Showing posts with label DiAnn Mills. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DiAnn Mills. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Double Cross by DiAnn Mills

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Double Cross
Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (April 1, 2015)
by
Diann Mills


MY THOUGHTS:
This book took me a little while to get into-the story started off a bit disjointed and slow-and I almost stopped reading but then I read a review that said it got good about 80 pages in. So I decided to read that far and thankfully the reviewer was right and the story did pick up enough that I was able to not only finish the book but also enjoy it.
The author did a great job of keeping me guessing throughout the story as to who could be trusted and who couldn't. And after the initial slowness I was caught up in the plot and kept turning pages to see what would happen next.
All of the characters were pretty great from Laurel and Daniel to Abby and Earl, and I enjoyed watching their stories play out. I especially loved the enduring love that Abby and Earl shared. Laurel and Daniel's relationship didn't always make sense/flow right but in the end it all worked out.
In short this was an entertaining romantic suspense!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2015 president of the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at her website.

ABOUT THE BOOK
FBI Agent Laurel Evertson’s investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. That case has haunted her since, and though she’s vowed to forget Wilmington—and what she sacrificed to put him away—he is now her best lead. Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammer’s next targets, and he’ll do anything to protect his family—even force interagency cooperation. But he’s quickly drawn to Laurel’s empathy and zeal and agrees to follow her lead . . . even if it means teaming up with a felon. As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. Together they must decide if they can trust Wilmington’s claims of redemption, or if he’s leading them straight into a double cross.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Double Cross, go HERE.

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday #149: Double Cross

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Double Cross by DiAnn Mills
Tyndale-April 1, 2015

About the Book
FBI Agent Laurel Evertson’s investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. That case has haunted her since, and though she’s vowed to forget Wilmington—and what she sacrificed to put him away—he is now her best lead.
Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammer’s next targets, and he’ll do anything to protect his family—even force interagency cooperation. But he’s quickly drawn to Laurel’s empathy and zeal and agrees to follow her lead . . . even if it means teaming up with a felon.

As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. Together they must decide if they can trust Wilmington’s claims of redemption, or if he’s leading them straight into a double cross.

Why I Want It
I've enjoyed several of DiAnn's novels and this one sounds a bit interesting.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Firewall by DiAnn Mills

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Firewall
Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (July 1, 2014)
by
DiAnn Mills

MY THOUGHTS:
This book started with page-turning action and didn't let up until the end! As soon as I started it I was sucked in and hated to put it down. There were so many twists and turns that I didn't see coming at all and you could never be sure who you could trust and who you couldn't. One thing I especially appreciated was how at the beginning when the FBI believe Taryn is involved in everything the author made that a plausible assumption. Often in books the main character will be suspected of something that makes no sense for them to be, but in this one I could totally see how they came to the conclusion that she had something to do with it even though she didn't.
I really liked both Taryn and Grayson's characters and all their different attributes, including bravery, smarts, patriotism, loyalty, and quick thinking. My favorite character though was definitely Grayson's uncle Joe. He brought to mind both Mike Franks from NCIS and Joe White from Hawaii Five-O. He had that same type of personality, full of wisdom, humor, strength, care, and good-natured gruffness!
Overall I really enjoyed this book though the one problem I had was that occasionally things didn't flow as well as they could have and things just felt a little forced which caused a bit of a disconnect for me. That being said it didn't affect my end opinion that this is a fantastic book that I definitely recommend!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
DiAnn Mills believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” She is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels. Her books have won many awards through American Christian Fiction Writers, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005, 2007, and 2010. She was a Christy Award finalist in 2008 and a Christy winner in 2010.
DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and is the Craftsman Mentor for the Christian Writer’s Guild. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops.
DiAnn and her husband live in Houston, Texas. Visit her website or find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/diannmills


ABOUT THE BOOK
After a whirlwind romance, Taryn Young is preparing to board a plane at Houston International Airport, bound for a dream honeymoon, when a bomb decimates the terminal. Injured but still alive, she awakens to discover her husband is missing and they’re both considered prime suspects in the attack. Further, the FBI is convinced her husband isn’t who he appears to be.

Agent Grayson Hall’s number-one priority is to catch those responsible for the day’s act of terror. All evidence is pointing to Taryn and her new husband. But his instinct tells him her pleas of innocence are genuine. Is her naiveté just for show, or could she truly be another victim of a master scheme, possibly linked to the software she recently developed for her company?

With both their lives and reputations on the line, and the media outcry for justice increasing with each passing minute, Taryn and Grayson have no choice but to trust one another . . . and pray they can uncover the truth before they become two more casualties.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Firewall, go HERE.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

The Survivor by DiAnn Mills

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Survivor
Zondervan (March 5, 2013)
by
DiAnn Mills

MY THOUGHTS:
After reading The Chase last year and loving it I have been excitedly waiting for my chance to read this book and I was quite happy to have the chance to review it. Unfortunately this book didn't reach the awesomeness of the first book. I still really enjoyed it, it just wasn't as good. At the end of The Chase Tigo and Kariss's relationship hadn't fully blossomed into a romance so I thought that this book would take place shortly after that with their romance fully blooming. But I was really wrong. It's about a year later and they have had a relationship, broken it off and are now barely speaking to each other. While this worked well for the story it left me feeling slightly robbed of that time. The only other problems with that I had were a few occasions of too much detail and the obsessive mentioning of Tigo's Buzz Lightyear fascination
And now that I've gotten that off my chest I can talk about what I did like! The plot of this book was really cool with some interesting twists added that made for a read that you didn't want to put down (I read it in practically two sittings). I once again enjoyed Tigo and Kariss's characters as well as the returning secondary characters from The Chase, such as Tigo's partner Ryan, Kariss's sister Vicki, and Special Agent in Charge Linc. All in all I really liked this book and would recommend it though you should read book one first!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
DiAnn Mills believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” She is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels. Her books have won many awards through American Christian Fiction Writers, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005, 2007, and 2010. She was a Christy Award finalist in 2008 and a Christy winner in 2010.
DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and is the Craftsman Mentor for the Christian Writer’s Guild. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops.

DiAnn and her husband live in Houston, Texas. Visit her website or find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/diannmills

ABOUT THE BOOK
Kariss meets Dr. Amy Garrett, who survived a brutal childhood attack in which the assailant was never found. Now Dr. Garrett wants her story written in a novel. Kariss wishes she could seek the advice of Special Agent Tigo Harris, but she broke off the relationship a few months prior and seeing him again would be too painful. She interviews Amy and conducts her own research, stepping unaware into a viper's pit of danger. Tigo misses Kariss and wants her back, but he understands why she broke off their relationship. Instead, he concentrates on solving a car bombing and bringing the killer to justice. As Kariss's new story attracts an onslaught of danger that she never expected, can Tigo save the woman he loves and find who wants her dead for writing about an unsolved cold-case?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Survivor, go HERE.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Top Ten Books On My Spring 2013 TBR List

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

I know spring doesn't officially start until the 20th but I'm pretending it starts now so I'm putting a couple books on this list that I plan to read in the next week! These aren't in any order!

When A Heart Stops by Lynette Eason
Talon by Ronie Kendig
A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund
Duchess by Susan May Warren
The Survivor by DiAnn Mills
Love in the Balance by Regina Jennings
Take A Chance on Me by Susan May Warren
Follow the Heart by Kaye Dacus
The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson
Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

Tuesday, February 05, 2013

Top Ten Sequels I'm Dying to Read

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

This week's topic is supposed to be favorite bookish memories but other than authors leaving comments on my reviews I couldn't think of any. Side note: The happiest moment was when Susan May Warren (my favorite author) left this comment on my review: "Wow, your review really blew my socks off and blessed me! Thank you Abbi!!" I was so psyched about this! But anyway since I couldn't come up with many I decided to do a rewind and share some of the sequels (or book twos) that I am most looking forward to reading!

#1. A Most Peculiar Circumstance by Jen Turano
#2. Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer
#3. Shattered by Dani Pettrey
#4. When A Heart Stops by Lynette Eason
#5. Grave Consequences by Lisa T. Bergren
#6. Love in the Balance by Regina Jennings
#7. The Survivor by DiAnn Mills
#8. Wishing on Willows by Katie Ganshert
#9. Widow of Gettysburg by Jocelyn Green
#10. Twice Promised by Maggie Brendan

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Top Ten Most Anticipated Books For 2013

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

I have so many books that I'm looking forward to reading in 2013 that it was kinda hard to shorten it to just ten! But I did it and without further ado here are the books I can't wait to read in 2013!

#1 Duchess by Susan May Warren
The golden age of Hollywood is in the business of creating stars. Rosie Worth, now starlet Roxy Price, has found everything she’s wanted in the glamour of the silver screen. With adoring fans and a studio-mogul husband, she’s finally silenced the voices—and grief—of the past. Her future shines bright…until the fated Black Friday when it all comes crashing down. When Roxy loses everything, she finds herself disgraced and penniless. Her only hope is to join forces with Belgian duke Rolfe Van Horne, a longtime film investor. But Rolfe is not who he seems, and he has other plans for Roxy and her movies—plans to support a growing unrest in Europe, plans that could break her heart and endanger her life.
When her country needs her, will she have the courage to surrender her glittering world and her one true love?

#2 Swept Away by Mary Connealy
Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't all that upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. She prayed for a chance to get away, and then came the raging flood. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.
Luke is heading home to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men who killed his father are working hard to ensure Luke doesn't make it alive. He has no choice but to keep moving. Still, he can't just abandon Ruthy, so she'll have to come along.
His friends--a ragtag group of former Civil War soldiers--take a fast interest in the pretty gal. Luke thinks that's rather rude--he's the one who found her. And the more time he spends around the hard-working young woman who is a mighty good cook, the more he finds himself thinking beyond revenge and toward a different future. For the first time in a long time, Luke is tempted to turn from his destructive path and be swept away by love.

#3 Talon: Combat Tracking Team by Ronie Kendig
Aspen Courtland is out to find her missing brother. Only his combat tracking dog, Talon, knows where to look. Problem is, after a brutal attack that separated dog and handler, Talon’s afraid of his own shadow. The search is on, but when one mistake means disaster, can Talon muster the courage for one last mission?

#4 Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer
On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can scarcely believe it when he's forced off the train by a retired outlaw and presented to the man's daughter as the minister she requested for her birthday. Worried this unfortunate detour will ruin his chances of finally serving a congregation of his own, Crockett is determined to escape. But when he finally gets away, he's haunted by the memory of the young woman he left behind--a woman whose dreams now hinge on him.
For months, Joanna Robbins prayed for a preacher. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. A man to help her discover answers to the questions that have been on her heart for so long. But just when it seems God has answered her prayers, it turns out the parson is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett to stay in her little backwoods community? And does the attraction between them have any chance of blossoming when Joanna's outlaw father is dead set against his daughter courting a preacher?

#5 A Most Peculiar Circumstance by Jen Turano
Miss Arabella Beckett has one driving passion: to help the downtrodden women of America. Naturally, she supports the women's suffrage movement and eagerly attends rallies and lectures across the country. On her travels, she makes a simple offer of assistance to a young woman in need that goes sadly awry and lands both ladies in more trouble than they can manage. An independent sort, Arabella is loath to admit she needs help and certainly doesn't need help from an arrogant, narrow-minded knight in shining armor.
Mr. Theodore Wilder, private investigator extraordinaire, is on a mission. A mission that began as a favor to his good friend Hamilton Beckett, but swiftly evolved into a merry chase across the country. By the time he finally tracks down Hamilton's sister, Arabella, he is in a less than pleasant mood. When the lady turns out to have radical ideas and a fiercely independent streak, he soon finds himself at his wit's end. 
When they return home to New York, circumstances force their paths to continue to cross, but the most peculiar feelings growing between them certainly can't be love. When the trouble Arabella had accidentally stirred up seems to have followed her to New York and threatens her very life, the unlikely couple must face the possibility that they might have landed in the most peculiar circumstance of all: love.

#6 Shattered by Dani Pettrey
Piper McKenna couldn't be more thrilled that her prodigal brother, Reef, has returned to Yancey, Alaska, after five years. But her happiness is short-lived when Reef appears at her house covered in blood. A fellow snowboarder has been killed--but despite the evidence, Reef swears he's innocent. And Piper believes him.
Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he's also sworn to find the truth. Piper is frustrated with his need for facts over faith, but he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth may mean risking Landon's career.
With Piper waging her own search, the two head deep into Canada's rugged backcountry--and unexpected complications. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step.

#7 Vanished by Irene Hannon
Reporter Moira Harrisons is lost. In the dark. In a thunderstorm. When a confusing detour places her on a rural, wooded road, she's startled by the sudden appearance of a lone figure caught in the beam of her headlights. Though Moira jams on her brakes, the car careens across the wet pavement--and the solid thump against the side of the vehicle tells her she hit the person before she crashes into a tree on the far side of the road. 
A dazed Moira is relieved when a man opens her door, tells her he saw everything, and promises to call 911. Then everything fades to black. When she comes to an hour later, she is alone. No man. No 911. No injured person lying on the side of the road. But she can't forget the look of terror she saw on the person's face in the instant before her headlights swung away. The person she hit had been in trouble. She's sure of it. But she can't get anyone to believe her story--except a handsome former police detective, now a private eye, who agrees to take on the case.

#8 A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund
Recently widowed Annalisa Werner has the feeling her husband was murdered but can't prove it. Alone with her young daughter in 1881 Michigan, she has six months left to finish raising the money needed to pay back the land contract her husband purchased, and the land is difficult to toil by herself. She needs a husband. With unmarried men scarce, her father sends a letter to his brother in the Old Country, asking him to find Annalisa a groom.
For nobleman Carl von Reichart, the blade of the guillotine is his fate. He's been accused and convicted of a serious crime he didn't commit, and his only escape is to flee to a small German community in Michigan where he'll be safe. He secures a job on Annalisa's farm but bumbles through learning about farming and manual labor. 
Annalisa senses that Carl is harboring a secret about his past, yet she finds herself drawn to him anyway. He's gentle, kind, and romantic--unlike any of the men she's ever known. He begins to restore her faith in the ability to love--but her true groom is still on his way. And time is running out on them all.

#9 Grave Consequences by Lisa T. Bergren
For Cora Kensington, the journey of a lifetime takes unexpected twists. And her future—her very life—depends on the decisions she’ll make at each crossroad. As her European tour with her newfound family takes her through Austria, France, and Italy, an unseen enemy trails close behind. Meanwhile, a forbidden love continues to claim her heart, putting everyone’s plans in danger. 
And as Cora stays one step ahead of it all, what might need the most protection is her own heart, torn between the dramatic pursuit of a dashing Frenchman and a man who has been quietly staking claim to her affections all along. Love has dangers all its own. She must escape the bonds of the past and discover the faith to make the right choices, as each one has grave consequences.

#10 The Survivor by DiAnn Mills
Kariss meets Dr. Amy Garrett, who survived a brutal childhood attack in which the assailant was never found. Now Dr. Garrett wants her story written in a novel. Kariss wishes she could seek the advice of Special Agent Tigo Harris, but she broke off the relationship a few months prior and seeing him again would be too painful. She interviews Amy and conducts her own research, stepping unaware into a viper's pit of danger. Tigo misses Kariss and wants her back, but he understands why she broke off their relationship. Instead, he concentrates on solving a car bombing and bringing the killer to justice. As Kariss's new story attracts an onslaught of danger that she never expected, can Tigo save the woman he loves and find who wants her dead for writing about an unsolved cold-case?

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Top Ten Series I Haven't Finished

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

This week's top ten is to pick series that you haven't finished either because you didn't like them or have just procrastinated. But as I looked through my books it seemed like the only unfinished series I could find were ones that haven't had the newest book release or they just released and I haven't gotten them yet/JUST got them. so that is what my top ten list is going to contain-in no particular order!

Husbands for Hire by Kelly Eillen Hake
Rugged&Relentless (March 2011)-Have/Read
Tall, Dark, and Determined (September 2011)-Don't Have/Not Read
Strong and Stubborn (November 2012)-Not Released

Saddler's Legacy by Rosslyn Elliott
Fairer Than Morning (May 2011)-Have/Read
Sweeter Than Birdsong (February 2012)-Have/Read
Lovelier Than Daylight (November 2012)-Not Released

Deep Haven by Susan May Warren
Set 1
Happily Ever After (April 2007)-Have/Read
Tying the Knot (August 2007)-Have/Read
The Perfect Match (January 2009)-Have/Read
Set 2
My Foolish Heart April 2011-Have/Read
The Shadow of Your Smile (December 2011)-Don't Have/Read
You Don't Know Me (September 2012)-Have/Not Read

Daughters of Fortune by Susan May Warren
Heiress (July 2011)-Have/Read
Baroness (March 2012)-Have/Read
Duchess (Unknown)-Not Released

A Breed Apart by Ronie Kendig
Trinity: Military War Dog (September 2012)-Have/Read
Talon: Combat Tracking Team (May 2013)-Not Released
Beowulf: Specialized Search Dog (Unknown)-Not Released

Guardians of Justice by Irene Hannon
Fatal Judgement (January 2011)-Have/Read
Deadly Pursuit (September 2011)-Have/Not Read
Lethal Legacy (August 2012)-Don't Have/Not Read

Crime Scene: Houston by DiAnn Mills
The Chase (April 2012)-Have/Read
The Survivor (March 2013)-Not Released

Alaskan Courage by Dani Pettrey
Submerged (May 2012)-Have/Read
Shattered (February 2013)-Not Released

Deadly Reunions by Lynette Eason
When the Smoke Clears (February 2012)-Have/Read
When A Heart Stops (October 2012)-Not Released

Big Sky Romance by Denise Hunter
A Cowboy's Touch (March 2011)-Have/Read
The Accidental Bride (January 2012)-Don't Have/Read
The Trouble With Cowboys (October 2012)-Have/Not Read

Wednesday, August 01, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday #21: The Survivor

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

The Survivor by DiAnn Mills
Zondervan-March 5, 2013

About the Book
Kariss meets Dr. Amy Garrett, who survived a brutal childhood attack in which the assailant was never found. Now Dr. Garrett wants her story written in a novel. Kariss wishes she could seek the advice of Special Agent Tigo Harris, but she broke off the relationship a few months prior and seeing him again would be too painful. She interviews Amy and conducts her own research, stepping unaware into a viper's pit of danger. Tigo misses Kariss and wants her back, but he understands why she broke off their relationship. Instead, he concentrates on solving a car bombing and bringing the killer to justice. As Kariss's new story attracts an onslaught of danger that she never expected, can Tigo save the woman he loves and find who wants her dead for writing about an unsolved cold-case?

Why I Want It
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and I'm looking forward to seeing where they take the story. I have to say though, I'm kinda disappointed that the author is starting off by having Kariss and Tigo not together. Hopefully everything will work out though!

Tuesday, May 01, 2012

Top Ten Books I'd Like To See Made Into A Movie

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish


This week's Top Ten is books that you would like to have a movie adaptation of. While at first thought this is cool, immediately following is a zap of reality as you remember how many movie adaptations have butchered the story. But nevertheless it would be awesome to see some books in movie form as long as they stay as close to the book as possible-like The Hunger Games.

#1 The River of Time Series by Lisa T. Bergren

#2 Catching Fire and Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

#3 The O'Malley Series by Dee Henderson

#4 Uncommon Heroes by Dee Henderson

#5 Discarded Heroes by Ronie Kendig

#6 Team Hope by Susan May Warren

#7 Mission: Russia & Mission of Mercy by Susan May Warren

 #8 Heroes of Quantico by Irene Hannon

#9 Sweet Seasons by Debbie Viguié

#10 The Chase by DiAnn Mills