The Final Word, by Laura Thomas is this week’s Reader Friday. Here’s the first line: THE DESERTED STREET WAS DELICIOUSLY SINISTER in the glow of a solitary lamp—the perfect milieu for Sophie’s final nights living in Paris.
But first the photo and verse. This is the photo I wanted to use on Tuesday. 🙂 Florida has some of the most beautiful clouds I’ve ever seen. I took this picture just before a thunderstorm. Dark clouds were behind me, but the light shone through the clouds in front of me. It was breathtaking (the camera can’t do it justice). The verse is one I’ve turned to time and again in trials.
Now for The Final Word by Laura Thomas. Here’s the cover and back copy:
Terrorized by darkness from her past. Real life is no fairy tale…
When aspiring author Sophie Brooks chooses to trade a vibrant Paris life for the tranquility of a quaint English village, she imagines her final days in the City of Lights will be magical. Sophie doesn’t anticipate a chilling encounter with an old flame—nor does she plan to find a new love on her very last night.
Miles Morgan’s life has been defined as a successful opera singer—until now. His chance encounter with Sophie in Paris ignites renewed hope … if he can figure out his next chapter and if she can accept what his future may hold.
In the heart of the English countryside, Sophie and Miles’ fairy tale romance turns into a noxious nightmare as the darkness of Sophie’s past—and her volatile ex—catch up with her. Both Sophie and Miles must surrender everything to the One they thought had betrayed them as they lean into love and fight for their lives.
Travel from Paris to England in this fast-paced, faith-over-fear story of surrender.
My Take:
Laura Thomas is a new author to me, but she won’t be new long! The opening, set in Paris, grabbed me from the get-go. Thomas writes beautifully about Paris and the English countryside, making me want to visit. On one of Sophie’s last nights there, she witnesses a man assaulting a woman. And not just any man, but her ex-boyfriend. Then the night before she leaves, she meets Miles, and it’s love at first sight.
Sophie, an aspiring author who has been working at a bakery in Paris, is a great character, and Miles is swoon-worthy handsome. Add them to the setting of Paris and the English countryside, and I couldn’t put the book down.
The ex follows her from Paris to the English countryside, where her sisters live, and the suspense ratchets up. This is a great read and one I believe lovers of romantic suspense will love.
You can read it in KU or buy it here.
I thought I’d share a review that Clean Fiction Magazine gave On the Edge of Trust!
Sometimes the closer you get to justice, the deadlier it becomes
When decorated FBI undercover agent Scott Sinclair suffers a gunshot wound in his right arm, the injury threatens his future career in the field. He is determined to regain his former job by training himself to use his left hand, and failure is not an option—especially when he’s unofficially pulled into an investigation.
Tori Mitchell isa passionate crime reporter and podcaster who has dedicated her life to seeking justice. Her relentless pursuit of the truth has freed a wrongfully convicted man from prison, making Tori an enemy of the true killer. When her nephew is accused of a different murder, nothing can stop her from getting involved and clearing his name.
Soon after Tori and Scott reconnect on the case, shots are fired, leaving them to wonder which of them has been targeted. As the investigation intensifies, so do the threats and the sparks between them. Tori is doubtful if she can extend grace and trust to Scott. They’ll have to combine their skills and rely on their growing relationship to outsmart the killer.
Now for this Friday’s song. I love to hear Josh Groban sing and this is a favorite…
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Comments 34
I’m currently reading The Convict’s Courtship by Kylee Woolley.
“She had really gotten herself into trouble this time.”
Author
Gail, The Convict’s Courtship sounds very interesting!
Currently reading Christmas Homecoming by Lacy Williams.
Author
That’s on my TBR list, Sharon!
Oo, The Final Word sounds good!
Congratulations on the great review of On the Edge of Trust!
I’m reading an ARC of Sung in the Shadows by Crystal Caudill. It’s a Christian historical romantic suspense centered around the opera. I’m really enjoying it!
Author
I love her books, Priscilla…
The book makes you want to visit England? That can be arranged!
Your review makes me want to read this book. Right now I’m reading Janice Cantore’s Every Deadly Suspicion. Have a great weekend.
Author
Every Deadly Suspicion is on my TBR list, Delores! And if it weren’t for the long flight…
lol Pat, Paris and the English countryside pulled me right in, too. 🙂 Good minds think alike. The Final Word definitely sounds like a good read!
That was a great review in Clean Fiction! Yes!
I’m reading As Dawn Breaks, by Kate Breslin. “ Her final moments of freedom. Like the rattling gasps before death.”
There was man’s side face profile on the lower right side of your dark clouds! Kind of looks like Prince William.
Author
I’ll check out Prince William in a sec, Barbara! That first line was awesome.
I am reading two books for review at present. They both release next Tuesday. But guess what? Each of the authors has used my name (with permission) as a character in those books! First is Garden Cottage by Carrie Fancett Pagels where she uses my maiden name and I am a widowed librarian who finds love again. Second is Sung in the Shadows by Crystal Caudill where I am a not-so-nice character.
I was also a bad character in a novella by the late Darlene Franklin.
It’s fun being a reviewer with her name in a book!
Garden Cottage:
“Unwelcome realization walloped Paula as she eased her vehicle into her driveway- she was alone.”
Sung in the Shadows:
“The opening strains of Don Giovani danced down the opera house hall and through the closed greenroom door, taunting Eleonora Brisbane as she tossed the crumpled playbill.”
Happy reading everyone!
Author
I always wonder if a reader would want to their name used as the villain, Paula. I wouldn’t mind, but I wasn’t sure…
I love the photo and the scripture! Beautiful song by Josh Groban!
Congratulations on your review in Clean Fiction!
The Final Word sounds like another good read.
I’m reading Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills. “The shrill ring of my mobile phone jolted me awake at 2:00 AM, a haunting prompt that emergencies seldom emerged in daylight.”
Author
Thanks, Mary G! Canyon of Deceit is so good!!
The skies around a thunderstorm are often very dramatic. Your photo certainly captures that. And, the verse you chose puts us at ease. Beautiful song you featured, too.
I’m currently finishing up “Last to Fall” by Lynn Blackburn. This one will grab you from the start, and not let you go until the end. It begins with, “Whoever said blood was thicker than water hadn’t known about the Pierce family.” The leading female character, Bronwyn Pierce, is the only decent one of the bunch.
Next up for me is Colleen Coble’s “When justice Comes”. The first line is, “Hezekiah Webster didn’t notice the first scream,” This is the third of the Tupelo Grove series which she co-authors with Rick Acker. The first two were outstanding.
Author
I’m glad you enjoyed the verse and photo…and song, Tim! I can’t wait to read the third book in the Tupelo Grove series.
The Final Word sounds like a good read. Good for you to have your book reviewed in Clean Fiction Magazine. My next read is Truffle Trouble by Amanda Flower. The first line:
“Bailey, you’re getting married tomorrow!” my cousin Charlotte squeezed both of my hands and jumped up and down.
Author
I love Amanda Flower’s books, Gloria!
Love the picture and verse! Also, I love Josh Groban! Thanks for sharing!
When Cilla van der Zee volunteered to aid the resistance by infiltrating the Dutch Nazis, she never imagined she’d be swept up in a mob set on attacking her friends. First line from Sarah Sundin’s, Midnight on the Scottish Shore.
I want to give a shout out to Kimberley Woodhouse’s, A Song in the Dark. It is a must read.
Author
Both great reads, Kimberly! So glad you enjoyed the picture and verse! And Josh Groban…
It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
Author
It is a very good book, Diana!
You are a very talented photographer.
Author
Thank you, Judy …once upon a time I wanted to be a professional photographer, but writing got in the way. 🙂
Love the picture and verse. I have heard of Josh Groban but this may be the first time I have listened to one of his songs. I enjoyed it.
I like your choice of books this week. I hope you didn’t find any typos or other grammatical errors. I was one of the proofreaders. Actually, I have proofread all three books in the series, since I just finished the third one about two weeks ago. Laura is a good storyteller. I don’t have a first line to share this week because I’m still reading the one I started last week. It’s been a crazy busy week with little time for reading.
Author
Didn’t see a single typo, Edward. Good job! I will be reading more of her books, too.
Love the song and book sounds great!
Author
Thanks, Shelia!
I am currently reading The Scandalous Life of Nancy Randolph by Kate Braithwaite.
Author
Very interesting title, Deborah! I’ll have to check it out.
Love the scripture and photo. Pat!
Author
Thanks, Caryl!
I love the clean fiction review for your new book!
Author
Thanks, Sally Jo!