Free Fall

GIVEAWAY

MEHL, NANCY

FREE FALL

Someone has been abducting women with long dark hair across Virginia. When the FBI is called to help, Alex Donvan, a behavioural analyst, is tasked with putting together a profile. She's aided by her friend and colleague Logan Hart, but he has been acting strangely and won't say why. When the kidnapper demands that Alex meet him at an abandoned amusement park in exchange for the location of all his captives, she takes the bait. But the meeting proves to be a trap, and the building she's in explodes.

Finding herself imprisoned with several other women, Alex works to think one step ahead of her captor. But the more Logan and the BAU learn about the kidnapper, the more they fear Alex may not make it out alive this time.

My Review:

After I read Night Fall, the first book in the Quantico Files series, I determined that the creep-factor was too high for my comfort level so I didn't read the second book, Dead Fall, and wasn't planning on reading this one either except for a dear reading friend who implored me to read Free Fall because she knew I would love it. And, yes, I trust her so much that I preordered the audible edition and listened to it all in a day and a half. And guess what? Diane was right! I loved it!

So, there's still a creep factor, but it didn't feel as sinister as in the first book. Yes, we're still dealing with a serial kidnapper but the focus was more on the behavioural analyst aspects of working a case and we don't get tons of creepy villain POV which helped a lot. We do get to follow one of the victims though, which upped the angst and brought a different kind of edge to the overall suspense.

While this is the third book in a series where both the romance and the characters' faith journeys are developed through each book, I do think you could read Free Fall as a standalone. I was thrown a bit with the opening scene until I realized it was one of those teaser 'drop the reader into the middle of the story and then backtrack to the actual beginning' kind of starts. You know, the kind that are popular on television dramas, where they begin with the dark moment and then the next scene is "nine days earlier" and the rest of the show builds back up to that dire point? So this first scene, is that, and you aren't meant to know what's going on -- it isn't because you missed something from book two. Phew! Hope that makes sense. :-)

The absolutely glorious part of this book is the plethora of inspirational threads that tie into the title in so many wonderful ways. Powerful and moving and profound -- the kind of novel that not only enriches a reader but magnifies her faith. So grateful to the author for providing so many awe-inspiring moments throughout this story. I was madly trying to transcribe quotes as I listened. Like:

"God will give us beauty for ashes, but we have to give him the ashes."  Yeah, think about that for a second. Because I'm guilty of hoarding my ashes instead of releasing them into His care.

"Just let God be God." Sigh...it really is that simple so why do I make it so complicated?

Both Alex and Logan are challenged in a myriad of ways and this story broke tradition and blazed a new path for Christian Fiction suspense. I'm still processing so many nuances of plot and character development. Really, just stunning!

I listened to the addible edition narrated by Vanessa Daniels who kept me riveted to the sigh-worthy conclusion.

Goal Update: #9 Read outside my comfort zone.

 GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy - winner's choice. 

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Free Fall, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT AND DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the Draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday June 25 2022. Offer open to International Readers.

Night Fall

GIVEAWAY

MEHL, NANCY

NIGHT FALL

For any little boy or girl who hears the Train Man speak, 

Who find his rancid breath caress their pretty cheek,

Must close their eyes, pretend to sleep, and very softly pray,

Or else the evil Train Man may carry them away.

Finally free of her troubled upbringing, Alex Donovan is able to live out her childhood dream of working for the FBI. But soon after she becomes a member of the FBI's elite Behavioral Analysis Unit, authorities in Missouri contact them about bodies found on freight trains -- all killed in the same way.

Alex never expected to be forced to confront her past in this new job, but she immediately recognizes the graffiti messages the killer is leaving messages from her aunt in Wichita, Kansas. Alex is haunted by the struggles she thought she'd left behind forever.

In a race against time to solve the case and recover a deadly virus sample the killer intends to spread, Alex must face how far she'll go -- and what she's willing to risk -- to put a stop to the Train Main.

My Review:

Eeeeek!!! An eerie psychological thriller with a creep-factor that's edging up to uncomfortable for me. Darkly troubling in places and with a distinct chilling air, Night Fall reminds me of early 'Criminal Minds' episodes before they became so graphic. So, if you're a fan of that TV show, you'll definitely be a fan of Nancy Mehl's The Quantico Files series. 

Alex is a complex heroine with an interesting back story. Her life experience has taught her to trust wisely...which means not at all. Her aloofness is a coping strategy, a way to ensure that the inner demons that plague her stay deeply buried. But this new case rattles every last nerve because it hits too close to home. Literally. And the only way to get through it is to face her past. Cue the scary things-that-go-bump-in-the-night soundtrack and settle down for a hair-raising ride!

The suspense is a beguiling mix of behavior analyst team think tank and investigative work among an eclectic mix of law enforcement professionals punctuated by creepy 'unsub' point of view. Shudder. Good vs evil, light vs darkness plays out as Alex and her team race against time to end a villain's vicious psychotic killing spree.

An open-ended faith thread and the hint of romance, with both looking to be developed in future books, adds extra dimension and depth to an already riveting read. My addled sensibilities leave me unsure of whether I'll be able to continue the series though. But for those of you who are brave at heart, Alex Donovan and the Quantico Files are sure to bring hours of intense reading pleasure.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy of this book

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Night Fall, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 15 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Fire Storm

GIVEAWAY

MEHL, NANCY
FIRE STORM

FBI Profiler Kaely Quinn visits Nebraska to care for her ailing mother. She can't help but notice suspicious connections among a series of local fires, so she calls on her partner, Noah Hunter, to help find the arsonist. Together they unwittingly embark on a twisted path to a man man who is determined his last heinous act will be Kaely's death.

My Review:

This is the second book in the Kaely Quinn Profiler series but though the author does a great job of making sure Fire Storm can be read as a standalone, I really think you'll get so much more from it if you read Mind Games first. And that's because Kaely is such an unusual heroine with a gobsmackingly astonishing backstory. Sometimes she can come off as abrupt or uncaring and downright strange but to know her is to love her -- quirks and all.

In this story, we get a glimpse into the dysfunction of the Quinn family. Having a serial killer for a husband and father has created diverse coping strategies in Kaely, her brother and her mother and the way they relate to one another. I loved the raw, honest look inside this fractured family and the way the author brings restitution to all that brokenness. And Kaely's continued faith journey leads her to some deep insights into her own behaviours, giving her the courage to take a leap of trust with Noah. Even if it comes as a bit of a cliffhanger. :-)

This is the kind of series where the romance takes a very slow build through the course of all three books. It's agonizing to wait and wonder but the thrill of anticipation brings quite the kick too. Can't wait for Dead End to release in March 2020 so I can see if all my hopes and dreams for Kaely and Noah will be fulfilled! I'm on romantical tenterhooks!

Aptly titled, Fire Storm deals with a serial arsonist who grows more daring with each fire. Kaely just happens to be in the right place at the right time and notices a pattern which hurls her headlong into a complicated case with eerie undertones. Think creepy -- not as over the top as Criminal Minds (which I can't bear to watch) but eerie enough to play havoc with a sensitive reader's overactive imagination. Cue the delicious shivery chills and you might want to indulge in some comfort chocolate and possibly a canine companion for this read!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Fire Storm, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 5 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Mind Games

GIVEAWAY

MEHL, NANCY
MIND GAMES

FBI Behavioral Analyst Kaely Quinn's methods may be highly unorthodox, but her talent is undeniable. She's done her best to establish a new life for herself after being demoted and transferred to St. Louis when a reporter revealed she's the daughter of an infamous serial killer. But when that same reporter claims to have received an anonymous poem predicting a string of murders, ending with Kaely's, it seems her old life has followed her.

When a body is found that fits the poem's morbid predictions, Kaely and her new partner, Special Agent Noah Hunter, are forced to move past his skepticism of her approach and work together to unravel the deadly riddle.

With a brazen serial killer who breaks all the normal patterns on the loose, Noah and Kaely must race to catch the murderer before anyone else, including Kaely, is killed.

My Review:

Whoa! I'm stunned and my head is still spinning over that twisty-turny nosedive at the end. This might just be Nancy Mehl's best book to date which is saying something because I adore her stories! But this one is...definitely on a whole other level.

A psychological thriller of a mystery with some of the elements of a Criminal Minds episode but without the TV series' over-the-top ghoul factor. :-) For cautious suspense readers I can honestly say I can't watch Criminal Minds without getting nightmares but I gobbled up Mind Games for all it's deliciously shivery suspensey goodness. Fascinating police procedural with one of the most complex heroines I've ever met within the pages of a book!

Kaely's backstory is so complex and intriguing. Her coping mechanisms -- her profiling techniques -- the brilliance that masks a touching vulnerability. And most surprising of all -- her deep and abiding faith. Something that fellow agent Noah can't understand but Kaely doesn't shy away from sharing.

"I have a lot of issues leftover from my past. God has never condemned me for them. He just keeps leading me slowly but surely out of the dark, at the pace I need." (p 165)

Engaging in mind games with a serial killer is the first case Noah and Kaely share but it won't be their last. Love the way their relationship develops over the course of this book. He's wary, she's reserved and learning to trust each other is central to their moving forward both professionally and personally. This isn't a romance, but I have the feeling that one is going to develop over the course of the series.

Intense, clever, exceptionally paced -- Mind Games is the epitome of a page-turner!  I guarantee you won't be able to put this one down until you've reached the mind-blowing conclusion.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

WOOHOO!!!! Thanks to Trixi's generosity (she just happens to have a second copy of Mind Games) there will be two winners drawn for this giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Mind Games, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday January 5 2019 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Blind Betrayal

GIVEAWAY

MEHL, NANCY
BLIND BETRAYAL

U.S. Marshal is tasked with escorting a reporter to testify before a grand jury regarding a missing environmentalist. At first, the assignment seems routine. But when it becomes dangerously clear that there's more to the story than anyone knows, Casey and two other marshals -- one a man from her past -- will have to do whatever it takes to survive.

My Review:

A devour-in-one-gulp suspense.

Nancy Mehl fans will be thrilled to come across quite a few familiar faces in this gripping cat-and-mouse tale. It can totally be read as a standalone, but I got a kick out of recognizing multiple secondary characters in Blind Betrayal. (This is the third and final book in the Defenders of Justice series.)

Be prepared for lots of heart-stopping, gasp-out-loud moments. This fast-paced suspense doesn't let up until the very end. Just when you think the author is gifting you with a stop-and-take-a-breather-moment...well, she isn't, so keep your guard up. :-) And in the midst of all that tension and danger, two U.S. Marshals reconnect and try to figure out the hiccups in their past.

Casey's tough -- and so intent on proving that she can hold her own in this male dominated field that sometimes she can come across as defensive and testy. Especially when it comes to E.J.trying to be gallant which makes for some exciting sizzle. They used to be partners, as close as can be, and then life -- personal and professional -- imploded. Love these emotionally difficult reunion stories. Not that there's a lot of down time to examine something as 'mundane' as a relationship, but fitting snippets of grousing and remorse and funny memories as bullets are flying is an interesting way to play catch-up!

Clear your calendar for this one 'cause it's a frantic pager-turner of a read!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Blind Betrayal, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy for met to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday July 22 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Dark Deception

GIVEAWAY

MEHL, NANCY
DARK DECEPTION

Kate O'Brien's quiet life in  small-town Shelter Cove, Arkansas, is shaken when her past suddenly comes roaring back to life. Four years ago, she and her twin sister were attacked by an elusive serial killer. Only Kate survived, and she's been in witness protection ever since.

When new evidence arises to suggest the convicted man wasn't the murder, she's subpoenaed to testify in the new trial. Afraid to go back into that world, Kate only agrees if Tony DeLuca, the deputy Marshal who protected her during the original trial, escorts her to St. Louis.

Tony readily takes on the assignment; Kate's beauty and inner strength made more of an impression on him than he expected. But when Kate's safety is threatened, Tony must race against the clock to keep her alive and put this ugly case to rest before anyone else gets killed.

My Review:

A nail-biting thriller that kept me riveted (and checking my windows and doors to make sure they were locked!) The intricate plot includes some fascinating police procedurals that had me puzzling over clues right along with law enforcement. Mehl masterfully pulls all the pieces together at a tantalizing pace -- not too fast, not too slow. There's plenty of time to ponder and figure things out while looking askance at something a character says or jumping out of your skin when the hero or heroine gets that edgy feeling. I was on tenterhooks the whole read!

Kate's personal journey really made an impact on me. She has been through something so horrendous it's hard to grasp and she's done an admirable job of getting on with her life - battling the darkness by holding it at bay. It isn't until she reconnects with Tony that she discovers burying the past isn't the same as getting through it. What results is an astounding faith journey that brings her peace at last.

A compelling addition to the Defenders of Justice series. This is Book Two in the series but reads easily as a standalone. Looking forward to the release of Blind Betrayal next spring.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Dark Deception, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday July 23 2017. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Fatal Frost

GIVEAWAY

MEHL, NANCY
FATAL FROST

Following in her absentee father's footsteps in a law enforcement career, U.S. Marshal Mercy Brennan has just recovered from being shot in the line of duty. And, unbeknownst to her, her father's recent reappearance in her life has put her in the sights of St. Louis's most powerful gang. Her boss assigns Deputy U.S. Marshal Mark St. Laurent -- Mercy's ex-boyfriend -- to get her out of town until her safety can be guaranteed.

Unaware of the extent her boss and Mark have been keeping her in the dark, it isn't until a freak ice storm strands them at a remote location and out of contact with the district office that the full severity of their situation becomes clear. As the storm worsens, the forces of nature combine with a deadly enemy to put them in great danger. Can they survive long enough for help to arrive -- if help is even coming at all?

My Review:

Nancy Mehl like you've never read her before! And I'm lovin' it! I've always enjoyed the way this author spins a suspenseful tale but until Fatal Frost all those mysteries have involved quaint Old Order Mennonite towns and while I loved that aspect of series like Harmony, Road to Kingdom and Finding Sanctuary, I am over the moon about this new, hard-hitting law enforcement centred series.

Fatal Frost -- just the title sends a shiver up your spine, doesn't it? And brrr, curl up in front of a fire with a hot drink because the majority of this story takes place in the middle of a horrendous winter storm and Mehl's descriptive prose makes you feel like you're right there.

And be prepared for sinister chaos. These villains are e-v-i-l and sneaky and ruthless. I turned pages with breathless anticipation and read the last hundred in one gluttonous gulp. Great character dynamics and detailed backstory bring depth to both hero and heroine. Mercy is a walking contradiction. Even her name doesn't quite match her tough, stoic persona. She's built a wall around her heart and keeps everyone except childhood friend, Tally, at a distance.

She doesn't do relationships -- not even with a pet which is why her relationship with Mark came to a crashing halt. He said  'I love you' and she couldn't say it back. But she thought it and that was enough to send her running scared. Now they're together again facing danger at every turn. And neither of them have forgotten the intense emotions of their past. Seriously delicious -- and oh so torturous -- romance! As taut and tense as the relentless suspense.

An enthralling start to the Defenders of Justice series. Can't wait to read more!

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Fatal Frost please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday December 11 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Rising Darkness

GIVEAWAY

MEHL, NANCY
RISING DARKNESS

Sophie Wittenbauer left her strict Mennonite hometown under a cloud of shame and regret. Certain she's left her post far behind her, she's now focused on her job at a newspaper and is shocked when she stumbles upon the name of someone she knew in her old life. But when she learns the man -- a prisoner -- claims a suspect from a decades-old unsolved crime is hiding out in the small town of Sanctuary, Missouri, she can't resist following the lead in hopes of furthering her career.

Almost immediately upon her arrival, Sophie's confronted with a face from her past and fears her intention of using a false identity to investigate is doomed. But with the help of Sanctuary's charismatic young pastor, Sophie knows she's getting close. Will she be able to conceal the truth of her own past long enough to find the suspect before someone puts a stop -- fatal or otherwise -- to her investigation?

Review:

This is Mehl at her absolute best. Not only is it a stunning conclusion to her Finding Sanctuary series but there's the thrill of a crossover with her earlier Road to Kingdom series. It isn't necessary to have read all the books in both series to enjoy this one -- it's just a book nerdy bonus if you have. :-)

I always felt that Sophie Wittenbauer had a story to tell and I'm so glad she nagged the author until she was given the chance to shine as the heroine of her very own book. Way to go Sophie! Such a complex character -- terribly wounded by her past, she's still held captive by those demons. But she's pushing forward, determined to overcome her shame and guilt. A professional journalist now, she's hungry for success. And that hunger is the only thing that could bring her to another small Mennonite town. Where she certainly didn't expect to run into her former secret crush. But that was a lifetime ago. Sophie's changed so much that Jonathan doesn't recognize her and it's so easy to fall into a pattern of deceit.

An impossible romance, a delicious blend of mystery/suspense and compelling secondary characters all conspire to hold a reader enthralled.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Rising Darkness please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April  2016 . Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Deadly Echoes

GIVEAWAY

MEHL, NANCY
DEADLY ECHOES

After years of upheaval, Sarah Miller’s life is finally settled with all echoes of the past stilled and silent at last. She spends her time teaching the children of Sanctuary, a town she is happy to call home.

When the sister Sarah hasn’t seen in years reappears, it stirs up hard memories of the past and their parents’ murder. Even so, Sarah’s joy at being reunited with Hannah and meeting the niece she didn’t know she had is too soon interrupted when Deputy Sheriff Paul Gleason informs Sarah her sister has been killed.

As Sarah learns more about Hannah’s death, the circumstances seem eerily similar to her parents’ death. She enlists Paul’s help in digging deeper into these murders the police are dismissing as burglaries gone wrong. Paul’s concern encourages Sarah’s growing feelings for him, but as their investigation peels back the layers of lies almost twenty years old, they get close to uncovering the truth one man will do anything to hide–even if he must do away with the last remaining members of the Miller family.

My Review:

The kind of read that will leave you breathless. Mehl is such a skilled master of her craft. She's a 'don't think twice' author purchase for me. I don't even bother reading the back description because I know the quality and enjoyment that will be in each book. And Deadly Echoes is no exception.

The read was made all the more intimate because Mehl tells the story through Sarah's viewpoint in first person narrative. I was immediately immersed in her world, felt her pain and fear and insecurity. There's a steel rod of strength buried deep within Sarah though, and she begins to discover it over the course of the story.

Once again Mehl captured my suspense loving attention -- that woman sure knows how to spin a compelling mystery!. The foreshadowing was ominous in places. I caught on right away, sometimes even before Sarah did but other times I had my light bulb moment after the fact. Made for a page-turning read.

This author's other strength is the way she creates a community of characters you love -- or love to hate. :-) She humanizes them all until they come to life and become part of yours. Love the balance between the Old Order Mennonites and the rest of the town. And I love how everyone rallies around Sarah and her niece. Mehl doesn't 'pretty up' the aftermath of Hannah's murder and it's effect on both Sarah and Cicely. The dynamics between aunt and niece are complicated. They struggle to find their way into relationship with each other. Such a raw and tender story of renewal and hope in the aftermath of tragedy.

And lets not forget the friendship turned romance between Sarah and Paul. So fragile and hesitant. Their halting steps forward brought some gentle relief from all the murder and mayhem. Over all, an astounding book from an equally astounding author.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Deadly Echoes please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday March 8 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Gathering Shadows

GIVEAWAY

MEHL, NANCY
GATHERING SHADOWS

Wynter Evans is a promising young reporter for a television station in St. Louis, but even a bright future doesn't take away her pain over the disappearance of her brother nine years ago. So when she stumbles across a photograph of a boy with an eerie resemblance to him, she can't pass up the chance to track him down. With research for work as her cover, she sets out with one of the station's photogs for the place where the picture was taken: the town of Sanctuary.

Almost as soon as she arrives, she meets the town's handsome young mayor, Rueben King, and together they begin to uncover long held secrets that could tear the small town apart and change everything Wynter thought she knew about her life. As the truth of her family's past hides in the shadows, it's clear someone will stop at nothing to keep the answers she's searching for hidden forever--even if the cost is Wynter's very life.

My Review:

A riveting read. Honestly, I couldn't put it down and read right through into the wee hours of the morning. Mehl has a talent for pacing a mystery so that the reader is held captive -- in a delicious way, of course! The problem with that is the read is over all too soon. Luckily the next in this series, Deadly Echoes releases February 3. Guess what I have on order? LOL

The suspense angle totally captivated me. Wynter's desperate search for her missing brother -- the repercussions of his kidnapping still haunting her a decade later. Her parents have given up all hope but Wynter can't let it go and now she's found proof that her brother might actually be alive. There are so many emotional layers to her story and Wynter has to work through them all one by one.

Reuben lends his expertise and his support to the newcomer in town, but he's hard pressed to gain her trust. More emotional layers to delve into. Raw and real and ultimately renewing.

The suspense is palpable all the way through. It just doesn't let up as Mehl taunts the reader by slowly revealing pieces of the puzzle bit by bit. Danger lurks and grows more sinister as Wynter and Reuben get closer to finding answers someone doesn't want uncovered. And the whodunit? Nigh impossible to figure out until...wait...could it be? You'll just have to read Gathering Shadows to find out.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Deadly Echoes please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday February 1 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Unforseeable

GIVEAWAY

MEHL, NANCY
UNFORSEEABLE

Callie Hoffman has a good life in Kingdom, Kansas. She's engaged to Levi Housler, the new pastor of Kingdom Mennonite Church, and she spends her days working with Lizzie Housler, her friend and soon-to-be sister-in-law, at the town cafe.

When a body is discovered on the road outside Kingdom and the deceased turns out to be the victim of a serial killer, the new county sheriff begins questioning Kingdom residents. Unsettled at the prospect of a killer in Kingdom, Callie is desperate to find answers for herself, especially when her own fiance seems to know more about the murder than he's telling.

As the town battles an entirely unforeseen danger and Callie's very life is threatened, the stakes are as high as they've ever been and the people of Kingdom must learn anew to put their trust in God alone.

My Review:

I love Nancy Mehl's books. She always leaves me with something thought-provoking to ponder upon. I feel my spirit stretched and my faith stronger for having read one of her novels. In Unforseeable, Mehl tackles the complex issues  that come with following your heart as you travel on your personal faith journey. A myriad of questions came to mind as I read.

Should you forsake the traditions of your family or do you cling to the familiar that has succored generations of your ancestors?

Is there room for a different kind of growth within the bounds of an existing standard of faith?

Is there only one true path to salvation or are there a myriad of forks in the road that lead to the same destination?

Lots of fodder for reflection that brought me deeper into the story as I wrestled for answers right along with the characters.

The suspense is riveting -- and the contrast between the evil in the world and the haven Kingdom strives to be makes that much more of an impact as the action revs up. I got to a point where I just couldn't put this book down.

A bonus for fans of the Road to Kingdom series is getting reacquainted with characters from the previous two books. They provide a solid support to Callie and Levi without taking away from the current love story. And no worries if you haven't read the earlier books -- Unforseeable reads well as a standalone novel.

A captivating conclusion to a fantastic series that will definitely leave you richer for the read.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Unforseeable please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday October 27 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

Unbreakable

GIVEAWAY

MEHL, NANCY
UNBREAKABLE

Gentle and unassuming Hope Kauffman has never been one to question or try to make changes. She quietly helps her father run Kingdom Quilts and has agreed to the betrothal her father arranged for her with the devout but shy Ebbie Miller.

Despite Hope's and other Kingdom residents' attempts to maintain the status quo, changes have already begun to stir in the small Mennonite town. The handsome and charismatic Jonathon Wiese is the leader of the move to reform, and when one of Kingdom's own is threatened by a mysterious outsider, Jonathon is one of the first to push for the town to arm itself. Hope's fiance, Ebbie, is at the forefront of those demanding the town stay true to its traditions of nonviolence.

When strange incidents around town result in outright attacks on several townspeople, Hope can't help but question what she's always been taught. As the town that's always stood so strong together is torn apart at the seams, Hope is caught between opposing sides, both represented by those she has come to care for. With tensions high and lives endangered by an unknown threat, Hope fears Kingdom can never survive in one piece.

My Review:

Mehl tackles a very controversial topic and does an admirable job of presenting varying viewpoints. Like Hope, I found myself caught between opposing sides all the way through the book. It really made me think and would be a great springboard for a book club discussion. There's lots of meat to this story.

There are multiple layers in the suspense -- including a romantic one. Not only is Hope caught up in the town's conflict, she also finds herself pulled between two men as well. The author has created two worthy heroes, both captured my reader's heart for different readers. I didn't know who would be the better choice for Hope and was relieved that the author had the job of figuring that one out! The reveal is a startling, climatic, aha moment (at least it was for me) and suddenly felt like the obvious choice. Loved living through that roller coaster ride.

Road to Kingdom fans (series) will be thrilled to reacquaint themselves with the town of Kingdom and its residents -- especially Lizzie, Noah and Charity. No worries if you haven't read the first book, Inescapable. Mehl knows how to set up a series so each book reads as a standalone.

Unbreakable is an exceptional read and a great choice for suspense fans who would like to be challenged by a thought-provoking subplot.


Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Unbreakable, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday March 31 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Inescapable

GIVEAWAY

MEHL, NANCY
INESCAPABLE

Lizzie Engel is used to running away. At eighteen, she left her Mennonite hometown, Kingdom, Kansas, with plans never to return.


But five years later, the new life she built is falling apart. Lizzie knows she's being followed, and she's certain the same mysterious stranger is behind the threatening letters she's received. Realizing she'll have to run again, the only escape Lizzie can manage is a return to the last place she wants to go.

Once she arrives in Kingdom, Lizzie is confident she'll be safe until she comes up with a new plan. In reacquainting herself with the town and its people--especially her old friend, Noah Housler--she wonders if she judged her hometown and her Mennonite faith too harshly. However, just as she begins to come to terms with her roots, Lizzie is horrified to discover the danger she ran from is closer than ever.

No longer sure who to trust and fearful for her life and the lives of those around her, Lizzie finds she has only one place left to run--to the Father whose love is inescapable.

My Review:

Nancy Mehl excels at creating realistic communities filled with complex characters and Kingdom doesn't disappoint. This tale is as much about the growing pains of the Mennonite town as it is about Lizzie Engel. In fact, there's some interesting parallels between Lizzie's spiritual growth and the Mennonite congregation's which adds a new dimension to the story. Fascinating stuff.

Even though Lizzie gained my immediate sympathy, I wanted to slap her silly a time or two...or three. Why oh why don't conflicted characters listen to my advice? Their lives would be so much easier that way. Oh...wait...that would mean my reading pleasure would be shorter, wouldn't it? Okay, scrap that last comment, I'm glad Lizzie didn't listen to my sage advice...sort of...because I enjoyed the emotionally tumultuous journey she took me on. Besides, she did figure it out in the end...nearly too late mind you...but then, this is a suspense, right?

Lizzie's daughter, Charity, stole my heart with her quest for Prince Charming. So many cute scenes that tugged at my heartstrings! Even though they annoyed and embarrassed her mom.

And Noah, solid, dependable, smitten. Pair those characteristics with some very un-Mennonite ones, like jealousy, and you get a multi-dimensional hunk of a hero. Throw in a mysterious stalker, tons of family dynamics and the forgiving love of our Savior and what do you get?  A compelling page-turner that you won't want to put down.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Inescapable, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday July 8 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!


"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".

Simple Choices

MEHL, NANCY
SIMPLE CHOICES

One simple choice changes things forever. Freelance graphic designer Gracie Temple is trying to concentrate on her upcoming marriage to Sam Goodrich, the man of her dreams -- until events make her simple life in Harmony, Kansas, a mess of complications.

Foremost there's Hannah Mueller, daughter of the local Mennonite pastor and the girl Gracie sees as her protege. Gracie promises Hannah's parents that an art workshop in Wichita won't adversely affect the shy Mennonite girl, but once there, Gracie wonders if she's spoken too soon -- especially when Hannah adopts the worldly clothing styles of the big city and threatens to remain in Wichita instead of returning to Harmony. Gracie manages to coax Hannah home, but soon after arriving, Hannah vanishes. While the county sheriff is convinced Hannah's just another runaway, Grace's not so sure.

As Gracie races against time to discover the truth of Hannah's disappearance, her wedding plans -- and her family -- suffer under the strain. What simple choices will be made that not only affect Gracie's life but the lives of everyone she loves in Harmony?

My Review:

This conclusion of The Harmony Series won't disappoint fans, but be warned -- Simple Choices will have more of an impact if you have read the first two books, Simple Secrets and Simple Deceits. Gracie is back and just as tenacious and passionate as ever. Her look-before-you-leap strategy sends her straight into conflict as she exasperates and endears everyone close to her.

And talk about angst before a wedding!!! Most brides would be falling to pieces at the first sign of trouble. But not Gracie -- she's as intrepid as Nancy Drew and she always gets her man! (And the bridegroom too!)

There are some lovely gospel discussions in this book as well. They come about naturally and add a deeper dimension to the story. I particularly adore Ida's insights -- she's an elderly Old Order Mennonite woman with lots of spunk and an outpouring of wisdom. I have come away pondering just whether any choice is ever a 'simple' one. Kudos to Nancy Mehl for creating such an incredible series.

Simple Deceit

MEHL, NANCY

SIMPLE DECEIT

Gracie Temple has grown to love the Mennonite town of Harmony, Kansas, and the house bequeathed to her by her late uncle. New friendships among the residents, including the handsome farmer Sam Goodrich, seal her decision to leave Wichita and do freelance graphic design work from her new home.

But when Gracie is assigned a new client who is a developer intent on building an upscale retirement community in Harmony, the town is split. Some welcome the business opportunities while others fear the exploitation of the Mennonite lifestyle and the loss of their simple ways.

As the citizens of Harmony begin to turn on each other, an anonymous note accusing Gracie of being the mother of an abandoned baby causes Sam to seemingly turn his back on her. Soon Gracie is reconsidering her choice to stay in town.

But before she can make a final decision, a major winter storm move in that will put a friend in danger and take the life of another Harmony resident. The blizzard also forces Gracie to make a choice that just might lead to the final straw between her and Sam.

Note: Since this is the second in The Harmony Series, and since I feel readers would appreciate Simple Deceit more if they read Simple Secrets first, I am offering BOTH Simple Deceit and Simple Secrets to the winner of this Giveaway.

THIS IS THE PERFECT COMPLIMENT TO THE FIRST BOOK IN THE HARMONY SERIES. MEHL IS BACK DOING HER BEST TO CONFOUND HER READERS WITH CLEVERLY HIDDEN CLUES TO AN AMAZINGLY SUSPENSEFUL MYSTERY. IT WAS JUST AS AN ADDICTIVE READ AS THE FIRST BOOK.

MEHL HAS A REAL KNACK FOR CREATING A COMMUNITY OF MEMORABLE SECONDARY CHARACTERS THAT ENHANCE THE DRAMA, SUSPENSE AND HUMOUR. I ESPECIALLY LOVED SWEETIE, SAM'S AUNT. AND HER VILLAINS ARE PURE VILLAINOUS...ONCE YOU RECOGNIZE THEM FOR WHAT THEY ARE!

THERE WERE SO MANY TWISTS AND TURNS IN THIS STORY, THE ANGST STEADILY BUILDING AS MORE AND MORE SEEMINGLY UNRELATED MISHAPS OCCUR -- WITH GRACIE RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THINGS AND SAM NOT FAR BEHIND.

THE ROMANTIC DEVELOPMENT WAS CAPTIVATING -- BUT NOT WITHOUT PITFALLS. I COULD SEE A CLEAR GROWTH IN BOTH SAM AND GRACIE BY THE END OF THE BOOK AND I FELT THEIR RELATIONSHIP REALISTICALLY PARALLELED THEIR NON-BOOK COUNTERPARTS ALL OVER THE WORLD. BOTTOM LINE : LOVE ISN'T ENOUGH WITHOUT TRUST.

MEHL HAS NICELY SET UP THE NEXT IN THE SERIES AND I CAN'T WAIT TO GET MY HANDS ON IT. SIMPLE CHOICES WILL BE OUT IN JUNE OF THIS YEAR.

REMINDER : IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR CHANCE AT WINNING YOUR OWN COPIES OF SIMPLE SECRET AND SIMPLE DECEIT LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW OR EMAIL ME AT kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. MAKE SURE TO WRITE GIVEAWAY IN THE SUBJECT LINE. FOR COMPLETE DETAILS SEE THE JANUARY IS GIVEAWAY MONTH BLOG POSTED ON JANUARY 5.

Missing Mabel

MEHL, NANCY

MISSING MABEL

"Miss Higgins, Druther's Funeral Home is not in the practice of mixing up bodies."

Hilde Higgins knows hair, and she knows the hair on her client doesn't match that of the person originally identified as Mabel Winnemaker. How can she make the funeral home director acknowledge the mix-up when they think she is creating a distraction to cover for stealing Mabel's diamond ring? Now her reputation and career are on the line. The only way to salvage her future is to find the missing Mabel. Can an old boyfriend be of help, or will he just add to the complications in her tangled life?

THIS IS ANOTHER COZY MYSTERY FROM BARBOUR PUBLISHING. A GREAT MIX OF HUMOUR AND INTRIGUE! HILDE IS AS QUIRKY AS THEY COME. SHE'S A CONNIESSOUR OF SPAM RECIPES, A PEN KLEPTOMANIAC AND SHE ADORES HER PET GOLDFISH, SHERLOCK. AND DID I MENTION SHE STYLES THE HAIR OF DEAD PEOPLE?

MISSING MABEL IS TOLD IN FIRST-PERSON AND I LOVE HILDE'S VOICE. IT'S FILLED WITH SNAPPY WISE-CRACKS AND LOTS OF HUMOUR BUT IS TEMPERED WITH A SOFT, SPIRITUAL SIDE AS WELL. IN FACT, I ENJOYED ALL THE CHARACTERS' EASE WITH THEIR FAITH AND HOW THIS IS SIMPLY A REALLY GOOD MYSTERY THAT HAPPENS TO HAVE CHRISTIAN CHARACTERS.

MEHL'S CAST OF MEMORABLE SUPPORTING CHARACTERS FLESH OUT THE PLOT AND MAKE THIS BOOK A JOY TO READ! IF YOU LIKE A GOOD MYSTERY SPRINKLED WITH HUMOUR AND LIGHT ROMANCE THEN MISSING MABEL IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!

Simple Secrets

MEHL, NANCY

SIMPLE SECRETS

Graphic designer Gracie Temple wants it all: the big city lifestyle and a successful job in advertising. And it looks like her life is on the right track when she takes a job at a struggling midszie firm in Witchita.

But when Gracie inherits a house from her unknown uncle in the mostly Mennonite town of Harmony, Kansas, she's not sure what God is trying to tell her. Especially oncer she discovers the hosue comes with a dark legacy and a cast of eccentric neighbours. Will Gracie shake off the dust of this town, or will its secret charms pull her in to stay?

All Sam Goodrich wants is to get married and start a family...and he thought he'd do it with his fiancee. But he can't bring himself to agree to a wedding date. When he meets Gracie Temple, Sam discovers she's everything he doesn't want. He loves his fruit farm, and he loves Harmony. So why does he feel so drawn to an outsider?

When something tries to keep Gracie from discovering the truth behind the town's collection of secrets, will Sam and Gracie cling to their faith to help them decide what's most important -- before it's too late?

WOW...SIMPLE SECRETS IS SIMPLY AMAZING!!!! I PRETTY MUCH READ IT IN ONE SITTING, COMPELTEY DISREGARDING ALL THE CHORES I HAD PLANNED TO GET DONE TODAY BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE HOUSE. I KEPT TELLING MYSELF 'JUST ONE MORE CHAPTER...I'LL READ TO THE END OF THIS SCENE...OKAY...REALLY, JUST ONE MORE PAGE AND I'LL PUT THIS BOOK DOWN...' BUT I JUST COULDN'T LET IT GO.

MEHL HAS CREATED A MASTERFUL MYSTERY/SUSPENSE. THE CLUES ARE EXPERTLY PLANTED DEEP WITHIN THE LAYERS OF PLOT AND ROMANCE. AS YOU'RE READING, YOU KNOW YOU'VE JUST BEEN GIVEN A CLUE BUT YOU CAN'T QUITE FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO WITH IT YET. I'M USUALLY REALLY GOOD AT FIGURING OUT MYSTERIES BUT MEHL MANAGED TO DISTRACT ME WITH ENOUGH RED HERRINGS TO MAKE MY HEAD SPIN. I LOVED IT!!!!!!!!

THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE MENNONITE FAITH AND CUSTOMS WERE FASCINATING AND THIS BOOK IS UNIQUE IN THAT NEITHER THE HERO OR HEROINE ARE OF THE MENNONITE FAITH. THE TOWN OF HARMONY IS AN INSPIRING BLEND OF FAITHS AND BELIEFS WHERE NEIGHBOURS MEET EACH OTHER ON THE COMMON GROUND OF LIVING THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT -- 'LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR'. THEY STRIVE, BUT AS THE STORY PROGRESSES YOU DISCOVER THAT NOT ALL SUCCEED.

THERE ARE WONDERFUL FAITH PROMOTING CONVERSATIONS BETWEEN CHARACTERS WHICH FLOW NATURALLY INTO THE PLOT MAKING THIS AN UPLIFTING AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING READ.

MEHL'S CAST OF CHARACTERS ARE SO DIVERSE AND CLEVERLY CRAFTED THAT THEY CAME TO LIFE FOR ME, AS DID THE FICTIONAL TOWN. I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED TO DISCOVER THAT IT DIDN'T EXIST EXCEPT IN THE AUTHOR'S IMAGINATION...AND NOW MINE. I AM ACTUALLY FEELING BEREFT NOW THAT I AM FORCED TO TAKE MY DEPARTURE FROM A TOWN AND PEOPLE I'VE GROWN TO LOVE. I FEEL AS MELANCHOLY AS IF I'M LEAVING A FAVOURITE VACATION SPOT. EVEN THOUGH I KNOW I'LL GET TO GO BACK SOMEDAY, IT CAN'T BE SOON ENOUGH FOR ME! ALAS, THAT WON'T HAPPEN UNTIL DECEMBER 2010 WHEN THE SEQUEL, SIMPLE DECEIT COMES OUT. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!