Book Review: Stranger Things by Erin Healy

I enjoyed this suspenseful story that weaves faith and a touch of supernatural.
Stranger Things
by Erin Healy

File Size: 1866 KB
Print Length: 357 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 7, 2014)
ASIN: B00DNBECVQ
Genre: Christian Suspense, Crime
My Rating: 4.5. of 5.0

In the burnt-out hollow, a house of dark secrets and an eerie beauty beckon.
Serena Diaz’s life is imploding. A troubled student has accused the young biology teacher of sexual misconduct, cutting off her promising career just as it was starting to blossom. But that’s just the beginning of Serena’s problems.
When a therapeutic walk in the woods leads her to a ruined house overtaken by criminals, Serena is assaulted and finds herself witness to the senseless murder of the one man who tries to help her.
Hurled into a world of false accusations and hounded by the press, Serena must confront evil itself to unravel the mysterious visions—and terrifying danger—that pursue her. But she can’t ignore the most haunting question: Why would a mysterious stranger give his life to save hers?
The answer, if she can find it, will point the way to her freedom from evil men in a lascivious trade.
“With her typical flair and eloquence, Healy takes readers through an incredible journey that will leave you thinking long after the last page closes.” —Lifeisstory.com
“Healy’s latest is thought-provoking and engaging, and becomes even more so as the story progresses. The author uses courageous characters to address the sex trade crisis. Themes of hope and redemption are seamlessly woven with spiritual elements and a touch of the supernatural.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 stars

Review:
Serena is a dedicated teacher who cares about her teen students. One of those students gets angry when his teacher’s grade threatens his scholarship. He speaks to his corrupt uncle to try take revenge by making false accusations against Serena.

Serena is shocked by the accusations and takes a drive out to a secluded wood where she likes to walk and reflect. She stumbles upon an old dilapidated house which seems to shimmer into something marvelous under a golden beam of sunlight. Serena isn’t aware that the house has been commandeered by criminals who are involved in human trafficking. A creepy man comes out of the house and grabs her, but another strange man steps out of the woods trying to pull her away. Serena witnesses the murder of the strange man who steps in front of her.

Serena is glad to have the help of her lawyer boyfriend. He has promised to resolve the accusations against her and to let the authorities know about the murder without getting her involved. Yet he doesn’t seem to be making progress and is dodging her many questions.

Soon Serena is tangled between the predators and the forces who are trying to stop them. She is experiencing confusing visions of young girls in fear and danger and young girls sharing laughter.

The author provides strong descriptions and the plot is well developed. This story is well written and full of good suspense with interesting twists and supernatural edges. I liked the characters and the struggles against the sinister leaders of the human trafficking ring. I also liked the faith aspects. I recommend this to readers who enjoy suspense with supernatural and faith elements.

Source: I picked up the print version at discount at Christianbook.com in 2016 for Ladies Book Club. This qualifies for 2018TBR.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 29, 2018

Happy Friday! Hard to realize it is the end of June - half the year done.

I am home and catching up a little although I miss the 'grandkiddles'.
Our weather is heating up as is much of the country (except the northwest). I hope everyone stays cool and enjoys some great reading this weekend and during next week.

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.

INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up too late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the June 22 Pick. There were no automatic wins this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. One title was blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from June 22 Pick:
Marjorie gets a GC and
Becky gets My Dark Prince.

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

Happy Fourth of July to my American friends!
Image found at Celebrating Holidays.

New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

Midnight Rainbow
Betrayal
Indigo Blue
By a Spider's Thread 
Johanna Lindsey Pair 
Judith Krentz Pair
Breaking Point

New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018
I thought I would look for some 'Springish' titles but that didn't happen. Hope someone finds a title or two you like.

PAIRS
Betty Neals: Tabitha by Moonlight and Fate Takes a Hand
Nora Robert: Hot Ice (spine creased) and Sanctuary
SINGLES:
My Lord Conqueror by Samantha James
Surrender by Pamela Clare
Dessert Rogue by Suzanne Simmons
The Rose and the Shield by Elaine Barrieri
Hannah’s Courtship by Emma Miller
Someone to Watch Over Me by Judith McNaught
Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
Heroes Are My Weakness by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
A Husband’s Wicked Ways by Jane Feather
Hot on Her Heels by Susan Mallery
Indigo Blue by Catherine Anderson
Between the Devil and Desire (Scoundrels of St. James Book 2) by Lorraine Heath (hardback)


New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017
21 books remain of the original 37:

I finally Have them Listed!
Boots & Booties by Kristine Rolofson
Saucer the Conquest by Stephen Coonts
Echo Burning by Lee Child
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
Tempted All Night by Liz Carlyle
Day of the Dead by J.A. Jance
White Night by Jim Butcher
Five Gold Rings Anthology Constance O’Banyon and three others
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Depraved Heart by Patricia Cornwell
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Wizard’s Daughter by Catherine Coulter
Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks
The Wicked Wyckerly by Patricia Rice
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
Night Whispers by Judith McNaught
101 Commonsense Rules for the Office by John R. Brinkerhoff

 THESE BOOKS CHOSEN/WON ARE THE ONES STRICKEN HERE:
Finger Licken' Fifteen
How to Tame a Highland Warrior
The Texan
Total Control
Atlantis Found
Stephanie Laurens Pair
Desperado 
Rebellious Desires 
Forget Me Not 
The Eighth Commandment
Ghost Riders
The Manning Brides by Debbie Macomber 
Shadow Music 
Corbin's Fancy 
Hawk's Lady

This shelf of 35 books are what is left from Groups #1 (11/27/09) through Group #75 September 29, 2017

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 14 titles.)
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing
Named of the Dragon
Daring
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
JoAnn Ross: Confessions
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
The New Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman
A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan
The Fireman’s Fair by Josephine Humphreys (Hardcover)
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven
There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn 

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 21 titles.)
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
*Four books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I found.
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in almost EIGHT years I have posted 75 groups of 16 (1,200) books to find new homes! (as of November 2, 2017).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,171+books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A month or so ago I posted I had reached 2000 books given away. As I calculated the numbers 11/2/17 I realized that had to be an error. I realized I went from 1098 to 2001 instead of 1101. Guess I was tired; sorry for the error.] I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $7.00 and $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

#NetGalley Book Review: The Voice Inside by Brian Freeman

This is a well written psychological thriller with a gruesome killer.

The Voice Inside: A Thriller (Frost Easton Book 2)
by Brian Freeman

File Size: 4052 KB
Print Length: 348 pages
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer (January 16, 2018)
ASIN: B01N6J535R
Genre: Crime, Psychological Thrillers
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

In the follow-up to bestselling psychological thriller The Night Bird, a serial killer mistakenly set free becomes a city’s worst nightmare—and a detective’s deadliest challenge.
Four years after serial killer Rudy Cutter was sent away for life, San Francisco homicide inspector Frost Easton uncovers a terrible lie: his closest friend planted false evidence to put Cutter behind bars. When he’s forced to reveal the truth, his sister’s killer is back on the streets.
Desperate to take Cutter down again, the detective finds a new ally in Eden Shay. She wrote a book about Cutter and knows more about him than anyone. And she’s terrified. Because for four years, Cutter has been nursing revenge day after stolen day.
Staying ahead of the game of a killer who’s determined to strike again is not going to be easy. Not when Frost is battling his own demons. Not when the game is becoming so personal. And not when the killer’s next move is unlike anything Frost expected.

Review:
Frost Easton lost his younger sister to a serial killer four years ago. Frost became a homicide inspector to fight foes like killer Rudy Cutter. But someone sneaks into Frost’s home to make him follow evidence that his best friend on the force, Jen, planted the piece of evidence that sent Cutter to jail. Frost struggles with the evidence: should he bury it or turn it in to his chief? When the truth is revealed Cutter is back on the streets and Jen is off the force.

Although the police try to follow Cutter he slips away and soon death stalks Frost and his friends. Frost gets help from author Eden Shay who suffered her own trauma as a young woman and is writing a true crime story about Cutter and his victims. Cutter seems to be one step ahead as Frost tries to find enough untainted evidence to put Cutter back behind bars.

The tension in this story is well developed from beginning to end. Cutter is a creepy, conniving, cruel killer. Frost is a real, conflicted hero and I liked his honest character as he tries to listen to the quiet voice inside. The writing is direct and moves along well. I enjoyed the twists in each chapter that keep it interesting all the way to the big twist at the end. I didn’t read the first book and this one read fine as a standalone. I may want to pick that title up. I recommend this to readers who like a well-written psychological thriller.

Source: 2017 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2018TBR, NetGalley and Alphabet Challenges.

Sunday Post June 24, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 25, 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.

It has been a joy but I am tired out from my week helping with the 22 month old twins and our 5 year old grandchildren. I had two days I never got to open the computer and today I didn't get to it until 10pm when everyone else went to bed.

My reading was also sparse as I finished two books. 2 Audibles (16hrs and . I only posted one review on the blog and one at Goodreads.  I did get to all of my usual memes.

I visited only 22 blogs again Monday and Tuesday last week.
No Shout Out this week. 
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post June 17, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 18, 2018.

• A2018BR- Audible Book Review: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black; Bullying, Fae, Fantasy, YA; my rating 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 22, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/28/2018.

• Goodreads Review ATBR- Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Nemesis by Larry Correia; Fantasy, Paranormal, Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement June 24, 2018.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (TBR)

Monster Hunter Nemesis
By: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman
Series: Monster Hunter, Book 5
Length: 16 hrs and 30 mins
This was fun entertainment though a bit different for the series. Goodreads review linked above.
Source: 2016 Audible Credit Purchase.

2. Audible/Smartphone (TBR)

Trackers 
Trackers, Book 1
By: Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot
Series: Trackers (Sansbury Smith), Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins
This was an interesting murder mystery tied in with EMP post apocalyptic events.
Source: 2016 Audible Credit Purchase.
Publisher's Summary
The end of the world is just the beginning of the hunt....
Estes Park police chief Marcus Colton and tracker Sam "Raven" Spears have never liked one another, but when a young girl goes missing in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colton hires Spears to help find her. Their search ends after a night of devastating horror. When word reaches Estes that the nation has been hit by a coordinated electromagnetic pulse attack, Colton and Spears are forced to work together again. But they quickly realize they aren't just tracking a killer - they are tracking a madman. As the United States descends into chaos, the hunters become the hunted.
Halfway across the country, Senator Charlize Montgomery awakes to find the nation's capital has gone dark. Forced to set off on foot, she treks across a city that has woken to a new world, and as the night progresses she learns the EMP attack was just the beginning.
©2017 Nicholas Sansbury Smith (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

I did read multiple board books and children's books with the children. I'll have to post the pictures next week as I am too tired to get them off my phone right now.

Currently Reading:
1. Print (LBCTBR)

The Letters (The Inn at Eagle Hill Book #1): A Novel
by Suzanne Woods Fisher
I hope to finish this during the air flight home.
Source: I have had my print copy for several years. I think it was a 2013 book through Book Sneeze that I didn't get to read because my daughter took it to read. I also got it through free Kindle in 2016. We just recently bought copies through ChristianBook.com for Ladies Book Club reading this month.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (Author)

Lance: A Spirit Unbroken
by Walter Stoffel
I'm only about a quarter into this ebook. 
I am enjoying learning about Lance.
but am drawn to the cover and blurb.
Click on book title for full description.

I know there will be another Audible but I haven't chosen which one yet.

June 24, 2018 - I am still enjoying the prayer app which gives me five prayer groups each morning! I continue on track with my morning reading the One Year Bible plan on my smartphone. You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.

I completed 2 books and completed 2 reviews. This keeps me to 4 reviews due. 
I need to find time to add more reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
My NetGalley shelf is at 12; I still have one more author title in queue. Still many through InstaFreebie and many new author requests but I haven't replied to.

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 pick up any new review books this week.
I picked up one Audible daily deal title.
I resisted the Kindle deals this week.
I didn't pick up any free kindle titles this week! (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

NONE

Purchased

I only picked up one Daily Deal this week.
6/22/2018 DD$3.95
Traitor's Blade
Greatcoats Series, Book 1
By: Sebastien de Castell
Narrated by: Joe Jameson
Length: 12 hrs and 50 mins
Release date: 12-26-17

Free

I have not yet downloaded week 9 SYNC audio titles:

I added ZIP - ZERO -ZILCH free titles to my Kindle library this week. (Too tired most nights and no internet over most of the weekend.) 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 June 24, 2018

I've had a long week with a labor of love and joy: helping with 22 month old twins and a 5 year old. I didn't get much computer time. It is 10pm at night and the first time I got the computer open today.

Here are a few words and a worship song for today (and every day).

Happy moments: PRAISE GOD. Difficult moments: SEEK GOD. Quiet moments: WORSHIP GOD. Painful moments: TRUST GOD. Every moment: THANK GOD.

1Thess 5:16-18
Psalm 107:1

Verses for Today
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.