#NetGalley Book Review: If I Live by Terri Blackstock

This is an engaging, satisfactory conclusion of this intense series.
If I Live (If I Run Series) by Terri Blackstock

File Size: 1246 KB
Print Length: 352 pages

Publisher: Zondervan (March 6, 2018)
ASIN: B072TNH72K
Genre: Christian, Mystery, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

THE HUNT IS ALMOST OVER.

Casey Cox is still on the run after being indicted for murder. The hunt that began with her bloody footprints escalates, and she’s running out of places to hide. Her face is all over the news, and her disguises are no longer enough. It’s only a matter of time before someone recognizes her.
Dylan Roberts, the investigator who once hunted her, is now her only hope. Terrifying attempts on Dylan’s life could force Casey out of hiding. The clock is ticking on both their lives, but exposing the real killers is more complicated than they knew. Amassing the evidence to convict their enemies draws Dylan and Casey together, but their relationship has consequences. Will one life have to be sacrificed to protect the other?
With If I Live, Terri Blackstock takes us on one more heart-stopping chase in the sensational conclusion to the If I Run series.

Review:
Casey has been wearing disguises to stay hidden but she keeps helping people in need around her. Her latest efforts are trying to help a man wrongfully accused of child abuse and trying to find a way to help the child. She keeps landing in the news and getting recognized. Corrupt detective Keegan is hot on her heels.

Dylan has managed to help Casey avoid capture. Through their brief contacts their feelings for each other are growing. He is continuing to look for proof to support the allegations that Keegan is dirty and a killer. Dylan’s own actions, as covert as he is trying to be, are putting pressure on Keegan who is taking down loose ends around him. This includes a direct attack on Dylan.

The suspense continues to escalate as Casey and Dylan try to arrange for her to safely turn herself in without putting her near Keegan. A few last-minute twists had hubby and me holding our breath waiting for resolution.

There were some questions in our minds like ‘why Casey and Dylan didn’t take the evidence to the FBI?’ It was clear it was hard to trust anyone near their own town and precinct but its seems they might have sought help from another jurisdiction. Casey does end up with an interesting choice of attorney who is a good character addition. The romance and faith support elements were nicely handled as they picked up in this concluding book. I really liked how Blackstock showed how God worked to help Casey and Dylan.

All in all, hubby and I enjoyed the trilogy and I was extra glad he listened with me. This third book was a NetGalley ebook version so we had my Kindle reading. I am used to the mechanical, robotic voice but hubby kept grumbling: “that guy has no emotion”. I am sure he would have preferred the audio but I was fine with the ebook.

I like Blackstock’s writing which is engaging and not overly complex. I recommend this series to readers who enjoy romantic suspense and faith-based elements.

Source: NetGalley 2018. This qualifies for NetGalley and Alphabet (2018 title) challenges.

Book 1: Audio Book Review: If I Run by Terri Blackstock, 4.25
Book 2: Audible Book Review: If I'm Found by Terri Blackstock, 4.25

Sunday Post March 18, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 19, 2018

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

Work continues to be busy and I worked late every night. Stared feeling poorly on Saturday and have spent half of today (Sunday) in bed. I hope this passes quickly.
Our weather was cool in the mornings and warming. This morning was beautiful but we got a storm in the afternoon.

My listening and reading were good this week. I finished 2 Audio titles and two ebooks. I posted five reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 24 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week for Words and Peace who is a blogger and translator.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post March 11, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 12, 2018.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Dead Ever After, A Sookie Stackhouse Novel, Book 13, by Charlaine Harris; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.0.

• ATBR- Audio Book Review: If I Run by Terri Blackstock; Christian, Mystery, Suspense; my rating 4.25.

• PLBC- Book Review and Giveaway: When the Morning Comes by Cindy Woodsmall; Amish, Romance; my rating 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 16, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/22/2018.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Hell Divers, The Hell Divers Series, Book 1, by Nicholas Sansbury Smith; Dark Fantasy Sci Fi, Technothriller; my rating 4.0.

• A2018- Audible Book Review: If I'm Found by Terri Blackstock; Christian, Mystery, Suspense; my rating 4.25.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 18, 2018.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

Consent of the Governed
by Bernard LoPinto
This is a dystopian with political subcomments.
Source: NetGalley 2017.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3

Quarter Share
A Trader's Tale from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper, Book 1
By: Nathan Lowell
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
Series: A Trader's Tale from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 44 mins
I really liked this surprisingly engaging tale even though it is more business trading than space action.
Source: Audible 2016 Credit Purchase.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

In Wolves' Clothing
by Greg Levin
This is gripping and well written.
Source: NetGalley 2017.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

Lords of Space
Starship Blackbeard, Book 2
By: Michael Wallace
Narrated by: Steve Barnes
Series: Starship Blackbeard, Book 2
Length: 6 hrs and 20 mins
I wanted to continue this series and fit this in for Alphabet and Take Control Challenge.
Source: Audible 2017 Credit Purchase.
Publisher's Summary
Captain James Drake is desperate to clear his name. Pursued relentlessly by the Royal Navy, he takes his loyal crew to attack Admiral Malthorne's estate and seize the evidence that will prove his innocence.
But their search uncovers something else the ruthless admiral has secreted away - the key to stopping a brutal and decades-old war with the Hroom, an ancient alien race. What they find sends Drake on a dangerous mission deep into Hroom territory. Joined by his valiant crew and the daughter of a former rival captain, Drake risks his life and his freedom to stop the war and save what's left of his world.
Book two in the Starship Blackbeard series by Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author Michael Wallace.
The series continues: book three - Dreadnought; book four - Rebellion of Stars.
©2015 Michael Wallace (P)2015 Michael Wallace

Currently Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (TBR)

Xenos: Warhammer 40,000
Eisenhorn, Book 1
By: Dan Abnett
Narrated by: Toby Longworth
Series: Eisenhorn, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 55 mins
I picked this for Alphabet and Take Control Challenges.
Source: Audible 2017 Credit Purchase.
Publisher's Summary
The Inquisition moves amongst mankind like an avenging shadow, striking down the enemies of humanity with uncompromising ruthlessness. When he finally corners an old foe, Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn is drawn into a sinister conspiracy. As events unfold and he gathers allies - and enemies - Eisenhorn faces a vast interstellar cabal and the dark power of daemons, all racing to recover an arcane text of abominable power: an ancient tome known as the Necroteuch.
©2001 Games Workshop Ltd. (P)2016 Games Workshop Limited

2. eBook/Kindle (NG 2017)

The Edge of Memory
by Maura Beth Brennan
I am interested to read this - looking for strength.
Source: NetGalley 2017.
When your childhood is cut short by murder and treachery, it's not easy to live a normal life. At the tender age of nine, Harriet witnessed her father beat her mother to death, and she holds herself partially responsible. Still haunted by half-memories, guilt, and disturbing dreams, she has constructed a solitary and joyless existence, with little room for men or romance. Facing her thirtieth birthday, she knows she must do something to change her life. Like an omen, she meets Agnes, a rich elderly widow looking for a companion at her summer home in Maine, and the two forge a business deal. Thinking this will be like a vacation and a time to plan a better future, Harriet is shocked to discover challenges and obstacles she hadn't anticipated. Agnes' nephew and sole heir resents Harriet and wants her gone. And then there's Eli, the local artisan who makes her reconsider her decision to avoid men. Can he possibly return her feelings? Soon, the nephew's schemes, along with a heartbreaking betrayal, culminate in an event that changes her life forever. Will she fail Agnes as she failed her own mother years ago? Will she lose the man she loves? Or will she find her own strength and realize happiness at last?

3. Audio/MP3 (TBR)

Warship
Black Fleet Trilogy, Book 1
By: Joshua Dalzelle
Narrated by: Mark Boyett
Series: Black Fleet Trilogy, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins

I chose this for Alphabet and Take Control Challenge.
Source: Audible 2016 Credit Purchase.
Publisher's Summary
From Joshua Dalzelle, author of the best-selling Omega Force series, comes an all new vision of humanity's future.
In the 25th century, humans have conquered space. The advent of faster-than-light travel has opened up hundreds of habitable planets for colonization, and humans have exploited the virtually limitless space and resources for hundreds of years with impunity. So complacent have they become with the overabundance that armed conflict is a thing of the past, and their machines of war are obsolete and decrepit. What would happen if they were suddenly threatened by a terrifying new enemy? Would humanity fold and surrender, or would they return to their evolutionary roots and meet force with force?
One ship - and one captain - will soon be faced with this very choice.
©2015 Joshua Dalzelle (P)2015 Podium Publishing

4. eBook/Kindle (Publisher)

Blackstone
by Richard Falkirk
This sounds like a good mystery.
Source: Thistle Publishing, 2018.
Edmund Blackstone, Bow Street Runner, of doubtful parentage and background, the best if far from the most conformist in the force, secretly applauds the robbers he hunts. He is tall, well-built, with a strongly featured face and, despite his elegant and expensive attire, moves with ease among the thieves and cut-throats in the taverns and soup shops, the cockfighting pits and dirty alleys of London. But if Blackstone has a weakness for professional esteem and flattery, for a woman's touch and for good wine, he is also one of the best shots in London, an expert in almost all areas of crime, a ruthless man with a reputation for courage and persistence, and - first and last - a Bow Street Runner.

In this, the first of the series, Sir Richard Birnie, the Bow Street magistrate, has appointed Blackstone to guard the heir to the throne, the young Princess Alexandrina Victoria. Among the Runners this is considered an honour but Blackstone feels that it is all a waste of time, even a punishment. Then Blackstone himself is attacked outside his lodgings - and there's something about his assailant that seems oddly familiar…

March 18, 2018 - I am back on track with my morning reading the One Year Bible plan on my new smartphone. It is a great way to start my day. You can check out the audio on the companion commentary online.

I completed 4 books and posted 5 reviews. That moves me to 6 current reviews.
I linked some titles during the week at Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
My NetGalley shelf is down to 15. I have one committed author title in queue and many through InstaFreebie. I have more new author requests but haven't replied yet.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I didn't request or receive any review titles.
I resisted the Audible daily deal titles again but purchased one title with February credit.
I resisted Kindle deals this week too.
However, as usual, I picked up lots more free kindle titles as usual. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

Audible book won from Bookish Owlette - Thank you!
The Cruel Prince
By: Holly Black
Narrator: Caitlin Kelly
Duration: 12 hrs and 36 mins

Purchased

I picked up this Audible (eight in the series) with a February Credit:
3/18 Credit Purchase
Home Invasion, The Survivalist Series, Book 8
By: A. American
Narrator: Duke Fontaine
Duration: 9 hrs and 42 mins

Free

I added a whopping 117! free titles to my Kindle library this week! (Guess I made up for last week.) Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement March 18, 2018

We didn’t get to church again this week. Hubby wasn’t feeling so well but I have been staying near the bathroom all day due to flu symptoms. ☹

These are notes from a Sunday School Lesson in January. The teachings have been on the topic of “death”. A prior week our teacher noted that the power of sin is law… it sets the standard. Men needed to see they could not find righteousness by themselves.

Jesus came to fulfill the purpose of the law which is righteousness. Matthew 5. Jesus took the power of sin away. Jesus’ sacrifice – his death upon the cross - puts us in right standing with God. He removed our separation. Isaiah 59:1-2.

What is in your heart? God hates sin.
God's holiness is even above the unreachable standard of the law.
We are not to judge others. We are to live in obedience and humility knowing that we can’t save ourselves, but God can.
He died (He did it) for all.

I think this song fits the message. Greater.

Verses for Today:
Isaiah 59:1-2, 15-16
1 Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save,
nor his ear too dull to hear.
2 But your iniquities have separated
you from your God;
your sins have hidden his face from you,
so that he will not hear.

15 Truth is nowhere to be found,
and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey.
The Lord looked and was displeased
that there was no justice.
16 He saw that there was no one,
he was appalled that there was no one to intervene;
so his own arm achieved salvation for him,
and his own righteousness sustained him.


Lord Jesus, I thank you that you are my righteousness; that you didn't leave me separated from God.

Audible Book Review: If I'm Found by Terri Blackstock

This middle book continues the tension in this engaging series.

If I'm Found
By: Terri Blackstock
Narrated by: Kate Rudd

Series: If I Run, Book 2
Length: 7 hrs and 45 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 03-21-17
Language: English
Publisher: Zondervan
Genre: Christian, Mystery, Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Is Dylan hunting Casey to prosecute her or protect her?
Casey Cox is still on the run, fleeing prosecution for a murder she didn't commit. Dylan Roberts - her most relentless pursuer - is still on her trail, but his secret emails insist that he knows the truth and wants to help her. He's let her escape before when he had her in his grasp, but trust doesn't come easily.
As Casey works to collect evidence about the real murderers, she stumbles on another unbearable injustice: an abused child and a suicidal man who's also been falsely accused. Casey risks her own safety to right this wrong and protect the little girl from her tormenters. But doing so is risky and just may result in her capture - and if she's captured, she has no doubt she'll be murdered before she ever steps foot in a jail.
In this riveting sequel to the USA Today best seller If I Run, evil lurks, drawing Casey out of the shadows...but there is light shining in the darkness. Is Dylan a provision from the God who loves her or another heartache yet to happen?
©2017 Terri Blackstock (P)2017 Zondervan

Review:
Casey risked herself in her first undercover city by insisting that a missing girl is being held in a basement around the corner. She has to escape and find another location. There she finds work but again becomes involved in a local problem even though it risks her cover.

Other witnesses interviewed by Casey’s murdered friend Brent are turning up dead. Dylan is becoming more convinced that Casey has been framed and he is desperate to reach her before Detective Keegan. Keegan is intent on capturing Casey but Dylan is concerned that the police officer won't return her safely.

This book continues the suspense in the plot. There was a little more development for Casey and Dylan, as well as the villain Keegan who even had a couple of chapters from his view. There is some repetition and some filler that might have been eliminated but then it might impact the trilogy. My hubby and I enjoyed listening to this second book and were excited to read book three.

Audio Notes: Kate Rudd’s narration is an improvement over the narration in the first book. Ms Rudd provides some distinct voices and good pacing. The narration helped me to enjoy this second book.

Source: 2018 Audible Credit Purchase. This qualifies for 2018TBR, Take Control and Audiobook Challenges.

Book 1: Audio Book Review: If I Run by Terri Blackstock, 4.25

Audible Book Review: Hell Divers, The Hell DIvers Series, Book 1, by Nicholas Sansbury Smith

This is a dark, action-packed sci fi thriller.
Hell Divers
The Hell Divers Series, Book 1
By: Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Narrated by: R. C. Bray

Series: The Hell Divers Series, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 11 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 07-19-16
Language: English
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Dark Fantasy Sci Fi, Technothriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
An Audible Editor's Pick of 2016 and An Audible Best of 2016 Science Fiction.
More than two centuries after World War III poisoned the planet, the final bastion of humanity lives on massive airships circling the globe in search of a habitable area to call home. Aging and outdated, most of the ships plummeted back to Earth long ago. The only thing keeping the two surviving lifeboats in the sky are Hell Divers - men and women who risk their lives by diving to the surface to scavenge for parts the ships desperately need.
When one of the remaining airships is damaged in an electrical storm, a Hell Diver team is deployed to a hostile zone called Hades. But there's something down there that's far worse than the mutated creatures discovered on dives in the past - something that threatens the fragile future of humanity.
Narrator Interview: vimeo.com/188195570/ad4a958906
©2016 Nicholas Sansbury Smith (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Mankind managed to poison their world through nuclear war and waste. There are only two airships remaining with the last human survivors. The captains of the ships continue to look for a safe place to land and recolonize their own world. First, they have to survive in space to find that safe place.

A fierce electrical storm has endangered one of the ships by damaging it and leaving it stranded above one of the most dangerous places on earth, a city known as Hades. Xavier Rodriguez, 'X’, is a Hell Diver on the second ship. Hell Divers are the men and women who accept the challenge of diving to the earth’s surface to scavenge for supplies needed to keep the ships operating. ‘They dive so humanity survives”. But no sky diver has ever returned from Hades. Yet the divers must try as the necessary fuel and repair parts are located in this hostile area.

Hell divers have shortened life expectancy as many perish after less than 20 dives. X is the longest surviving diver with over 90 dives! He leads a team to the edges of Hades hoping to find supplies on the outskirts. Instead of supplies they find a horrendous monster of great strength and agility, with the ability to climb walls and even fly. These mutant monsters, dubbed ‘sirens’, are vicious killers who eat the prey they catch.

X has been an almost careless diver since he lost his wife a few years back. But a new death leaves him in charge of his best friend’s young son, a child prodigy. X faces the most dangerous dive of his life as he and the other team members agree to dive into Hades to seek the needed supplies.

X was initially presented as a cold, uncaring character but the author did develop his traumas and his depths. I think my favorite character is the boy, Tin. I also liked the captain who fights personal health issues as she desperately tries to save her ship and humanity There is plenty of action in this story, but I wasn’t fully enthralled. It may be because it borders on a horror story but that shouldn’t bother me too much. I felt the beginning was a bit disjointed and maybe I never got back on track. Still, I enjoyed the intense entertainment and I will probably continue with the next book at some point.

Audio Notes: R. C. Bray does a fine job with the narration. He provides depth to the tense scenes and gives the characters unique voices. The narration follows the story with precise timing and pacing. The narration enhanced this reading experience for me.

Source: Audible Daily Deal 2017. This qualifies for 2018TBR, Take Control, Audiobook and Alphabet Challenges.