BOOK REVIEW- Blind Trust (A Tess Barrett Thriller) by Michael W. Sherer

    

Mystery & Thrillers | Teens & YA 

 

Description

Who can you trust when you can’t even see?

Life used to be so easy when she was a royal. All she had to worry about was her wardrobe and makeup. Tess Barrett doesn’t know who to trust anymore. Alice, maybe, the long-time manager of the Barrett household, but Alice has all the warmth and charm of a rattlesnake on a snowy night. Not exactly the kind of person Tess wants to cuddle up to and confide in. as

Then there’s her personal assistant Oliver, who’s been acting like a jealous middle-school kid whenever their friend Derek is around. And Yoshi, the gardener and Tess’s martial arts teacher, suddenly seems to have secrets Tess never imagined. Tess even thinks her Uncle Travis might not be that bad since he let her go to homecoming, but he’s let Robyn back into their lives, the woman who Tess is sure tried to come between her parents.

Homecoming was the worst disaster imaginable. Bad enough that Oliver tried to kiss her (eww), but then a hired assassin attempted to kill her in front of half the school. Her quick reaction when he hesitated was all that saved her. Now, the principal wants her gone unless Travis provides extra security and metal detectors at all the entrances. Everyone hates her for it. Someone hates her so much that he—or she—posts a porno video made to look like Tess is the star.

With mid-term exams coming up, the deadline for college applications looming, and her AP Chemistry teacher threatening to make her drop the course, Tess is feeling more pressure than any senior should. None of it will make a bit of difference if she doesn’t find out who’s trying to have her killed. Tess, Oliver and Derek follow the money. When she discovers the trail leads to one of the most powerful men in Washington, D.C., and to someone in her father’s company, she’s no longer sure she wants to know the truth. 

Once the wheels are set in motion, though, there’s no turning back. And with every step she takes, Tess learns the conspiracy against her and everything she holds dear is far deeper and more dangerous than any of them had imagined. She’ll have to trust someone, and it will take every resource she can muster to get to the heart of what these dark forces want…if she survives.  

AMAZON LINK

5 STARS

It wasn't exactly what I was expecting !  But that really wasn't a bad thing either ! I had wondered how intense this could be.  As you read it, you will find it is way off the charts.  The world building was also off the charts good.  The people had depth to them as well and coming from such different backgrounds and personalities. You want emotions?  This story will reel you in on that too.

I will point out that for me when it switched to a different person "speaking" the transition was a little bit rough.  It usually took me a few sentences to realize, "Oh this is ___ speaking."  That kind of threw me off at first but I did adjust.  Just saying that wasn't as comfortable for me to get into another P.O.V.   That said the story was well worth it. 

   Tess is probably the most conflicted person, who is also struggling with who can she trust  But look of the stuff she had to go through and sometimes she was selfish and kind of snarky.  But she's maturing by the end of the book.  Oh, wait that was only the end of this book.  I didn't realize when I chose it that it was a series. Enjoyable, edge of seat story ended up covering a lot of questions being answered after twisting and turning. The next book will be looking at least a few major questions left undone for now. 

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

-NETGALLEY-

BOOK REVIEW- CODE NAME:GEMINI (Zodiac Tactical #6)by Janie Crouch & Danielle Haas

 

  

Tasha Volkov has been on the run for three years from a brutal cartel who want her dead.
Aka: her family.

She already paid a heavy price for crossing them, and has the scars to prove it. Her only choice is to keep running, even if the tiny town of Pine Valley feels more like home to her than anywhere else she's ever been.

The last place Zodiac Tactical agent Andrew Zimmerman expected to find the missing Volkov sister was with his friends at the Crossroads Mountain Retreat in the mountains of Tennessee—a place for wounded law enforcement and veterans to heal.

Tasha may not have been the one who gave the order that killed his wife—and very nearly killed him and his twin baby girls—but she can lead Andrew to the man who did.

And Andrew's willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen.

No matter how much Tasha's vulnerability pulls at him. No matter if everything about her screams innocent, not guilty. No matter how his gut says to keep her safe and close to him.

He thinks he knows all her secrets. But he doesn't.

Turns out, neither does she...

AMAZON LINK 

5 STARS

This was a 5 star story all the way.  Different in some of the best ways.  It was emotionally off the charts, without being mushy.  Both Andrew and Tasha they really pulled at the heart strings.  

The team that is more like brothers are there for Andrew and are willing to help him in any way that they can.  The team is trying to put a stop to the very violent Volkov family.  Roman Volkov is now the head of the group and is even worse than any before. 

Tasha, she doesn't want to run anymore but what can a girl do when Roman wants to kill her? She loves the town she landed.  As hard as she fought getting close to anyone, Laura has managed to "chisel" her way in.  So one more fear is placed on Tasha's shoulders.  She doesn't want her now best friend to get hurt just because she's around her.

Put your seat belt on for more surprises, twists and dangers as the story winds down.  It all comes to a good ending.

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.” 

+BOUGHT/ BOOK REVIEW- Taking on Goliath: (How to Stand Against the Spiritual Enemies in Your Life and Win)by Barbara J. Yoder

   

We live in a spiritual war zone, and we need to become a godly warrior generation that can confront the forces attempting tot thwart the purposes of God for His people today. Only an encounter with God will bring revolution and a supernatural faith that will apprehend the impossible, Taking on Goliath inspires the believer to arise as a warrior and go into all the world and change it.

 AMAZON PAPERBACK LINK

There are several points that really got my attention. There are demonic structures that sit at entrance to the new place. They are there to intimidate you and me. They are there to make us to waver and to threaten us with death. This evil power is trying to keep us in our old place of defeat or at least in a former arena of authority.  This power must be overcome. After David overcame Goliath, he was given a new place of being seen as a warrior. 

I also liked how the author explained what the Hebrew word Philistine meant. Meaning, "rolling up and down, migratory, changing geographical positions, rolling in dust or wallowing in self." 

Philistines battle against their enemies on several fronts  one time. That rang so true, since I see many people battling against challenges and it is coming against them in multiple ways at once. 

 Warriors are guardsmen.  The word "shamar" in Hebrew means guard. And it means that part of your warrior anointing is that you will guard what you have been entrusted with. 

They are also passionate warriors to bring change in the fight against evil.  They want God's Kingdom to come. Not to be confused with physical assault, it's to bring spiritual change.  

The section about Ignorance Opens a Door to the enemy was also enlightening part with just the title catching my attention all on its own.

There is so much more to this book that I really can't add so this is just a taste. 

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Once again it is mentioned that you need to ask the right questions. 

God's warriors have a violent spirit. We are not terrorists trying to overcome our country's government.  But our warfare is the fight against evil and to bring change for God's Kingdom. Warriors  are passionate for the Kingdom of God. I sure hope that doesn't get misunderstood. It was interesting to see that someone else brought that up too.

+BOUGHT/ BOOK REVIEW- Turning Your Adversity Into Victory by Jerry Sevelle

 

Savelle writes about God's plan for us, how we can stay focused on what God has for us and how we should prepare ourselves to allow Him to move mightily on our behalf.

AMAZON LINK 

 5 STARS

You get a really good look at the comparison between Negative effects and Positive effects of Hopelessness.   He makes a strong point that the positive effects has nothing to do with positive thinking. 

When he prays he expects results, but it's not arrogance.  If you pray for healing but don't expect to improve.  That is hopelessness. And hope deferred makes the heart sick which eventually affects the total person.  Good point. 

I like how the author wrote in ways that was easy to understand and relate to.  I enjoyed some of the personal stories that he shared as well as the Spiritual Laws.  All ending into the true fact that we have choices to make  Whether we will believe or not. 

 

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I especially liked when he mentioned that when Oral Roberts entered a room, they felt his presence.  Something came in with him. It changed the atmosphere, the same was said of Billy Graham. This is the way it should be with all  of us.  The anointing of the Lord should be so strong on us, that everywhere we go, people sense it. 

According to your expectation and your hope Philippians 1:20

+ BOUGHT/ BOOK REVIEW- Special Agent Hunter (Undercover FBI Book 10) by Mimi Barbour

 

Detective Cora Taylor isn’t expecting the cop who’d haunted her dreams for ten years to return and find her drunk, wearing a torn wedding dress, and surrounded by tiny, white puppies. Go figure her rotten luck. The last time they’d met, she’d been a sweet-looking rookie too fearful to shoot a killer who ended up later murdering a family of four. Guilt from that night changed her into a speed demon, a hardened detective with colorful language… in fact a whole new persona. One who wears too much makeup, bleaches her short messy hair, and has developed many professional skills that earn everyone’s respect.

Agent Kal Hunter remains flummoxed by the altered vision of the pony-tailed rookie he remembers as the sexy woman he sees today. Being OCD about most things in his world this unconventional female rings his bell constantly. Besides his need to have her assistance in stopping the ten-year-old, cold-case killer who’s again on a rampage, there is something about her he can’t resist. She’s her own boss, a cop who has no illusions. Yet when her shell is penetrated, there’s sweetness that rips a man to pieces. He has only one worry. When they meet up with the savage killer this time, will… can she take the shot?

BOUGHT @ AMAZON LINK 

5 STAR

A very unique story.   Starting with the very interesting main characters.  The first time that Cora and Kal meet back up is just as hilarious as the book information claims.  Although the reason that she is in that state is more serious.  As time goes on, it was easy to see why people adored Cora.  The tough detective with a heart as big as the sky when she needed to show it.  No wonder people would go out of their way for her.

Now, Kal took me a bit of time to warm up to.  Because his OCD ways made him fussy I wasn't sure about him.  And how in the world could wild Cora and fussy Kal work together as partners?  Partners in any way.  Kooky, Sam shows up and won't leave Kal alone even though Kal never wanted a dog.  But in this he really doesn't have a choice, Sam has adopted him and won't let go. 

He gave me many pages of enjoyment.  And so did the little fluffy puppy that decided that Cora was her person.  Cora really didn't have any idea how many people cared about her with such a passion.  Well, she knew her mother did and she did what she could to ease her mother's worry about her job.

Plenty of emotion, action, mysteries and that darn 10 year old case, that is cropping up again.  There is a startling discovery about what's going on with that.  With a dramatic ending and a H.E.A for Cora and Kal wrapping things up.   Oh, and finally a sweet, meaningful name for that puppy.

+BOUGHT- BOOK REVIEW- The Names of God by Marilyn Hickey

   

Each of God's names reveals a wonderful aspect about His nature that can meet your deepest needs, comfort you in times of personal tragedy, and release you to new heights of praise in times of joy. God is so vast that the heavens cannot contain likewise, His personality is so complex that one name cannot adequately describe Him. Throughout the Old Testament, God revealed Himself to His people through His various names. Marilyn's practical teaching on 19 different names of God will whet your appetite to pursue fully God's love and purpsoe for your life.

AMAZON PAPERBACK LINK 

5+ STARS

Finally, it was time. I had to go through my paper-book stash and start sorting them out.  I had already given quite a few to our local friends of the library collection.  Not only to help them raise money for the library but to also let others enjoy the books too.  I had this book in my hands and I remembered how excellent it was.  Of course, I had to open it up and take a look again. So.  That's how it happens that the Library won't be getting this one. Sorry, there will be other ones for you.  It's just too rich with content and I'm discovering answers to some questions and am revisiting other goodies.  Many of the Names of God I knew but Marilyn went even deeper with them. She really did her research adding names that I wasn't familiar with.  A woman of scripture all the way too. 

This one is now in my Keeper File for sure.  

 

 

 

Page 140- JEHOVAH ROPHE – Marilyn asked God what was the Balm of Gilead ? He answered in her spirit to look up GILEAD- it means “Praise”. What happens when you praise? You bring JEHOVAH ROPHE on the scene. You bring in healing.

BOOK REVIEW- Highland Surrender (Sons of Sinclair Book 5) by [Heather McCollum]

   .

Romance

Description

With his family’s honor on the line, Norse warrior Erik Halverson has no choice but to follow the orders of the royal house of Denmark. Now he must follow his destiny—and royal command—to sail to Scotland, find his enemy’s weakest link, and abduct her. Their mistake, of course, was thinking the Sinclair lass wouldn’t fight back.

From the moment her four brothers took control of their clan, Hannah Sinclair has learned to stand tall and defend herself. So when a big, brawny, and admittedly handsome warrior tries to abduct her, she isn’t about to give in. And the more he tries, the more she’s determined to make it as hard as possible...and enjoy it all the while.

Now Norway’s greatest warrior has a Highland hellcat on his hands, and Odin help him, he can’t resist her. But with the brutal Sinclair brothers coming after them, Erik is out of options. War is inevitable. And when a man is forced to choose between duty and passion, only one will win…

AMAZON LINK 

 4 STARS

This was a book that had interesting main characters, interesting supporting people, great world building and what seemed to me a slow start. All of these things making it harder for me to rate.  There were just some parts that I liked more than others.  

I will say that the little girls, Libby and Trix do add a lot of mischief to the story.  Those little girls were so brave, and adventurous, which led them into a lot of trouble. Hey, they just wanted to help. 

Although it did start out slower as it laid the foundation, it wasn't slow as things began to come to a clever conclusion.  It was emotional as well as satisfying. 

 

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

    -NETGALLEY-