Double Cross by Di Ann Mills

          An  unlikely trio; FBI agent, Houston police officer and a high-end criminal-turned-informant; all working together to solve a high stakes scam targeting wealthy dementia patients out of thousands of dollars after being issued fake life insurance policies.

            Agent Laurel Everston cannot believe that she has been asked to team up with the very man, Morton Wilmington, who murdered her partner in a shoot-out at the end of a successful undercover assignment. Officer Daniel Hilton agrees to help the FBI, primarily because his own grandfather was scammed and he is intrigued by the beautiful, but emotionally brittle, Laurel Everston.

          

            Double Cross has a very detailed plot, with numerous twists, turns and mood swings between heroes and criminals alike. Double Cross kept me guessing until the end about who the mastermind really was.

           This is a tale that summons the mind of readers to try and figure out who is ultimately behind the millions of dollars stolen from the elderly. As Laurel and Daniel cross paths during the investigation, Laurel feels trapped between maintaining her cover and her growing attraction to the handsome and stubborn police officer who won't walk away.

           There are lots of surprise twists and the romance is beautifully sweet. Daniel is patient with Laurel and yet manages to woo her rather charmingly. A great read and recommend it to anyone who likes a little romance with a murder mystery.

I received digital copy of book from Tyndale Publishers for my review.

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What once was lost by Kim Vogel-Sawyer

     

      In What One Was Lost, Christina Willems is a caretaker of a "Poor Farm" in Kansas in 1890. Following in her father's footsteps, she believes she is called to care for those who are in need. She does her job well and is loved by those in her care. But when fire destroys her home, she must spread out her "family" to stay with others. As Christina works to find a way to rebuild the poor house, someone from her past is working against her. While she struggles with mounting trials and tribulations, an appreciation and attraction blooms between her and Levi. Will accepting unexpected help and support give Christina the personal encouragement she needs? Will seeing through the eyes of a young blind boy open Levi's heart and help him to see his own faith again?

          Vogel-Sawyer writes about the prairies of Kansas and how one woman not only changes the lives of those she cares for, but has her life changed in return. What One Was Lost is a beautifully written story of overcoming obstacles and adversity through faith. This story is told from the viewpoints of the different characters; readers will be particularly touched by Tommy's "vision" of the world around him.   If you like historical fiction you will like this story.

Received copy of book from the publisher for my review

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Arivaca: Guardians of the Light by John Poulsen

           Jesse Ballard’s life is filled with misfortune. His parents are dead, he’s been convicted of a crime, and a dark secret torments his soul. But when he’s incarcerated on a ranch for troubled teens, he discovers his troubles have just begun. A Supreme Power has literally hijacked his life, bringing him to the ranch to make him the guardian of a powerful relic that was hidden away 2600 years ago when Solomon’s Temple was destroyed. As Jesse unravels this secretive and dangerous world he learns the ups and downs of young love, and the reward and peril of following his divine call.

           

            Well written, intriguing, with some very interesting twists. Many familiar plot lines are introduced which will resonate with most young readers - young love, competition among peers, being misunderstood, loss of loved ones, etc. The plot, mixing ancient artifacts, mystical powers, good and evil, all in a contemporary ranch for troubled boys, is well thought out and intriguing.

            The first book in the series and found it to be a good read, easy and quick but at the same time very engaging. Characters and background are very well developed and the use of imagery is perfect for capturing you and bringing you into the story.  Although this story is for grades 6^th thru 12^th, it is a great read for teens and adults alike.

            Received digital copy of book from Net Galley for my review

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