Imprints by Rachel Ann Nunes

Review by Heather Moore

Autumn Rain is far from normal. She has a dangerous gift, at least one that can bring danger to her. Touching an object that is important to a missing, or even dead, person brings flashes of memories. But sometimes they are too disturbing for even Autumn to handle.

When a woman goes missing, her parents are desperate for help. Autumn gets caught up in the events, even when it means bringing danger to herself and those she loves. Although Autumn has the power to read imprints, she doesn't always rely on those who are the most honest.

Author Rachel Nunes paints an intriguing character in Imprints. A story that deviates from Nunes' usual array, I thoroughly enjoyed the characterization and ambiance of this novel. The plot is far from predictable and takes several surprising turns. Suspense, romance, and a touch of paranormal rolls into one enjoyable read.

Kudos to the publisher, Deseret Book/Shadow Mountain, for printing a paranormal story that it clean and uplifting.

Imprints is available HERE.

Saving Madeline by Rachel Ann Nunes

Saving Madeline

By Rachel Ann Nunes
Shadow Mountain, 2009

Reviewed by Heather Moore

Caitlin McLoughlin is a talented public defender, assigned to cases where she finds herself defending the bad guy over and over. But in her position, she doesn’t mind when she loses a case—because that means the criminals go to prison where they belong.

But then a four year old is abducted from her home and when the police find the kidnapper, it’s the girl’s father, Parker Hathaway. When Caitlin is assigned as his public defender, she is eager to wrap up the case, until she discovers Parker’s motivations.

Saving Madeline has an intriguing plot that follows Caitlin McLoughlin through the twists and turns of the legal system, explaining why some criminals get let off and some don’t, and how the prosecutors and defenders are held to the specifics of procedure.

As Caitlin’s professional life collides with her private life, she uncovers those who are worth having in her life and those who aren’t. She also wrestles with giving love a second chance. She makes every effort to keep her personal feelings out of her current case with Parker, but it proves to be difficult as time is running out for both Parker, and his daughter, Madeline.

An enjoyable, unexpected journey of ethics and love with a dynamic plot that will keep you guessing! I consider Saving Madeline as one of my favorite Nunes book. Readers will be pleased with this new novel and Nunes' fresh endeavor.

Rachel Ann Nunes is the bestselling author of many books. Visit her website here.

Flying Home by Rachel Ann Nunes

Since this book's release, I was interested to read it. I've read several of Rachel's book, but this one is written for the national market--published by the Shadow Mountain imprint by Deseret Book.

Compared to her other novels, Rachel really delved into the characterization in this book (which I really like). I think many LDS genre books are way too short--too short to hold an intriguing plot and too short to fully develop more than one character.

The story is about a woman, Liana, who was adopted as a child by her relatives. She doesn't why she continues to have nightmares and flashes of memories about her childhood. Her parents were both killed in a plane crash in India.

At first glance the premise was interesting, but I wondered what could really be so shocking when she goes to her parents gravesite. Well, I was very surprised and didn't see the twist coming.

I also enjoyed the descriptions of the country of India--in fact Rachel did all the descriptions very well, from Las Vegas area to a farm in Wyoming.

There are no obvious LDS characters in this book, no conversion story to God, but it is one woman's story of coming to grips with her past and finally accepting where she came from.