Do You Like Your Plots Served with a Twist? Comin' Right Up! - Accused by Janice Cantore

Going into the new year, it's my intention to read more books outside of my historical fiction comfort zone.  With that said...what a great way to end 2011 in this excellent new suspense novel by Janice Cantore--Accused.

Before reading Accused, I had never even heard of Janice, and had no idea that she's been writing books for a few years now.  I thought I would be getting an early peek at a debut author (considering this book doesn't release for another month).  Well...no debut here, but nonetheless, Janice is definitely an author I'll be reading more from in the future!  She does what all authors should do, in my opinion...write what they know.  Being a veteran police officer-turned-author, her knowledge and expertise in law enforcement shines through much of this story.

Accused is also a very appealing read for those who want a little romance with their suspense, and the mix here is just right--not too much so that it's corny, but not too little to make you think no one has a heart.  :o)  It is all-the-more believable since Carly and Nick are divorced, and Carly still carries a great amount of bitterness toward Nick because of their split.

But the icing on the cake here is the plot itself!  It is so twisted that you won't come up for air until the very last page!  The bad guys in this story are all over the place, too, and just when I think I've got one pegged, another one rears his ugly head.  To me, that's what makes a good suspense novel.  Give me a little something to figuratively chew on, while keeping me glued to the pages at the same time, and I'm a fan for life.

If there's anything to dislike here, it would be the spiritual elements.  Now, since I read nothing but Christian fiction, you'd think I wouldn't have a problem with this, but this is the first book that I've read in awhile that is as preachy as this one is.  Carly has some major issues with anything concerning God, and her disinterest initially is a little repetitive.  It's not until after the funeral that the preachiness starts to become overwhelming.  I understand that everyone in her circle wants to be a witness to her, but it's all just laid on a little too thick here.  I think if maybe just one character, perhaps two, had not shared their personal testimony, it would've helped the overall flow of the story a great deal.

So, with a mixed bag of thoughts, Accused is still a great read, and gets a high recommendation from me if just for the suspense alone.  Out of 5 stars, it easily gets 5, but the preachiness causes me to bring the overall rating to a 4.  I am so glad there is a sneak peek into book 2, Abducted, included in the back because I'm anxious to see how Carly performs in her usual element of patrolling the streets, a job she was not allowed to do in Accused.  Oh, and not to mention what happens between her and a certain someone...gotta get the juicy details on that.  :o)

4 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

Summary of Accused:

Detective Carly Edwards hates working in juvenile—where the brass put her after an officer-involved shooting—and longs to be back on patrol. So when a troubled youth, Londy Atkins, is arrested for the murder of the mayor and Carly is summoned to the crime scene, she's eager for some action. Carly presses Londy for a confession but he swears his innocence, and despite her better judgment, Carly is inclined to believe him. Yet homicide is convinced of his guilt and is determined to convict him.

Carly's ex-husband and fellow police officer, Nick, appears to be on her side. He's determined to show Carly that he's a changed man and win her back, but she isn't convinced he won't betray her again.

As the investigation progresses, Carly suspects a cover-up and strikes out on her own, uncertain whom she can trust. But when danger mounts, she begins to wonder if she made the right choice.

**Many thanks to Tyndale House through NetGalley for providing a copy for review. 

Top Ten Books of 2011

This year is quite possibly the hardest year to compile a list of my Top Ten Favorite Books.  In years past, I've cheated just a tiny bit and included 2- or 3-book series, but this year...I'm stickin' to my guns, and it's 10 books or bust.  :o)

***

#1 - To Die For by Sandra Byrd - review

For those (like me) who can't get enough of Tudor history, England, or The Royals in general, this stunning book would make an excellent addition to your reading fare, and I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

#2 - Heiress by Susan May Warren - review

Without a doubt, Heiress has to be the edgiest Christian fiction book of the year.

#3 - A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell - review

Even though I've only read two books now by Siri, it's going to be extremely difficult for any of her others to match up to this one.

#4 - The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz - review

I drank in every drop of this book, and when finished, sat back and breathed a very contented sigh of happiness. 

#5 - The Doctor's Lady by Jody Hedlund - review

It's not often that I have an opportunity to practically fly through a book as good as this one, but in 24 hours time, I read this book every moment I could spare.

#6 - Paradise Valley by Dale Cramer - review

This book was like a breath of fresh air when it comes to the Amish fiction genre.

#7 - The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena Miller - review

Serena Miller's realistic tale of life after the Civil War was one that deserves a permanent place on the keeper shelf.

#8 - House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson - review

Sometimes, books come along that are so broad and meaningful, there's really nothing left to say except it was a great book.

#9 - Waterfall by Lisa Bergren - review

I jumped off a bridge and into a book that far exceeded my expectations.

#10 - Along Wooded Paths by Tricia Goyer - review

Not since book 3 of Cindy Woodsmall's first Amish series have I been so impatient to read the last book in a series!

Honorable Mentions

Baby, It's Cold Outside by Susan May Warren - review

Desired by Ginger Garrett - review
The Inheritance of Beauty by Nicole Seitz - review
She Makes It Look Easy by Marybeth Whalen - review

***

So, that's my Top Ten for 2011!  Any books on there that you've read, too?  :o)

Unique Amish Fiction That's Guaranteed to Please - Along Wooded Paths by Tricia Goyer

Until I got my hands on the two novels currently in the Big Sky Series by Tricia Goyer, I'll confess...I wasn't a huge fan of her work.  Now, before you go bashing me on the head because I've lost my marbles, let me be clear.  She's a good author, but up until a week ago, her books didn't have that "zing" or "snap-crackle-pop" that I love to experience when reading.  And now....we've got a "snap-crackle-pop," a "zippa-de-do-dah," and a "wowza!" all rolled together thanks to her latest offering--Along Wooded Paths--the second book in the Big Sky Series. 

I love Amish stories that take me beyond the borders of Pennsylvania, Ohio, or Indiana (where most Amish stories are set).  This series just happens to take place in Montana, and thanks to the majestic mountains and the small-town folk, the little town of Kootenai is almost a character by itself.  Everyone loves to stop by the little store where Marianna works so they can get a good meal, maybe a slice of cake, and some good conversation.  You may even find Ben there once in awhile, participating in an open mic night of sorts.  But what sets this one little place apart from all the other Amish communities is the ordinary interaction between the Englisch and the Amish.  In most Amish novels, the Englisch are pictured in one of three ways:  as a mode of transportation, as a trusted doctor that they visit regularly, or as a temptation to some young boy or girl during their rumshpringa.  But when your car is stuck on the side of the road, or when your cabinets are void of food...everyone helps each other.  That quality alone makes this series different from any other Amish series I've ever read, and ya know...I'd love to see a whole lot more of 'em.

If all that wasn't enough to really make Tricia's Amish novels unique, she's got one more little trick up her sleeve--their interaction with God.  Now, if you're a regular to Amish books, you know that they are pretty much "by the book" when it comes to matters of church, faith, and their Ordnung.  Just like every other facet of their lives, there is a system and order to things that has been there for hundreds of years.  While I understand most of it (although I couldn't ever physically do it all), I've always wondered about the religious side of things.  Why don't they believe in reading the Bible on their own?  Why do they almost blindly trust every word from their bishop's mouth?  Why do they believe in praying silently versus praying aloud?  Do they believe that they're the only chosen group going to heaven?  What about outsiders that say they're Christians, too?  In Along Wooded Paths, Marianna has many of those same questions, too, and I'm on pins and needles waiting to find out how she comes to terms with her new relationship with God, and how it's so special to her.

And good grief, you'll smack me upside the head for sure if I don't give you the best morsel of all!  Yep....there's a love triangle, too!  And sweet mercy, it's a good 'un...one of the very best I've read in a long time.  :o)  Now, Marianna hasn't sided with the right guy yet, in my opinion, but I'm still hoping for things to work out the way they're supposed to...there's still hope.  I just don't think she's truly happy with her decision at this point.  (Oh, and there's not one triangle, but two...geez, could this book get any better?!)

Not since book 3 of Cindy Woodsmall's first Amish series have I been so impatient to read the last book in a series!  How many days 'til April 1, 2012, Tricia...because I promise, I'm countin' them down!

5 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

Summary for Along Wooded Paths:

All she wanted was a simple Amish life . . . But now Marianna Sommer finds herself depending on Englisch neighbors. Although proud of living apart from the world, she and her newly relocated Amish family have discovered that life in the remote mountains of Montana requires working together.

As Marianna begins helping those different from herself—and receiving their help—her heart contemplates two directions. She’s torn between the Amish man from Indiana whom she has long planned on marrying and the friendly Englischer who models a closer walk with God than she’s ever seen before.

Who should have young Marianna’s heart? What is God asking her to sacrifice? Her traditions? Her community? The answer is found along the wooded paths.

**Many thanks to Wynn-Wynn Media for providing a copy for review.

Be Prepared for Butterflies in Your Stomach! - A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell

This was one of the those books that just would not let me go until I reached the very last page.  While the characters and the setting were quite ordinary, the intricacies of high fashion and historical detail were so well-crafted that I felt transported to the time and place.  Through Siri's skillful storytelling, it was easy to imagine living in a squalid tenement, cramped with other immigrant families, and hoping that I would have enough money to feed my family that day.  Now, imagine that daily lifestyle with the backdrop of the Spanish influenza epidemic and World War I, and it's not difficult to see why this book was so captivating.

The story follows three unique girls, each with their own stories, and they all happened to work together at Madame Forza's gown shop.  Julietta was a little on the reckless side--fascinated by Angelo's mystique, yet not crazy about the danger he seemed to attract.  Luciana wanted nothing more than to blend in with the crowd, lest she be found by the men who murdered her family and followed her to America.  And finally, Annamaria...my personal favorite.  She longed for a life of lesser responsibility, where no one immediately assumed that it was her job to take care of her parents into their old age, but instead, to create a new beginning with the man of her heart.  This man just happened to be from the grocer's shop across the street, only he's the last person she ought to be attracted to.

While A Heart Most Worthy most likely would not be considered a historical romance, the romance elements of the book were some of the best I've read in ages.  Few authors can weave it into their tales in such a beautiful way that it makes one think back to the early days of their own individual love story.  Siri is one of those authors.  For example, Annamaria was literally forbidden from speaking to the grocer's son across the street, yet after each visit there, the attraction between them escalated after a quick glimpse here or a subtle smile there.  When they spoke to one another for the first time, my stomach was so full of butterflies, you'd think I was going on my first date! 

Even though I've only read two books now by Siri, it's going to be extremely difficult for any of her others to match up to this one.  I could go on for another two or three paragraphs about everything that I loved, but I've tried to leave a little bit to entice a new reader.  The story was unique, the setting realistic, and the romance...well, I think you know my feelings on that.  *wink*  A Heart Most Worthy was one of the most satisfying books I've read in a very long time, and has easily carved out a line on my Top Ten Books of 2011.

5 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  A little bit, mostly from Julietta

Summary of A Heart Most Worthy:

The elegance of Madame Forza's gown shop is a far cry from the downtrodden North End of Boston. Yet each day Julietta, Annamaria, and Luciana enter the world of the upper class, working on finery for the elite in society. The three beauties each long to break free of their obligations and embrace the American dream—and their chance for love. But the ways of the heart are difficult to discern at times. Julietta is drawn to the swarthy, mysterious Angelo. Annamaria has a star-crossed encounter with the grocer's son, a man from the entirely wrong family. And through no intent of her own, Luciana catches the eye of Billy Quinn, the son of Madame Forza's most important client. Their destinies intertwined, each harboring a secret from their families and each other, will they be found worthy of the love they seek?

**Many thanks to Bethany House for providing a copy for review.

Pssst.......  Yeah, you heard me.  :o)

Interested in getting your own copy of A Heart Most Worthy?  Well, Amazon has it right now for $6!!!  Is that a steal of a deal or what?!  Go...go right now!!!

(Wait, what are you still doing here?  Oh, you're leaving a comment, are you?  Well then, by all means...help yourself!)