Deadly Revenge by Patricia Bradley

Aug1

Totally Gripping

Deadly Revenge by Patricia Bradley is a compelling, contemporary Christian crime suspense which I loved. It is the third book in the Pearl River series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in order for character familiarity and progression.

Once more the reader returns to Pearl River to watch the pursuit of justice. There is a different pair of main characters to focus on.

As the title suggests, there are those seeking revenge, many years after the original event.

We see the damage done to a community by unscrupulous politicians many years before. Someone wants them to pay – but who?

The leading lady is a police officer who has recently suffered from PTSD. This leaves her questioning her judgement as others mess with her mind. She is far wiser than she believes.

Old colleagues are reunited due to their jobs. The spark that was there before is just waiting to be re-ignited – if only they will take a chance.

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Fatal Witness by Patricia Bradley

Aug1

Exciting

Fatal Witness by Patricia Bradley is a fabulous Christian contemporary crime novel that entertained me from the start. It is the second book in the Pearl River series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in order for maximum enjoyment.

I thoroughly enjoyed my return visit to Pearl River and meeting up with familiar faces. Fatal Witness had a different main character who interacted with those whom we had met in book one.

We see the love and care that surrounds the characters. The police department functions as part of the Pearl River family. The officers are relentless in their pursuit of justice.

A cold case is the main focus – just who did kill Dani’s parents twenty-five years ago? And why is the killer back and active again?

As a nine-year-old, Dani saw her parents’ killer but it has been locked away in her mind. The intervening years have seen her with a new home and a name change. A chance photo in a magazine sees the grown-up Dani recognised by her maternal grandmother.

We see the importance of trusting God who can give us a peace despite our external circumstances. “How do you get that peace?” Peace comes by knowing God; trusting God; and leaning on God.

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Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley

Aug1

Thrilling

Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley is a thrilling contemporary Christian crime suspense. It is the first book in the Pearl River series which promises to be fantastic.

Patricia Bradley has created an intricate plotline which draws the reader in from the start and has us glued and guessing. All the characters are believable and easy to empathise with.

The leading lady, Alexis, is relentless in her pursuit of justice. She puts her job first, above everything else in her life. “Just like your grandfather didn’t ask for God’s input, I imagine you haven’t discussed this goal of yours with God either.” Life events have meant that Alexis pushed God away, preferring to trust herself instead of God. Her grandmother fears Alexis will end up alone and full of regrets. No one on their death bed has ever wished that they spent more time in the office.

Though we may drift away from God, He is faithful and walks beside us, longing for us to turn to Him. At times of crisis, a character ‘hears’ the voice of God in her heart.

Godly grandparents remind Alexis of what is really important. “Gram nodded toward the Bible…” “Be sure to take time there.” We need to make time for God and know His Word, so that in times of trouble, we will be able to recall and stand on His promises to us.

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A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano

Jul24

The True Vine

A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano is a powerful Christian historical novel that consumed me from the start.

The novel is set in nineteenth century England in the West Country. It is written around the topic of a vineyard, reminding us that God is the true vine and we are the branches. The reader learns all about how to tend the vines so that they thrive and produce fruit. “The vines best protection… is not higher walls but deeper roots.” This reminds the reader that we need to have firm foundations in our Christian walk. We must learn the scriptures so that when troubles come, we can stand firm on the Word of God.

We ‘hear’ the action in the first and third person through the leading man and lady. They seem to be polar opposites at first but as the novel progresses, their true characters are revealed. “He’s left little pieces of his servant heart all around.” We are all called to have hearts and lives that show Jesus to a hurting world. We need to walk the walk as well as to talk the talk.

A character fears all that is being taken away from her but she is merely being pruned so that she can flourish. “Taking away what’s good so that you seek out something better.” God wants good gifts for us. What we have may be good but God has something even better in store for us.

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