kindle

TRACKING JUSTICE by Shirlee McCoy ~ My Review

/ Dora Hiers

About the book~
In the night, a young boy goes missing from his bedroom. Police detective Austin Black assures desperate single mother Eva Billows that he’ll find her son. He has to, so he can put to rest his own harrowing memories. With his search-and-rescue bloodhound, Justice, Austin searches every inch of Sagebrush, Texas. And when Eva insists on helping, Austin can’t turn her away. Eva trusts no one, especially police, but this time, Austin-and Justice-won’t let her down. 

In my humble opinion~
Have you ever fallen for a guy who turned out to be a liar and nothing but trouble? Eva Billows did, once, but she doesn’t intend to make that mistake again. Now a single mother, she vows to give Brady a better life, one that doesn’t include a man. Detective Austin Black has his own hangups about relationships after his last breakup and chose to give up dating rather than live with someone’s disappointment over missed birthdays and dinners, but he still longs for a family to come home to. When someone kidnaps Brady, Austin and his bloodhound, Justice, are called in to work the case. Fierce and protective as a Mama Bear, Austin can’t help but fall for Eva.

This book is part of a Love Inspired Suspense continuity series called Texas K-9 Unit. I tend to lose interest in continuities, so typically I don’t read them, but I couldn’t resist picking up a Shirlee McCoy book. McCoy crafted a well-constructed plot with characters you feel like you’ve known your entire life. And the romance? Sweet, with just enough conflict to keep you guessing if Eva and Austin will get their happily-ever-after. Clear your evening and curl up on the couch with a strong cup of coffee. You”ll want to read this book straight through to the end. Purchase Link

How do you feel about continuities? 
Do you enjoy reading all of them? Or are you like me and pick out one or two to read?

Disclaimer: A huge thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense for providing a free copy of Tracking Justice in exchange for my fair and unbiased review.

Sharing my Review of TAPESTRY OF TRUST by Mary Annslee Urban

/ Dora Hiers / 3 Comments

The Blurb:
Isabelle had always envisioned Charlie Hamilton as the hero depicted in the romantic tapestry hanging in the Hamilton home. Then Charlie abandoned her to make decisions no one should make alone. Now, six years later, Charlie’s back, and despite Isabelle’s best efforts, she can’t ignore the longing his presence reignites. Charlie wants a second chance, but can Isabelle trust the man he’s become? Can she surrender her threadbare heart long enough for God to weave Isabelle’s own happily-ever-after tapestry?

My Review:
What a powerful debut story by Mary Annslee Urban. Here’s an author who shares a story rich with emotions, specifically the pain, grief and destruction caused by deception. Make sure you have a tissue handy!
A deaf cat reintroduces the main characters, Charlie and Isabelle, after six years. Immediately, you knew this would be a story of forgiveness and healing, of second chances and extending grace. Without giving away any spoilers, I really enjoyed how the author threw in different twists, taking you in a different direction than what you expected. Ms. Urban created strong secondary characters as well, like Mrs. Hamilton, Charlie’s mother, and Brenda, Charlie’s secretary, who played a major role, especially toward the end.
If you prefer more sensuality in your reading, more sexual tension, this story probably isn’t for you. But, if you like stories with a powerful tug to your heart, definitely go for this one! Overall, this is a great read, and I absolutely love how Ms. Urban correlates the title, Tapestry of Trust, into the story. Well-done!

My Review of KICKING ETERNITY by Ann Lee Miller

/ Dora Hiers / 2 Comments

The Blurb:
Stuck in sleepy New Smyrna Beach one last summer, Raine socks away her camp pay checks, worries about her druggy brother, and ignores trouble: Cal Koomer. She’s a plane ticket away from teaching orphans in Africa, and not even Cal’s surfer six-pack and the chinks she spies in his rebel armor will derail her.

The artist in Cal begs to paint Raine’s ivory skin, high cheek bones, and internal sparklers behind her eyes, but falling for her would caterwaul him into his parents’ live. No thanks. The girl was self-righteous waiting to happen. Mom served sanctimony like vegetables, three servings a day, and he had a gut full.

Rec Director Drew taunts her with “Rainey” and calls her an enabler. He is so infernally there like a horsefly—till he buzzes back to his ex.

Raine’s brother tweaks. Her dream of Africa dies small deaths. Will she figure out what to fight for and what to free before it’s too late?

My Review:
I confess that Kicking Eternity started a little slow for me, but as I got to know each of the four main characters, I found myself warming to them, wanting to read on. 


One of Ms. Miller’s strong points was her sprinkling of sensory details. Details so vivid, you could practically feel the Florida beach sand sliding through your toes and the storm kicking up the waves. Kicking Eternity features relevant issues and great conflict: staunch Christian girl battles attraction to rebellious, non-conforming guy. A couple extra characters thrown in to muddy the mix is sure to be the start of a successful series for this author. Young adult readers on up will enjoy Ms. Miller’s unique and fresh writing style in Kicking Eternity. 

Disclosure: I received this book from the author for a fair and honest review.

Amazon buy link

About Ann: 

Ann Lee Miller earned a BA in creative writing from Ashland (OH) University and writes full-time in Phoenix, but left her heart in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where she grew up. She loves speaking to young adults and guest lectures on writing at several Arizona colleges. When she isn’t writing or muddling through some crisis—real or imagined—you’ll find her hiking in the Superstition Mountains with her husband or meddling in her kids’ lives.