Fiction Review: Labyrinth of Lies by Irene Hannon

Under the cover of "Labyrinth of Lies" lies an undercover story full of suspense. Author Irene Hannon knows how to keep the action going, and although the plot revolving around a drug ring and a missing student may sound familiar, the reveal of who's behind it all comes unexpectedly. The character development and romance are lost somewhat because our lead characters are pretending to be a teenager  and a Spanish teacher, but given they have a history, we can still pick up on their chemistry. Hannon's use of multiple points of views (something she does in most of her books) can make it challenging to keep up with who's who, but the payoff is an adventure most readers will enjoy. Note, however, that there's little  to no religious content in this book. There's talk of God, morality, and regretful decisions, but these things feel thrown in to qualify the book as "Christian." I feel like Hannon missed an opportunity to give some depth and significance to her characters. The result is a novel that keeps you on the edge of your seat, but is almost immediately forgotten once finished.

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Fiction Romance Review: Since You've Been Gone by Tari Faris

"Since You've Been Gone" by Tari Faris has a slow start, and it's subplot between a "bad girl" and Christian music artist is more interesting than that of its lead characters, who are trying to open a "locally made" craft store (a business choice I don't find very realistic). The antagonists, a financially-driven businessman and a judgmental small town, are also rather one-note. 

But I will say this: If you're patient and willing to witness the character development behind the two romances, you'll be rewarded with some very raw and relatable moments. Faris even includes more of the actual Christian lingo than what is typically found in Christian romances. In fact, I felt so attached to these characters and their challenges (lost family members, abuse, failure, remorse over sin), that I wished Faris had gone even deeper. For example, one character is slowly accepting Christianity and beginning to turn to God, but we never see anything definitive to tell us where she is really at spiritually. Her romantic interest is a popular Christian musician, but he never considers the question of whether or not she is saved. I would have loved to have seen an authentic come-to-Jesus moment for her.

Unfortunately, "Since You've Been Gone" is also weighed down by the number of additional characters and references to things you would have needed to read the previous books in the Restoring Heritage series to understand. I had not read the previous books, so I often felt lost. If you're willing to read the entire series, Faris' novel may be more enjoyable, but based on reading this final book in the series by itself, I would not recommend it.

*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Fiction Review: The Chase by Lisa Harris

When it comes to suspense, Lisa Harris excels. In the case of her book, "The Chase," she takes something as mundane as a series of bank robberies (which have little motivation behind them... there's no big secret to uncover), and produces a story that is, well, a true chase.

US Marshal Madison James partners up with Marhsal Jonas Quinn to track down the robbers and stop them before they can escape cross the border. Naturally, Madison and Jonas are attracted to each other, but both have previous relationships weighing them down. Madison's husband was murdered five years previous and Jonas' ex-girlfriend was shot. There are some background pieces here that may require reading the first book in this series, but they also leave the reader interested in what will happen next, as the book's conclusion sets the stage for Madison to solve her husband's murder.  

The romance of the book is very typical. We don't really get a strong sense of who these two people are beyond the work place, but we can feel the chemistry between them. The faith content is also underdeveloped, with a mention of God here or there (Madison says something at one point about letting go and letting God), but there's no depth or significance to those instances.

"The Chase" is what you might call the Christian book version of a popcorn flick. It's definitely enjoyable. Harris knows what she's doing. But you're reading for the suspense, not the characters.

*Disclaimer" I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.