A Blizzard of January Releases to Keep You Guessing

Note: Clicking on the picture of the book will take you to Amazon. I am an Amazon affiliate. Net Galley sends me advanced digital copies of these books in exchange for my honest opinion on their website. I only feature books that I really love on my blog.

I ended up with a blizzard of books to read between New Year’s Day and today because I forgot my own rule for NetGalley: Don’t request more books than you can handle!

Need to Know–January 23

By Karen Cleveland

Before the index, the author plants a quote by Oscar Wilde, “When one is in love, one always begins by deceiving one’s self, and one always ends by deceiving others. That is what the world calls a romance.” Somehow, I missed this quote when my Kindle app took me straight to the first page of the story.  Make sure you don’t miss it!

Vivian Miller, counterintelligence analyst for the CIA, tells her story in first person. Life as she knows it upends when she discovers a photo of her husband on her computer at work—in the files of a suspected Russian sleeper-cell handler. With four children under the age of 10, Vivian battles mommy guilt, daycare woes, and now the horrible suspicion that her beloved husband Matt isn’t what he seems.

Cleveland’s tale will take you on a wild ride with as many twists and turns as a Six Flags high-speed ride. The issues of mommy guilt and a woman’s desire to contribute to both society and her family will make you think about how you handled those questions (or will handle them—depending on your age). Guys reading this book will find a great role model in Matt—a man’s man who works from home, does the cooking, and primary caretaking for the kids.

As Vivian’s life unravels, she has frequent flashbacks to key points in her life that chip away at her faith in Matt. In the end, the only thing she knows for sure is that she will do anything to protect her children. A battle of Russian bear v. momma bear ensues as Vivian discovers the depths of her resolve.

The Lacemaker—January 2

by Laura Frantz

The eve of Independence for the American Colonies looks different through the eyes of a loyalist’s daughter. Lady Elisabeth awaits her arranged marriage to Miles Roth, hoping that her father has chosen wisely for her, and mildly disappointed that she has scarce said more than a few words to man she will spend the rest of her life with.

Lady Elisabeth worries about her future happiness when Miles fails to show up for their betrothal ball. He sends his cousin, Nobel Ryllant to escort Lady Elisabeth. Sheltered from birth, Lady Elisabeth has never fended for herself in any way—and accepting an escort from a veritable stranger tests her composure to the limit. But more difficult trials await.

Events in the colonies’ quest for independence throw her entire future into question—as well as her past. She must decide if she will remain loyal to king and country, or follow her heart and stay faithful to her conscience—even if it means giving up everything that she knows and loves.

Nobel Ryllant, Welshman and Independence Man can’t understand his attraction to a loyalist—and one betrothed to his cousin, as well. But each time he comes in contact with Lady Elisabeth, he finds more to admire.

Franz writes books like the old masters painted. Layers upon layers of texture, color, and nuanced shading produce a masterpiece that glows from within. The reader will wish to linger long longer when the book ends.

Oath of Honor—January 2, 2018

By Lynette Eason

Isabelle ‘Izzy’ St. John has the privilege of partnering with her life-Long friend Kevin Marshall on the Columbus, SC police department. They’ve known each other their entire lives, and Kevin has a habit of pulling Izzy into situations that make her uncomfortable—like bungee jumping and off-duty stakeouts.

When a warehouse stake out goes tragically awry, Izzy races to find the culprits—unaware that they’re racing to find her. Her partner’s brother, fellow police officer, and girlhood crush becomes a rock of protection as the dangers increase.

Eason has crafted an engaging suspense novel that keeps you up late at night trying to unravel the mystery. This first in a series book stands alone (readers don’t get left hanging). The subsequent books will feature Izzy’s five siblings.

If you need something to occupy you during a winter blizzard, grab this book and a mug of cocoa!