Honor Thy Neighbor by Valerie J. Patterson

Story: 9

Presentation: 8

Total: 17

Publisher: BookStrand

Romantic Suspense

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Blurb: When mystery writer Ashlynn Myerson's suspicions about her neighbors begin to mount, her homicide captain husband, Sean, warns her to just steer clear of them. He knows his wife has keen observation skills and a strong interest in becoming a police officer, but Sean's knee deep in an investigation that thrusts him into an undercover assignment when one of his detectives is shot and left for dead. It's not until Ashlynn steps on the wrong toes and is abducted that Sean sees the clue she left for him. He realizes her suspicions of their neighbors and his case are intricately woven together. The effects of the investigation are far reaching, and the losses could be greater than either Sean or Ashlynn ever thought possible. But Sean will do anything within his power to get his wife back unharmed.

Review: Ah, newlyweds. What should be a lovingly peaceful time; turns into a nightmare. I feel the pain for Ashlynn, who at this point in her life is ready to move on from the horrors that she has faced in the past and wants to join the Police Academy; and the frustration for Sean, who just wants to keep his wife happy but above all, safe!

This book was wonderfully well written, that had me on the edge of my seat (more times than I will admit to you). Every time I thought it was about to wrap up and end – BAM! Another twist!

My hat is off to you Mrs. Patterson! Bravo!

That Taste of Orange by Valerie J. Patterson

Story: 8

Presentation: 9

Total: 17

Publisher: Eternal Press

Contemporary

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Blurb: Can the taste of orange rekindle their passion?If ever two people were perfectly suited for each other, it’s Sabrina and Chas. Both pastry chefs. Both excellent cooks. And both love the taste of orange. But the Christmas season has been a very busy time at their pastry shop, and they’re both feeling the weight of the long hours, the lack of personal time, and the stress of the holidays.Sabrina wants nothing more for Christmas than to regain the wonderful relationship she once had with her husband. The very traits that drew her to him in the beginning are now driving her crazy. Chas loves his wife, but he’s overworked and needs some down time. When he suggests they need time apart—and neglects to tell her where he was one evening—Sabrina thinks the worst.Will the end of the holidays signal the end of their union? Or can one juicy little orange bring them back where they belong?

Review: There are times in most marriages when we let life get in the way of the relationship. Times we worry about the little things instead of what should be more important. This tasty little treat is brimming with a couple in love who have hit the end of their rope. Stressed out by a business that is booming, their love seems to have fallen by the way side. Fortunately a little Holiday spirit might be just the thing to put them back in the spirit of love.

I have read several works by this author and have to admit that I keep my eyes peeled for anything with her name on it. Congrats on another release Ms Patterson. Here is wishing you many more :)

Her Last by Valerie J. Patterson

Story: 8

Presentation: 9

Total: 17

Publisher: Eternal Press

Mystery 28 Pages

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Blurb: When the body of a beloved schoolteacher is found in a local park, is it a random homicide—or the work of a serial killer thought to be behind bars?Carla Jamison was enjoying a warm summer day at the park near her suburban home—a habit of hers many people knew about—when she took her last breath.Olivia Corfont, forensics expert and coroner, now has a tough case on her autopsy table. Very little evidence and too many questions provide her with a conundrum that leads her straight to Inspector Chet Gavin, who relies heavily on Olivia's powers of observation to notice things he might miss. Chasing down dead-end leads leaves the pair questioning whether the homicide of this popular schoolteacher is the work of a serial killer they thought was behind bars. Or is the murderer someone else so precise he or she leaves behind no forensic evidence? Will the killer strike again? Can Olivia and Inspector Gavin solve the case before there's another victim? Follow the trail and see if you can solve the case.

Review: This was a wonderful little "who done it". I got a little lost with all the technical verbage from Olivia, but I do the same thing watching CSI, too. Still I love the fact that the author took so much time to get all the wording right (as far as I know :) )
Complete with a good SNAP ending when you finally realize who did it, I don't think Ms Patterson could have done a better job if she'd tried.
Ms Patterson, congrats on a job well done. I look forward to seeing much more from you in the future :)