One Wrong Move by Dani Pettrey Review

 

Wow, what a great romantic suspense by Dani Pettrey. I loved her Alaskan Courage series, but I hadn't read anything by her since then, which was about three years ago . When I saw One Wrong Move on the "new inspirational fiction" shelf at my small rural library, I had to grab it up. I actually have other books I should be reading, but once I opened it to check it out, I could NOT put it down. I love when a book grabs me from page one and just keeps going.

This is a story about second chances. We see the story from multiple points of view, both the good guys and the bad guys.

Christian O'Brady is a former con-artist/thief, raised that way by his parents, and he continued his life of crime until turning his life around thanks to Jesus. He's now involved in installing security systems and finds himself called in to figure out how the crooks in a current string of heists has gotten past his security in art galleries. Of course, he himself is a suspect because of installing the security systems, and because of his background.

He teams up with Andi Forester, an insurance investigator who used to be with the FBI, but she was accused of royally botching some evidence.

They join with Christian's siblings Deckard and Riley, Andi’s best friend Harper, and Greyson who used to own the P.I. business, to not only track down these art thieves, but also to clear Andi’s name. I had to wonder throughout the book whether the two cases were connected or not.

There was great suspense, and there were twists and our protagonists were in peril multiple times. The author knows how to get her readers on the edge of their seats and get the blood pumping, that's for sure. I love how the story unfolded and how everything came together. And I loved seeing Christian and Andi's relationship evolve. Plus there were a couple other maybe-relationships brewing. Knowing this was the first book of a series makes me hope we'll see more of these same main characters and get to see relationships grow. This is a wonderful book and one I highly recommend. And now I need to get my hands on more of her books.

Assaulted Caramel by Amanda Flower Review

 

Assaulted Caramel by Amanda Flower is an enjoyable cozy mystery with just a bit of suspense. Though not "Christian fiction" there was nothing objectionable. And it did talk about people praying, plus the main characters grandparents are Amish and they have Christian friends who go to the church across the square.

The mystery of who the killer was kept me guessing. I didn't figure it out until right before it was revealed. And just who was the second person involved? The reveal did take me by surprise though there are definite hints in retrospect. But still, there were some great twists. Plus a couple of cute pets that have cute parts in the story.

The mystery took place while Bailey, an up and coming chocolatier from NYC was helping her Amish grandparents prepare desserts for a wedding in the small town of Harvest, Ohio. A wedding they figured would be postponed after the murder occurred right in her grandparents shop. Especially considered who the deceased was. And she, along with her grandparents were suspects. So, of course, Bailey was desperate to clear her name.

I really enjoyed this book and even put the next book on hold right away. This was a book I read for a reading challenge, but I realized after I took it out from the library that this was the series my son had recommended several months ago. I should have listened to him sooner.

Friday Fun - February 23, 2024

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with three different book parties that post on Fridays: Book Beginnings on Fridays, the Friday 56, and First Line Friday.

This week I have two books to share with you.

I am reading Fake Engagment at the Rusted K by Cali Black as a member of the launch team. The book released today!

I am also reading Assaulted Caramel by Amanda Flower for one of my reading challenges.

        Book Beginnings on Friday     

(Please join Gilion Dumas for Book Beginnings every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.)

and

First Line Friday

(Please join C arrie for First Line Friday.)

Here are my Book Beginnings/First Line Friday selections:

  Fake Engagment at the Rusted K by Cali Black:

"Thirty minutes from Jackson Hole on the straightest, most deserted and beautiful road in the country, Ren Connor pushed the pedal to the floorboard and watched the speedometer needle circle right."

Why in the world is Ren going so fast? Is she in a rush because she's late? Just being reckless? Out for a joyride? Is there going to be a cop around?

Assaulted Caramel by Amanda Flower:

"'I still can't believe you left!' Cassandra Calbera shouted into my ear."

Okay, why is Cassandra shouting? What's the big deal?

Now for:

The Friday 56

The Friday 56 is normally hosted over at Freda's Voice. But Anne from My Head is Full of Books is taking over for a while. 

Rules:

*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
 *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grab you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.

Here are my Friday 56 selections:

Fake Engagement at the Rusted K by Cali Black:
 

"She slid under the covers, the feathered trim tickling her ankles. She hugged the shirt to her chest and breathed out a prayer. A somewhat desperate prayer that Cash wouldn't hurt her. A pleading prayer for Ellie's safety. And a doubtful prayer that she would one day find the love she longed for."

Assaulted Caramel by Amanda Flower:

"She stepped back and her eyes narrowed. In an instant, all the goodwill I had won by complimenting her pretzels was lost. 'Pardon me?'"

Reviews:

Last week I shared two books in my Friday Fun post. If you would like to read my reviews, I invite you to click on the links below.

The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep

Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin

Also, I never shared the link to my review of  Reverence in the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd. Here is my review.

The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep Review

 

Wow, I really enjoyed The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep. It takes place in colonial America in the late 1700's, near the time of the American Revolution, though we are introduced to Eleanor Morgan in the first chapter where she is working as a governess in England. To avoid a scandal she is sent away to the colonies in America. Though what happened was not her fault, she would not have been able to find employment in England and her employer gave her a reference to work for a family in Charles Town. Due to unforeseen circumstances she ends up being married to a single father, Samuel Heath, a man who appears to be quite the brute. Now this proper English governess is forced to learn to live in the wilderness with a man who is brusque and wild and uncommunitive at times.

Samuel is mostly concerned about having a mother for his daughter, someone to bring her up right and allow him to be free to trap and guide.

There are secrets that can't be found out and dangers that come their way, along with feelings of not being enough and jealousy. They need to remember to trust in the Lord and lean on Him through all their trials. Eleanor had her little prayer that the story began with and she recites at difficult times throughout the book.

I really enjoyed this story and the relationship that developed between Eleanor and Samuel. 

Reverence in the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd Review

 

Reverence in the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd is the third book in her Frontier Hearts series.

When her father dies during a tornado, Keturah is left alone on their farmstead in the wilderness of Kentucky. She decides she needs to find a husband right away to help her and keep her safe, so she heads out to Skagg’s station where she finds Daniel who has been left alone there after being abandoned by the people he’d been traveling west with. As someone who grew up in a city, will he have what it takes to help her on her farm, or will marrying him be a big mistake?

Keturah wonders this for quite a while after their marriage of convenience. And Daniel worries he will never be what Keturah needs, as he never amounted to anything prior to this in his life. Everything he does seems to be wrong. But he is determined to try to gain his lovely new wife’s respect.

I was drawn right into this story and loved watching Keturah and Daniel’s relationship evolve as they struggled through hardships while learning to trust God and each other. I also enjoyed getting to see Margaret and Iain from the previous book, Redemption in the Wilderness, where we first met Keturah and her father. I really enjoyed this book, I just wish the story had been longer.

I received an ARC of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

Friday Fun - February 16, 2024

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with three different book parties that post on Fridays: Book Beginnings on Fridays, the Friday 56, and First Line Friday.

This week I have two books to share with you.

I am reading The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep for one of my reading challenges. 

I am also reading Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin. 

        Book Beginnings on Friday     

(Please join Gilion Dumas for Book Beginnings every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.)

and

First Line Friday

(Please join C arrie for First Line Friday.)

Here are my Book Beginnings/First Line Friday selections:

  The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep:

"My precious Lord;
My only hope;
My Saviour, how I need you now.
Eleanor Morgan repeated the words, over and over, scrubbing her fingernails more vigorously with each repetition."

What happened to Eleanor, or what did Eleanor do, that she need to clean her fingernails vigorously and repeat the prayerful words. This gripped me right away and I needed to know what was going on.

Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin:

"As soon as she escaped to England, Aleida van der Zee Martens would cut her hair and have her son photographed for the first time."

Why does she need to escape? Who is she escaping from? Is she cutting her hair to hide? And if so, why is she getting a picture of her son, and why has he never been photographed before? So many questions from that first sentence.

Now for:

The Friday 56

The Friday 56 is normally hosted over at Freda's Voice. But Anne from My Head is Full of Books is taking over for a while. 

Rules:

*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
 *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grab you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.

Here are my Friday 56 selections:

The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep:
 

"Repentance never came easy, but he'd learned that when it did come calling, to open the door wide with a hearty welcome. He never should have treated this woman so harshly in town this morning. The rude awakening. The heartless marriage vows. His silence on the drive home. All because he was too consumed with ignoring his own pain to be mindful of her feelings. He hung his head. Oh God, forgive me. Again."

Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin:

"But today Louisa had been called away for a story. She'd tried to disuade Aleida from going herself, but she couldn't let a Friday slip past. Every week, every day, her son drifted further from her."

Reviews:

Last week I shared three books in my Friday Fun post. If you would like to read my reviews, I invite you to click on the links below. I didn't finish The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson yet, so I will have to share that review next week.

8 Down by Kimberley Woodhouse

The Irish Matchmaker by Jennifer Deibel

Reverence in the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd

Also, I finished The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson. Here is my review.

The Irish Matchmaker by Jennifer Deibel Review

 

The Irish Matchmaker by Jennifer Deibel is a wonderful historical romance. As the reader we are transported to Ireland in the early 1900s during the time of a matchmaking festival. I had heard of matchmakers before, but I never knew there were such things as matchmaking festivals, so that was really cool to get to experience one through the eyes of both a matchmaker and a festival goer.

The story is told from three points of view. That of Catriona Daly, a matchmaker and daughter of a renowned matchmaker. That of Donal Bunratty who is a widower who is trying to take care of his farm while also taking care of his young daughter. And we occasionally see the story through his daughter Sara’s eyes.

Catriona is wonderful at making matches, following in the shoes of her father; however, she herself has been unable to find love for herself. But during this year’s festival, she is determined to change her status, and hopefully get out of this small, rural community. Why not try to catch the eye of one of her well-to-do clients, Andrew Osborne. Though is he really the type of person she wants to spend the rest of her life with?

Donal is trying his best to take care of his farm and his young daughter Sara. But they have come upon hard times. He wants to be able give her more and she wants to see him happily married, plus, she really wants a mother. So, reluctantly he agrees to take part in the matchmaking festival, for her. But um, was he supposed to start having feelings for his matchmaker? And would she ever be interested in him? After all, she wants out of this community, she wants a better life. Not to be shackled to a life of hardship.

I loved watching the feelings between them grow, which others can see and they seem to be denying. The story is full of faith and learning about God’s provision, quite inspirational. And, I have to add, I’ll never be able to think of the Sermon on the Mount in the same way again. I also loved the relationship between Sara and her dad and Sara and Catriona. Caty’s best friend Maeve and her father were wonderful side characters. The author really brought this story and Ireland to life for me. And yes, there was even a villain and near tragedy, and we see the importance of community and not being prideful.

This was my first book by this author, but it sure won’t be my last. I loved this book, and highly recommend it.

I received an ARC of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

8 Down by Kimberley Woodhouse Review

 

Oh wow, I loved this one more than the first one! I could not put the book down, or I wished I hadn't had to put the book down. It grabbed me from the first scene and would NOT let go.

First of all, if you haven't read 26 Below by Kimberley Woodhouse, make sure you do before you read 8 Down. Also, you may not want to read this review until you do.

Like 26 Below, 8 Down takes place in Alaska, this time the focus is in Anchorage as opposed to Fairbanks. As the reader, we can see how the crimes in this story connect to the previous book, seeing as 26 Below ended on a bit of a cliffhanger. The protagonists and the world think they have captured the mastermind, however, we know better.

This second book in the Alaskan Cyber Hunters series has two new protagonists whose point of view we see the story through, Carrie Kintz from the ABI and Scott Patteson who is Jason’s friend in Anchorage that we hear about in 26 Below. And we are again seeing part of the story through the villain’s eyes.

In this story the villain looks a lot like a serial killer to our protagonists as he has an M.O. of giving hints about his kills in crossword puzzles, all in the 8 Down position. These deaths take place due to hacking taking place. And let me tell you, it is so diabolical how this villain just doesn’t care about anyone, and the amount of everyday devices that can be hacked to end a life. This psychopath appears to be going off the deep end with all his killing, and not caring about who he (or is it a she?) kills in his plan. And of course our heroes don’t really know what the villains plans are at first, and aren’t even aware of all the deaths that are connected to him/her. They just know he keeps contacting them, and is definitely after some sort of notoriety.

There is suspense, and there are twists, and there is a love story as well, along with spiritual truths.

If you are a fan of suspense and trying to figure out clues, you will want to get your hands on this book, or actually, this series.
I can’t wait til the next book comes out. 8 Down is definitely a book I recommend.

I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley as a member of the influencer team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson Review

 

For one of my challenges I had to read a book with a dog on the cover. I chose to read The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson. This was my first Christmas book of the year (I want to try to read at least one each month or 12 as sometimes I don't get them read one per month). This book was technically for January, but I just finished it this morning.

The Christmas Dog was a sweet story about an elderly woman named Betty who just isn't feeling the Christmas spirit this year. Christmas is approaching and she is dealing with a frustrating next door neighbor named Jack who she is struggling with showing the love of Christ to. Just who is this man that is now living in her old friends' house? Because of his strange and annoying habits rumors have begun traveling around the neighborhood and Betty keeps jumping to conclusions about it and worrying. And to top it off, her granddaughter who is estranged from her parents and has been "missing" shows up on her doorstep. And of course, we can't forget the dog who plays a major roll in this story. Does this mangy mutt have a home? Does he belong to her annoying neighbor Jack and is he not being taken care of? Will the doggie be able to worm his way into her heart, or is Betty too closed off to love?

I thought this book did a great job reminding us to show Christ's love to others and not jump to conclusions and listen to rumors. This little doggie came into these neighbors' lives and brought some changes for the better. There was a bit that was a little predictable but I loved the way it all turned out.

Friday Fun - February 9, 2024

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with three different book parties that post on Fridays: Book Beginnings on Fridays, the Friday 56, and First Line Friday.

This week I have three books to share with you.

I zinged through my eARC of 8 Down by Kimberley Woodhouse, the second book in her Alaskan Cyber Hunters series that releases on February 20th.

I am currently reading an ARC of The Irish Matchmaker by Jennifer Deibel. I'm also on the launch team for this book which releases on February 13th. 

I also just started Reverence in the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd. This is another book for a launch team. It is the third book in her Frontier Hearts series. The book will release on March 5th.

        Book Beginnings on Friday     

(Please join Gilion Dumas for Book Beginnings every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.)

and

First Line Friday

(Please join C arrie for First Line Friday.)

Here are my Book Beginnings/First Line Friday selections:

  8 Down by Kimberley Woodhouse:

"Nothing could have prepared her for the dead body at the crime scene."

Well, I feel the same way for me. But I had to wonder who this lady was at the crime scene, and why she wasn't prepared, and who the dead person was. I had to find out what was going on.

The Irish Matchmaker by Jennifer Deibel:

"The warning came far too late, and before Donal Bunratty could register what his daughter was saying, he was slammed into with the force of a locomotive."

That doesn't sound good. I hoped he was okay.

Reverence in the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd:

"Keturah Elliot's heart seized as the vicious waters swallowed her mother whole."

Oh no! Would her mother make it? If not, that's quite the tragic way for the story to begin. Sure did grab my attention though.

Now for:

The Friday 56

The Friday 56 is normally hosted over at Freda's Voice. But Anne from My Head is Full of Books is taking over for a while. 

Rules:

*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
 *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grab you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.

Here are my Friday 56 selections:

8 Down by Kimberley Woodhouse:
 

"'Hey, I threw in the word brilliant before I called him a psychopath. That was the only thing I could do without lying. Which I refuse to do.'
The phone rang and the air in the room practically sizzled as they stared at it. Scott hated to think it was their killer, but everything inside him said it was."

The Irish Matchmaker by Jennifer Deibel:

"Donal hurried back out into the fresh night air. This was never going to work. Poor Sara would be so disappointed. But she had no way of knowing what the festival would be like-how many people would be crammed into pub after pub with music so loud you couldn't hold a decent conversation with anyone. He'd just have to find another way to keep his promise that he'd find a companion."

Reverence in the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd:

"How could Daniel have been so careless? Keturah's blood boiled as she stared at the open stall door, her hands on her hips. Her foot tapped as she surveyed the ground in search of clues as to where the pig had gone."

Reviews:

Last week I shared three books in my Friday Fun post. If you would like to read my reviews, I invite you to click on the links below. I didn't finish The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson yet, so I will have to share that review next week.

26 Below by Kimberley Woodhouse

Fatal Witness by Patricia Bradley

I also had never shared the link to my review of the following book:

Fake Relationship at the Triple Z by Cali Black

26 Below by Kimberley Woodhouse Review

Chilling suspense set in Alaska.

Though it took me a bit to get into 26 Below by Kimberley Woodhouse, I really enjoyed it. I had started it last year, but had to set it aside. So, when I needed a book with a number in the title for a reading challenge last month, I knew what I wanted to read. I sure wish I hadnt had to set it aside last year, because after I got into the story, it was really gripping. I needed to know for sure who was behind this threat of disaster once the temperature hit 26 Below zero. 

We get to see the story from multiple points of view. There are Darcie and Jason who are working to prevent the problem with their team. There is Natalie, an elderly woman who appears to have Alzheimer's who has overheard the bad guys' plot but can't get people to listen to her. And then there is the point of view from one of the criminals. But exactly WHO is the mastermind?

There's quite a bit of suspense and there are twists. There's quite a bit of killing, but nothing graphic.
Then there's a twist at the end leading in to the next book. Which I can't wait to read by the way.
Definitely a book I recommend and a great start to the series.

 

Fake Relationship at the Triple Z by Cali Black Review

 

I enjoyed this fake romance turned real romance turned love triangle/square story set on a ranch in Wyoming. 

A little steamy-er than I usually read, but nothing that made me uncomfortable, nothing that would be an inappropriate or sinful situation. Well, except for the lying going on as there was a fake relationship.

I enjoyed getting to know Laramie and Ridge. I felt so bad for her when her friend-who-she-hoped-would-be-more Pryce showed up at the Triple Z Ranch with another woman. Ridge jumps in, pretending to be her boyfriend, except Laramie is supposed to be her boss, so she's not quite sure if she should go along with this fake boyfriend (FB) thing. She's supposed to be the responsible one, training the interns and getting the ranch ready for the summer vacation season. 

And of course what would a fake relationship story be without the couple starting to actually  have feelings for each other and then having to figure out what to do.

But, then there seems to be some intrigue as well. Who exactly is this woman Pryce showed up with, and what are they up to? Something else is going on here. 

I did enjoy this bit of a mystery that was going on and thought it added a great twist to the fake relationship story. 

I can't wait to read the next book in the series. 

I received this book for free from the author as a part of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own, honest thoughts.

Fatal Witness by Patricia Bradley Review

 

Fatal Witness by Patricia Bradley is an awesome romantic suspense story. It is the second book in the Pearl River series, but I had not had the chance to read the first book. Thankfully this didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the book. From what I was able to tell, the stories themselves don’t interconnect, it’s just the people that were introduced in the first book. Which is one reason I usually prefer to read books in order. Unfortunately my library system was taking forever to get book one to me. So, if relationship spoilers are an issue for you, I recommend reading Counter Attack first.

Moving on to my thoughts on Fatal Witness. The author begins by showing Danielle as a child, at the time when her parents are murdered in their home in Tennessee. It then moves ahead 25 years to when she is living with her uncle Keith in Montana. She now goes by the name Dani, is an artist and potter, and has no memory of her childhood before living with her uncle. She's getting ready to go to some workshops and is the subject in a magazine article where her picture has been printed, against her wishes.

We are then introduced to the elderly Mae Richmond who happens to see Dani’s picture and believes with all her heart that Dani is her missing granddaughter. And we are also introduced to Mae’s neighbor, Mark who is a K-9 officer. So, another plus for this book, there is a cute K-9 animal named Gem, plus Dani’s uncle Keith has a Puli named Lizi who is also well trained and loves being with Dani. We also get to know chief deputy Alex Stone, or if you’ve read the first book, get reacquainted with. I’m assuming more of the officers have also been introduced in the first book.

From the first page this book grabbed my attention and it didn’t let go. Whenever I had the opportunity I was opening up my phone to see what was going on. It was obvious of course that once Dani’s picture was shared, and her grandmother recognized her, that the killer of her parents would be alerted. But who exactly was the killer? Had she seen him when he murdered her parents? Is that why her grandmother and her are now in danger? Will Dani remember the details or will the truth remain in the shadows of her memories? Are there other reasons why the killer is after Dani?

The author did a great job rounding up potential suspects. I was not sure at all who the killer was until around the time when it was revealed. I had my suspicions, but was never quite sure. I loved the mystery of it,  the suspense, and the twists. And I also loved the relationship that was developing between Dani and Mark, and getting to know Mark better. The author did a wonderful job bringing the characters to life and I cared for them and what was happening. And I appreciated the spiritual truths and Bible verse that a couple of the characters use for strength through the trying times. 

Definitely a book I recommend.

I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts. 

Reading Challenges 2024: January Update

Here is what I read for my challenges in January:

For the challenge in the Avid Readers of Christian Fiction FB group I needed a book that was an author's debut novel. I chose to read Dear Henry, Love Edith by Becca Kinzer.

For the challenge over at Crystal Caudill's blog, I read Fragile Designs by Colleen Coble. 

For the challenge in the Eating Our Words FB group I was also able to use Fragile Designs by Colleen Coble for my January book. With this challenge, we can choose to read the book IN the month, or any time of the year, OR we can do both. So, like last year, I am choosing to try both. 

I read another book for January, The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold. 26 Below by Kimberley Woodhouse works for March. Trust the Stars by Tricia Goyer fits in for April. Fake Relationship at the Triple Z by Cali Black works for June. I chose to use Dear Henry, Love Edith by Becca Kinzer for September. If I Were You by Lynn Austin works for October. 

For the challenge in The Posse FB group, I read 26 Below by Kimberley Woodhouse.

I chose to start the Read Your Bookshelf challenge from Chantel Reads All Day with the Arthur Conan Doyle side of the flow chart. I am currently reading The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson. 

I really enjoyed Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong, which was the January book in the Between the Pages FB group challenge/book discussion.

One of the authors I follow, Malissa Chapin, is also doing a challenge on her FB page, Malissa Chapin's Merry Band of Book Lovers:

I haven't read my January book for the Malissa Chapin challenge, but I am using Fragile Designs by Colleen Coble for the February challenge as the author is one of my favorite Christian suspense authors and I would say I admire her for her ability to write such awesome books. 

Five of the books I read in January work for the January challenge in the Faith Filled Fiction FB group. Trust the Stars by Tricia Goyer, Dear Henry, Love Edith by Becca Kinzer, If I Were You by Lynn Austin, An Uncertain Road by Abbey Downey, and Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong.

For the Literary Escapes Challenge here is what I read in each month. 

In January I read books set in the following states:

Alaska: 26 Below by Kimberley Woodhouse 
Arkansas: Trust the Stars by Tricia Goyer
Illinois: Dear Henry, Love Edith by Becca Kinzer 
Missouri: The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold

Oregon: Huband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong
South Carolina: Fragile Designs by Colleen Coble 
Wyoming:  Fake Relationship at the Triple Z by Cali Black 

And I traveled to England with If I Were You by Lynn Austin

Here is what I've read for the Alphabet Soup Challenge:

D: Dear Henry, Love Edith by Becca Kinzer, The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold

F: Fragile Designs by Colleen Coble, Fake Relationship at the Triple Z by Cali Black 
H: Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong 
I: If I Were You by Lynn Austin 

T: Trust the Stars by Tricia Goyer
U: An Uncertain Road by Abbey Downey 

Here's what I've read for the 2024 European Reading Challenge from Rose City Reader. 

In January I read books set in the following European country:

England: If I Were You by Lynn Austin 

I also decided I was going to read one Christmas book each month. 

For January I started The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson; however, I haven't finished it yet.

Also, someone in my Avid Readers of Christian Fiction group again came up with a yearly book challenge. This year we have 50 prompts:

Read a book...

1. With a title that starts with a P

2. By an author you’ve never tried before: Trust the Stars by Tricia Goyer

3. Set on the coast

4. With a tree on the cover

5. By an author whose name starts with a J

6. From a genre outside your comfort zone

7. With an adverb in the title

8. Featuring a character with grey hair

9. That has won a Carol award

10. Published in 2024

11. By a debut author: An Uncertain Road by Abbey Downey

12. Written by multiple authors

13. With a green cover

14. That is a bestseller

15. Set on a boat, train, or plane

16. With an illustrated cover: Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong

17. With a main character who is disabled

18. With a single mother or father

19. Written by an indie author: Fake Relationship at the Triple Z by Cali Black

20. Set somewhere you’ve been: If I Were You by Lynn Austin

21. Featuring law enforcement 

22. Published during the summer

23. Set during a holiday

24. That is considered women’s fiction 

25. Featuring a Jewish character

26. Set over 100 years ago

27. That contains bible verses

28. With a teenager as a main character 

29. With a one word title 

30. A book you preordered

31. With a solid colored cover

32. By an author who writes with a pen name 

33. That takes place in a national park 

34. With a title that starts with an M

35. By a male author

36. That includes pirates

37. By an author whose name starts with the letter T

38. That has been made into a movie or television show 

39. With forgiveness as a topic or theme: The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold

40. Featuring a journalist 

41. That includes sisters: Fragile Designs by Colleen Coble

42. With a midwife or doula

43. That takes place in a country you’ve never been to

44. That is lighthearted or humorous: Dear Henry, Love Edith by Becca Kinzer

45. Set during WWII

46. That you choose because of the cover

47. By an author who writes multiple genres: 26 Below by Kimberley Woodhouse

48. With a dual timeline 

49. With a second chance romance

50. Recommended by someone you know

Also, I joined in with a second yearly challenge last year in the Scripture Literature-You Are What You Read group. I just never added it to my blog post. So, this year I'm adding it here, though the post is going to be so long. LOL. 

So, here it is:

1- Takes place in Israel

2- Second chance: An Uncertain Road by Abbey Downey

3- Not your usual genre

4- Significant church event

5- Well known author/lesser known book

6- Major motion picture

7- About an influential Christian

8- A Mysterious disappearance

9- Speculative Fiction

10- Protagonist has a disease/disability

11- Recommended by an author

12- Includes angels

13- An inheritance: Fragile Designs by Colleen Coble 

14- Finish what you started: 26 Below by Kimberley Woodhouse 

15- Carol Award winner

16- A Spy

17- Forgiveness

18- Redemption

19-Less than 200 pages

20. Two or More Authors

21. By your Favorite Author

22. Male Protagonist

23. Recommended on this Page

24. Blended Families

25. Book of Devotions

26. Christian Literary Classic

27. Dystopian

28. Mistaken Identity: Dear Henry, Love Edith by Becca Kinzer 

29. A Life Lesson: Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong

30. Bible Retelling

31. The American Frontier

32. Features Music

33. Recovering from Addiction

34. Gothic Romance

35. Eye Catching Cover: Trust the Stars by Tricia Goyer

36. Takes Place on an Island

37. Spiritual Warfare

38. Protagonist Shares your Occupation

39. Written by a Famous Christian

40. Family Estrangement: The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold 

41. Tear Jerker

42. Treasure Hunt

43. New to you Author

44. Mother-Daughter Bond

45. 2023 Best Seller

46. Title Includes a Color

47. Fairytale

48. On your TBR

49. Alternate Reality

50. Written before 1950

51. Includes a Foreign Language

52. Includes a Historical Monarch: If I Were You by Lynn Austin

53. Choose your own Adventure  

My Goodreads goal is to read 110 books this year. Last year I had set it at 100 and I ended up reading 122. So far this year I have read 9 books. 

Phew, I know this seems like a lot, even more than last year, but like last year, I hope to be able to combine challenges where possible. And with the yearly challenges, I read books for the other challenges and then see where they fit in the yearly challenge lists. Also, when I pick books for the monthly challenges, I will try to choose books that take place in different states or countries. Also, I'll probably prioritize the challenges I've been doing longer if I start struggling with keeping up.