The Note by Angela Hunt

I am just fascinated by the wide range of topics that Hunt writes about. Many authors find a niche and write about the same kind of thing. Kingsbury loves stories about families and forgiveness. Blackstock is more of a suspense author writing about murders. Hunt seems to explore the range of topics.

This book is one of those books that hit home for me. It was hard for me to start another book because I just knew that it might not be as good. It just fascinates me the way she allows the reader to know just enough and reveals the whole story in bits and pieces. The story is based on a newspaper reporters search for the recipient of a note that was found after an airplane crash. The note was simple, it said "T-I love you. All is forgiven. Love Dad".

Hunt explores all the emotions and reasons why someone would want to receive this message and then also why so many turn away from that message everyday. The bible message is just that. A message of forgiveness and love. Who wouldn't want that? It appears that even the reporter is affected by the simplicity of such a message.

Hunt ends the book beautifully - never in the way you think. I was crying at the end - mostly because of my desire for such a relationship with my father.

I would call this a must read. Blessings.

Shadow of a Doubt by Terri Blackstock

The second book of the Newpointe 911 series uses the same southern town in Louisiana as the setting. The reader met Stan, Celia and Aunt Aggie in the first book, but they are the main characters in this book. I enjoyed reading these books back to back. I don’t often do this and then forget who is who.

In Shadow of a Doubt, an attempted murder occurs in the first chapter. Blackstock does not need as much leadtime to introduce characters because it is the second book, but it would still be understandable out of order. The main suspect is Celia since it was a poisoning case against her husband Stan. Blackstock really does a character study on how easily people are persuaded when the evidence is obvious, even if you have known the person for years. The town turns against Celia except her Aunt Aggie and her lawyer Jill. Celia ends up in jail and like Paul of the New Testament finds contentment and hope behind bars.

Through some creative investigating and faith in Celia’s integrity, a sting is set up to apprehend the real killer. It may not be who you suspected…

Overall a good book with some great bible references and a clear direction in placing faith in Jesus. I was not expecting an evangelistic ending, but found it appropriate.

Blessings

Private Justice by Terri Blackstock

I am returning to a favorite author and a different series by Terri Blackstock. Her books are probably classified as suspense. Not really a murder mystery, but it often seems to revolve around who is trying to hurt who. It isn’t as much intrigue as a Clancy novel, but she includes several twists that keep the reader on her toes (that would be me). The solution to the problem always includes prayer and references to specific bible passages. I enjoy this piece since our lives always have “crisis” and it shows how even in times of stress we can turn to Jesus.

The Newpointe 911 series focus’ on a small town outside New Orleans. The main characters in the book Private Justice are public servants, firemen and policemen, and their wives. Tragedy strikes when someone starts to target the fireman’s wives. In the midst of this, Allie and Mark Branning are separated. Mark is determined to protect his wife - even if it means dying. Both of them realize that they are not completely guilt free when it comes to the falling apart of their marriage. The only question besides finding the killer was wondering if Mark and Allie would have a chance to reconcile and act on their new found faith in God and each other.

This book had a slow start for me, but by the middle I was hooked. I was invested in the characters and had a couple of potential suspects. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Blessings