Review: “Chasing the White Lion” by James R. Hannibal

This review is of a super fun action and suspense story: Chasing the White Lion by James R. Hannibal. Though I’m glad I didn’t experience the dangers CIA agent Talia Inger and her team face in this story, I did enjoy googling all of the locations around the globe for a visual — and now I want to visit Prague!

Young CIA officer Talia Inger has reconciled with the man who assassinated her father, but that doesn’t mean she wants him hovering over her every move and unearthing the painful past she’s trying to put behind her. Still, she’ll need him–and the help of his star grifter, Valkyrie–if she hopes to infiltrate the Jungle, the first ever crowdsourced crime syndicate, to rescue a group of kidnapped refugee children.

But as Talia and her elite team of thieves con their way into the heart of the Jungle, inching ever closer to syndicate boss the White Lion, she’ll run right up against the ragged edge of her family’s dark past. In this game of cat and mouse, it’s win . . . or die. And in times like that, it’s always good to have someone watching your back.

Former tactical deception officer and stealth pilot James Hannibal takes you deep undercover into the criminal underworld where everyone has an angle and no one escapes unscathed. 

Goodreads | Amazon

Reading Chasing the White Lion is more fun than watching an action movie — and I do LOVE action movies! If the crew of Ocean’s 11 were working with Mission: Impossible and the CIA, it might look something like what the globe-trotting Talia Inger and her team accomplish.

More than the high-tech, cybercrime-stopping fun, though, these characters share nerdy humor and a deeper story of purpose. While Talia learns to depend and trust those God has placed in her life as a ragtag “family”, ties between these team members grow stronger and more secrets are revealed. I highly recommend reading the first book, The Gryphon Heist, to appreciate the full background of this story and the personalities of each character.

Veteran James R. Hannibal has penned an extraordinarily fun story that simultaneously draws attention to the global opportunities of giving and caring for the “least of these” around us. Chasing the White Lion incorporates the organization Compassion International deftly into its plot and shines such a light on children and human trafficking concerns. For more info, go check out James’ website post about how each book purchased is supporting Compassion.

I highly recommend this book to any fans of action, suspense, or ensemble-cast heist stories with a thread of faith. I hope many more adventures are in story for Talia and company!

Thank you to Revell Reads for the review copy. This is my honest review.

Review: “Finding Lady Enderly” by Joanna Davidson Politano

Stories that literally make my jaw drop while reading are few and far between. So far, Joanna Davidson Politano has been able to do that with both of her novels I have read! Her latest Victorian mystery and romance, Finding Lady Enderly, is atmospheric and a beautiful depiction of selfless love.

Raina Bretton is a rag woman in London’s east end when a handsome stranger appears in a dank alley and offers her a glittering smile and a chance for adventure. Rothburne Abbey has a unique position for her, one that will take her away from her hardscrabble life and give her a chance to be a lady. Things she could only dream of might be coming true. But some dreams turn out to be nightmares.

Though Raina has traded squalor for silk and satin, something about the abbey is deeply unsettling. As she wrestles with her true identity, the ruin, decay, and secrets she finds at the heart of the old mansion tear at her confidence and threaten to reveal her for who she really is. Only one man stands between her and the danger that lurks within–and only if he decides to keep her biggest secret hidden.

Goodreads | Amazon

A truly exemplary Victorian romance, Finding Lady Enderly is an eloquent reminder of everything I love about the genre. A deftly woven mystery, rags to riches journey, romance that transcends the norm, and a delightful love of books all work to make this story of identity and purpose a meaningful and memorable work.

From the first chapter, I was intrigued and hooked on this story! It is so well crafted — the depth of Raina’s character is revealed slowly, as are the secrets and twists surrounding her situation. I enjoyed everything about Raina. Her flaws and inner turmoil over a few untruths felt relatable and a natural reaction to her circumstances. There are parallels between the estate of Rothburne and Raina herself that are clever and very fitting to deliver the message of the story.

And oh, the romance! The hero of this story is different than I expected. Gallant and selfless, yes, but in a position subject to Raina’s actions, which challenges him to grow and her to rise to the occasion in a beautiful way.

One story device in Finding Lady Enderly I adore is the use of lines from classic literature! Their unique application adds a special meaning to the story, one that works in favor of the characters especially if the reader is familiar with the depth and story behind the quoted passages. You’ll just have to read this novel to find out exactly *how* they apply!

At this mystery’s heart is a message of identity and worth. It is richly depicted, compelling in the way it illustrates the traits of God and how they echo throughout His creation. This story has found a home on my re-read shelf!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.

“Nowhere to Turn” by Lynette Eason + Revell Reads Blog Tour

Most of the time, I prefer suspenseful stories on the “big screen” (AKA movies), but because I’ve heard great reviews on the 1st book in the series, I decided to participate in Revell Reads’ Blog Tour for Lynette Eason’s Nowhere to Turn, book 2 in the “Hidden Identity” series. It did not disappoint!!!

Synopsis: The day Danielle Harding takes her 11-year-old son, Simon, and flees from her abusive husband, is the same day Kurt Harding dies. A relieved Dani believes she and her son are finally safe–but in reality, the danger has just begun. When Kurt was alive, he took something important to a mysterious person. That person wants the item back and believes Dani now has it. As she and her son run for their lives, they have nowhere to turn, until she hires Adam Buchanan of Operation Refuge and goes into hiding. Unfortunately, she won’t be able to hide for long . . .

From the first breathless scene, this tension-laced story will hold readers in its iron grip. Bestselling author Lynette Eason propels readers along at a breakneck pace in a race to discover the truth and a better future.

You know those just-one-more-chapter-and-I’ll-stop books you can’t put down?? Or those where you can’t find a good “break” in the story to stop??? Yes, this is one of THOSE. This story is a fast-paced thrill ride that keeps you guessing through twists and turns. The story moves swiftly, at a good pace to propel the characters through many different situations.

Dani’s character proves strong as she’s physically and mentally tested by her surroundings and her enemies. When she has nowhere to turn (pun intended), she begins to learn the importance of trust and the capacity other people have for serving and giving of themselves. In the middle of the drama and intrigue, Dani and Adam also contend with an attraction for one another –this small romantic side plot adds another layer of interest to the story.

I really thought this book was entertaining. Its straight-up suspense story would make a fabulous movie, in my opinion. I’ll be on the lookout for more in the future from Lynette!

There’s a GIVEAWAY going on over at Goodreads for 5 copies of this book!!! Enter here.

Thank you to Revell Publishers for a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

What’s your favorite suspense story (book or movie)????

Review: “While Love Stirs” by Lorna Seilstad, Revell Reads Blog Tour

Today I’m happy to share my review of author Lorna Seilstad’s latest, While Love Stirs, for Revell Publishers’ “Revell Reads Blog Tour”.

While Love Stirs is a fun and light historical romance, following character Charlotte Gregory as she dreams of having her own restaurant in early 1900s Minnesota. Having completed Fannie Farmer’s School of Cookery, she has returned to her “Aunt” Sam’s house, hoping to find work in a kitchen. After participating in a gas company’s cooking competition, she is hired to travel in the state, cook, and promote the modern methods of cooking on a gas stove. During her travels, she also is able to speak about a subject she is passionate about – the importance of proper nutrition in hospitals for recovering patients.

While she travels and during her time at home, she meets two completely opposite young men: Lewis Mathis and Dr. Joel Brooks. Lewis is a singer hired by the gas company to travel with Charlotte and provide entertainment at the events. While he is obviously attracted to her, she just thinks him kind and fun. Charlotte thinks Dr. Joel Brooks, on the other hand, is one moment caring and the next obstinate. He and Charlotte comically clash over the food his hospital serves, and over every other subject they discuss, it seems.

When Charlotte and Joel must plan a benefit gala together, they are challenged with getting along and staying on task for the benefit of the hospital and orphanage.

With humor and flair, Lorna combines historical details, like the real-life Fannie Farmer’s School, with heartfelt characters. Charlotte and Joel’s banter is entertaining. Their opposite and in-charge personalities immediately cause them to spar, while Charlotte’s independent antics get her in sticky and hilarious situations. This proves quite entertaining as Charlotte and her friends and family go through one scrape after another.

A thread of faith ties each character’s story together, stressing that God places dreams in our hearts for a reason, but He may carry them out  differently than we plan. Though I usually like a little more drama and conflict in a novel, this is a nice lighthearted story. It’s a feel-good kind of romance, with sweet characters and a fun plot. It would make a great and fun summer read.

Connect with author Lorna Seilstad at her website, or see news and upcoming releases from Revell at their website.

Note: Thank you to Revell Publishers for providing a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

There’s a giveaway going on at The Book Club Network. Visit this post for a chance to win one of 5 copies of While Love Stirs!!!