Tag: #tyndale

The Choosing Review

The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker is a 448 page dystopian novel.  It is published by Tyndale and released on May 19, 2015. To purchase your copy from Amazon, click here or from Barnes & Noble, click here.

Overview

Like all citizens since the Ruining, Carrington Hale knows the importance of this day. But she never expected the moment she’d spent a lifetime preparing for―her Choosing ceremony―to end in disaster. Ripped from her family, she’ll spend her days serving as a Lint, the lowest level of society. She knows it’s her duty to follow the true way of the Authority.

But as Carrington begins this nightmare, rumors of rebellion rattle her beliefs. Though the whispers contradict everything she’s been told, they resonate deep within.

Then Carrington is offered an unprecedented chance at the life she’s always dreamed of, yet she can’t shake the feeling that it may be an illusion. With a killer targeting Lints and corruption threatening the highest levels of the Authority, Carrington must uncover the truth before it destroys her.

the choosing

My Two Cents

I have to admit when I received this book I was a little nervous about reading it.  Ted Dekker’s books are great and I was concerned I would be disappointed.  I wasn’t! Rachelle drew me in from the beginning and I was hooked until the last page.  The Choosing leaves a good impression on the reader and makes you want more. She has stepped out of her father’s shadow and is creating an amazing one of her own.

The writing in The Choosing is excellent.  Rachelle uses such detailed descriptions you feel as if you are right there with the characters.  Where some dystopian novels feel disjointed and are hard to follow, The Choosing flowed well and was easy to understand.  I loved how Rachelle addresses the issue of worthlessness in her novel.  Most everyone has dealt with this issue at some point in their life and she does a marvelous job of pointing to who we should be getting our self-worth from: God. Where most dystopian novels leave you feeling bleak, The Choosing leaves you feeling hope.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. After reading many dystopian novels, this one was new and had a refreshing take.

Thank you to Tyndale Publishers for a free copy of The Choosing in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

The oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle Dekker was inspired early on to discover truth through the avenue of storytelling. She writes full time from her home in Nashville, where she lives with her husband, Daniel, and their diva cat Blair.

Double Cross Review

Double Cross by DiAnn Mills is a 400 page novel in the mystery suspense genre.  It is published by Tyndale House Publishers on March 20, 2015.  To purchase your copy through Amazon, click here or from Barnes and Noble, click here.

double cross

Overview

FBI Agent Laurel Evertson’s investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. That case has haunted her since, and though she’s vowed to forget Wilmington—and what she sacrificed to put him away—he is now her best lead.

Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammer’s next targets, and he’ll do anything to protect his family—even force interagency cooperation. But he’s quickly drawn to Laurel’s empathy and zeal and agrees to follow her lead . . . even if it means teaming up with a felon.

As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. Together they must decide if they can trust Wilmington’s claims of redemption, or if he’s leading them straight into a double cross.

My Two Cents

Double Cross is the second book in the FBI: Houston series but it can be read as a stand alone.  It was easy to read and to follow.  The intrigue made the novel fast paced once the scene was set and I wanted to keep reading to find out what happens next.

This is my first experience with DiAnn Mills novels and it was not a disappointment.  Although the book was slow at the beginning, Mills’ characters are well written with flaws that finds the reader feeling empathy for them.  Mills uses her characters to show the reader how we can overcome our flaws with the help of our faith which was highly encouraging. I enjoyed how she interwove romance into the novel which made it very believable and not sappy. The relationship Daniel has with his grandparents is very sweet and endearing.

The research behind Double Cross is evident to the reader and it makes the plotline credible. Mills keeps you guessing who is on the side of the good and on the side of the bad and if everyone will make it out safe throughout the novel.  I was not able to guess the truth until the author wanted it revealed.

I give this book 4 out 5 stars.  If you enjoy reading suspense mysteries with a side of romance, you will enjoy DiAnn Mills’ Double Cross.

About the Author

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.


Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for a free copy of Double Cross in exchange for my honest review.  No compensation has been received for this review and all opinions expressed are my own.