The Crushing Depths by Dani Pettrey (Coastal Guardians series book 2)

Dani's newest release in the Coastal Guardians series, The Crushing Depths, starts off with a bang leading readers on a quite a ride as Coasties, Rissi and Mason, try to discover why a man is dead aboard an oil-rig in the ocean.

From the Back Cover:

When an accident claims the life of an oil-rig worker, Coast Guard Investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are flown to the scene thirty-eight miles from shore. Tensions aboard the rig are high, and the death has everyone on edge. Environmental activists just off the rig's starboard side are threatening to do whatever it takes to stop the "plague on the environment" from continuing its work. Meanwhile, rumors are circulating on board about an ancient curse lurking in the depths below.

Mounting evidence shows the death might not have been an accident. Was the man killed by one of the activists or, more frighteningly, a member of his own crew? Rissi and Mason have to sort through not only numerous suspects, but also their own haunted past and their attraction to each other.

Just as the case seems about to break open, worse news arrives: a tropical storm has turned their way. Now they're cut off from any rescue--right where the killer wants them.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book, and I thought it was even better than the first book in this series. Rissi and Mason's story has it all, murder mystery, legendary curse, frightening storm, and of course, a love story. It's fun to see these two longtime friends with a deep connection born out of adversity come back into each others lives after such a long time. The mystery throughout the story is fun to solve as the characters piece together more and more of the clues. This story also sets up some other fun interaction for the other characters on this CGIS team, and it's a great lead in for their upcoming stories. This book was quite a ride from cover to cover and I would highly recommend it.

My Rating: ★★★★★

***I received this complimentary book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The Great Farmapalooza by Jill Roman Lord; Illustrated by Kelly Breemer

Are you looking for a new board book for your child ages 1-5 years old? This cute new story, The Great Farmapalooza by Jill Roman Lord is a wonderful book to pick up and add to your library! So many animals in the barnyard and each one of them is praising the God who made them. The story has such cute rhyming phrases throughout the book, and the illustrations are colorful and fun to look at for your toddler or preschooler. The added flaps to open gives them a surprise on each page. I thought the book was well done and would be a wonderful addition to your home library!

You can see a sneak peek about this book on the following YouTube video done by B&H Publishing Group.


***I received this complimentary book from B&H Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The Heart of a Hero by Susan May Warren (Global Search and Rescue book 2)

The second book in Susan May Warren's Global Search and Rescue series has released, and this time readers get to hang on for a ride through a Category 5 Hurricane filled with more than just problems from the weather. So buckle up and get ready for an adventurous story about Aria and Jake.

From the Back Cover:

Jake Silver may not be able to put the memories of his time as a sniper and Navy SEAL behind him, but at least he can put his skills to use as a part of the Jones Inc. rescue team. Saving the life of pediatric heart surgeon Dr. Aria Sinclair on Denali helped too. But now he can't get her out of his head.

Aria has dedicated her life to helping children born with defective hearts. After all, she was one of those children. Driven to succeed, she lives a lonely, stressful life. One she would have lost on Denali if it hadn't been for Jake. Jake is exciting and handsome, but he's also dangerous, and she's already lost one person she loves. She can't bear it again.
It's not until she finds herself trapped in the middle of a Category 4 hurricane that she can admit she needs Jake desperately. With their very survival in the balance, can they hope for a second chance at life... and love?

My Thoughts:

This book is definitely packed with adventure. Once the storms start, it seems like they blow through one after another. Aria and Jake both have a lot of past baggage. The author does a good job helping the reader to see the internal struggle both Aria and Jake have with the heavy guilt they have unsuccessfully tried to overcome. I appreciated the wisdom shared with Aria and Jake from other minor characters throughout the story. It was encouraging. I also enjoyed the second story weaved throughout this book about Ham and what happened with Signe. This is an interesting mystery that keeps the reader guessing. I enjoyed reading this book and thought it was a fun, engaging story.

My Rating: ★★★★

***I received this complimentary copy from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The Killing Tide by Dani Pettrey

Since I live in a city that is known as Coast Guard City USA, I was excited to pick up Dani Pettrey's newest series, Coastal Guardians. The first book, The Killing Tide, takes readers on a wild ride with the Coast Guard as they investigate possible drug runners, murders and a lot of evidence that just doesn't add up.

From the Back Cover:
When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer's boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.

When investigative reporter--and Finn's boss's sister--Gabby Rowley arrives, her unrelenting questions complicate an already volatile situation. Now that she's back, the tug on Finn's heart is strong, but with the risks she's taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.

Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can't ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them. But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?

You can check out Dani's Pinterest board with inspiration about her characters by clicking here. 

My Thoughts:
This story was exciting from the first page. I love the Coast Guard, and my family's closest friends are in the Coast Guard. So when I read that one of my favorite authors was writing a series about the Coast Guard, I knew I definitely wanted to read this newest series. This story begins with a lot of characters on the CGIS team and flips around a lot by telling the story from several point-of-views. At first that was difficult to navigate and maybe that was due to me reading this as an e-book. But after I realized the story was shifting back and forth, I was able to recognize the change more readily. I think that all of the switching around for the point-of-views may be annoying for some, but I found that it gave a glimpse into each character to set up the rest of this series in future books. I like that Dani writes about a group of people and then gives each main character their own spotlight in a separate book. It creates that feeling of family. I also liked how Dani wrote in many of the silent prayers the team members had throughout the story. I thought it was a great way to communicate their relationship with God and show their dependence on Him as they lived their lives.
Gabby is quite the character, and can make even the most tolerant reader frustrated. She does go through a good change though as the story moves along. I will say that it's pretty unlikely that an investigative reporter would be allowed in on a CGIS investigation even if they are family. That seemed a little unbelievable for me.
Overall, the story was good, and many of the characters have interesting histories, so it will be fun to see what Dani does with that in future books. While I enjoyed reading this book and the fast-paced story, it was not my favorite of Dani's books. I'm hoping the next book, The Crushing Depths, is a better read.

My Rating:
★★★★

***I received this e-book from netgalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Stories That Bind Us by Susie Finkbeiner

Have you walked away from reading a book where the flow of thought was easy to read and the end of the story left you satisfied? Susie Finkbeiner's new book, Stories That Bind Us  is one of those stories.

From the Back Cover:

Betty Sweet never expected to be a widow at forty. With so much life still in front of her, she tries to figure out what's next, never imagining what God had in mind.

When her estranged sister returns to town, Betty finds herself taking on the care of a five-year-old nephew she never knew she had. In 1960's small-town Michigan, they make an odd pair. Betty with her pink button nose and bouffant hair. Hugo with his light brown skin and large brown eyes. But more powerful than what makes them different is what they share: the heartache of an empty space in their lives. Slowly, they will learn to trust one another as they discover common ground and healing through the magic of storytelling.

My Thoughts:

Now here is a story that is satisfying to read. Susie Finkbeiner touches all kinds of emotions as she leads the reader through a story that is mixed with shock, questioning, sadness, determination and joy. Since the story takes place in the 1960's, the author doesn't shy away from hard topics like racism, depression and anxiety, and death of a loved one, but brings them up with such care and grace throughout the book. I loved that the book takes place in my home state of Michigan. It's always fun to read about cities you're familiar with, and my home city of Grand Haven even got a mention. Betty Sweets' character is so down-to-earth, and I loved the stories she made up to tell her young nephew, Hugo. I can't say enough good about this book and would highly recommend it! You can check out her books by clicking here to visit her website.

My Rating: ★★★★★

*I received this complimentary book from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.