This year my goal is to read 30 books. Honestly, this has been a goal of mine for a few years now, but I haven’t reached it quite yet. So, I figured the best way to keep myself accountable is to share the books I’ve read each month! I also hope this inspires and encourages you to find your next read! You’ll have to let me know if you pick up one of these books or if you’ve read them before. Here we go!
- Beyond Justice by Cara Putman. 4 out of 5 stars
Back Cover Synopsis:
“Hayden McCarthy knows firsthand the pain that follows when justice is not served. It’s why she became an attorney and why she’s so driven in her career. When she’s assigned a wrongful death case against the government, she isn’t sure if it’s the lucky break she needs to secure a partnership—or an attempt to make sure she never gets there.
Further complicating matters is Andrew Wesley, her roommate’s distractingly attractive cousin. But Andrew’s father is a congressman, and Hayden’s currently taking on the government. Could the timing be any worse?
The longer she keeps the case active, the higher the stakes become. Unknown enemies seem determined to kill the case—or her. Logic and self-preservation indicate she should close the case. But how can she, when justice is still just beyond her reach?”
Beyond Justice is a legal suspense thriller by Christian fiction author Cara Putman. I really enjoyed this book! The mystery was engaging and the characters were interesting to follow. One thing I will note is that since it is a legal suspense book, there is a lot of law and justice terminology that I either had to Google the definition of or try to pick up context clues for throughout the reading. However, this did not dampen the excitement of the plot for me, rather it showed the author’s expertise. I also love learning about the justice system so it was a fascinating read!
- Facing the Enemy by DiAnn Mills. 3 out of 5 stars
Back Cover Synopsis:
“When the long-awaited reunion between Risa and her brother, Trenton, ends in tragedy, Risa is riddled with guilt, unable to cope with the responsibility she feels over his death. On leave from the FBI, Risa returns to her former career as an English teacher at a local college, only to see her past and present collide when one of her students, Carson Mercury, turns in an assignment that reads like an eyewitness account of her brother’s murder, with details never revealed publicly.
Alarmed by Carson’s inside knowledge of Trenton’s death, Risa reaches out to her former partner at the FBI. Special Agent Gage Patterson has been working a string of baby kidnappings, but he agrees to help look into Carson’s background. Risa and Gage soon discover their cases might be connected as a string of high-value thefts have occurred at properties where security systems were installed by Carson’s stepfather and children have gone missing. There’s a far more sinister plot at play than they ever imagined, and innocent lives are in danger.”
This was the first book I read by DiAnn Mills. The back cover synopsis really intrigued me (I mean, it’s about special agents with the FBI, of course I had to buy it), however, the characters’ development fell flat and their dialogue felt stiff throughout the book. The mystery and plot line was interesting, but it was hard to follow at times. Overall, I really enjoyed the themes of forgiveness and fighting for the truth!
- Liberty or Death by Andrea Faith. 5 out of 5 stars
Back Cover Synopsis:
“It is one thing to believe a lie, another to believe the truth, and a work of freedom to fight to live in the light of a new reality. In three parts: The Dark, The Light, and the Fight, a bird seeks to walk out what it means to be free without the chains which were once its close companion.”
Liberty or Death is a poetry collection written by one of my friends, Andrea Faith! The themes in these poems deal with being free from the darkness and coming into the light. I enjoyed every poem; they are each so insightful and contemplative! This is definitely a book I would read and reread! (Here is the link to it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Liberty-Death-Andrea-Faith/dp/B0CFCVJH15 Check it out!!)
I think 2024 started off strong for my reading goal! I’m looking forward to next month’s books. Let me know if you read anything in January!
Sarah Baylor 