Book picks similar to
Remember Sara by C.S. Bills


fiction
contemporary
first-reads
mystery

Foreclosed


Traci Tyne Hilton - 2010
    Foreclosed is the word no homeowner wants to hear and Mitzy is determined to save the incredible mansion on her street from that fate. But with the homeowner desperate to keep Mitzy away from his property and Alonzo, the dangerously hot rival investor trying to snatch it out from under her, Mitzy knows she has to work fast, or the economy won’t be the only thing dead… Enjoy this cozy Christian Mystery for free today! Praise for the Mitzy Neuhaus Mysteries A fun cozy mystery. The lead character, Mitzy Neuhause, is what one would get if Legally Blond were about real estate. She is well-intentioned, beautiful, slightly clueless, and really, really good at what she does - which is selling homes in Portland, Oregon. The fun begins when she butts heads with a local commercial property real estate agent over a stunning and mysterious Victioran mansion. The next thing you know Russian royal jewels are being discussed and the Russian mob may, or may not, be involved. Mitzy needs to keep her faith, her head, and her big, blonde, 80's hair in place in order to bring everything to a happy ending.—Jane Wells, author of Glitter in the Sun Foreclosed is a thoroughly entertaining and superbly plotted debut novel from Traci Hilton. The book approaches the genre of mystery from an unusual but extremely engaging setting: the world of real estate. And alongside the book's delightful protagonist Mitzy Neuhaus, the reader loses himself in the grandeur and enigmatic qualities of the stunning mansion that the author so authoritatively conveys. The chemistry between Alonzo and Mitzy is apparent from their first encounter and adds a layer of tantalizing romance to the book; their chemistry is electric and their battle of wills really brings the book's main plot to life. But it is Mitzy who deserves the greatest plaudits. She is an emotionally engaging character with an incredible amount of depth; resourceful, polite, entrepreneurial and caring, she is the book's main attraction and could quite easily sustain a lengthy series of mysteries that the book's many readers would enjoy. Finally, the author's writing must receive its deserved praise. Often with light reads such as Foreclosed, the writing can be suspect. But Traci Hilton displays effortless control and command of language. A highly recommended read. –A. S. Anand author 2032

The Chase


Susan Wales - 2004
    To make matters worse, her high-profile boyfriend ends their relationship because it could damage his own political career. Returning to her hometown of Delavan, Wisconsin, to lick her wounds, Jill must settle for work at the town's small weekly newspaper. But the former Washington Gazette star soon finds herself caught up in a chilling race to uncover the evidence that will help her reclaim her job, preserve her family's reputation, and save her life. This exciting page-turner expertly blends suspense, romance, and a dynamic female lead into a gripping political thriller.

Perilous Cove (Perilous Safety Series - Book 1)


Rich Bullock - 2012
    Now, someone wants Natalie dead—and all the evidence points to Jack. Detective Addison Conner, as a single dad, struggles to keep one step ahead of his teenage daughter while handling the department's increasing caseload, but he's losing on both fronts. An unexpected attraction to Natalie points out how empty his life is. Before he can solve Natalie's case and look to the future, the attacks become intensely personal. Then Natalie disappears. On the rugged California coast, Natalie assumes a new identity and builds a new life, gaining at least part of the family she always wished for in the form of a needy young girl whose faith helps her deal with her messed up family. But if Addison can’t catch the killer, everything Natalie's built may be destroyed. For life isn’t safe, especially in Perilous Cove.

A Fresh Start


Trisha Grace - 2013
    Sometimes, it feels as if everything is falling apart.Paige Watson finds herself in that very situation. She has no choice but to leave behind everything she has worked so hard for and head to a small town in Wyoming.It is the only way she can escape the relentless monster that has been after her over the past three years. It is the only way she can feel safe again.But God works in mysterious ways, and Paige is beginning to think that leaving everything behind doesn’t seem so bad when she ends up working with Justin Doyle to fix up her house.Just as she is beginning to enjoy her fresh start in life, the monster she has been hiding from returns.Her worst nightmare has come true, and this time…she may not have a chance to wake from it.

In Polyester Pajamas


Catherine Dougherty - 2012
    . . Jean and Rosie, opposites in every way, are dealing with different aspects of their lives when they find themselves working side-by-side in the same real estate company. Despite reluctance, they also find themselves teaming up for some new mid-life adventures filled with excitement, romance and plenty of drama. As they become better acquainted, a friendship begins to form. They laugh, cry, and even fight together. Until finally, during a slumber party and while sporting polyester pajamas, they entrust their lives completely to each other and share their deepest, darkest secrets. Through it all, they discover how truly wonderful having a best friend, at any age, can be. If you’ve ever had or needed a best friend, have wondered what life was all about, have been ashamed of something you’ve done in the past, or if you’ve ever lost someone you loved with all of your heart, then you MUST read this book! Praise for in Polyester Pajamas: “In Polyester Pajamas is at once gutsy, poignant, tear-inducing, and wickedly funny. I recommend this book to anyone who has experienced love, loss, heartbreak, happiness, and new beginnings. In short, In Polyester Pajamas is for everyone. It’s a brave, ballsy, brightly colored novel by a brave, ballsy, brightly colorful writer. Bravo, Catherine Dougherty.” —Jennifer Niven, author of Velva Jean Learns to Drive, Velva Jean Learns to Fly, and Becoming Clementine

Jenny Kissed Me!


Thomas Allen - 2014
    She and Jonathan had secretly loved one another in high school, but never shared those feelings except for that one time in the library their senior year. Jenny had impetuously kissed Jonathan—a moment neither forgot. Four decades have passed. Five thousand miles away they meet as strangers on tour in Italy. Will they have the opportunity for a second chance? A clean, wholesome, timeless story , with universal themes built around admirable, charming characters.Some folks are bothered that most love stories seem a bit contrived and have a suspension of belief. They normally label themselves as realists--"not into that fairy-tale stuff." But what better way to deal with the real world, 24/7, than to take a break, experience a lovelier world-- one that transforms the mood and lifts the spirit, giving hope to something better. Although my story is fictional, the magical thing about it is that it could really happen.

To Leave a Memory


Pat Dunlap Evans - 2015
    The clever dialogue, surprising humor and the poignant ending will make you feel like the characters of the Ward family are just like your own.To Leave a Memory -- The StoryWhen history professor Andrew Ward ignores his wife Lizzy's premonition that something will happen if he allows their son to go out one stormy night, tragedy strikes. Andrew is too anguished to admit he was wrong and, over the years, he and Lizzy drift into avoidance.Forgotten in the marital divide, young daughter Jane can't forgive her brother's death. Nor can Andrew's brother Thomas, an arrogant millionaire and a perpetual prickle in Andrew's side.When Lizzy decides to leave, Jane -- who is now a tech guru and mother of three -- urges her mother to repair her marriage. Oblivious to the women's plans, Andrew hides in his office, trying to write a grand apologia to atone for his heartbreaking error. But when a second tragedy strikes, each family member faces a difficult choice. And Andrew must find the way to leave a memory.

Love Me If You Must


Nicole Young - 2007
    For a start she discovers something unsettling in the basement that interests the police officer next door.

Jungle Fire


Dana Mentink - 2013
    The day she leaves on furlough, is the day her life falls apart. Her bus is ambushed and she must flee from forces who inexplicably wish her dead. Trapped between a ruthless drug lord and his assassins, a corrupt police chief, and colleagues with ulterior motives, her friends may prove just as deadly as her enemies as she uncovers a plot tangled deep in the roots of her own past.Nina's only hope of survival lies in the hands of Shaw Wilder, a man who despises missionaries and the God they serve.  His skill is in handling a landmine detection dog, not helping a woman he blames for the death of his sister. When the lethal drug kingpin El Escorpion seeks to capture Nina, and the local police are no help, Shaw has to choose: flee into the Guatemalan jungle with a naive woman who has vowed never to take a life or follow his own spiritual demons and walk away. His choice may leave them both imprisoned in a jungle from which neither will escape.

Chain of Mercy


Brenda S. Anderson - 2014
     Richard flees to Minneapolis where he repairs ancient boilers instead of solving corporate problems, and he's determined to live the solitary life he now deserves. But Executive Sheila Peterson has other plans for the handsome custodian. Richard appears to be the perfect match for the no-strings-attached romance she's after, but she soon discovers that he's hiding more than the designer clothes in his closet.

Drowning With Others


Linda Keir - 2019
    Did one of them kill to get it?Prep school sweethearts Ian and Andi Copeland are envied by everyone they know. They have successful businesses, a beautiful house in St. Louis, and their eldest daughter, Cassidy, is following in their footsteps by attending prestigious Glenlake Academy. Then, a submerged car is dredged from the bottom of a swimming hole near the campus. So are the remains of a former writer-in-residence who vanished twenty years ago—during Ian and Andi’s senior year.When Cassidy’s journalism class begins investigating the death, Ian and Andi’s high school secrets rise to the surface. Each has a troubled link to the man whose arrival and sudden disappearance once set the school on edge. And each had a reason to want him gone. As Cassidy unwittingly edges closer to the truth, unspoken words, locked away for decades, will force Ian and Andi to question what they really know—about themselves, about the past, and about a marriage built on a murderous lie.

Brides and Betrayal


Michelle Lynn Brown - 2014
    As she longs to come out from under the stain of their sin, she is held back by the constant whisperings in her mind that never fail to remind her who she is and where she comes from. Hunter cannot forgive his mother’s adultery and vows never to be like his father - blindly accepted the sins of others. Fearful that they will fall into the same trap as his parents, he tries to control every situation, but his jealousy and judgmental attitude only add to Holly’s feeling of unworthiness. As the years pass, Hunter’s anger and mistrust grow, taking their toll on Holly and Hunter's marriage. When handsome widower, Seth Hargrove, befriends the couple, he urges Hunter to let go of his anger, and reminds Holly she is more than her parents' sin. Will Seth be the key to reconciling Holly and Hunter and redeeming them from the disastrous path their marriage is on?  Or will his friendship only lead to betrayal?

Without A Trace / Beyond A Doubt


Colleen Coble - 2008
    

The Women of Tenacity


Shanna Hatfield - 2011
    Callan Matthews lives a hectic life balancing a demanding job as she works to start her own business. Her husband Clay, the consummate prankster, decides it is up to him to get Callan to lighten up and have a little fun. Jenna Carver is a confirmed city girl even if her husband Josh conveniently forgets that fact as he drags her from one farm adventure to another.Laken Johnson loves her two kids, but when her husband Tyler unexpectedly drops them off at her gift shop, she doesn't know if she or the store will survive.

The Mother Keeper


Paula Scott - 2017
     Shawn Klein has it all. The beautiful girlfriend. The scholarship to play football at Vanderbilt after he graduates high school. At eighteen, he leads worship at his father’s prosperous megachurch. His life is perfect. So why isn’t he happy? Everything changes when Shawn’s parents bring Ellie into their home to care for her until she gives birth. It’s the life with a real family that Ellie has always dreamed about, and the kind of future Shawn never knew he wanted, until Ellie’s past threatens to destroy everything. Jenny McBride has lost her faith and her reason to live in a terrible accident in Colorado Springs, but meeting the pregnant teenager, Ellie just might turn things around. When Jenny arrives in Tennessee to adopt Ellie's baby, only one thing is certain. A baby will be born, along with a crime of passion, and a desperate struggle to bury the truth.