The Cost of Betrayal: Henderson, Pettrey, and Eason

By Kelly Bridgewater

In Dee Henderson's novella "Betrayed," Janelle Roberts is freed--thanks to people she doesn't know--after serving six years of a twenty-year sentence for a murder she did not commit. But a murderer is still at large, and Janelle needs to be somewhere safe with someone she can trust. She may not survive another betrayal.

In Dani Pettrey's "Deadly Isle," Tennyson Kent is trapped on the isolated island of her childhood by a storm surge, and she is shocked when the typically idyllic community turns into the hunting grounds of a murderer. Cut off from any help from the mainland, will she and first love Callen Frost be able to identify and stop a killer bent on betrayal before they become the next victims?

In Lynette Eason's "Code of Ethics," trauma surgeon Ruthie St. John saves the life of Detective Isaac Martinez. After a betrayal leads to him getting shot and then attacked while in recovery, Isaac is now a key witness determined to testify. But someone is intent on silencing him--and those around him--forever. Together, Ruthie and Isaac go on the run, desperate to escape the killers hunting him. 

From Amazon

My Thoughts:

I enjoy a good novella collection especially when it features three of my favorite romantic suspense authors: Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey, and Lynette Eason. All of these authors have captured my attention in their full length novels, and I enjoyed their past novella collaboration Sins of the Past. I couldn't wait to get my hands on their new collection, The Cost of Betrayal. Even though all three novels have to do with Betrayal of some sort, each individual novel stands alone.

"Betrayed" by Dee Henderson

The novella starts with a familiar couple I was introduced to for the first time in Full Disclosure, Paul and Anna. So if you are familiar with that novel than you might find it enduring to have them come back and try to solve a mystery. This time the mystery centers around a jewelry box that Anna purchases at an auction with a pocket knife inside. With a number of research, Anna finds out the knife belongs to a young lady doing time for murdering her boyfriend. As the story progresses, I watch Anna as she explains her theories to Paul. The story moves pretty quickly and kept my attention. I enjoyed seeing familiar characters return. BUT . . . I felt cheated with the ending. Henderson left us with three different type of endings of how Alex could have died. She really didn't answer the question on who killed him. I read mysteries to see who did it. I didn't get it this time.

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

"Deadly Isle" by Dani Pettrey

The people are completely new, but the setting, I believe, is the setting for Pettrey's new series, so I believe these characters might have a comeback. While the story does move at a quick pace, I think the story was too condensed to be a well-written story. The ending moved quickly, and I had a hard time buying who the bad guy is. The writing is clear, and the tension is top-notch, which proves why Pettrey is top in the romantic suspense genre. I can't wait for her next series.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

"Code of Ethics" by Lynette Eason

If you are familiar with her Blue Justice series, than the last name St. James should be familiar to the reader. This story is about Ruthie, the surgeon. The sister who didn't become a member of the police force. The tension started right from the beginning and grasped my attention. Eason definitely proves why she keeps writing wonderful suspense stories and keeps her audience's attention. I loved seeing familiar characters and can't wait t read the next book in the Blue Justice series with Code of Valor. The tension is top notch, and I figured out the bad guy before Eason showed me. I can't wait to read more by Eason.

My Rating:  4.5 out of 5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of The Cost of Betrayal by Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey, and Lynette Eason from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Overall Rating:  4 out of 5 stars

About the Authors:

From Amazon

Dee Henderson

Dee Henderson is the author of 14 best-selling novels, including the acclaimed O'Malley series and the Uncommon Heroes series. As a leader in the inspirational romantic suspense category, her books have won or been nominated for several prestigious industry awards, including the RWA's RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Gold Medallion, the Holt Medallion, the National Readers' Choice Award, and the Golden Quill. Dee is a lifelong resident of Illinois and is active online. Visit her at www.deehenderson.com. (Taken from Amazon.)

Dani Pettrey

From Amazon

Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as "a name to look for in romantic suspense," Dani Pettrey has sold more than 400,000 copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their "wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters" (Publishers Weekly), "gripping storyline[s]," (RT Book Reviews), and "sizzling undercurrent of romance" (USA Today).

Her Alaskan Courage series and Chesapeake Valor series have received praise from readers and critics alike and spent multiple months topping the CBA bestseller lists. Dani has also been honored with multiple awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award, two HOLT Medallions, a Christy Award finalist, two National Readers' Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing's Best Award. (Taken from Amazon.)

Lynette Eason

From Amazon

Award-winning, best-selling author, Lynette Eason writes for Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense line and for Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Her books have hit the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists and have won numerous awards such as the prestigious Carol Award, the Selah, the Daphne, the IRCC award and more. Lynette is married, has two children, and lives in Greenville, SC. (Taken from Amazon.)

Job 1: 8 -12

By Kelly Bridgewater

For the last two weeks, I have shared some passages from Job, and how I believe Satan must be working really hard to keep me busy since I refuse to give up my faith on God.

I honestly feel like everything that can go wrong always goes wrong with my life.

I can't find a job, even a FREE paying job, to do to use my degree.

I can't have enough money to go on nice vacations.

I can't have enough money to drive nice cars. All of our cars are at least twenty years old.

BUT . . .

even though, my life has been rough.

I still praise God. Whenever I feel depressed, which happens A LOT, I spend a lot of time listening to praise and worship music. It lifts my spirit and brings me back to commune with God.

How about you?

Do you ever feel like Satan is just sitting around thinking of ways to torture you?

Just because I believe in God and claim him as the Lord of my life, Satan thinks he can torture me.

But then again, I remember God is in charge. NOT Satan.

He really has no power over me.

I can tell him to leave.

Which I do A LOT.

God LOVES ME and wants what is best for me.

Even when I don't understand why everything has to break at once.

Feel free to leave some suggestions and prayers for me. I definitely need them.

Mario Escobar: Auschwitz Lullaby

By Kelly Bridgewater

Auschwitz Lullaby brings to life the story of Helene Hannemann—a woman who sacrificed everything for family and fought furiously for the children she hoped to save.

On an otherwise ordinary morning in 1943, Helene Hannemann is preparing her five children for the day when the German police arrive at her home. Helene’s worst fears come true when the police, under strict orders from the SS, demand that her children and husband, all of Romani heritage, be taken into custody. Though Helene is German and safe from the forces invading her home, she refuses to leave her family—sealing her fate in a way she never could have imagined.

After a terrifying trek across the continent, Helene and her family arrive at Auschwitz and are thrown into the chaos of the camp. Her husband, Johann, is separated from them, but Helene remains fiercely protective of her children and those around her. When the powers-that-be discover that Helene is not only a German but also a trained nurse, she is forced into service at the camp hospital, which is overseen by the notorious Dr. Mengele himself.

Helene is under no illusions in terms of Dr. Mengele’s intentions, but she agrees to cooperate when he asks her to organize a day care and school for the Romani children in the camp. Though physically and emotionally brutalized by the conditions at Auschwitz, Helene musters the strength to protect the children in her care at any cost. Through sheer force of will, Helene provides a haven for the children of Auschwitz—an act of kindness and selflessness so great that it illuminates the darkest night of human history.

Based on a true story, Mario Escobar’s Auschwitz Lullaby demonstrates the power of sacrifice and the strength of human dignity—even when all hope seems lost.

From Amazon

My Thoughts:

World War II fascinates me. I don't know why. Maybe it is because of the cause for the young men and women who weren't afraid to take up arms and defend our country and the less fortunate. That doesn't happen anymore. Most people whine and don't stand for nothing, but the wrong things. Off my soap box. Auschwitz Lullaby by Mario Escobar is an interesting take on a different part of Auschwitz. I for one did not know that there were two of them. I have heard about the horrible things that occurred at Auschwitz. There is even a survivor living in our town who owns a Holocaust museum.

Escobar's writing was vivid and scary. Not in a sick way.  But a way to show the truth. I could visualize all the horrible surroundings in Auschwitz II, and the horrible conditions made me sick to my stomach. I couldn't imagine trying to survive with my children in such deplorable conditions. He did a great job at sticking to Helene's perspective throughout the entire novel. He did not jump into the children's perspective or Dr. Mengele's.

The plot was interesting, yet sad. I have read a number of Holocaust stories, and it always makes me sick that anyone would be so cruel to others just because of the way they look or the religion they confess. Escobar's novel moved quite rapidly. I really wanted to see Helene and her five children survive. But I had a suspicion in the back of my mind that something would happen to her twins because of Dr. Mengele's widely known experiments.

Helene, as the heroine, faced a huge issue. She chose the least traveled road and stood up a number of times to Dr. Mengele in the face of adversity. I admired her courage. I feel like I would be meaner and stand up to the guards because it is wrong, but I probably would have been shot too. Helene was a brave and strong character. A true testament to the greatest generation. They were brave and stood up for what they believed while living in hell. I admire Helene for her bravery.

As a word of caution: This is a Holocaust novel that takes place at Auschwitz, so there are a number of graphic scenes that might make some readers uneasy.

Overall, Auschwitz Lullaby by Mario Escobar is a heart-wrenching look into how far a mother would go to protect her children. With true bravery, Escobar has written a tale in honor of the mountains of innocent lives lost to the Holocaust. I truly enjoyed this novel. Fans of Joel Roseberg's The Auschwitz Escape, Kate Breslin, and Kristy Cambron's World War II novels should pick up this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of Auschwitz Lullaby by Mario Escobar from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About the Author:

From Amazon

 Mario Escobar Golderos (Madrid, Spain) has a degree in History, with an advanced studies diploma in Modern History. He has written numerous books and articles about the Inquisition, the Protestant Reformation, and religious sects. He is the directs the magazine Nueva historia para el debate, in addition to being a contributing columnist in various publications. Passionate about history and its mysteries, Escobar has delved into the depths of church history, the different sectarian groups that have struggled therein, and the discovery and colonization of the Americas. He specializes in the lives of unorthodox Spaniards and Americans. Books. (Taken from Amazon)

Job 1: 8 -12

By Kelly Bridgewater

Last week, I share some verses from the first chapter of Job. This is the part where Satan approached the Lord and asked him to touch all of Job's possessions. By doing this, Satan believed God would curse God and deny God.

But as we all know, Job listened to the voices of some of his friends and his first wife, trying to take in their counsel.

My favorite part of the whole book is Job 40 when God finally answers Job. He basically gets in his face and proclaims, "Where were you when I created the earth? What gives you the authority to question my discussions?"

Of course, toward the end, Job is humbled and praise God for his thinking, even though he has lost everything. But because he never lost faith in God, God restored all his things and his health more than he used to have.

I have been feeling like Job lately.

On January 2, my washer back up into my kitchen. What a mess!

On January 5th, our furnace stopped heating our house. When the temperature fell to -15 in January, we had the furnace barely running and keeping our house at 58 degrees. We had a company look at the furnace, but they thought it was the thermostat. I disagreed. We had to take that furnace out and put a new one in.

On January 12th, the water line under our house in the crawl space busted, filling our crawl space with over a three feet of water. In subzero's temperature, we had to draw the water out from under the

house.

On February 28th, the transmission went out on my Suburban.  One week later, my husband's engine gasket blew, so we had no vehicles.

Then the water tank under the house broke, so we had no water pressure and the tank made a really loud clanking noise until we could put a new one in.

Water still leaks into our crawl space, and we don't know where it comes from.

I feel like Job. Did Satan approach the throne of God and ask to torture my family?

Have you ever felt like this? Wanting to know why everything that can go wrong is going wrong.

We have had some trusted Christian friends proclaim, "Then you must be doing something right for God because if Satan can't make you fail then he will keep you busy."

Obviously, we must be doing something right.

Tracie Peterson: In Dreams Forgotten

By Kelly Bridgewater

Judith Gladstone came to San Francisco after her parents died to find her last living relative, an aunt she has never met. Instead she has fallen head over heels in love with Caleb Coulter, her friend's brother. Caleb has promised to help Judith find her aunt, but she can tell he thinks of her only as a friend, and she struggles to hide her feelings.

When Caleb traces Judith's aunt to the wealthy Whitley family, Judith is reunited with her long-lost relatives. The truths she learns about her past and her parents are shocking and overwhelming, however, and the more she gets to know her new family, the more danger she uncovers. Someone does not want Judith in the picture, and they will do whatever it takes to get rid of her.

From Amazon

My Thoughts:

In Dreams Forgotten by Tracie Peterson is predictable historical romance with a couple of twists and turns thrown in for good measure. I haven't read a lot of Peterson, but I do enjoy a good historical romance in the early twentieth century, so I have picked up and enjoyed this series.

My favorite part of the novel is the setting. It is nice to return to familiar characters from In Places Hidden and roam around San Francisco around the turn of the century. Peterson doesn't just allow her past characters to make one appearance to catch us up on their lives, she actually allows them to roam the pages of the story, being an important part of the novel. I loved how Peterson draws my attention to the setting with the beautiful Whitley house and grounds.

It was nice getting to know more on the background of Judith and watch her interact with her new family and see her emotions blossom for Caleb. Even Caleb starts to feel emotions for Judith. He worries about her while she is hanging out with her new family. He makes up ideas to visit her and see how she is doing. Judith can't stop thinking of Caleb and how she wants to marry for love, not an arranged marriage like her cousin, Victoria.

The plot moved pretty quickly. There is a twist with Judith's new family, and I pretty much picked out the person as soon as he entered on the page. He just didn't seem right to me. Peterson proved me right. As for the plot, it held my attention and had enough drama to keep me turning the pages.

Overall, In Dreams Forgotten by Tracie Peterson, the setting is my favorite part of the novel. I really enjoy stories which feature reoccurring characters, and the twists of the plot kept me flipping through the novel in a rapid fashion.

From Amazon

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About the Author:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

Visit Tracie's web site at: http://www.traciepeterson.com