Monday, July 25, 2011

LIE FOR ME: GUEST REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY ENDEDLIE FOR ME
BY KAREN YOUNG
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lauren Holloway's ex-fiance, Tucker Kane, is without an alibi when his ex-wife is murdered. Tucker claims to have been alone at a job site at the time, but he needs Lauren to lie for him so that he won't become a suspect in the murder. She refuses; now as a prime suspect, Tucker disappears without a trace. 
 
Years later, she sees him at an antique fair, and worried that Lauren will reveal his carefully constructed life, he forces his into her hotel room and tells her that he's trying to find evidence to clear his name. As Lauren tries to help Tucker, she questions her ability to judge character as she uncovers a labyrinth of deceit, putting her very life in danger.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Karen Young is the international bestselling author of thirty-eight novels.
 
She has more than ten million books in print and is the recipient of the coveted RITA award from Romance Writers of America and the Career Achievement and Reviewer's Choice awards from Romantic Times magazine. She is known as "a spellbinding storyteller who writes with sensitivity about issues facing contemporary women." Karen's career in writing fiction for women has run the gamut from traditional romance to mystery thrillers to inspirational fiction. In her relationship-driven plots, she creates characters that could easily be her readers, and then places them in extraordinary circumstances while adding suspense to the mix.

PRAISE FOR LIE FOR ME:
"This is a riveting and inspiring novel that will leave readers profoundly moved. The wrenching moral dilemma, coupled with the suspenseful plot, makes for a page-turning drama that will keep you guessing to the very end. Karen Young is in top form."
-- Susan Wiggs, New York Times bestselling author of The Goodbye Quilt

"Karen Young's stories take my breath away and make me sit up and take notice. In Lie for Me she presents a heroine with an ethical decision that left me biting my fingernails. I wonder if I'd have the strength of character to do what I know was right even if it meant sending the man I loved to prison for the rest of his life. Fast paced, heart-stopping action are Karen's trademarks. She's one of my favorites.
-- Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author

GUEST REVIEW:
Steve Capell reviewed this novel and has frequently reviewed for me in the past. He currently lives with his wife in Kansas City metro area. Thanks, as always, to Steve for this super review!
Lauren Holloway was told that she is being promoted to the principle position at a Christian school and she prepared the perfect dinner for Tucker Kane, her fiancĂ©, so that she could share with him the good news. Lauren becomes worried when Tucker doesn’t call and is late for the dinner that she had planned. The plot thickens when she finds out that the reason Tucker was late is because he was being questioned by the police about the death of his ex-wife, Margot.

More and more evidence was uncovered that clearly pointed to Tucker as being the killer of his ex-wife. Lauren stood by Tucker until one day he asked her to make up an alibi for him which meant she would have to make up a lie to the police in order to save the man that meant the world to her. Lauren’s Christian beliefs were now being tested. She was so shocked that Tucker would ask her lie for him. The next morning Tucker suddenly disappears – no notes, no text messages, no phone calls – he was gone.

My thoughts:

This story has so many layers. One layer is the ongoing plot of who killed Marlot. A second layer is how Lauren’s ongoing support of Tucker was viewed by families that brought their children to the Christian school. A third layer is how Lauren’s Christian beliefs were tested. While this novel is multilayered and complex it flowed beautifully with a twisted tale of love, murder, greed, suspense, heartbreak and joy.

Karen Young has exquisitely written a narrative that allows the characters to jump off the page. The dialog between the characters seemed so realistic even though the subject matter at times was complex.

One final thought, I love mystery novels and Lie for Me was refreshing to read. The novel seemed to settle in around me like a cool spring rain. I found the ongoing Christian moral undercurrent that existed with several of the characters allowed the novel in a subtle but natural way exhibit concept of good and evil – right and wrong.

I have given this novel a four rating out five.

Who should read this novel?

All mystery lovers will find Lie for Me a delight to read. This novel will also appeal to readers that love mysteries coupled with good solid moral beliefs. Finally, I would recommend this novel to romance readers.

In accordance with new FTC guidelines regarding endorsements and testimonials for bloggers I am disclosing the following: I received this book from the publisher and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
GIVEAWAY 
THANKS TO KIM AND THE GOOD PEOPLE AT
NANCY BERLAND PUBLICITY, I HAVE ONE
COPY OF THIS THRILLER TO GIVE AWAY
    
--U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES, PLEASE
--INCLUDE EMAIL ADDRESS IN COMMENT
--ALL ENTRIES/COMMENTS MUST BE
SEPARATE IN ORDER TO COUNT
AS MORE THAN ONE ENTRY
HOW TO ENTER:

+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FOUND INTERESTING ABOUT LIE FOR ME ABOVE THAT WOULD MAKE YOU WANT TO WIN THIS BOOK

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT FOR STEVE ABOUT HOW MUCH YOU ENJOYED HIS REVIEW AS HE ALWAYS DOES SUCH A GREAT JOB HELPING ME OUT! 
 
+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND LEAVE A LINK I CAN FOLLOW IN THE ENTRY

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON THE BOOK THAT YOU THINK IS THE MOST THRILLING, EXCITING MYSTERY YOU HAVE READ RECENTLY
GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST, AUGUST 7
  GOOD LUCK!!
 

73 comments:

lag123 said...

I love mysteries and I think the undercurrents in this novel are most interesting. Thanks for the giveaway!

lag110 at mchsi dot com

lag123 said...

Great review Steve! I like how you described the undercurrents in this novel.

lag110 at mchsi dot com

lag123 said...

Tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/lag32583/status/95436838604521472

lag110 at mchsi dot com

lag123 said...

The most thrilling book that I have read recently was The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker. I listened to the audiobook and it was very good.

Unknown said...

I want this book. It sounds very good. I love mysteries and thrillers. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

petite said...

Mysteries always keep me guessing and are an escape for me. Great giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

petite said...

Steve's reviews are a pleasure to read. He writes so well. Thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

petite said...

The most thrilling book which I read lately was Buried Secrets by Joseph Finder. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

maryf said...

karen young is a new author for me, and the story line looks interesting if not a bit scarey!
Did he really do it or not?

mfallon@unitedbankcard.com

maryf said...

steve's review makes me want to go buy the book if i dont win it! good job buddy! you hit your mark!

mfallon@unitedbankcard.com

maryf said...

I loved the last james patterson book, tick tock, i am a big fan!

mfallon@unitedbankcard.com

traveler said...

Steve's review made this book come alive. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I would enjoy this thrilling story. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

heavenisabookstore said...

I am so getting into mysteries lately!! This sounds like a good one. When you think they're innocent then ask you to lie for them, it all goes down hill.
heavenisabookstore@gmail.com

holdenj said...

I really like mysteries and think the twist of Tucker trying to prove his innocence after all those years, rightly or not, seems exciting!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

Another great review Steve! I enjoy how you always comment on what types of readers may enjoy the story. This seems to have a bit for everyone.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I just finished up a new, debut mystery called Original Sin by Beth McMullen. It's subtitled a Sally Sin adventure and I sure hope it's the beginning of a long series! Loved the characters and the premise of this ex-spy turned housewife.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

ann said...

i just started getting heavily into mysteries.
I am interested in how it turns out in the end.

amhengst at verizon dot net

ann said...

I enjoyed Steves review.
I like the fact that more christian books are being read.


amhengst at verizon dot net

ann said...

I recently finished The Divide by Nicolas Evans and the Girl who Disappeared Twice by Andrea Kane which was interesting from the beginning to the end. Both good books


amhengst at verizon dot net

Sue Farrell said...

I have never seen a "Christian" mystery before---and that fact alone makes me just want to try it.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

Sue Farrell said...

Steve--you say that the author makes the characters jump off the page---you make the books come alive with your reviews.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

Sue Farrell said...

I recently read Justin Peacock's "Blind Man's Alley"---it was a real page turner.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

Linda Kish said...

I love a good mystery. I want to know about those years he was "missing", too.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

Good job, Steve. Nice and succinct. My type of review.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

Double Cross by James Patterson is really good.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

debbie said...

I love a good mystery. I would love to see what happens when she uncovers why he went undercover.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

Steve's reviews are always well written.I enjoy reading them.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

rbooth43 said...

Love your reviews, Steve, and I also love mysteries. This one is intriguing!
Thanks!
Rebecca
rbooth43(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

love the cover; love any thriller

gampeony at yahoo dot com

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rubynreba said...

Mysteries are a favorite of mine and I'd thoroughly enjoy this one.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

I always enjoy the reviews Steve gives. Great job!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

I recently finished The Fifth Witness and enjoyed it.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Reading said...

This looks a great mystery. I love to curl up on the couch with my blankie and a cup of tea and read a good mystery.

lizzi0915 at aol dot com

Reading said...

I loved the Shakespeare series of mysteries from Charlaine Harris.

lizzi0915 at aol dot com

mamabunny13 said...

I love a good page turner! It sounds so interesting.
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Alyssa from James Patterson Book List said...

Great book, too bad I already have it, I'd enter the contest. Instead, let me just say: good luck everyone!

Margie said...

I always love a good mystery. This sounds like a fast-paced one. I like the added layer of the moral problem this presents to the main character.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

I always enjoy Steve's reviews. It's always good to get several viewpoints, then make up your own mind!
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bison61 said...

a murder, alibis and disappears without a trace-sounds like a great book

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I love mysteries and would like to know why she lied for him after he just up and disappeared

pattifritz2000 at yahoo dot com
thanks for the chance

Anonymous said...

Steve you did a wonderful job! You really made me want to read this book!

pattifritz2000 at yahoo dot com
thanks for the chance

Anita Yancey said...

What makes me want to read the book is that it's a mystery. I also want to find out if Tucker is telling the truth. Please enter me. Thanks!

ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

Anita Yancey said...

I loved Steve's review. He is a very good writer, and gives you a great feel for the book and its characters.

ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

Anita Yancey said...

The most thrilling and exciting mystery I've read recently is Vanish by Tess Gerritsen.

ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

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