"Face of Betrayal" by Lis Wiehl with April Henry

A missing Senate page, a grieving family, a Senator, a stalker, and more await you in "Face of Betrayal" by Lis Wiehl. The main conflict of the story is that of Katie Converse, a high school senior and Senate Page. She left her home to walk the dog and never came back. What happened to her? While following this story, we meet the women of the "Triple Threat Club," a police officer, a reporter, and a federal prosecutor. Each has her own life with its problems, and we get to see their vulnerabilities as Katie's story unfolds. The intriguing story also leads to a homeless man and his daughter who have been living in the park for about two years. Do they have anything to do with what happened to Katie? Who is stalking Allison? What will happen with Rick and Cassidy? What about Nicole? And, how does Katie's story end? This fast-paced book will keep you guessing to the end.

What a great book! I love crime stories, but especially those that entwine the lives of the investigators and bystanders into them. This book filled all the requirements and, while I had a suspect at the beginning, I didn't know for sure until the end. Hats off to Lis Wiehl and April Henry. It was interesting to find more than one "Face of Betrayal."  I can't wait to get a copy of "Hand of Fate."

"Deeply, Desperately" by Heather Webber

A missing woman, a lost love, and complicated romances are just part of "Deeply, Desperately" by Heather Webber. Lucy Valentine is working hard to start her own portion of the family match-making business. She is also working hard at keeping Sean (the man she loves) at a safe distance due to the family "curse." But, will that last? She is also getting threatening letters from someone. While the police are investigating, she still worries. Who is behind the letters and do they mean her harm? Come join Lucy as she works to find lost items and people in this latest "Lucy Valentine" novel.

I enjoyed reading this book as much as the first installment, "Truly, Madly." It is a fun, sometimes comical read with lots of real detective work thrown in. So, if you like to mix up your reading, why not add this latest novel by Heather Webber. You just might find yourself smiling and laughing as much as me.

"A Suitor for Jenny" by Margared Brownley

"Where men and women are concerned, there's no such thing as a perfect match," he said. "There's only a God match." pg. 68
"The Bible says that no matter your plans, it's the Lord's plan that prevails." pg. 175

Rocky Creek, TX, will never be the same. "Colonel" Jenny Higgins loves her sisters and promised her father she would take care of them, so she brought them to Rocky Creek to find husbands. Can manuals give the right advice in husband selection? Or should they consult God and His plans for their lives? And, what would happen to all of Jenny's plans if her sisters followed their own hearts and strayed from her carefully laid path? Jenny is also alone, but feels certain she can take care of herself and doesn't need a husband. Until Rhett steps into her path. Will love find a way, or will the past haunt both of them? "Guilt was more isolating than prison bars, self-punishment the worst possible kind." pg. 306

I was privileged to receive a copy of this book through the Book Sneeze program, and totally enjoyed it. The cover was the first thing to draw me in, then the cast of colorful characters and scenes carried me along to the end. I was cheering for all of them, wondering how each bit of the story would be worked out. I had never read anything by Margaret Brownley, but am now a big fan. Her books are on my gift and recommendation lists!

"Crescendo" by Becca Fitzpatrick

"Hush, Hush" first introduced us to these characters, and Becca totally carries the story through in "Crescendo." Nora and Patch start out together, but a fight leads to a tumultuous break up. Somehow Marcie is in the mix, along with a lot of danger. Throw in so many bad choices by Nora (not staying home, B&E, fights, etc.) and you have a roller coaster ride through the book. Who is in control? Who is the Black Hand? Who tried to kill Nora? Is Patch a good or bad guy? What about Scott? Rixon? The answers to these questions await within the pages of "Crescendo!"

I was thrilled to receive an advance copy of this book and discuss it with others at B&N. Because I hadn't read, "Hush, Hush," I bought and read that first and recommend it to everyone. The background is there. Becca Fitzpatrick has a great way of weaving a story for her characters that keeps her readers actively involved. I can't wait for the next book, which doesn't come out until next year. :(