Love Inspired Mystery: Christy Barritt

Race Against Time by Christy Barritt
Review by Mary Hake

Tension and suspense grip the reader from the first sentence. The danger feels real and keeps the pages flipping as we Race Against Time with the characters. Madison Jacobs, a widow with a young son, is attacked in her own home. Her neighbor, police detective Brody Philips bolts to her rescue. This pattern of threats and attempts to save continue throughout the fast-paced novel.

Although I suspected the identity of the murderer early in the book, it didn’t lessen my enjoyment as I rooted for Brody to stop the serial killer. Christy Barritt weaves a web of the connections that prompt the Suicide Bandit’s choice of victims, all pointing to the guy he’s targeting.

Amidst the turmoil and fear, a longing to love and be loved surfaces. Madison thought she would never want another romantic relationship since losing the one you love hurts way too much. Brody has never found a woman he felt drawn to commit to for a long-term relationship. Could their mutual attraction turn into something substantial—do they want it to?

This story also deals with guilt and forgiveness for the past. The deeper issues enrich the tale and offer hope for the future. Race Against Time is more than a simple mystery thriller. Read it for escape. Read it to help you heal from the past. Read it to help you grow in trust.


BOOKS BY CHRISTY BARRITT AT AMAZON

Down Home Romance: Merrillee Whren

Montana Match by Merrillee Whren

Review by Heather Harden

It wasn’t love at first sight for me when I met Parker Watson, the hero of “Montana Match” byMerrillee Whren (Love Inspired, January 2012.) This cowboy’s heart is colder than a Montana winter. The only thing that can melt this glacier is his young twin daughters.

He has reason to be bitter. Six years ago unfounded accusations and malicious gossip cost Parker his career, his reputation, his friends, and the woman he loved. Taking refuge on his ranch, Parker’s lived the life of a recluse-staunchly avoiding the town of Stockton and the residents that shunned him.

He believes he’s protecting his daughters from Stockton’s scorn by keeping them in the nest.  But when the girls’ nanny and teacher moves away, the working dad is desperate to find a replacement.

After an unexpected meeting with recently unemployed Brittany Gorman, Parker makes her a generous offer. But Brittany has reservations, she’s a former financial planner and sometimes substitute teacher, who feels ill-equipped for the challenge of schooling two energetic girls. Despite her misgivings, Brittany feels God is pushing her outside of her comfort zone, so she reluctantly accepts the position.

After a rocky start, Brittany fits in with the family, bringing fun and a fresh perspective to the lives of Parker and his girls. Brittany’s rock-solid faith in the God that Parker hasn’t had any more use for than he does the folks of Stockton has him considering that it might be time to let go of the past. Slowly Parker begins to warm to Brittany’s optimistic spirit and hardworking ways.

But his inability to forgive and forget the past, causes strife between the pair. Brittany’s determination to expose the girls to the simple joys of town life angers Parker. His icy tongue will have you reaching for a parka.

Spring is slow in coming to Parker’s heart. But seeds of hope and change take root in his life. Parker’s journey from silent and sulking to a changed creature in Christ seems as natural as a winter snowfall. By the end, even this Carolina beach girl would be willing to be his Montana Match!

I don’t think it’s too soon to say that “Montana Match” is one of my favorite books of 2012!

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For more reviews by Heather Harden, visit her blog at Our Advocate

Books by Merrillee Whren at AMAZON

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A MAN TO TRUST by Carrie Turansky

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After years spent helping run her family's Christian bookstore, it's time for Adrie Chandler to give her own dream a chance. But can she really trust the beloved shop to new manager Ross Peterson? The man is too handsome, too charming…too much a reminder of another dream Adrie had to let go of—marriage.

Yet Ross surprises her by knowing a thing or two about making sacrifices. Suddenly, Adrie's questioning what she really wants. And whether the dreams she once thought unlikely are within reach after all.