 

 

BackCover Blurb:
Can a peaceful waterfall hold the answer to a murderer's darkest secret?

In the small town of Benton, Tennessee, Laurie Brooks is seen as quiet and unassuming until she makes a deadly discovery at a waterfall. Determined to find justice for the victim, Laurie embarks on a journey of self-discovery that will challenge everything she thought she knew about herself.

Trevor Oppenheimer, a young, successful psychologist, loves his work helping others overcome emotional turmoil. But when Laurie begins to unravel a dangerous maze of secrets, Trevor's pain-filled past rises to threaten her investigation. Can he trust God and conquer his fear, or will he drive Laurie away?

While Laurie and Trevor navigate their struggles of faith, fear, and growing love, a killer lurks in the shadows. As the danger escalates, they’ll have to unravel the truth before they find themselves the victims of a vindictive killer.

Fans of faith-filled drama, suspenseful whodunits, and strong female protagonists, will love Book 2 of The Waterfall Mysteries. Although fun as a series, each book can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery.

Helpful Links:  Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

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SMOKESCREEN and DECEPTION By Christy Barritt (Pros and Cons Mysteries), Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

PROS AND CONS MYSTERY SERIES

books two and three 

REBECCA'S REVIEWS:

SMOKESCREEN 

"Really, a smokescreen is a ruse, something that disguises a person's true intentions or activities."

Olive Sterling's present case as a professional investigator is riddled with half-truths and loose clues. Posing as the girlfriend of an affluent Wyoming rancher, Olive and her team go undercover to expose someone whose deception is equally efficient and deadly. The motive is a little murky; is it simply to ruin Reid Harrison's reputation or is there more going on than meets the eye, for apparently the common adage holds true; where there is smoke, there's fire. Olive is hoping that she doesn't get burned.

With twists, turns and a continuous flow of suspects, the steady pace of this story moves the reader closer and closer to the truth, which is a bit more complicated than one might imagine . . . except for the author!

Great addition to the series!
BackCover Blurb:

She was raised by a con artist. She’s using the skills she learned to catch a killer.

Growing up as a scammer’s daughter, Olive Sterling learned early on that deception is an art form. Now as a professional investigator, she’s transformed those skills into weapons for justice.

Reid Harrison’s Wyoming ranch is under siege. As sabotage escalates to death threats, he turns to Olive’s team for help. Posing as the rancher’s girlfriend, Olive works to uncover what’s smoldering beneath a string of unlikely accidents and vandalism.

When her probing catches the wrong attention, Olive becomes the next target. With lives and millions in property at stake, she faces an impossible choice: back down and survive, or risk everything to expose a killer ready to watch it all burn?

 

DECEPTION

"The case: A Woman in Oasis could be defrauding the community of their money to satisfy her own greed."

The curious part of this case for private investigator Olive Sterling was that it would take her back to one of the many locations where she had lived as a child, where she had met the one love of her life, Jason Stewart, who in an ironic twist, had hired her to uncover the potential fraud facing this small Texas town. A very popular member of the Oasis community was continuing to raise thousands of dollars to support her family's needs due to her dire cancer diagnosis. The blaring question? . . . is Rebecca Hansen actually sick?

In the meantime, Olive continues to receive cryptic messages about her own family's tragic demise. And then there is the matter of a "motorcycle man" trying to thwart her efforts . . . because of her current case or her past history in Oasis? To top it off, Jason arrives to assist. . . will he serve as a handsome distraction . . .or a welcome asset. . . to be continued.

Clearly, the plot is thickening and you won't want to miss a single detail! 

BackCover Blurb:
Sometimes, coming home is beautiful. Other times, it's fatal.

Private investigator Olive Sterling never thought she would return to Oasis, Texas. But when an old flame asks her to investigate a beloved local teacher who claims to have terminal cancer, she reluctantly agrees to help.

While the community rallies around Rebecca Hansen with prayers and financial support, Olive realizes something about her story doesn’t add up. Is Rebecca really fighting for her life? Or is she scamming people out of their hard-earned money? For Olive, whose own father was a master of deception, this case hits dangerously close to home.

As Olive digs deeper for answers, disturbing patterns emerge. Plus, a mysterious man seems to watch her every move. When threatening messages start arriving and the danger turns deadly, Olive realizes this investigation has stirred up secrets someone would kill to keep buried.

 

*I purchased both books and was not obligated to provide a positive review. 

 

PROS AND CONS SERIES is available in digital ebook and paperback. Buy at Amazon

MURDER IN THE APPALACHIANS by Susan Furlong, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Good suspense with danger, intrigue, corruption, and a murder that stalls a cold case investigation. Emma Hayes is an investigative journalist who tries to find out who killed her twin brother Daniel and which case he was working on. Dr. Logan Greer is on vacation and fishing when he sees an unconscious Emma across the stream. He rescues her and starts helping her in her search for the truth.
 

Emma has a crisis of faith when she does not understand why God let her brother die. Logan has a strong faith but still struggles with PTSD from his time in the service. When they try to put the pieces of the puzzle together, they get deeper in trouble. They are not only seeking what clue Daniel left behind, but also the mysterious disappearance of Logan’s sister years ago. They do not know who to trust.
 

This was a realistic tale that kept me guessing until the final reveal. I enjoyed the faith journey of Logan and Emma as well as the romance that grew between them. The supporting characters, Joe and Rachel and veteran Huey, added depth to the plot that was complex and interesting.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Love Inspired Suspense through NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.* 4 stars and a solid faith thread

 

BackCover Blurb:

On the run in the mountains…

with a killer on their trail.

After unearthing secrets from her late brother’s police notebook, journalist Emma Hayes discovers his death was no accident—he was murdered. Only someone doesn’t want Emma to find out the connection to the cold case her brother was investigating…and they’ll kill to keep it that way. Now Emma must rely on local ER doctor Logan Greer to help her stay alive and follow a trail of elusive evidence. But as they unravel a conspiracy, they realize that the killer could be anyone hiding in the mountains…

 

Love Inspired, April 2025

Available in digital ebook and mass market paperback

Buy MURDER IN THE APPALACHIANS at Amazon, or Christianbook .com

SUNRISE REEF by Irene Hannon, Reviewed by Rebecca and Paula #ReleaseDay

   HOPE HARBOR NOVEL #11

Small Town Beach Contemporary Opposites Attract 

Clean Romance Set in the Pacific Northwest

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Had he walked in on paying guests who'd assumed he was an intruder . . .?"

Neither Bren Ryan nor Noah Ward had expected to meet each other in the middle of the night during a rather epic, and quite unfortunate misunderstanding (which would make a great story . . . someday), but after lengthy apologies and a detour of plans, the two eventually had the chance to exchange formal introductions during the light of day. Buttoned-up always-by-the-book Noah Ward lent credence to the stereotypical image of a certified public accountant, while Bren looked every bit the free-spirited barista, sporting purple hair and bright colored clothing. A match made in heaven? Doubtful. . . but possible. After all, this was Hope Harbor. . . 

and "coincidence is a small miracle in which God chooses to remain anonymous".

Another absolutely heart-warming story that solidifies the Hope Harbor reputation of being a place "where hearts heal . . . and love blooms".
*I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own. I also purchased a copy.

PAULA'S REVIEW:
It is always a joy to return to Hope Harbor and another romantic encounter in the place I want to be real so I could visit. Ms. Hannon has created a setting so welcoming and characters who show how a community can show kindness, caring and Christian love.

This time we meet workaholic CPA Noah who is visiting his dad Fred, with the idea of convincing him to move back to St Louis. And then there is Bren, a barista at The Perfect Blend, who we met in a previous book. In this case opposites attract. And boy does this meeting stand out!

As always there are characters who are old favorites like Father Murphy and Reverend Baker who rib each other goodnaturedly and Charley and his taco stand where he serves up godly wisdom for free. This time his advice is to look beyond the surface to the heart inside.

Yay! There will be a book 12! And hopefully more as well.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 5 stars and a solid faith thread.

BackCover Blurb:
Sometimes you have to look beneath the surface to find the treasure within

After years of searching, Bren Ryan has found her place in Hope Harbor. Working as a barista suits her to a T, as does the laid-back vibe of her adopted town. Nothing is lacking in her life--except romance. But that's okay. Men are a complication she doesn't need.

Buttoned-up CPA Noah Ward isn't looking for love, either, when he arrives in town on a mission to convince his father to move closer to him. And he certainly doesn't intend to fall for the quirky, free-spirited woman who's taken up residence in his father's guest cottage.

But when Noah finds himself sucked into Bren's quest to help a struggling teen, might the two of them discover there's more to each other than meets the eye?

Come home to Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms. 

Revell Publishing, April, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

BUY SUNRISE REEF at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House