Review: Deadly Devotion by Sandra Orchard

Deadly Devotion by Sandra Orchard

Port Aster Secrets Series: Book One:

Revell / 2013

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

Kate knows the truth is out there--but if she's right, that means a killer is out there too.

Research scientists Kate Adams and Daisy Leacock were on the brink of a breakthrough for treating depression with herbal medicine when Daisy was suddenly found dead. Kate knows that her mentor's death wasn't suicide or a careless accident--and she's determined to do whatever it takes to unearth the truth about what happened to the woman who changed her life.

Former FBI agent Tom Parker is finding it hard to adjust to life back in his hometown of Port Aster. Though an old buddy gave him a job as a detective on the local police force, not everyone approves. Tom's just trying to keep a low profile, so when Kate Adams demands he reopen the investigation into her friend's death, he knows his job is at stake. But despite his attraction to her, Tom thinks Kate may have something to hide.

As evidence mounts, a web of intrigue is woven around the sleepy town of Port Aster. Can Kate uncover the truth? Or will Tom stand in her way?

My rating:

My thoughts:

Deadly Devotion was a really good mystery novel. I had thought for a long time I knew who was behind it all, but my first guess was totally off! One thing I loved was how everything clicked and made sense in the end.

The characters in Deadly Devotion were nice and I liked them, but it annoyed me slightly that the characters in the book kept jumping to conclusions and switching their opinions on who they thought was guilty.

The ending definitely makes me want to read the next book in the Port Aster Secrets series - it sounds really good! I'm excited to see where Kate and Tom's relationship goes.

Overall, while not my favorite of Sandra Orchard's books, it was still a good read that I enjoyed. If you enjoy mystery novels with some romance, I definitely think you'll like Deadly Devotion.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

*Available June 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.*

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Review (with giveaway!) - Critical Condition by Sandra Orchard

Critical Condition by Sandra Orchard

Love Inspired Suspense / 2012

Undercover Cops: Book Three

Find on: Amazon, Christianbook, Goodreads

About the book:

There's a murderer in the hospital, and nurse Tara Peterson is determined to prove it. With mysterious deaths in the cancer ward, anyone could be next. But no one wants to believe her…except undercover agent Zach Davis. The murderer wants Tara's suspicions silenced, permanently. To protect Tara, Zach lets her in on his secret, and unwittingly into his heart. Tara and her three-year-old daughter are like the family he lost years before. Zach will risk everything to keep them safe, no matter the cost.

My rating:

My thoughts:

Critical Condition is the third book in Sandra Orchard's Undercover Cops series and a great addition. Having read the first two books prior to this one, I can say that I am loving this series and hope it doesn't end with this book. One thing I particularly like (besides the fact that the cops are undercover) is that some of the previous characters appear in this book. I love that!

The suspense in Critical Condition was great and I could not decide who I thought the killer/bad guy was because there were too many people it could have been. The story was really interesting and I liked the main characters a lot - it was easy to get attached to both Zach and Tara.

There was some romance in Critical Condition too, so that made the story all the more great to read. While I loved the first two books in this series, I think this one may be my favorite, but only slightly since they have all been great. I don't think you'd have to read the first two books to enjoy Critical Condition. I recommend this book if you enjoy suspenseful stories with some romance.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click yes on Amazon. Thank you so much for stopping by. :)

Giveaway!

Sandra has generously offered to give away a copy of the first book in her Undercover Cops series, Deep Cover! I loved the book when I read it and also recommend it. :)

Enter via the Rafflecopter below. The mandatory entry is to leave a comment on this blog post, after that, the optional entries will become available. Giveaway ends Oct. 20th. Open to residents of the US and Canada.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Interview: Sandra Orchard ♦ Author of 'Deep Cover'

Sandra Orchard is the author of the newly released 'Love Inspired Suspense' novel 'Deep Cover'.  Here is a summary about the book:

Maintaining his cover cost undercover cop Rick Gray the woman he loved. Sweet Ginny Bryson never really knew Rick-he never gave her the chance. Not then, and not now, when he's back with a new alias to gather evidence against Ginny's uncle. The man's crimes led to Rick's partner's death, and Rick wants justice to be served. But his investigation is stirring up trouble, and Ginny is smack-dab in the middle. Someone wants Ginny to pay the price for what her uncle has done. But how can Rick protect her without blowing his cover, jeopardizing his assignment.and risking both their lives?

~♣~

Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Sandra! I'm so happy to have you here!

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Grade One when my story was printed in the yearbook. School kind of killed the creative writing side of me though, so I thought I’d be more of a non-fiction writer, until I discovered Christian fiction after my mom died. Seeing characters face and triumph over similar emotions I was experiencing helped me tremendously and over several years of reading novels, a yearning grew to write them.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

Seven years ago at 37

Approximately, how long does it usually take you to write a book?

Now, it takes me about four months to write a decent draft. It then goes through several stages of revisions based on editor feedback which can take another four to six months.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

Good question. Have you ever noticed when people are being interviewed on TV and they don’t know how to answer, they say “good question”?

I even asked my daughter if I had any writing quirks, and she couldn’t think of anything. Of course…she’s a writer, too. Hmm. So non-writers probably think it’s strange that I start concocting story ideas every time I see an interesting person, or ominous setting, or unusual event.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Ideas come from everywhere at the most unexpected times. One day I was on my way to a doctor’s appointment and a bridge was closed so I had to take a long detour and over the course of that detour a whole scene idea developed in my mind. My daughter and I have fun coming up with plot ideas wherever we go, when we see something happen, or an interesting character, or something that seems out of place.

As for information, I do a lot of online research. Ask experts. And I even attended a Writers’ Police Academy.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books? How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I’ve written 7 manuscripts (although with rewrites it feels like a lot more). Two will never see the light of day. Three, counting Deep Cover, are contracted. And the other two will hopefully find a home one day. My favorite is Escape to Terror (former version was called No Turning Back), about an airplane crash in the Northern wilderness, and poachers, and a wild ride down the rapids. I learned so much writing and rewriting that story. Although it hasn’t yet sold, it won the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence for Mystery/Suspense in 2009 and really launched my writing career.

What do you think makes a good story?

I like a happily ever after, or at least the promise of one. I like lots of romantic tension, and a fast pace.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Play with my new grandbaby!!!

What are three things you wouldn't want to do without?

My Bible, my family … and food!

Are you currently working on any new novels?

I’m working on Dose of Deception, book 3 in my series, Undercover Cops: Fighting for Justice puts their lives—and hearts—on the line. It will be scheduled for release in the last quarter of 2012. I just finished final edits on Shades of Truth, which releases next March.

Where can we find you on the web?

www.SandraOrchard.com; www.SandraOrchard.blogspot.com and 
www.Facebook.com/SandraOrchard

To celebrate the launch of her debut novel, Sandra is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card to one lucky fan selected randomly on September 30^th from her newsletter subscribers (http://bit.ly/OrchardNews), Facebook Fans (http://www.facebook.com/SandraOrchard), and blog commenters ( http://www.SandraOrchard.blogspot.com)! 

Sandra is also having a book giveaway at a blog she's visiting this weekend - visit http://www.SandraOrchard.blogspot.com today to get the scoop on how to enter! It sounds like it'll be a fun and interesting glimpse into her writing life.

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