This sequel to "No Safe Haven" is another great read, taking place in North Pole, Alaska. After Zoya witnesses a murder, she and her mother experience suspicious incidents at their kennel and in their lives. As friends and a new employee rally around to protect them, they grow in their faith in God. Zoya and Anesia, her mother, must let go of past disappointments and learn to trust God and those they love.
I give this book five stars for bringing so many things together in one story: military secrets, the danger of Alaskan terrain, single parenthood, and learning to trust God with the details of life. Having visited this area of Alaska, I loved reading about it.
Never did I think I would say "You HAVE to read this!" about a fictional book...but neither had I read Safely Home. This book is about two men who were roommates and friends in college but now are two worlds apart and haven't been in-touch for twenty years. When their paths finally cross once again they realize that they are two worlds apart spiritually speaking. As the story unfolds you find your self face-to-face with the persecuted church of China and the amazing love of a Savior and King.
I absolutely loved this book. My stomach churned at the thought of reading about people being persecuted, but once I began, I could not set it down. This thick fiction read gives you an eternal perspective on God's love and why "bad things" happen. While it seems trite to say, it's the simple truth - when I closed the cover on this book I was a different person. It brings to life before your eyes the power of prayer, the possible encouragement we have on a daily basis, and the powerful love of our God. You'll be left thinking about the profound question: "Is this the day I die?".
I highly - HIGHLY - recommend this book for teens and adults alike. While some of it won't be easy to read, you NEED to read it.
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This review copy was provided courtesy of Tyndale but the opinion expressed is my own.
The author, being a retired FBI agent, brings current news into this thriller in a most believable way. The characters were not super-heroes and had weaknesses of their own, drawing you into their story. With organized crime, neo-Nazis, terrorism, and the sex-slave industry all woven into the plot, you get a glimpse into our sinful society as it is today. You also gain an appreciation for those who are laying their lives on the line to fight it. I am in awe of what families of FBI agents must endure.
Because of the violence and sex-slave themes, I would not recommend this book for anyone under 16.
* * * * * This review copy was provided by B&H Publishing but the opinion expressed was in no way influenced.
Higley builds a suspenseful novel, based on history, that brings the New Testament to life. It shares the persecution of Christians in a vivid way and makes one question the strength of his/her own faith. As you follow the believers in their struggles against real principalities and powers of the air, you become more aware of the evils in your world today and how you can fight them through the power of Jesus Christ. I recommend this book to believers and non-believers alike. It would make a great gift.
BOOK OVERVIEW:
Petra, the wondrous ancient city carved from the mountains of modern Jordan, is at the height of its glory in this gripping historical novel by T. L. Higley. A young widow, Cassia, and her son, Alexander, have arrived there seeking protection with her late husband's estranged family. But when Cassia discovers the man she married was heir to the throne, the power-hungry Queen Hagiru plots to murder Alexander so that her own child will someday rule. The queen, priestess of the sun-god, Dushrat, calls on demonic powers in her quest, but Cassia is prepared for the fierce spiritual battle to save her son, joining a Roman named Julian and his community of believers in the Jewish Messiah. Together they seek a mighty movement of God far stronger than any dark heart or city made of stone.
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This book was provided for review courtesy of B&H Publishing but the opinions expressed our strictly our own.
These are a few of the things that this incredible dramatized audio book will give you as you sit on the edge of your seat with your ear tuned into the hair-raising suspense created by the master of writing - C.S. Lewis. He paints a vivid picture of what could be...what just might be...the life and purpose of demons. Be prepared to have your view of spiritual warfare forever altered by this heart-pounding fictional - yet not so fictional - tale of a demons plans and strategy for a believer's life.
Focus on the Family has brought this vivid imagery to audio life through amazing vocal talent and brilliant sound effects. In fact it is so realistic that I would be very cautious as to who I allowed to listen to this series. Most likely it is best for 12-years and older, but still with parental direction for a teen. However, let me not discourage you from listening together with your teen since it presents a powerful message that may be just what your teen needs to hear in our culture of apathy.
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This book gets awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction - Best Of The Best - for the fact that because it is so good, it has been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!
A must-read for anyone interested in how our government functions nowadays...this is an action-packed drama that keeps you interested, and yet could be right out of our newspapers today. Ralph Reed has been on the inside and knows his stuff.
BOOK OVERVIEW:
Newly elected U.S. president Bob Long is weighing reports of nuclear weapons in Iran when he learns Justice Peter Corbin Franklin, 86-year-old liberal conscience of the Supreme Court, has suffered a massive stroke. With pressing same-sex marriage and abortion laws as well as a huge antitrust case on the court's docket, the door is open for Long to appoint a conservative replacement, repaying the twenty-one million evangelicals who voted for him.
But it won't be that easy. Long suffers a series of political missteps while his court nominee, Marco Diaz, endures vicious character accusations in the media for his religious beliefs and rumors of a tragic past.
Meanwhile, terrorists in Iran have hijacked more nuclear materials and are threatening to bomb a major city if the U.S. or Israel attacks. Chaos reigns in the nation's capitol . . .
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This review copy was provided courtesy of B&H Publishing but the opinions expressed are my own.
There is not a dull moment nor a dull page in this easy reading, yet suspenseful book where the Christian faith and Muslim beliefs smash into each other in the defense of a murderer. Singer has written a wonderfully entertaining and fascinating story in this murder mystery and tucked in thoughts that will challenge your convictions along the way.
Fatal Convictions is a thick book but incredibly easy to read. I stayed up late to finish this book despite my eyes drooping with sleep just because it was that intriguing. I like how the chapters are short and self contained making it easy to read just a little bit here and there rather than having to have a chunk of time in order to feel like you grasp all the details.
The characters of this book are very real and it is easy to relate to their emotions through out the tangled trial they face. Singer writes enough history into the plot to make you understand the characters without being weighed down by too much detail. I appreciated how even the bad guys were written in a real dimension where I could at least understand and relate to their thoughts even if I did not agree.
Anyone who enjoys mystery, intrigue, and/or suspense will enjoy this book. I think those who normally don't read books like this - especially those where the plot is Christianity vs. Muslims - will find they actually enjoy this book because it weaves in much more to the plot than just Christianity vs. Muslim beliefs.
My only words of caution with this book is that there are several intense and gruesome scenes talking about the murders. I would advise parents to pre-read this book before letting a teen read it.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars! Enjoy the read!
BOOK OVERVIEW:
Young attorney Alexander Madison spent his weekdays chasing personal-injury cases and his weekends chasing souls as pastor of South Norfolk Community Church in Virginia Beach . Granted, it was an odd pairing, but it had its benefits. For one thing, he could do hospital visitation and seek out new clients at the same time.
While visiting an elderly congregant, he meets Muslim imam Khalid Mobassar whose wife is battling a brain injury after a serious car accident. Sensing a multi-thousand dollar or more lawsuit, Alex and his partner, Shannon, take the case. But no sooner is the ink dry on the contract when a firestorm ensues. The wife of a prominent Muslim leader in Virginia Beach , who was rumored to have converted to Christianity, is beheaded. And Alex and Shannon’s client is accused of being the mastermind behind it.
Everything inside Alex tells him to flee—to turn the case over to experienced defense lawyers and remain focused on his personal injury clients. But deep down he and Shannon believe that Mobassar is innocent, and despite intense pressure from Alex’s church, national media attention, and overwhelming evidence in the hands of the prosecution against Mobassar, they decide to take on the biggest murder case Virginia Beach has ever seen.
As Alex and Shannon dig into the case, and the evidence begins to mount, they discover that things aren’t always what they seem. When the imam’s beautiful daughter arrives from Lebanon to help with the case, Alex finds himself torn between his developing interest in her and his obligation to his client.
When another former Muslim woman winds up dead in a baptistery in Los Angeles , it only confirms that a brutal assassin is still on the loose. And if Alex doesn’t watch his back, he might be next.
AUTHOR BIO:
Randy Singer is a critically-acclaimed author and veteran trial lawyer. He has authored nine legal thrillers and one novella, including the 2003 Christy Award-winning Directed Verdict. In addition to serving as managing partner of the Singer Legal Group, and his writing, Randy serves as a teaching pastor for Trinity Church in Virginia Beach , VA , and is a professor at Regent University School of Law. More info at www.randysinger.net
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This review copy was provided courtesy of Side Door Communications in partnership with Tyndale House. The opinions expressed above are my own and in now way were they influenced by anyone else.
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GIVEAWAY!!!
You can leave a comment on this review from now until September 5th to be entered into the drawing for 1 free copy of this book!
Giveaway is only open to US addresses and you will be contacted if you win. The winner gets a certificate to redeem at your local book store or to send into Tyndale directly. A winner will be drawn at the close of the time period using Random. org.
There are not many suspense books that can keep me on the edge of my seat without freaking me out. This is one of the few that did just that.
I highly enjoyed the strong plot that twisted and turned just enough to make you keep guessing without becoming lost in a confusing tangle of characters. Both the storyline and the characters are easy to identify with as they deal with problems and emotions that many of us have either faced ourselves or through a friend. The thing I like the most about this book is that it is quality writing with an intriguing plot and a clean story line.
Though this is categorized as an adult fiction book, I would not mind my teen daughter reading it. Yes, there are some "scary" parts, but nothing that I feel that most of us (including teens) have not already thought about. Although, I would say it is best for ages 16 and above. The only weakness in my thoughts is the lack of clarity in the spiritual side of this book. While it addresses faith and it's place in our life, it was rather vague, leaving it up to the reader to apply it in whatever way they desired.
However, Missing Max will get your heart pounding and your mind running from the first page to the last page. There is never a dull moment or a lull in this book - I read every word (or listened to every word!). I really enjoyed the audio version and the superb narration. Karen Young has written a wonderful book for anyone who likes a good mystery without being scared silly. Be sure to add this book to your Summer reading list!
BOOK OVERVIEW:
When baby Max is kidnapped during Mardi Gras, Jane and Kyle Madison’s life falls apart. What their daughter, Melanie, does next is unthinkable. Max vanished into thin air while in the care of his teenage sister, Melanie. Six months later, the family is a shadow of its former self: Melanie blames herself and is acting out and rebellious; Jane is obsessed with finding Max; and Kyle, a lawyer, struggles to cope with his own grief—and a persistent suspicion that one of his cases is connected to Max’s disappearance. With her family in turmoil and her marriage on the rocks, Jane thinks things can’t get any worse. Then when an affair and an unexpected pregnancy threaten to tear the Madisons’ lives apart, an anonymous caller leads to a break in the case. Can a second kidnapping bring their family back together?
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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio through their blogger review program.
If you are headed out on a road trip with your older children or younger teenagers then you won't want to forget to pack this audio book!
Red Rock Mysteries had me on the edge of my seat and looking over my shoulder as I listened to it. Jenkins and Fabry have written an action packed mystery that is full of intrigue, fun, and great lessons. I enjoyed both the plots and characters alike. This set is two books in one and both stories are long enough to make a good mystery, but short enough to finish on a road trip.
This audio book is listed for children, but it could be scary for kids under 10 since some of the scenes are a little intense. (Car chase, intruder in the cabin...etc...) However, for a family with older children (or while younger ones are distracted) this makes a great family listen. It's a great way to create family memories while listening to good, clean, and wholesome entertainment.
BOOK OVERVIEW: Haunted Waters (Book 1): A crazy, wild drive from a deserted mining town makes it clear that someoneÃs after Bryce and Ashley Timberline. Will they survive long enough to find out who it is? Bryce and Ashley Timberline are normal 13-year-old twins, except for one thingóthey discover action-packed mystery wherever they go. Wanting to get to the bottom of any mystery, these twins find themselves on a nonstop search for truth. Stolen Secrets (Book 2): Bryce and Ashley Timberline wonder what their stepdad is hiding. As they discover more about his past, the twins fear all is not as it seems.What isnÃt their stepdad telling them? Bryce and Ashley Timberline are normal 13-year-old twins, except for one thingóthey discover action-packed mystery wherever they go. Wanting to get to the bottom of any mystery, these twins find themselves searching for truth without stopping.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Abigail Caldwell had no idea what she was getting into as she paddled her canoe down the jungle rivers in Papua New Guinea. All she knew was she had to save her tribe and to do that, she needed to get help. Even her daughter, Miraba needed her help. The expedition for aid turns into a life changing event for Abby as she not only leaves the only life she has ever known, but travels to a country so technologically advanced that the population has explained away God--and it's her responsibility to bring them back to their original faith. Follow Abby on a suspense-filled thriller that will leave you breathless until the very end!
Science fiction is not normally a genre I would even go near, but the blend of faith and science posed in the description of this book enticed me, and I was not disappointed! This plots begins thickly and strongly and carries through until the very last pages. There is not a wasted word in this entire book in my opinion. The characters are well-rounded and deep. Gregory weaves an enticing, yet believable tale of the characters as well as makes the science gobbledygook understandable to my non-scientific mind. He even weaves in sound Biblical truth that challenged me to live out my faith in a more passive way. (I know that sounds opposite to what Christianity is about, but just read the book and you will know exactly what I am talking about.)
A copy of this book was provided by Waterbrook Press for review purposes. Thank you!
Wow! It's full of suspense, intrigue, and hope in dire times. This genre is not normally something I look to read, but this story was captivating and interesting to read. I enjoyed the thick plot, the deep characters, and the well written story. The Last Christian is not only a good story, but also reminder to those of us to stand up for what is right. The look into the future with this book gave me a weird feeling and was sobering, but also believable. Anyone who enjoys a good mystery, a science novel, or futuristic fiction will have fun reading this book.
BOOK OVERVIEW:
In the future, it’s possible to live forever—but at what cost?
A.D. 2088.
Missionary daughter Abigail Caldwell emerges from the jungle for the first time in her thirty-four years, the sole survivor of a mysterious disease that killed her village. Abby goes to America, only to discover a nation where Christianity has completely died out. A curious message from her grandfather assigns her a surprising mission: re-introduce the Christian faith in America, no matter how insurmountable the odds.
But a larger threat looms. The world's leading artificial intelligence industrialist has perfected a technique for downloading the human brain into a silicon form. Brain transplants have begun, and with them comes the potential of eliminating physical death altogether—but at what expense?
As Abby navigates a society grown more addicted to stimulating the body than nurturing the soul, she and Creighton Daniels, a historian troubled by his father's unexpected death, become unwitting targets of powerful men who will stop at nothing to further their nefarious goals. Hanging in the balance—the spiritual future of all humanity.
In this fast-paced thriller, startling near-future science collides with thought-provoking religious themes to create a spell-binding "what-if?" novel.
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This review copy was provided courtesy of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. The opinions expressed are that of the reviewer and no compensation was made in anyway.
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GIVEAWAY!
I have one copy of this thrilling novel to giveaway!
You can enter by leaving a comment. (make sure you give a way to contact you!).
I would also appreciate any help to spread the word about this blog, so 1 extra enter will be award for each way you spread the word about this blog – just leave another comment for each thing you do!
A dangerous gamble... A terrible secret... A deadly choice...
Kathy Herman has written a suspense filled novel about the life of Police chief Brill Jessup and her family. This book primarily focuses on Brill's daughter, Vanessa, and the continued story from the previous book.
I enjoyed the twisting and turning plot that kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters and their stories are intriguing and lovable and the book is a good mix of romance, suspense, and mystery, with a sprinkling of faith.
I personally feel that this book is okay for an older teen to read. There were a few weak points in this book in my personal opinion, but nothing that would make me say to not read it.
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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio.
Colorado Springs, CO — Fiction lovers don’t need to budget to travel this spring break with Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group’s six full-length novels by beloved Christian authors (WaterBrook, February 16, 2010). At the low cost of only $5.99, these well-read “get-aways” provide quality entertainment at a price that any reader can afford.
Full-length novels offered include:
Secrets by Robin Jones Gunn - Jessica has moved to a new town to start a new life. But a friendly fire-fighter and a suspicious boss both want to know what she’s hiding.
Beneath a Southern Sky by Deborah Raney – Daria Camfield is expecting her first child when her husband Nate is reported dead on the mission field. Devastated, she returns to the States and soon marries again. But two years later Nate is found alive in the jungle. How can Daria possibly choose between he two men who love her?
The Golden Cross by Angela Elwell Hunt – Aidan O’Connor may be a poor barmaid but she’s also a gifted artists. When a famous cartographer takes her on as a student, Aidan is swept into an adventure that will bring her back to her heavenly Father, and into marriage with the love of her life.
Deep Harbor by Lisa Tawn Bergren – Tora, Elsa, Kaatje, and Karl face trouble, tragedy, and treachery across the Wast, Hawaii , Japan , and the high seas. These four immigrants from Bergen , Norway , each grow closer to God and learn afresh the value of faith, family, and coming alongside each other in times of need.
Faithful Heart by Al and Joanna Lacy – The adventures of certified medical nurse and dedicated Christian Breanna Baylor continue as she travels by wagon train to visit her sister, Dottie, in California . Little does she know that her most dangerous encounter might be with Jerrod, her brother-in-law, who’s suffering from dementia caused by combat fatigue.
Yesterday’s Promise by Linda Lee Chaikin – Rogan Chantry faces danger from tribesmen, ruthless politicians, and his own family as he searches for gold in South Africa . In England , his beloved Evy is injured by a mysterious assailant. The greed and intrigue surrounding the diamond mines could very well drive them irrevocably apart.
I was given the opportunity to review these two titles for this Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing blog tour:
For those who follow my reviews or know me personally, you know that I am not a big fan of romance fiction and that I try to be very careful of what novels I do read. So imagine my delight when coming across this jewel in a simple "Value Fiction Blog Tour"!
This story is riveting as you witness the unthinkable happen to a young missionary widow who is both grieving for her husband and celebrating the new life of her daughter. I really enjoyed this tale of tragedy and God's amazing grace and strength to live through the hardest moments a human can imagine.
Due to a few reference remarks, I personally would only recommend this book to adult women and not teen girls.
Yesterday's Promise is the second book in the East Of The Sun trilogy and yet it is possible to read it as a stand alone and still enjoy the story. Set in the 1800's, it's the story of aristocrat Rogan Chantry and Evy Varley and their love that is separated by mystery, blame, and intrigue until finally the truth sets them free. The plot is thick, the mystery deep, but if you enjoy historical romance and suspense this is a good read for a great value.
This was the first book I have read by Kathy Herman and now I understand why she is a best selling suspense novelist. I normally do not enjoy suspense, but this one was different. I actually enjoyed it.
While it is a suspense novel, it is also threaded with several other story lines. One being the current situation with Brill's daughter, Vanessa, and the second being from the past, which I assume is delt with in book one of this trilogy series. I was still able to understand and enjoy this book without having previously read book one, but it may be even more meaningful if you read them in order.
The plot is believable and has twists and turns that I didn't expect along with the ones that I did. They story challenges the way we view our circumstances showing us that God can use both good and bad in our eyes to bring glory to Himself. The characters face common, real life problems and emotions and you can find yourself relating to them and their struggles.
Overall this is a great book and one I would recommend to older teens or adults to enjoy for the sake of reading. However, I only gave it 3 out of 5 stars because I felt that the spiritual emphasis was on the weak side. If you want suspense, this is a very good book to read, but if you want more spiritual depth to your fiction, I would suggest something by Karen Kingsbury or Francine Rivers.
This review book was courtesy of TBB Media & David C. Cook
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Author Interview:
Why do you consider your novels to be Bible studies without the homework?
I guess because my characters ask the hard questions that we all ask—and struggle until they find answers. Even though my books are exciting and entertaining, I weave the morality struggles through the storyline right along with the suspense elements to keep the reader turning the pages. I like to think of my books as “no guilt” reading. It’s fiction, but with a biblical, inspirational message that is relevant to everyday life.
For those who didn’t catch the first installment in the series, can you give us a little background about Sophie Trace and its main characters?
Sophie Trace is a fictional town in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains (not far from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge). It’s pretty town of 13,000 and tourism is big. Many people who grew up here believe that a history of unexplained crimes is the work of the red shadows—the spirits of the departed Cherokee who roam the countryside seeking to do wreak havoc on the descendants of those who took their land.
In the first book, The Real Enemy, the main character, Brill Jessup, is the first female police chief in Sophie Trace. She took the position after a stellar eighteen-year career on the Memphis police force—mostly to escape some painful memories.
Brill and her husband, Kurt, are struggling through marital problems and are staying together to raise their youngest child, nine-year-old Emily. Their two oldest children, Ryan and Vanessa away at college.
While Brill is trying to cope with her unrelenting bitterness and un-forgiveness, she is faced with a series of bizarre disappearances in Sophie Trace—the biggest crime in the town’s history. She has to come to grips with the superstition around the red shadows legend and how it affects the community’s thinking—and figure out the truth of what’s going on.
Meanwhile, Kurt commits to winning her back by taking seriously the words of Romans 12:21, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” He strives to overcome the very evil he has created and put his family back together.
Tell us about the Scripture verse upon which The Last Word is based. Why is this theme so important to you?
The Last Word, the second book in the series, is based on Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes…”
I chose Romans 1:16 and built a story around it because there’s never been a time in history when believers have had a greater chance to make an impact on lost and dying world. With the Internet all the social networking venues, each of us has a chance to share our faith in ways never before possible. But so often, we don’t speak up. In fact, we don’t look or sound any different than the world. It’s as though we’ve lost our zeal for the Great Commission or simply don’t feel comfortable acting on it. My hope is that this riveting story will inspire believers to be ambassadors of the faith as we’ve been empowered to be.
Full of suspense, The Last Word follows Police Chief Brill Jessup as she tries to catch a killer on the loose. Can you describe Brill for us?
To quote her detective captain, “She’s a redheaded spitfire.” Brill’s intuition has served her well, and she can crack open a case faster than almost anyone. She’s an honest cop who brings a lot of experience to this town that is starting to experience big city crime. She’s principled. Fair. Tough. And prayerful. Her faith has been tested many times, not just on the job, but in her marriage. For Brill, law enforcement is much more than a job—it’s a calling. Though she doesn’t wear it on her sleeve, Brill strives hard to honor God in the way she treats her officers and the way she protects the community.
What dilemmas does Brill’s daughter, Vanessa, encounter during the book?
Vanessa has to decide whether or not to keep the baby she’s carrying or give him up for adoption. She’s single and still in college. The baby’s father is her psychology professor. And after she told him she was pregnant and then refused his ultimatum that she get an abortion, he disappeared without a trace. Vanessa is heartbroken but is crazy about the baby. She has no way to support him.
As if that weren’t enough, Vanessa is also friends with an old man who is dying—and she’s forced out of her comfort zone by some of his taunting spiritual questions and must decide whether she’s willing to stand up for her faith and tell him he needs Jesus. Especially when she knows she’s not a shining example of what a Christian should be.
Ultimately, Vanessa must confront the affair she had with her professor and admit to herself that it was sinful—and allow God to take away the guilt she doesn’t realize has crippled her relationship with God.
What we can expect from the last book in the trilogy?
More of the same fast-paced suspense! The final book, The Right Call, is based on 2 Peter 2:19, “For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.” It features a character from book two that everyone is going to be wondering about, and who will be a prominent character in my Langley Manor Trilogy coming in 2011. This is a story about choosing whom we will serve—and it’s serious business!
If you enjoy a good suspense filled, yet clean, mystery book...this is is the book for you! It's been several years since I read it (via audio book!) but it is fabulous! You will also enjoy other audio mysteries about Father Gilbert!
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Race Against Time: A Novel by Kayla Woodhouse
