Deadly Intentions

Deadly Intentions
Lisa Harris
(Revell Publishing)
ISBN: 978-0800729165
August 2019/320 pages/$15.99
There is no such thing as random

Research scientist Caitlyn Lindsey is convinced that someone is taking out her team one by one. First, a friend and research partner was killed in a home invasion. Three months ago, her boss died in a suspicious car accident. Four days ago, another partner supposedly committed suicide. And now Caitlyn herself has miraculously survived a hit-and-run. Afraid for her life with nowhere to turn, she reaches out to one of the victims' husbands, Detective Josh Solomon.

Though initially skeptical about Caitlyn's theory, Josh soon realizes the attack that took his wife's life was anything but random. Now the two of them must discover the truth about who is after Caitlyn's team--and what their end game is--before it's too late.


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Harris is a bestselling author, a Christy Award winner, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel from Romantic Times for her novels Blood Covenant and Vendetta. The author of more than 40 books, including The Nikki Boyd Files and the Southern Crimes series, as well as Vanishing Point, A Secret to Die For, and Deadly Intentions, Harris and her family have spent over 16 years living as missionaries in southern Africa. Learn more at www.lisaharriswrites.com.


MY THOUGHTS

Lisa Harris remains firmly on my list of must-read authors with this latest release. Filled with danger and chillingly realistic, Deadly Intentions riveted my attention from the opening scene and didn't let go until the final page was turned. Caitlyn and Josh garnered my sympathy and admiration while being realistic and relatable. Harris deftly intersperses intrigue, perfectly paced romance, and plenty of twists and turns as matters of faith weave organically throughout this tale. As with all of her novels, determining the outcome was impossible until the satisfying ending. Deadly Intentions will keep you up into the wee hours but it's definitely worth the lost sleep. Add this book to your TBR pile today!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a digital copy of this book free from Baker/Revell Publishing. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

View blog reactions

A Secret to Die For

A Secret to Die For
Lisa Harris
(Revell)
ISBN: 978-0800729158
September 2018/336 pages/$14.99
Psychologist Grace Callahan has no idea that she has a secret--and a target on her back.

When one of her clients is murdered, Grace quickly realizes that computer security specialist Stephen Shaw wasn't suffering from paranoia. What she doesn't know is that someone believes Shaw gave her a vital piece of information before he died--and they are ready to silence her at any cost. Her only hope may be an old friend, Detective Nate Quinn, who has just been cleared for active duty after a bombing killed his partner and left him dealing with PTSD.

With her signature pulse-pounding suspense, bestselling author Lisa Harris takes you deep into the heart of fear in this race against the clock.


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Harris is a bestselling author, a Christy Award winner, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel from Romantic Times for her novels Blood Covenant and Vendetta. The author of more than thirty books, including Vendetta, Missing, Pursued, Vanishing Point, and the Southern Crimes series, Harris and her family have spent almost fifteen years living as missionaries in southern Africa. Learn more at www.lisaharriswrites.com.


MY THOUGHTS

Lisa Harris is on my short list of must-read suspense authors, and she nails it again with her newest release. Beginning with the heart-in-the-throat opening and continuing through the final sentence, A Secret to Die For riveted my attention. High stakes and non-stop action make the pages fairly crackle with tension, and the plot is all too believable in today's high-tech world. Harris adds the perfect touch of romance, upping the angst and weaving in poignant moments that make the heart pound for a completely different reason. Put this one at the top of your fall reading list. But fair warning: do not start this book right before bedtime like I did. You'll either sleep with the lights on or stay up all night to read it!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Baker/Revell Publishing. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

View blog reactions

ACFW 2018 Carol Award Finalists

Here are the finalists for the 2018 Carol Awards. The winners will be awarded during the gala awards dinner in Nashville as part of ACFW’s annual conference.

Contemporary

Maybe It’s You by Candace Calvert, Tyndale House, editors Sarah Rische and Jan Stob

(Click the title for my review.)

The Long Highway Home by Elizabeth Musser, ACFW Qualified Independently Published, editor LB Norton

A Fragile Hope by Cynthia Ruchti, Abingdon Press, editors Jamie Chavez and Ramona Richards

(Click the title for my review.)

Historical

Catching the Wind by Melanie Dobson, Tyndale House, editors Stephanie Broene and Sarah Rische

A Plain Leaving by Leslie Gould, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editors Dave Long and Jennifer Veilleux

Liar’s Winter by Cindy Sproles, Kregel Publications, editor Dawn Anderson

Historical Romance

A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editor Karen Schurrer

(Click the title for my review.)

The Road to Paradise by Karen Barnett, Waterbrook/Multnomah (Random House), editor Shannon Marchese

Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editors Jessica Barnes and Dave Long

(Click the title for my review.)

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller

Four Months in Cuba by Luana Ehrlich, ACFW Qualified Independently Published, editors Pat Brown and Jodi Shumway

Ghost Heart by Lisa Harris and Lynne Gentry, ACFW Qualified Independently Published, editor Ellen Tarver

Portrait of Vengeance by Carrie Stuart Parks, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Amanda Bostic and Erin Healy

Novella

Puzzle House by Lillian Duncan, Harbourlight Books (Pelican), editor Jamie West

An Awakened Heart by Jody Hedlund, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editor Dave Long

(How did I miss reviewing this? Loved this FREE prequel novella to Jody Hedlund's Orphan Train series!)

One Enchanted Noel from Enchanted: A Christmas Collection by Melissa Tagg, ACFW Qualified Independently Published, editor Terri Simmons

(Another reviewing fail! But I was captivated by this swoon-worthy novella by one of my fave romance authors!)

Romance

A New Shade of Summer by Nicole Deese, Waterfall Press, editors Amy Hosford and Sheryl Zajechowski

Then There Was You by Kara Isaac, ACFW Qualified Independently Published, editors Iola Goulton and Halee Matthews

A Matter of Trust by Susan May Warren, Revell - A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editors Andrea Doering and Kristin Kornoelje

Romantic Suspense

Justice Buried by Patricia Bradley, Revell - A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editors Lonnie Hull DuPont and Kristin Kornoelje

(Click the title for my review.)

Fatal Mistake by Susan Sleeman, Faith Words (Hachette), editor Christina Boys

The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editor Raela Schoenherr

Short Novel

Christmas at Carnton by Tamera Alexander, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Ami McConnell Abston and Becky Philpott

(Click the title for my review.)

A Sweetwater River Romance by Misty M. Beller, ACFW Qualified Independently Published, editor Robin Patchen

Claiming Her Cowboy by Tina Radcliffe, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editors Melissa Endlich and Giselle Regus

Speculative

Awakened by Morgan L. Busse, Enclave Publishing, editor Reagen Reed

Huntress by Julie Hall, Independently Published, editor Rachel Starr Thomson

King’s Blood by Jill Williamson, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editors Dave Long and Elisa Tally

Young Adult

For Love & Honor by Jody Hedlund, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editor Sara Bierling

Playing by Heart by Carmela Martino, Vinspire Publishing, editor Dawn Carrington

Betrayal of the Band by Sarah Tipton, Watershed Books (Pelican Book Group), editor Jamie West

Debut

Freedom’s Ring by Heidi Chiavaroli, Tyndale House, editors Caleb Sjogren and Jan Stob

If We Make It Home by Christina Suzann Nelson, Kregel Publications, editor Dawn Anderson

Lady Jayne Disappears by Joanna Davidson Politano, Revell - A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editors Barbara Barnes and Vicki Crumpton

(Fascinating debut novel. I purchased it, inhaled it, but never reviewed it. I'll be looking for more from this talented author.)

Congratulations!

View blog reactions

Vanishing Point

Vanishing Point:
A Nikki Boyd Novel
Lisa Harris
(Revell)
ISBN: 978-0800728489
November 2017/320 pages/$15.99
Six girls missing . . . and every clue leads to a dead end

During Garrett Addison's first week on the job as a criminal investigator for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, his team is called out to a murder scene of a young girl. She's just one in a string of disappearances with one thing in common--a Polaroid photo of each victim left behind at the crime scene.

The FBI is pulled into the case to help, and Garrett finds himself working with Special Agent Jordan Lambert, the woman he once loved. When yet another girl dies, Garrett wonders whether he really has what it takes to be an agent. Maybe he should just walk. But while he may be done with the killer, the killer is not done with him--or Jordan.


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Harris is a bestselling author, a Christy Award winner, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 and 2015 from Romantic Times for her novels Blood Covenant and Vendetta. The author of more than thirty books, including Vendetta, Missing, Pursued, and the Southern Crimes series, Harris and her family have spent fourteen years living as missionaries in southern Africa. Learn more at www.lisaharriswrites.com.

MY THOUGHTS

Wow. Lisa Harris is one of my go-to authors for great romantic suspense but this latest novel even tops her previous offerings. Harris held me captive and wide-eyed from the opening scenes of this tale that spans a variety of years as she smoothly bridges timespans between a serial killer's activities. Compelling and believable characters and chilling scenes make this book impossible to put down, and I read it on a long Saturday afternoon. The relationship between Jordan and Garrett is perfectly paced. My only recommendation is not to start this late in the evening, as you won't get any sleep! Anyone who can read this sedately and set it aside after only a chapter or two does not fully engage with the novel. A great gift for the bookworm you know, Vanishing Point is highly recommended!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Revell Publishing for a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

View blog reactions

Missing by Lisa Harris

Missing
(The Nikki Boyd Files)
Lisa Harris
(Revell)
ISBN: 978-0800724191
July 2016/320 pages/$14.99
Nikki Boyd Enters the Deadly World of Counterfeit Drugs to Find a Missing Woman

Nikki Boyd isn't usually called in on homicides; her forte is missing persons. But when a case with two murdered and two missing pops up on a quiet suburban street, she's ready to start the investigation and find missing homeowners Mac and Lucy Hudson. When the first clues lead her to the boat of her friend Tyler Grant--and another dead body--Nikki must untangle what ties Tyler to the Hudsons. The clues pull her into a deadly maze of counterfeit drugs and a killer who will stop at nothing to silence anyone who threatens his business--including Nikki.

Christy Award-winning and bestselling author Lisa Harris puts you right into the action in this fast-paced thriller.

Read an excerpt.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Harris is a bestselling author, a Christy Award winner, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 from Romantic Times. She has sold over thirty novels and novella collections. Along with her husband, she and her three children have spent over ten years living as missionaries in Africa where she homeschools, leads a women's group, and runs a nonprofit organization that works alongside their church-planting ministry. The ECHO Project works in southern Africa promoting Education, Compassion, Health, and Opportunity and is a way for her to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves . . . the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice" (Proverbs 31:8).

When she's not working, she loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. For more information about her books and life in Africa, visit her website at www.lisaharriswrites.com or her blog at myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com. For more information about The ECHO Project, please visit www.theECHOproject.org.


MY THOUGHTS

I loved Vendetta, the first book in The Nikki Boyd Files series, and have been not-so-patiently awaiting the release of Missing. Once again, Lisa Harris pulls out all the stops with this heart-pounding suspense that kept me guessing until the final pages. Time stamps at the beginning of every chapter accelerate the urgency to locate Lucy, especially as the body count rises. Nikki Boyd maintains a tough and seemingly unflappable facade as a Special Agent, yet she harbors a loyal and caring heart, and Harris perfectly balances and blends these traits into a respected and engaging character. The twists involving Tyler and his boat are brilliantly designed and executed. In fact, I'm not sure I dislike anything about this novel - except perhaps the fact that it ended far too soon! Don't let the summer wane without reading Missing!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a digital copy of this book free from Baker/Revell Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”



THE NIKKI BOYD FILES - My Reviews
Vendetta

View blog reactions

Christy Award Finalists Announced!

The Christy Awards Advisory Board announced the finalists for the 2016 Christy Awards yesterday. This award honors excellence in Christian fiction.

What a great group of finalists! I would be hard-pressed to choose the winner in several of these categories, or if I did, it would be a narrow win! I'm thrilled with the list of finalists as they are some of my personal favorite books from 2015. Click on the linked titles to read my reviews. I think this is a record-setting year for the number of finalist books I have read and reviewed. This is a great resource to use to build your personal summer reading list!

The 2016 Christy Awards finalists are:

CONTEMPORARY

The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert (WaterBrook Press)
As Waters Gone By by Cynthia Ruchti (Abingdon Press)
The Sea Keeper’s Daughters by Lisa Wingate (Tyndale House Publishers)


CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE/SUSPENSE

Falling Like Snowflakes by Denise Hunter (Thomas Nelson, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck (Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing)


CONTEMPORARY SERIES

Anna’s Healing by Vannetta Chapman (Harvest House Publishers)
Come Rain or Come Shine by Jan Karon (G.P. Putnam’s Sons)
Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth K. Vogt (Howard Books)

FIRST NOVEL

The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker (Tyndale House Publishers)
Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group) (I can't believe I missed reviewing this one. It intrigued me so I bought a copy and LOVED. IT.)


HISTORICAL

The Girl from the Train by Irma Joubert (Thomas Nelson, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
Secrets She Kept by Cathy Gohlke (Tyndale House Publishers)
The Wood’s Edge by Lori Benton (WaterBrook Press)

HISTORICAL ROMANCE
(Four finalists due to a tie)


Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
The Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. White (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group) (Another book that I stumbled across, bought a copy, and loved so much that I begged the author to let me be on her influencer team for her next release!)
Luther and Katharina by Jody Hedlund (WaterBrook Press)
To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander (Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing)


SUSPENSE

The Bones Will Speak by Carrie Stuart Parks (Thomas Nelson, a division of Harper Collins Christian Publishing)
Twisted Innocence by Terri Blackstock (Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
Vendetta by Lisa Harris (Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group)


VISIONARY

The Five Times I Met Myself by James L. Rubart (Thomas Nelson, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
A Time to Speak by Nadine Brandes (Enclave Publishing)
Waking Beauty by Sarah E. Morin (Enclave Publishing)


YOUNG ADULT

The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker (Tyndale House Publishers)
Rebel by R.J. Anderson (Enclave Publishing)
To Get to You by Joanne Bischof (Independently Published)


Award winners will be announced via an online event at www.christyawards.com at 4 p.m. (EDT), Mon., June 27, 2016.

“For sixteen years we have hosted the awards at a dinner held in conjunction with the International Christian Retail Show,” said Donna Kehoe, executive director of the Christy Awards. “We value memories of the synergy among authors, agents, media, and all those in the publishing industry; the challenges given by outstanding keynoters; and the legacy of honoring those who write powerful, faith-infused stories. Due to the changing nature of the industry, however, we are transitioning to new ways of acknowledging the winners while remaining committed to awarding and promoting excellence in Christian fiction.”



It's a shame that they aren't having the big ceremony this year. I was blessed to have the opportunity to attend several years and it was an incredible event. I do wish they were having the online event in the evening so that it would be more accessible to working folks. But I will be eagerly watching for news of the winners!

View blog reactions