Karen Randau

Life has a funny way of taking us down paths we might not have chosen for ourselves, but when you stop and look around you realize that you ended up right where you needed to be. This couldn’t be truer for the characters in Last Stop.

It was not hard to become enthralled into the world of small-town Peach Blossom, Oklahoma and its inhabitants, especially Deputy Zach Gleason, who finds himself embroiled in controversy, crime, and entangled with a woman he does not want to fall in love with.

This was a lot more of an intense read than I had originally intended, but I loved it! Honestly, I would’ve liked to have seen the story as a thriller and not so much as a love story. I know this is a hot take, but I feel like the story would’ve held more power that way. Human trafficking is an epidemic that runs rampant in the area that I currently live, and it’s a horror that is unimaginable, but occurs way more often than it should. It makes me sick to my stomach to think what these kidnapped individuals go through, and my prayer is that we bring down these trafficking rings once and for all.

This novel ended up taking me places that I wouldn’t have imagined before I started reading, and that’s not a bad thing. Granted, where it goes is a dark and scary place that my mind does not like to go, but just like the happy ending, I have tremendous hope. The imagery is quite detailed, taking my imagination on a wonderful adventure, and seeing the team work together at the climax was one of my favorite parts. The ending is satisfying, even if it was a little far-fetched, and I was a little sad to see this story end.

This is the first novel I’ve read in this series, and I hope to go back and read the rest, as I’m sure it will enhance this story even more. A wonderful escape that I am so thankful I had the opportunity to read.

*I have reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.… (más)

Savannah has just let her fiancé at the alter. Dress and all, she shoves herself into her unreliable car and drives until she finds herself in Peach Blossom, an hour away. Tangling herself into the middle of a robbery, she wonders if she made the right decision in fleeing her own wedding. Having no idea what she has just gotten herself into, she finds herself stuck in Peach Blossom with a handsome deputy who is about to be put to the test with Savannah, his mother and the criminal activity that has ramped up since she showed up. Savannah wonders if trouble follows her and if she will ever get back on her feet. A vengeful criminal has decided to strike in Peach Blossom and Savannah always seems to be in the center of it all. Bound to get to bottom of things, Deputy Zach Gleason has to stay focused and professional as the mayor and all of Peach Blossom is counting on him, while his boss is away. Zach has a feeling that these crimes are all tied to something he witnessed in his past and that it might be time to tell the truth of what happened that night, meanwhile knowing that all that has transpired is bigger than what he could have imagined and now is his time to prove himself and his team know what they are doing and will do everything it takes to protect Peach Blossom once again. I really enjoyed this novel. It had great storylines and characters and at times there was a laugh to break up the seriousness of it all. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.… (más)

Into the Fog by Karen Randau chronicles the romantic and at times dangerous story of Marie Jessica (MJ) Goodrich and Josh Rivers. The two served together in Afghanistan, and as a result of the dangers faced there, when he returned to the states, he lost his family in an accident.

MJ comes to Oklahoma to help her mother. The author created a story with plot lines and characters I loved getting to know. MJ and reading about her efforts to save her friend Kelsey when she disappears after an accident.I

If you enjoy books filled with romance, suspense, and more, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.… (más)

Moving to her mother’s hometown to help her run her Peach Blossom Orchard was supposed to be an escape from MJ’s traumas from war, but her troubles only multiply.

It didn’t take long to get lost in the mystery of Into the Fog. I connected with MJ quickly and empathized with all she dealt with. My father suffered with PTSD after serving in war, and I helped care from my ailing mother, so it was easy to see the world through MJs eyes. I also understood all Josh went through. I rooted for them both to find answers, solace, and love.

I love second chance tales and those that include thought-provoking family interactions. This story offers both, with a unique approach, for MJ as well as Josh.

If you enjoy a mysterious, romantic, and emotional read that intensifies as you reach the end, this is a good choice. It’s the first book I’ve read by this author, and I enjoyed her sense of mystery and multi-dimensional storytelling style. The suspense is palpable, the romance is engaging, and the life-experiences and scary predicaments are convincing.

First Line: MJ Goodrich sprinted to the end of the mile long driveway that edged her mother’s rural Oklahoma peach orchard, then ran in place while waiting for her new friend Kelsey.
Genre: Christian Mystery and Suspense
Author: Karen Randau
Page Count: 274

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.… (más)