Ambushed in the Night

Book Details: 

Title: Ambushed in the Night

Author: Rhonda Starnes

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense

Release Date: January 27, 2026

Pages: 204 

Genre: Clean & Wholesome/Christian Suspense

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Book Description:

To protect innocent targets…
he will risk his life.

When his scared neighbor appears on his doorstep seeking refuge from a gunman, former police officer Maxwell Prescott is determined to shield the single mother and her toddler daughter. With Brenda Granger’s witness-protection location compromised and her late husband’s ties to a drug-trafficking ring placing a target on her back, Maxwell is the only person she can trust. But with threats at every turn, Maxwell’s protection skills are put to the ultimate test, and outrunning danger could be beyond their reach. Can they evade lethal assailants determined to silence Brenda, or will their pursuers lead them straight into an inescapable trap?

My Thoughts: Awesome Page-Turner

This story is one awesome page-turner! The entire story kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. While the suspense kept me turning pages, the hope-filled inspirational faith messages deeply touched my heart and kept me reflecting. 

However, the relationship between Brenda and Max was the icing on the cake. Yes, the suspense and intrigue were top-notch, but the way the author wove in their relationship was beautiful and touching. Add to that a very special little princess and a very smart K-9, and the whole mix results in a beautiful story that is a definite must-read. 

Book Quote:                                                                                However, I'm quickly learning that sometimes in life we're not dealt the hand we think we should be given, but that's okay. As long as we remember God is in control, nothing else matters.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

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About the Author:  Rhonda Starnes

Rhonda Starnes is a former middle school language arts teacher who has dreamed of being a published author since she was in seventh grade. She lives in North Alabama with her husband, who she lovingly refers to as Mountain Man. They enjoy traveling and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Rhonda writes romantic suspense with rugged heroes and feisty heroines.

 

Raging Waters (Elements of Danger Book #2) by Dana Mentink

Book Details: 

Title: Raging Waters 

Series: Elements of Danger Book #2

Author: Dana Mentink

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: March 3, 2026

Pages: 336  

Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

As the dam crumbles and water sweeps across the terrain, their battle for justice and survival is just beginning.

When Mackenzie Bardine's brother Aaron was murdered in a drug deal gone wrong, she started a true crime podcast dedicated to exposing "Bullseye," the drug kingpin responsible. But her protective heart has never let go of the blame she places on herself and Aaron's best friend, Gideon Landry. On the run to the wilds of Washington to chase a recent lead, she meets none other than Gideon himself.

While conducting a wilderness survival class in remote Washington, Gideon never expected to cross paths with Mackenzie, and he's certainly not interested in helping her after he's already declined to participate in her vigilante podcasting. He carries a mountain of guilt about Aaron's fatal choices, but not for the reasons Mackenzie suspects.

As killers begin to circle Mackenzie like sharks, it's clear to Gideon she's in over her head, and in light of his troubled past with her brother, he can't bring himself to ignore her perilous situation. Then a flood threatens the town, turning their investigation into a race to escape the raging waters and the wrath of a powerful kingpin who wants to sink them both.

My Thoughts: Captivating

Raging Waters is an absolutely amazing action-packed story! It captivated me from the start.  It had me holding my breath on more than one occasion and turning pages as fast as I could to see what would happen next. The combination of suspense, intrigue, romance, and inspiration all rolled into one made it even more captivating.

Mackenzie and Gideon's backstory was a difficult one, but watching as it changed was fantastic. While I could understand Mackenzie and why she felt the way she did, it took some time for me to like her. However, Gideon immediately captured my heart. His faith and caring attitude brought much to the story and greatly impacted his and Mackenzie's relationship as well as everything they went through. 

If you like a sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat story blended with romance and faith, Raging Waters (such an appropriate title) is definitely for you. And if you don't, I highly recommend you try it out. You will not be disappointed. 

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

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About the Author: Dana Mentink

Dana Mentink is a New York Times bestselling author of more than fifty novels for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Revell, Poisoned Pen Press, and other publishers. She lives in sunny California with Papa Bear and close to her two cubs, affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo.

  

An Amish Country Lullaby (An Amish Antiques Shop Romance Book 2) by Patricia Johns

Book Details: 

Title: An Amish Country Lullaby

Series: An Amish Antiques Shop Romance Book 2

Author: Patricia Johns

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming

Release Date: February 26, 2026

Pages:  334 

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance

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Book Description:

A friend from her past…
A new dream for their future?

Single dad Curtis Moore has returned to Apfelkuchen, Pennsylvania, with a dream to revitalize the town—if only he can unite its Amish and English residents. When local businesswoman Hope Taylor offers to care for his spirited toddler, Lucy, he jumps at the chance. Hope figures this is exactly the experience she needs. Not only is she planning to open a day care, but she’s expecting her first baby—her late husband’s child. As tensions rise over his development plans, Curtis and Hope grow closer—and they must decide if the heart of the town’s future might just lie in the growing love between them.

My Thoughts: Heartwarming

An Amish Country Lullaby is a heartwarming second-chance story that, with the help of a mischievous little escape artist, reconnects Hope and Curtis. Each of them has had a lot to deal with, and this played flawlessly into their reconnection and developing relationship, making it deeply touching. 

Along with their relationship is the importance of community, which includes a lesson in how what we think is a perfect master plan may not be. This part of the story had me wondering as to how it would be resolved, and I must say that the resolution was spot on. It really drove home how trusting the Lord and seeking His will and guidance vs. seeking our own way is always the best.

The blend of romance, faith, and inspiration, along with the contributions of the escape artist, makes this a touching must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

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About the Author:  Patricia Johns 

Patricia Johns is a Publishers Weekly bestselling Amish fiction author, writing from Alberta, Canada. She relishes electricity and modern conveniences in her real life, but she loves to imagine what life would be like living without everything we so easily rely upon. If you were to peek in at her, you'd find her tapping away on her computer writing her newest book, or arranging her dollhouse furniture which has become a big passion of hers. You can keep up with her on social media, or sign up for her newsletter for a chance to win signed books and knitted surprises made with love by the author herself.

Track of Courage (Call of the Wild Book #1) by Susan May Warren

Book Details: 

Title: Track of Courage 

Series: Call of the Wild Book 1

Author: Susan May Warren

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: January 6, 2026

Pages: 320 

Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

A hijacked plane. A pursuing killer. And a K9's instinct to help them make it out alive.

Pop singer Keely Williams's search for her biological mother in Alaska has been painfully unsuccessful. Now she just wants to escape this wild frontier and never look back. But when her plane is hijacked, she's suddenly plunged into a race against not only an Alaskan blizzard but also a killer who's on her tail.

After a career-ending injury, ex-cop Dawson Mulligan has only one friend--Caspian, the stray dog he adopted. Dawson just wants to figure out how to get his life on track, but during a flight home to Copper Mountain, he spots a downed plane and stops to help. Except, when his not-a-rescue dog runs off into the woods and discovers the trail of a missing survivor, it's up to the former cop to stage a rescue.

But Dawson has no idea he's being pulled into a deadly pursuit, or that Caspian is more than he seems. There might be redemption and second chances waiting for both Dawson and Keely if they have the courage to face their wounded pasts and fight for their future.

Join master storyteller Susan May Warren for a propulsive ride through the Alaskan wilderness, where love might be the riskiest--and most rewarding--adventure of all.

My Thoughts: Riveting

I completely loved this book for several reasons, starting with Keely and Dawson. They are two individuals who have faced their share of struggles and are in desperate need of healing—physically, emotionally, and much more. 

The second thing is the suspense and mystery. What a roller coaster ride! I was turning pages as fast as I could to see where it was all going. I'd be holding my breath one moment and letting it out the next when I thought the ride was over. But then, another dip and turn in the road had me doing it again. 

The blend of suspense, mystery, and romance was perfect and kept me glued to the pages all the way through. The combination makes the story one you should absolutely check out, and if you don't, you will definitely be missing out. 

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

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About the Author: Susan May Warren

Although I attended the U of Minnesota, I’m a woodsy girl at heart. Or maybe I’m an adventurer—having lived and traveled all over the world, including Siberia, Russia as a missionary for eight years. That’s why my characters seem to get into one scrape after another—they’re too much like me! I love God, my family, my country, my church, and feel privileged every day to be able to write stories.

And my 'official' bio:

With nearly 2 million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA, and Carol award-winning author of over ninety novels. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has penned contemporary and historical romances, romantic suspense, thrillers, rom-coms, and Christmas novellas. With books translated into eight languages, she's a USA Today, ECPA and CBA bestseller, and has received numerous starred Publisher Weekly reviews. Library Journal says, "Warren’s characters are well-developed and she knows how to create a first rate contemporary romance.”

Susan is a nationally acclaimed writing coach, and winner of the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Mentor of the Year. She is the founder of Novel.Academy, author of the popular writing method, The Story Equation, and a founding partner of Sunrise Media Group.