Fatal Trauma by Richard Mabry (Blog Tour + Review)

Fatal Trauma

by Richard Mabry

Christian Fiction / Suspense

Available May 2015

Abingdon Press

300 pages

About the Book
A gunman who has nothing to lose faces a doctor who could lose it all to prove his innocence.

When Dr. Mark Baker and Nurse Kelly Atkinson are held at the mercy of a dangerous gunman, the lives of every emergency room patient are at stake. At the end of the evening three men are dead. One of them is a police officer who couldn’t be saved despite Mark’s best efforts. The other two are members of the feared Zeta drug cartel.

Though the standoff is over, the killing is not, because when the drug cartel loses its members, revenge is not far behind. Facing an adversary whose desires are dark and efforts are ruthless, Mark finds himself under suspicion as a killer, yet still a potential victim. When he turns to his high school sweetheart, attorney Gwen Woodruff, for help, Kelly helplessly looks on, as she hides her own feelings for the good doctor.

At the height of the conflict, three questions remain: Who is the shooter? Who will the next victim be? And can Mark prove his innocence before the gun turns on him?

My Thoughts
I have really enjoyed Richard Mabry's books in the past. Unfortunately, however, this one wasn't my favorite. The book definitely started off with a bang—a gunman walking into the ER, threatening to kill everyone in sight if they don't try to save his brother's life. After the initial burst of action, the pace slowed down a good bit. There was lots of discussion about what had happened, potential consequences, and telling about suspenseful things that happened "off page," but not a lot of actual suspense. During the times when the suspense did pick up, it wasn't as suspenseful as I've come to expect from this author. There were also a few times when the characters' actions just didn't make sense to me, especially regarding their relationship.

The redeeming factor of the book, though, was the spiritual journey that Mark takes throughout the book. Kelly is an influential Christian in his life, and it was neat to read how she talked to him about Christ. I actually found some of this dialogue helpful and a great reminder to take opportunities to point people to Jesus in various circumstances—and especially during tragedy.

My "mixed" review is certainly in the minority, as many people gave this book 4- and 5-star reviews. Fans of Mabry's previous books or those who enjoy suspense/medical dramas should definitely check out some other reviews of this book.  [2.5 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from the author through Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Author

A retired physician, Dr. Richard Mabry is the author of seven critically acclaimed novels of medical suspense. His previous works have been finalists for the Carol Award and Romantic Times Reader’s Choice Award, and have won the Selah Award. He is a past Vice-President of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of the International Thriller Writers. He and his wife live in North Texas.

Richard Mabry Online

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North Country Hero by Lois Richer

North Country Hero
by Lois Richer
Northern Lights series, Book 1
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Romance
Available September 2013
Harlequin Love Inspired
224 pages

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About the Book

Back home to heal, army veteran Kyle Loness can't wait to leave the town that holds such sad memories. He never expects beautiful newcomer Sara Kane to enlist his help with the town's new youth center. What does he know about helping kids? But the more time he spends with the troubled teens—and Sara—the more the jaded soldier feels his defenses crumbling. It might take Sara—and the kids—to open his guarded heart to love again.

My Thoughts

The story sounded promising with Sara's past as a foster child who suffered abuse at the hands of her foster parents and Kyle's recent injury serving in Afghanistan. The setting of a quaint little town in Manitoba, Canada was so amazing that I've added that part of Canada to my "must see" travel list! And while I certainly liked Kyle and Sara and the surrounding the Lives Under Construction group home, I found that the problems with the book prevented me from getting lost in the story.

Sara's characterization was both inconsistent and unbelievable. She alternated from being so naive that she came across as stupid (at times) to showing great wisdom and confidence. Sometimes this happened between chapters, sometimes between paragraphs. There were also things about character that were altogether unbelievable. Regardless of the circumstances of her childhood, I find it hard to believe that a 22-year-old woman doesn't know how to use a computer. Surely at some point during the five-year gap between leaving foster care, going to cooking school, and arriving in Churchill, Manitoba, she had the opportunity to use a computer, right?! Additionally, the budding romance between Kyle and Sara had a few missteps as well. In one scene, the two went from having a serious moment, to fighting, to going back home. Then at home, it was as though the fight never happened. This happened multiple times. Issues were so quickly resolved in the last few pages, that I was frustrated by the need for more ... a lot more.

I alternated between wanting to like this story and being frustrated by the pitfalls. In the end, though, the pitfalls stacked up too quickly and affected my overall enjoyment of the book. [2.5 stars]

I received a temporary e-copy of this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for my fair and honest review, which I have given.

About the Author

Lois Richer likes variety. From being a human resources manager to working at a salon to being an entrepreneur, she's found life has held plenty of surprises.

"Having given up on fairy tales, I was happily involved in building a restaurant when a handsome prince walked into my life and upset all my career plans with a wedding ring. Motherhood quickly followed. I guess the seeds of my storytelling took root because of two small boys who kept demanding, 'Then what, Mom?'"

The miracle of God's love for His children, the blessing of true love, the joy of sharing Him with others—that is a story that can be told a thousand ways and still be brand-new. Lois Richer intends to go right on telling it.

Lois Richer Online

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CFBA Blog Tour | Shades of Mercy

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Shades of Mercy
by
Anita Lustrea & Caryn Rivadeneira

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Shades of Mercy
by Anita Lustrea & Caryn Rivadeneira
Christian Fiction / Historical
Available September 2013
River North
272 pages

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About the Book

It's 1954 and the world-even the far Northwoods of Maine-is about to change. But that change can't happen soon enough for fourteen-year-old Mercy Millar. Long tired of being the "son" her father never had, Mercy's ready for the world to embrace her as the young woman she is-as well as embrace the forbidden love she feels.  

When childhood playmates grow up and fall in love, the whole community celebrates. But in the case of Mercy and Mick, there would be no celebration. Instead their relationship must stay hidden. Good girls do not date young men from the Maliseet tribe. At least, not in Watsonville, Maine. When racial tensions escalate and Mick is thrown in jail under suspicion of murder, Mercy nearly loses all hope-in love, in her father, and in God himself.

My Thoughts

Shades of Mercy is a coming-of-age story set in Maine in the 1950s. While racial tensions were coming to a head in the South during this time, the authors tell an eye-opening story of racial tension between the Maliseet Indians and the white citizens of Watsonville, Maine.

I loved the premise of this book and was hopeful to fall in love with the people of this small, 1950s town. However, while the writing style had a beautiful, literary quality, I never really connected with the story or the characters. Additionally, the pace of the story itself was quite slow, and I had to really push myself to keep reading. I felt that there were many times when the authors were telling me things that they could have been showing me.

I did love the many lessons to be learned from this book—of treating people with respect, showing God's mercy with our actions and not only our words, the dangers of prejudice. In fact, it reminded me in many ways of the classic books that we read in middle school. While this wasn't the best fit for me, there are probably many who will enjoy it. [2.5 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from River North and CFBA in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Authors

Authentic. That’s the word heard over and over when women describe Anita Lustrea. She is a popular speaker at women’s conferences and retreats, and an amazing communicator as co-host of the award winning Midday Connection radio broadcast. Her deep desire is to communicate freedom to women and help them nurture and care for their soul. 

Anita is the co-author of Come to Our Table: A Midday Connection Cookbook and Daily Seeds from Women Who Walk in Faith, a devotional for women. Her first solo venture as an author released in November 2010, What Women Tell Me: Finding Freedom from the Secrets We Keep. Anita and her pastor husband, Mike Murphy, along with her teenage son John live in the Chicago suburbs. When she’s not traveling or speaking, you can find her reading and drinking a venti hot tea at her local Starbucks.

Anita Lustrea Online

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Caryn Rivadeneira is a sought-after writer and speaker. She’s the author of four books—Shades of Mercy: A Maine Chronicle, Known & Loved: 52 Devotions from the Psalms, Grumble Hallelujah, and Mama’s Got a Fake I.D.—and a regular contributor to Christianity Today’s Her.Meneutics as well as columnist for Re:Frame Media’s ThinkChristian blog. She has written dozens of magazine article. Her work has appeared in such publications as Christianity Today, Relevant, FamilyLife, and Engineering and Mining Journal (you read that right). 

Caryn leads workshops and speaks at conferences and church groups across the country. She’s also a regular guest on Moody Radio’s Midday Connection with Anita Lustrea and Melinda Schmidt and has been featured on such radio shows as The John and Kathy Show, Changing Worldviews/WOMANTalk with Sharon Hughes, I Thought She Said with Faith Daly, The Paul Edwards Program with Paul Edwards, and Talk from the Heart with Rich Buhler, among many others. Caryn also appeared on The Harvest Show. 

 Caryn earned a B.A. in English from Calvin College and attended the University of Chicago’s publishing program. She lives in the western suburbs of Chicago with her husband, Rafael, her three kids, a rescued pit bull terrier, two hermit crabs, and several tank fulls of who-knows-what-kind-of fish. Caryn and her family are members of Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church in Elmhurst, Illinois, where Caryn recently joined the worship staff. 

Caryn Rivadeneira Online

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Good Story but Not My Favorite from Siri Mitchell

Unrivaled
by Siri Mitchell
Christian Fiction / Historical
Available March 2013
Bethany House
400 pages

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About the Book
Lucy Kendall returns from a tour of the Continent, her luggage filled with the latest fashions and a mind fired by inspiration. After tasting Europe's best confections, she's sure she'll come up with a recipe that will save her father's struggling candy business and reverse their fortunes. But she soon discovers that their biggest competitor, the cheat who swindled her father out of his prize recipe, has now hired a promotions manager--a cocky, handsome out-of-towner who gets under Lucy’s skin.

Charlie Clarke's new role at Standard Manufacturing is the chance of a lifetime. He can put some rough times behind him and reconnect with the father he's never known. The one thing he never counted on, however, was tenacious Lucy Kendall. She's making his work life miserable...and making herself impossible for him to forget.

My Thoughts
Siri Mitchell is the author who finally convinced me that I was a fan of historical fiction a few years ago. That combined with the beautiful cover (yes, I'm a cover judger!) and the interesting premise, and I was prepared to love this book. Unfortunately, regardless of how much I wanted to, I just didn't love this book.

The book started off okay, but I really got bogged down in the middle of it. While there were hints of romance during the book, it was extremely slow to develop and then wrapped up way too quickly at the end—as did some of the other elements of the book. At nearly 400 pages, there just weren't enough "new" things happening to hold my interest, and I felt that the pacing was off. I found myself skimming through large portions of the book in order to push myself through it.

The other thing that I disliked was that the entire story was told from a first-person perspective ... of two different characters. While the chapters were clearly labeled to let you know whose perspective you're reading, it still confused me at times. I had a hard time mentally switching back and forth.

There were certainly parts that I enjoyed. I definitely liked the aspect of a woman trying to make her own way and breaking out of the mold that society demands she fit into. And Charlie was a unique hero ... with a lot of growth from the beginning of the book.

It seems that I'm in the minority regarding my opionions of this book, so if you think Unrivaled sounds interesting, check out the other reviews before making a decision based solely on my opinion. Melanie at Christian Bookshelf Reviews wrote a great review if you're interested in a different perspective. While Unrivaled wasn't my favorite book, I still look forward to reading future books by Siri Mitchell, who is an extremely talented author.  [2.5 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House and LitFuse Publicity in exchange for my fair and honest review.

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About the Author
Siri Mitchell is the author of nearly a dozen novels, among them the critically acclaimed Christy Award finalists Chateau of Echoes and The Cubicle Next Door. A graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in business, she has worked in many different levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived in places as varied as Tokyo and Paris. Siri currently lives in the DC-metro area.

Siri Mitchell Online

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The Scent of Lilacs by Ann H. Gabhart

The Scent of Lilacs
by Ann H. Gabhart
The Heart of Hollyhill series, Book 1
Christian Fiction / Contemporary
Re-released March 2013
Revell Books
352 pages

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About the Book
After the summer of 1964, life for Jocie Brooke will never be the same.

Life-changing events rarely happen in quiet Hollyhill, Kentucky, and when they do, they are few and far between. But for young Jocie Brooke and her family, they happen all at once during the humid summer of 1964. Though on the surface things are just fine, it seems like everyone in Jocie’s life has something they’re not saying, something they’re hiding from her-and from themselves. As Jocie digs into her family’s past, she stirs up a whirlwind of discoveries. Will she find the answers everyone so desperately needs? Or will her questions lead to truths better left hidden?

Combining unforgettable characters, true-to-life struggles, and the perfect dose of humor and nostalgia, this riveting story from bestselling author Ann Gabhart explores the very essence of new life and love.

My Thoughts
After reading Words Spoken True by Ann H. Gabhart last winter, I was excited to finally get my hands on another one of her books. Unfortunately, though, The Scent of Lilacs didn't resonate with me the same way that the previous book did. It progressed very slowly, and while it did pick up about halfway through, it continued at a fairly slow pace, which made it difficult to really get into. I did, however, enjoy Jocie and her family. They are a small-town family that hits a few rough patches along the way, and like most families has their share of secrets. And like any small town, there are plenty of quirky characters that add a little humor to the story. Many of the other reviews are quite positive, so you may click with the book more than I did. And I'm still a huge fan of Gabhart and am looking forward to reading Small Town Girl, which releases this summer.  [2.5 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from Revell Books in exchange for my fair and honest review.

Available March 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

About the Author
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several novels, including Angel Sister, Words Spoken True, The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Find out more at www.annhgabhart.com.

Ann H. Gabhart Online

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Revell Blog Tour | Dying to Read by Lorena McCourtney

Dying to Read
by Lorena McCourtney
The Cate Kincaid Files, Book 1
Christian Fiction / Cozy Mystery
Available August 2012
Revell
320 pages

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About the Book
All she wanted was a paycheck. What she got was a murder. Cate Kinkaid's life is . . . well, frankly it's floundering. Her social life, her career, her haircut--they're all a mess. Unemployed, she jumps at the chance to work for her PI uncle, even though she has no experience and no instincts. After all, she is just dabbling in the world of private investigating until she can find a "real" job.

All she has to do for her first assignment is determine that a particular woman lives at a particular address. Simple, right? But when she reaches the dark Victorian house, she runs into an hungry horde of gray-haired mystery readers and a dead body. This routine PI job is turning out to be anything but simple. Is Cate in over her head?

My Thoughts
Dying to Read by Lorena McCourtney is a cute, cozy mystery featuring the trials of Cate Kinkaid as she steps up to help her uncle and take on her first case as a private investigator. I had high hopes for the novel after reading only a few pages. McCourtney had me laughing and certain that I would enjoy getting to know Cate over the next 300 pages. Unfortunately, the novel moved along slowly and I had trouble staying motivated to read. The last 70-80 pages picked up, though, and the novel ended with a bang—including an ending to the mystery that was unexpected (in a good way). By the end, I had also warmed up to Cate's character.

This novel didn't totally click with me, but many of the other reviews have been singing McCourtney's praise for this cozy.  [2.5 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my fair and honest review.

Available August 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

About the Author
Lorena McCourtney is the award-winning author of dozens of novels, including Invisible (which won the Daphne du Maurier Award from Romance Writers of America), In Plain Sight, On the Run, and Stranded. She resides in Oregon.

Lorena McCourtney Online

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