"Child of the State" by Catherine Lea

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Child of the State by Catherine Lea got my attention right from the start!  It is fast-paced about a young mother getting out of prison early through a new state program initiated by Elizabeth McClaine, a socialite.  Stacy is the first prisoner to get chosen for this program; however, she runs as soon as she gets a chance, wanting to make sure her son is okay.  She was threatened in prison because she believes her friend was murdered by someone connected to a drug operation in the prison.  Elizabeth believes in Stacy and wants to help her, believing she must have had a good reason to run.

I liked this book, it was interesting, exciting, suspenseful and moved along well.  The only part I really didn't understand completely was the drug operation with the prison.  I liked the ending.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)   

Teaser from prologue page 1:  Amy knew she should have gone to Stacy the second she'd opened the box.  All night she'd lain there in her cot, listening to every sound, frightened they'd come after her, and wondering who else knew.

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"The Wolves of Winter" by Tyrell Johnson

In The Wolves of Winter by Tyrell Johnson, the world has been ravaged by war and an incurable disease.  The population keeps going down.  Lynn lives with her family and they try to make do; however, when a young man named Jax enters into their world, their lives change in a way they did not see coming.

I liked Lynn and Jax the most of all the characters.  This book starts kind of slow but picks up when Jax enters.  The story was good enough that if there is a book 2, I will probably read it.
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Teaser from page 26:  I almost grabbed my bow anyway because to hell with him.  But I didn't.

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"Ever the Brave" by Erin Summerill is Way Better Than the First Book of This Series

Ever the Brave is the the follow up to Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill.  Britta faces new challenges.  Now she has a strong bond with Aopren, the king.  But, is that something she wants?  What about Cohen?  She also faces danger because the kingdom is under attack.  Can Britta stop that?  This story is told by those three characters.

I thought this book was WAY BETTER than the first.  The writing and the interaction between the characters is very good!  The action with twists and turns made me keep turning pages quickly!  The ending is very good to say the least!  I look forward to book 3 of this series.
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Karen's review:
Ever the Brave by Erin Summerill continues where Ever the Hunted left off. Britta and King Aodren have a special connection since she saved his life. Britta learns more about her channeling powers and joins with Cohen in fighting Lord Jamis and Phelia/Rozen, a strong spirit Channeler. Britta sees Aodren as a good man and a love triangle forms.

The first half of this book dragged along for me, but the second half really picked up! I liked how Britta kept trying to learn more about her gift without giving in to Phelia’s wishes and crossing to the dark side. This book deals with how people with evil parents can choose their own path and not be like them. The ending was very good! I will probably continue on with this series. (4 stars)


Teaser from page 13:  Knowing it is the king makes me feel guilty.  It makes me think I should take her advice.

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"If I LIve" by Terri Blackstock

If I Live by Terri Blackstock is the third and final book in the “If I run” series. Casey is still on the run, but the police are closing in. Her time is running out! Will she be able to get the truth out? Will anyone believe her? Dylan is trying to do what he can to keep Casey safe, but danger lurks! This book was WAY BETTER than book two! I suggesting skipping book 2 and going right to this one instead. There is more action for one and I enjoyed the interaction between the different characters. This is a good series!

(Gerard’s review, 5 stars)

Teaser from pg. 27:  God is on the case with me, fighting this battle.  As I cling to the image of his sword slashing the evil around me--and around Casey--I fall back to sleep and, this time, dream of victory. 

Karen's review, 4 stars:
If I Live by Terri Blackstock is the last book in the If I Run series. It is about Casey, a fugitive who was framed for murder by dirty cops, and detective Dylan who is hired by the victim’s family to work with the police to find Casey and bring her back. Instead, he believes Casey was set up and helps her prove it, aiding her along the way. Casey comes to look for God being at work and finds lots to be thankful for even as she is on the run. Dylan keeps trusting in Romans 8:28 which says all things work together for good to them who love God and are called according to his purpose.

This was pretty good. I skipped the second book and jumped right to this one and felt I didn’t miss much. It had some Christian overtones and some far-fetched incidents. When Dylan unscrewed the light plate with his fingernail while his hands were tied, I found that very hard to believe. At least he wasn’t able to unscrew the screws in the door hinges at the cabin! SPOILER ALERT—STOP READING NOW IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE BOOK: I thought the ending was very rushed with Dylan and Casey jumping right into marriage and odd that he did not have Dex as his best man or any of his family at the wedding.


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"Winter Sisters" by Robin Oliveira

Winter Sisters by Robin Oliveira is a historical fiction novel.   A blizzard hits the town of Albany and when it finally stops, two little sisters are missing.  The search is on!  After awhile, the police give up and declare them dead.  When they reappear, the questions start:  Where were they?  Was someone holding them?  Are they okay? 

I thought this book was really good.  The pacing of the book is very well done.  There are also some other stories that are brought out as well.  The last part of the book, when a trial takes place, was very, very, good!
(Gerard's review, 5+ stars)

Teaser from page 17:  "Then a friend might have taken them in when no one came for them.  A thousand things could have happened."

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