Shadow in Serenity by Terri Blackstock

Carny Sullivan grew up in the zany world of a traveling carnival. Quaint and peaceful Serenity, Texas, has given her a home, a life, and a child. Logan Brisco is the smoothest, slickest, handsomest man Serenity, Texas has ever seen. But Carny Sullivan knows a con artist when she sees one---and she's seen plenty, starting with her father. As far as Carny Sullivan can tell, she's the only one in town who has his number. Because from his Italian shoes to his movie-actor smile, Logan has the rest of the town snowed. Carny is determined to reveal Brisco's selfish intentions before his promise to the townspeople for a cut in a giant amusement park sucks Serenity dry. Yet, as much as she hates his winning ways, there is a man behind that suave smile, a man who may win her heart against her will. Shadow in Serenity is a modern-day Music Man, penned by a Christy Award-winning, New York Times bestselling author. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

Shadow in Serenity by Terri Blackstock is a faith based novel set in Serenity, Texas.  This was a heart-warming novel about faith, love, second chances and the spirit of one small town.  I enjoyed the characters Blackstock created and the wonderful tale she tells. 

Carney Sullivan is tough as nails, a good mother and loves the people of Serenity as if they were family. Raised by con artist in a traveling carnival she knows a con when she sees one.  When Logan Brisco show up promising to make the dreams of this financially depressed little town come true she smells a con.  Despite her best efforts the people she loves can’t seem to get enough of Logan and his sweet words. 

Logan Brisco has one thing in mind when he enters the town of Serenity and that’s money. That is until he gets one look at spunky Carney.  The more trouble she gives him, the more he wants to win her over. Logan knows he should pack his bag and leave, he’s breaking all the rules in the business…but he just can’t resist Carney.

What unfolds is a delightful tale of faith, love and redemption. Blackstock creates a town and characters you will instantly love.  Suspense builds as you wait to see if Logan can be the kind of man Carney needs.

 Shadow of Serenity is beautifully written and its message clear. There were several suspenseful and touching moments in the book. The tale unraveled easily and I finished in less than two days.  I just have to tell you dear reader that I loved Jack and I am sure you will too.I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good romance with a faith based message.  I look forward to exploring more of Terri Blackstock’s novels.

 I would like to thank Shelby Sledge of Shelton Interactive for this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

I gave this book 4 coffee cups out of 5. 

Buy here: B&N or here: Amazon

Author's website: Terri Blackstock

Waking Hours (The East Salem Trilogy) by Lis Wiehl

This is the first book I have read by author Lis Wiehl.  She has written such books as “Face of Betrayal”, a New York Times Bestseller, and part of her Triple Threat mysteries. After reading Waking Hours, I will be picking up copies of her earlier work.  I really enjoyed this suspenseful, paranormal mystery thriller.  This is the first book in the East Salem Trilogy.

The story takes place in quaint East Salem; a lake side, close knit community where everyone knows everybody.  I loved the way the author portrayed this town, its buildings, people and places.  It’s the type of New England town you dream of living in or visting.  A brutal ritualistic murder of a young woman occurs and sets this sleepy little town on edge.  All of the suspects in this crime are teenagers who attended a party the night of the murder. Crime scene evidence suggests they were all involved, but all of the kids are suffering from memory loss.

 Forensic psychiatrist Dani Harris, a member of the local DA’s office, finds herself taking the lead in this case when her boss in unavoidably detained.  Dani has always been a hard working overachiever in her professional life but in her personal life, not so much. She seems confident, like a woman with a plan, but she is often filled with self doubt and questions her every move.

PI in training, Tommy Gunderson is a formal pro-football linebacker and local celebrity. He left football after a tragic accident and opened his own gym. As a teen he had a crush on Dani but felt he was way out of her league, and still does. If only he knew that cool confident Dani felt the same way.

The two end up teaming together to solve the murder. I enjoyed the chemistry between the them. I found myself laughing at the hilarious things they would say, like two awkward teens on a first date.  I sometimes thought they pulled pieces of the puzzle together a little too quickly, but overall the storyline was genuinely believable and kept me engrossed.

Strange dreams, biblical references, supernatural occurrences and this overwhelming sense of evil made the story spooky and an ideal fall read. The ending set the stage perfectly for book two of this trilogy and I found myself searching for clues to its release.  

A special thank you to netGalley and publisher Thomas Nelson for this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review. This book will be published Oct 4, 2011.

I give the book 4 coffee cups out of 5.