On My Nightstand - The Shadow of Your Smile by Susan May Warren

Noelle and Eli Hueston deal with their grief and lose their relationship in the process. An accident causes her to lose all memories of the last 25 years. She struggles to relate to the man and the children that say she's their wife and mother.

Eli sees this as an opportunity to repair their marriage and be the kind of husband Noelle needs. As she discovers pieces of the past, will it destroy their new beginning or will they deal with the problems the right way - together?

Susan May Warren once again nails the story. She's not one to offer platitudes or gloss over problems. The situations are real-life, and I could relate to the characters' struggles.

This is a Deep Haven novel and well worth your time and money. 5 Stars!

Disclaimer:  Neither the author nor the publisher paid me for a favorable review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

Writers:  Do you tackle difficult relationship issues in your writing? Please share.

Readers:  What is your opinion of Christian Fiction? Do you relate to the various themes? Please share.

On My Kindle - Where There's Smoke by Susan May Warren

Blazin' Kate Burns continues the smoke-jumping, fire-fighting legacy of her father, Jock. Some view her exploits as heroic, while others think she's reckless. Will she be forced to choose between her two great loves?

Jed Ramsom, her father's protégé, takes less risks and tries to instill a more conservative approach to fighting fires. He's torn between his love for Kate and his fear she'll get killed.

This is the first book in the Montana Fire series by Susan May Warren. She delivers on every front: inspirational, romance, and suspense. Her characters stay with me long after I've finished reading her books. The research is impeccable, and highlights the dangers of this occupation.

5 Stars! Go grab a copy for yourself while the summer is young.

Disclaimer:  Neither the author nor the publisher paid for this review. All opinions, as always, are mine and mine alone.

Writers:  How do you give your characters more depth so they appear real?

Readers:  Do you like stories that have an element of danger? Please share.

On My Nightstand - Wild Montana Skies by Susan May Warren

Kacey Fairling returns home after a crash during her last tour of duty in Afghanistan. She's found a job as the new head pilot for the PEAK Search and Rescue Team. Maybe some time away from the military will help her reconnect with her teenage daughter and parents.

Ben King's singing career suffers a devastating blow when his partner strikes out on her own. Since his father is struggling with an injury, he returns to Mercy Falls to help him out. In the back of his mind, he hopes Kacey will be there. He's never loved anyone else, but their lives took a sharp detour 13 years ago.

This is book 1 in the Montana Rescue Series, and I'll definitely be getting the next book. There's a strong spiritual thread, but the characters are far from goody two shoes. They have the emotional scars to prove it. It's a strong theme of forgiveness and second chances.

I love the combination of romance and suspense. Susan May Warren has a talent for throwing in a twist when you least expect it. Hmm, it sounds like real life, doesn't it?

Five stars for this book.

Writers:  This book uses detailed knowledge of rescue operations. Have you given your characters an unusual occupation? Please share.

Readers:  When a novel includes elements of suspense, does the tension keep the story moving for you? Please share your thoughts.

On My Nightstand - From Russia With Love by Susan May Warren

I've seen this author on social media, but I'd never read her books. Oh.my.goodness. From Russia With Love was part of a romance collection that I picked up on a whim, and I'm so glad I did.

Ekaterina (Kat) Hope Moore travels to Russia with a key and a picture on a quest to find her family. From the moment she goes through customs until the end of the story, we're taken on one wild ride.

Vadeem Spasanov, a tough FSB Officer (think KGB), believes Kat is in league with an international smuggler and trails her. He can't figure out what it is about the feisty, escape-artist American that gets under his skin.

When I have to stop reading and I'm frustrated, I always know it's a keeper. Wow, I love romance with a strong element of suspense.  I'll be looking for more of Susan May Warren's books. 5 Stars for this one.

Disclaimer:  Neither the author nor the publisher paid me for a review. All opinions, as usual, are mine and mine alone.

Writers and Readers:  Do you like romances with suspense/mystery? What is your preference: historical or contemporary?