Nashville

Vanishing Point by Lisa Harris (Review)

November 13, 2017 by Suzie Waltner 1 Comment

During Garrett Addison’s first week on the job as a criminal investigator for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, his team is called out to a murder scene of a young girl. She’s the third victim in a string of disappearances with one thing in common–a Polaroid photo of each victim left behind at the crime scene.

The FBI is pulled into the case to help, and Garrett finds himself working with Special Agent Jordan Lambert, the woman he once loved. When yet another girl dies–number six–Garrett blames himself and believes he doesn’t have what it takes to be an agent. What he’ll discover is that, while he may be done with the killer, the killer is not done with him–or Jordan.

Bestselling and award-winning author Lisa Harris unveils an unforgettable story of a case that has haunted the public and law enforcement for more than a decade. Fans of the Nikki Boyd Files will thrill to finally discover what actually happened to Nikki’s sister, Sarah. New readers will become instant fans after devouring this chilling tale.

Amazon // Goodreads

To Wager Her Heart by Tamera Alexander (Review)

August 7, 2017 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

To Wager Her Heart Tamera Alexander — Click on cover image to order

With fates bound by a shared tragedy, a reformed gambler from the Colorado Territory and a Southern Belle bent on breaking free from society’s expectations must work together to achieve their dreams—provided that the truth doesn’t tear them apart first.

Sylas Rutledge, the new owner of the Northeast Line Railroad, invests everything he has into this venture, partly for the sake of the challenge. But mostly to clear his father’s name. One man holds the key to Sy’s success—General William Giles Harding of Nashville’s Belle Meade Plantation. But Harding is champagne and thoroughbreds, and Sy Rutledge is beer and bullocks. Sy needs someone to help him maneuver his way through Nashville’s society, and when he meets Alexandra Jamison, he quickly decides he’s found his tutor. Only, he soon discovers that the very train accident his father is blamed for causing is what killed Alexandra Jamison’s fiancee—and what has broken her heart.

Spurning an arranged marriage by her father, Alexandra instead pursues her passion for teaching at Fisk University, the first freedmen’s university in the United States. But family—and Nashville society—do not approve, and she soon finds herself cast out from both. Through connections with the Harding family, Alexandra and Sy become unlikely allies. And despite her first impressions, Alexandra gradually finds herself coming to respect, and even care for this man. But how can she, when her heart is still spoken for? And when Sy’s roguish qualities and adventuresome spirit smack more of recklessness than responsibility and honor?

Sylas Rutledge will risk everything to win over the woman he loves. What he doesn’t count on is having to wager her heart to do it.

Set against the real history of Nashville’s Belle Meade Plantation and the original Fisk University Jubilee Singers ensemble, To Wager Her Heart is a stirring love story about seeking justice and restoring honor at a time in history when both were tenuous and hard-won.

Review: Peace in the Valley by Ruth Logan Herne

May 12, 2017 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

In spite of their differences, Trey Walker Stafford knows he owes his life to cowboy and legendary rancher Sam Stafford–the uncle who rescued him after his parents’ death. Trey had left the Double S Ranch to pursue music against Sam’s wishes, but returns to central Washington when he learns he’s the best match for a procedure that could save Sam’s life. Although Trey’s found country music fame and success, he’s also endured the tragic loss of his wife. He croons about love, but struggles with a yawning emptiness he can’t explain.

Overwhelmed by a growing list of challenges, but mistrustful of Stafford men, single mother Lucy Carlton reluctantly accepts Trey’s help to revive her crumbling farm when Sam instructs him to repay the overdue debt to her family.

As the two grow closer, Trey slowly begins to open his heart to this beautiful woman and strives to let go of the grief he’s held for years. Lucy has a complicated history of her own. Can Trey accept her as she is, learn to forgive the past, and find the elusive peace he’s sought for so long?

Pursued (Nikki Boyd #3) by Lisa Harris

March 22, 2017 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

My Review

Nikki Boyd is back and what an entrance she makes!

From the first pages, I was drawn into this story. At the end of Missing, readers were left with the question of what would happen between Nikki and Tyler. And we’re still wondering about it as Nikki’s plane heads toward Nashville—and Tyler. But what is supposed to be a tender homecoming quickly turns into a case when the woman who was sitting next to Nikki on the plane disappears.

Nikki Boyd Files Book #2

July 4, 2016 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

While I realize I could never be a police investigator or detective, I am fascinated by the process. Romantic Suspense books with strong female law enforcement officials are usually an engaging and fast read for me. Lisa Harris’s Nikki Boyd series has become a fast favorite.

Missing (book 2 in The Nikki Boyd Files) find Nikki and her crew at the scene of a double homicide. They’ve been called in because two people are missing and as Nikki, Jack, and Gwen are well-aware, the first 48 hours are crucial in any missing persons investigation. And, I have to admit, I love that this book is set in Nashville (my city)

But Nikki is also human, dealing with her growing feelings for her best friend’s widow, a brother who has a knack for getting in trouble, and her own guilt over the disappearance of her younger sister over a decade ago, this woman is someone I feel compassion toward. And someone I’m cheering to find her happy endings—in both love and in closure for her sister.

If you read Vendetta, you will enjoy reconnecting with Nikki, Jack, Gwen, Tyler, and Liam. But if you missed the first book and want to jump right into the second (available everywhere July 5), Harris doesn’t leave her readers feeling like they’re jumping in during the middle of the story. You get just enough background to know what happened in the first book without feeling like you are re-reading the entire book again. Although, I’m sure after reading Missing, you’ll be hooked and want to read book one. I’m already ready for book three (due out Spring 2017).

***Lisa Harris and Bethany House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of Missing in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.