Strong Women, Extraordinary Situations #6

 

Published June 13th 2016  

Synopsis:

When Jessie Michaels discovers a letter written to her by her deceased best friend, she is determined to find who murdered Mary Lou, at first thought to be a victim of a serial killer by the police. Jessie’s questions lead to an attempt on her life. The last man she wanted to come to her aid was Josh Morgan, who had been instrumental in her brother going to prison. Together they uncover a drug ring that puts them both in danger. Will Jessie and Josh find the killer? Love? Or will one of them fall victim to a DEADLY DOSE?  

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Meet the Author:

  Margaret Daley is an award winning, multi-published author in the romance genre. One of her romantic suspense books, Hearts on the Line, won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Contest. Recently she has won the Golden Quill Contest, FHL’s Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest, Winter Rose Contest, Holt Medallion and the Barclay Gold Contest. She wrote for various secular publishers before the Lord led her to the Christian romance market. She currently writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense books for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired lines, romantic suspense for Abingdon Press and historical romance for Summerside Press. She has sold ninety-two books to date.

Margaret was the President for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization of over 2600 members. She was one of the founding members of the first ACFW local chapter, WIN in Oklahoma. She has taught numerous classes for online groups, ACFW and RWA chapters. She enjoys mentoring other authors.
Until she retired a few years ago, she was a teacher of students with special needs for twenty-seven years and volunteered with Special Olympics as a coach. She currently is on the Outreach committee at her church, working on several projects in her community as well as serving on her church’s vestry.
On a more personal note, she has been married for over forty years to Mike and has one son and four granddaughters. She treasures her time with her family and friends.

My Thoughts:

Margaret Daley has released the 6th installment in Strong Women, Extraordinary Situations.  For me this was a stand alone story, but I encourage everyone to read the first books to get the full impact of this series.  Margaret Daley is a talented author and I love the stories she writes.  She knows how to weave words together that bring a story to life that will pull the reader in at the same time.  For me that's what makes a great story.

Jessie Michaels has been dealing with so much grief and pain in the past year.  First the death of her sister in-law,  the arrest of her brother for his wife's murder,  the ensuing battle for the custody of her niece, the death of her mother and the final blow was the murder of her best friend, Mary Lou. Can you imagine the heartbreak she has endured in such a short time?  Jessie finds herself in possession of a letter from Mary Lou that indicates her death may have been a murder, but with her dislike of the current police chief she turns to Kira who is the ADA with county for help.  The letter leaves clues and Jessie has every intention of following every last one. Pinecrest Community Center is her first stop to check on Mary Lou's mentee, Heather Williams, from the mentoring program.  

Josh Morgan has also dealt with a hard year.  His sister, Jessie's sister in-law, was murdered last year and dealing with his mother and the ensuing custody case involving his niece was certainly difficult, but when Jessie challenged his community involvement he felt he needed to prove she was wrong.  Josh joined the mentoring program at Pinecrest Community Center and has become close to his mentee, Aaron.  Discovering Aaron badly beaten in the shower at the center concerns Josh and leads his to believe there's more going on in his community than anyone realizes. 

Jess reveals to Josh what was in Mary Lou's letter his protective instincts kick in. The first attempt on Jessie's life shows Josh that his feelings are much deeper than he first thought and needs to protect Jess at all cost.  

This book has elements of mystery, suspense, romantic tension, and lots of faith. 
The plot and engaging characters drew me in from page one.  It is full of small town intrigue.  The characters are complex with real issues.  Jessie has a history with Josh's family and it's not good.  She harbors ill feelings towards them and she must learning the act of forgiveness is the first step in moving forward with her life.  She is still consumed with the loss of her mother and friend.  Josh comes from an affluent family and must realize that not every decision they make is for the good of others.  
These are characters with a softer side and tough exteriors.  
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves suspense or a story that shows how strong a woman can be.  
*I received this book from the author for a honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review.