It’s a two-for-one deal today…or really…a six-for-one because I’m featuring two novella collections that have made it on Hubs Hot list. Make sure to scroll down to see hubs thoughts as well as mine.

The Cost of Betrayal

In Dee Henderson’s novella “Betrayed,” Janelle Roberts is freed–thanks to people she doesn’t know–after serving six years of a twenty-year sentence for a murder she did not commit. But a murderer is still at large, and Janelle needs to be somewhere safe with someone she can trust. She may not survive another betrayal.

In Dani Pettrey’s “Deadly Isle,” Tennyson Kent is trapped on the isolated island of her childhood by a storm surge, and she is shocked when the typically idyllic community turns into the hunting grounds of a murderer. Cut off from any help from the mainland, will she and first love Callen Frost be able to identify and stop a killer bent on betrayal before they become the next victims?

In Lynette Eason’s “Code of Ethics,” trauma surgeon Ruthie St. John saves the life of Detective Isaac Martinez. After a betrayal leads to him getting shot and then attacked while in recovery, Isaac is now a key witness determined to testify. But someone is intent on silencing him–and those around him–forever. Together, Ruthie and Isaac go on the run, desperate to escape the killers hunting him. 

Our Thoughts

After reading Sins of the Past, I knew these three authors teaming up would mean another great collection. Plus, that cover!

Dee’s story in this one features a couple whose story is told in Full Disclosure. After hubs and I finished the novella, I tracked down the ebook and promptly purchased it as I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. I do hope someday I get to know more of Janelle’s story as well. I learned so much about the pardon process as my compassion for Janelle increased.

Dani’s was a fascinating story about a small island community based in the Chesapeake Bay (home turf!). I’ve always wanted to know more about these small communities and Dani brings one to life with a murderer on the loose. Having lived through several nor’easters, I never want to experience one on the islands. Perfect backdrop.

Lynette’s story continues the St. Johns series with the “odd ball” Ruthie. I liked her from the start for being brave enough to be different in a
law-enforcement family. This gives her a good background to think on her feet and believe the crazy guy (Isaac) who says someone is trying to kill him. Their relationship is a slow build with a satisfying ending.

Hubs: Riveting. I liked all three, but the one that stood out the most was Betrayed. It was interesting reading from the perspective of a crime that had already been committed rather than in the process of being committed as the story unfolds. The beautiful language of walking though a story of redemption and forgiveness drew me in, showing that through space, time, and God’s help, true healing can occur.

Sins of the Past

In Dee Henderson’s Missing, a Wyoming sheriff is called to Chicago when his elderly mother goes missing. Paired with a savvy Chicago cop, the two realize her disappearance is no accident, and a race against the clock begins.

Dani Pettrey returns to Alaska with Shadowed, introducing readers to the parents of her beloved McKenna clan. Adventure, romance, and danger collide when a young fisherman nets the body of an open-water swimming competitor who may actually be a possible Russian defector.

Lynette Eason’s Blackout delivers the story of a woman once implicated in a robbery gone wrong. The loot has never been found–but her memory of that night has always been unreliable. Can she remember enough to find her way to safety when the true culprit comes after her?

Our Thoughts

I picked up this collection right off the bat as I was excited to see what Dani and Lynette would come up with, especially since at that point I felt victorious getting hubs to read both author’s books. Dee was new to me, but I knew her excellent reputation and was looking forward to getting a taste of her writing.

All three novellas were exciting and well paced. My favorite was Dani’s because of getting to know the story of the McKenna parents felt like reconnecting with a favorite series.

Hubs: Compelling. I liked learning about the McKenna’s origin story. And it’s 10 pm and his words have run out. 🙂

Hubs: Riveting. I liked all three, but the one that stood out the most was Betrayed. It was interesting reading from the perspective of a crime that had already been committed rather than in the process of being committed as the story unfolds. The beautiful language of walking though a story of redemption and forgiveness drew me in, showing that through space, time, and God’s help, true healing can occur.