romantic suspense

Book Things Thursday

August 28, 2025 by Mary Pat Johns

Mary Pat’s review of Hidden Legacy by Christina Rost

I enjoyed Best Seller, Book One of the H&G Mystery series and looked forward to Book Two. Not disappointed! Emersyn Zucker, whom the reader is introduced to in Book One, doesn’t give her real name to “Mr. Americano” in the coffeeshop, but they share a table and strike up a conversation. Turns out “Mr. Americano” doesn’t share his real identity either. They hit it off, but soon, their responsibilities of family and wealth intertwine in ways neither can predict.

The plot is a rollercoaster of events with both Emersyn and Lucas playing their roles, but wanting to come clean because of their growing feelings for one another. If that isn’t enough, a mystery surrounding an heirloom Bible inserts itself firmly between them, causing each to doubt the other’s intentions.

If you like intricate plotting, sweet romance, and suspense galore, you’ll love Hidden Legacy. Keep writing, Ms. Rost. We love what you bring to the table!

Book Things Thursday

May 8, 2025 by Mary Pat Johns

Looking for an out-of-the-ordinary summer read? Love romantic suspense with an exotic setting? Frame of Reference is a great choice!

Summary and book review of Frame of Reference, author Amber Gabriel

By Mary Pat Johns

Summary: One down, two to go.

The prima ballerina with the Grand Kyiv Ballet, Iryna is excited for her American tour—and the chance to reconnect with the brown-eyed American she hasn’t seen since childhood. Her trip is just beginning when tragedy strikes, resulting in a close friend’s mysterious death and a fear that she might be next.

Rick Carter wasn’t looking to fall in love, but the moment he laid eyes on his sister’s childhood friend all grown up, he fell hard. Their courtship, however, is haunted by unsettling threats and near-misses. Is someone hunting him and Iryna? And if so why?

As their newfound love deepens, so does the danger surrounding them. To survive they’ll need all their wits but also their faith.

My review: I enjoyed this romantic suspense novel! The world of ballet provided a lovely setting for the story, and the international intrigue added to the suspense. The chemistry between Rick and Iryna was both sweet and realistic, and the spiritual thread was woven through with a deft hand. A salvation message unfolded in a natural way. Looking forward to more from this author.

Cool Summer Reads

April 30, 2025 by Mary Pat Johns

Book Spotlight and reviews, Mary Pat Johns

Looking for some cool summer reads? Lynn Blackburn’s new series is great! Gossamer Falls Hits all the right notes, and best of all…there’s one more installment on the way!

Blurb and review for Never Fall Again:

Landry Hutton has spent three years rebuilding her life behind the secure gates of The Haven, an exclusive resort on the outskirts of Gossamer Falls, North Carolina. As the artist-in-residence, and with her pottery prized by The Haven’s guests, Landry is finally ready to settle in permanently. She wants to give her daughter, Eliza, a safe home to grow up in and hires former Marine Callum Shaw to handle the construction.

Cal grew up in Gossamer Falls and always knew he would someday join his family’s business. He longs for a family of his own but has almost given up on that ever happening. Landry is funny, gifted, and everything Cal could ever want in a partner, but he vows to keep his distance. Landry has a daughter and a past. Cal has been down that road before and barely survived when the woman he loved left, taking her two sons with her. He can’t bear to lose like that again.

Before construction on the house can begin, Landry’s pottery is destroyed in a suspicious fire. It soon becomes clear that Landry and Eliza are in grave danger–but because of whom? But, after losing one relationship, he is hesitant to try again.

My take: I enjoyed reading the first book of Lynn Blackburn’s new series. Her tilt toward romance while keeping the plot suspenseful is always a winner. Looking forward to the next installment.

Break My Fall, Blurb and review:

Dr. Meredith Quinn always planned to return to Gossamer Falls to practice dentistry. Now that she’s back home, she’s made it a point to offer clinics to children and adults in nearby underserved areas. Unfortunately, those same areas are known to harbor drug traffickers, and Police Chief Grayson Ward suspects that local law enforcement is looking the other way.

After too many losses, Grayson has closed off his heart. But when Meredith enters his life, his walls crumble, and he’s left exposed and vulnerable. To keep her alive, he must keep her close, but that makes it impossible for him to retreat and rebuild. Will she be the one who finally helps him emerge from isolation? Or will this force of nature leave him shattered?

My take: One reason I love this author’s writing is that she gets the balance right between romance and suspense. The danger is there and ongoing throughout the story, but my internal compass always searches for true north–as in, is the romance the major story or is it a mere add in. Frankly, when the suspense has me gasping on every page, it’s not a relaxing read.

That said, I loved Gray and Meredith’s saga. Sweet. Swoon worthy. Tremendous fun. And the plot had enough twists to make a pretzel proud. The vibrant faith element made it feel like home. Keep writing, Ms Blackburn. Your books are a joy to read!

DownFall is a novella. Short, but oh, so sweet!

Blurb and review:

All Cassie Quinn has ever wanted is to run her own restaurant. She left home to pursue her dream, but circumstances beyond her control destroyed it, and she returned to Gossamer Falls to regroup. When she’s given an offer she can’t refuse–to fill in as chef at a fine dining restaurant for the social elite–she jumps at the chance to restore her reputation.

But when the kitchen is destroyed, it becomes clear that Cassie is in danger. She’s forced to accept the help of her ex-boyfriend, Officer Donovan Bledsoe, to find the culprit and secure her safety. Donovan’s primary mission is to keep her safe. His secondary mission is to win her back.

My take: This was the perfect minor character novella. Truly enjoyed this short extension to Blackburn’s Gossamer Falls series. Donovan and Cassie’s story was marvelous. I only wish it had been longer. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

As you can see, these romantic suspense reads are inspirational and fun…absolutely perfect for the summer break! More later, MP

My Book Review Corner…

March 27, 2025 by Mary Pat Johns

Reading … and writing reviews about Christian fiction is one of my favorite things to do.

March 27th, 2025

Lynn Blackburn is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors, and I loved her latest offering, Break My Fall. When the release date for Book Two grew closer, I reread the first book, Never Fall Again. (I’ve slept since the first book and needed reacquainting with the characters and setting.) SO. GLAD. I. Did. It made for a seamless transition, and made Break My Fall that much better.

One reason I love this author’s writing is that she gets the balance right between romance and suspense. The danger is there and ongoing throughout the story, but my internal compass always searches for true north–as in, is the romance the major story or is it a mere add in. Frankly, when the suspense has me gasping on every page, it’s not a relaxing read. And yes, you guessed it–I read to wind down. Don’t need anything else to crank me up. The day’s happenings are plenty enough, thank you.