Another Day, Another Dali by Sandra Orchard (Review)

Series: Serena Jones Mysteries (Book 2)

Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: Revell (October 18, 2016)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0800726693

ISBN-13: 978-0800726690

When a valuable Salvador Dali painting belonging to her grandmother's friend is mysteriously replaced by a forgery, FBI Special Agent Serena Jones is called in to investigate. Serena hopes finding the thief will also mean finally measuring up to Nana's expectations. But when the evidence points to members of the owner's own household, it becomes increasingly clear that Serena won't be winning any popularity contests.

The Dali isn't the only painting that's fallen prey to the forgery-replacing thief, raising the specter of a sophisticated theft ring--one with links to dirty cops, an aspiring young artist, and the unsolved murder of Serena's grandfather.

With plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments, Another Day, Another Dali gives the plucky Serena Jones--and readers--a new high-stakes case to crack.

My Review:

This is book two in the Serena Jones mysteries. I thoroughly enjoyed reading both of them. I recommend reading them in order. The characters are the same. There is one mystery that runs through both concerning the death of her grandfather. The other mysteries are not connected. FBI Agent Serena Jones is the main character for the series. Her friends and family members are interesting secondary characters. I love her quirky elderly aunt who wants to help her solve mysteries. She even has two love interests. One is a fellow agent and one her landlord. They are both great men and I adored them. This was a great cozy mystery suspense book. The characters and plot were interesting and unique. The author did a good job with the dialogue and there is plenty of humor too. Highly Recommend the series.



Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of several books, including A Fool and His Monet and the Port Aster Secrets series. The winner of five Canadian Christian Writing Awards and a Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, Sandra has also received a HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, a National Readers' Choice Award, and a Daphne du Maurier Award. She lives in Ontario, Canada. Learn more at www.sandraorchard.com

Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

A Fool and His Monet by Sandra Orchard (Review)

Series: Serena Jones Mysteries (Book 1)

Paperback: 336 pages

Publisher: Revell (March 1, 2016)

ISBN-13: 978-0800726713

Serena Jones has a passion for recovering lost and stolen art--one that's surpassed only by her zeal to uncover the truth about the art thief who murdered her grandfather. She's joined the FBI Art Crime Team with the secret hope that one of her cases will lead to his killer. Now, despite her mother's pleas to do something safer--like get married--Serena's learning how to go undercover to catch thieves and black market traders.

When a local museum discovers an irreplaceable Monet missing, Jones leaps into action. The clues point in different directions, and her boss orders her to cease investigating her most promising suspect. But determined to solve the case and perhaps discover another clue in her grandfather's murder, she pushes ahead, regardless of the danger.

With spunk, humor, and plenty of heart-stopping moments, Sandra Orchard gives readers an exciting string of cases to crack and a character they'll love to watch solve them.

My Review:

I enjoyed reading this Christian cozy mystery book. It is the first in the Serena Jones series. The plot and characters were interesting and unique. The book is well written with many funny moments. I loved the interaction between the characters. Serena decided to become an FBI agent after her grandfather's murder. Her mother is not too happy with the job choice and wants her to settle down and give her grandchildren. Her best friend is the head of a local museum and notifies her when a Monet goes missing. It is her to job to investigate it. There are also two cute love interests. The ending was good I can't wait to read the next book in the series.  

Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of several inspirational romantic suspense/mysteries, including Deadly Devotion and Blind Trust. Her Love Inspired Suspense titles have garnered two Canadian Christian Writing Awards and a Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award. Sandra has also received a HOLT Medallion, a Word Award, and a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. In addition to her busy writing schedule, Sandra enjoys speaking at events and teaching writing workshops. She lives in Ontario, Canada. Learn more about Sandra's books and check out the special bonus features, such as deleted scenes and location pics, at http://sandraorchard.com

Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Desperate Measures by Sandra Orchard (Review)

Series: Port Aster Secrets (Book 3)

Paperback: 368 pages

Publisher: Revell (June 2, 2015)

ISBN-13: 978-0800722241

Kate won't be safe until all of Port Aster's secrets are revealed

Researcher Kate Adams has finally pinpointed the supposed "miracle plant" that tore apart her family years ago. She's certain that discovering its secrets is her only hope of solving the mystery surrounding her father's disappearance. She's willing to risk anything to find the truth, including her relationship with Detective Tom Parker. But with so many people in pursuit of the plant, going it alone might be a fatal mistake.

Award-winning author Sandra Orchard pulls out all the stops in this breakneck and breathtaking conclusion to the Port Aster Secrets series.

My Review:

I enjoyed reading the conclusion to the Port Aster Secrets series. I do recommend the series be read in order to make the most sense. This is a Christian romance mystery book with a little suspense.
Kate Adams is the main character for all the books. Tom is her on/off again boyfriend and a member of local law enforcement. The series centers around a mysterious plant that supposedly has miraculous properties. A  pharmaceutical company would kill to get their hands on it. Somehow Kate's father was involved with them and the plant and has been missing for most of her life. The author did a good job unraveling the rest of the mystery in this book. I had all my questions answered and the conclusion was satisfying.



Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of several inspirational romantic suspense/mysteries, including Deadly Devotion, winner of the 2014 The Word Award for suspense, and Blind Trust. Her Love Inspired Suspense titles have garnered two Canadian Christian Writing Awards and a Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award. Sandra has also received a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. In addition to her busy writing schedule, Sandra enjoys speaking at events and teaching writing workshops. She lives in Ontario, Canada. Learn more about Sandra's books and check out the special bonus features, such as deleted scenes and location pics, at www.sandraorchard.com.

Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Blind Trust by Sandra Orchard (Review)

• Series: Port Aster Secrets (Book 2)
• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Revell (June 17, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-0800722234

Kate Adams had no idea she was carrying counterfeit money, and she can't believe that it came from her sweet neighbor. Or that it lands her in the middle of another one of Detective Tom Parker's investigations. Determined to prove her neighbor's innocence, Kate stumbles into a pit of intrigue that is far deeper than a two-bit counterfeit operation--and strikes too close to home for comfort. As family secrets come to light, her world--and her budding romance with Tom--begin to crumble. To Kate, it's clear that she won't be safe until she uncovers all of Port Aster's secrets. But is it too late for her and Tom?

Award-winning author Sandra Orchard draws readers into a world of rogues, red herrings, and romance as she unfolds the continuing story of amateur sleuth Kate Adams.

My Review:

I enjoyed reading this second book in the Port Aster Secrets series. They do need to be read in order because there are plot details in book two referencing book one. I was happy to read more of Kate and Tom's story. There are good supporting characters too like Tom's father and Kate's elderly next door neighbor. The plot and characters are well developed and interesting. The sparks are still flying between Tom and Kate. The mystery is solid and I look forward to book three and seeing how everything comes together. Overall a good Christian romantic suspense/mystery book. Recommended.





Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of several inspirational romantic suspense/mysteries, including Deadly Devotion and Blind Trust. Her Love Inspired Suspense titles have garnered two Canadian Christian Writing Awards and a Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award. Sandra has also received a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. In addition to her busy writing schedule, Sandra enjoys speaking at events and teaching writing workshops. She lives in Ontario, Canada. Learn more about Sandra's books and check out the special bonus features, such as deleted scenes and location pics, at http://sandraorchard.com

Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Deadly Devotion by Sandra Orchard (Review)

Paperback: 384 pages

Publisher: Revell (June 1, 2013)

ISBN-13: 978-0800722227

Research scientist Kate Adams and her colleague Daisy are on the brink of a breakthrough for treating depression with herbal medicine when Daisy suddenly dies. Kate knows that if it hadn't been for Daisy's mentorship, she wouldn't have the job she loves or the faith she clings to. So when police rule Daisy's death a suicide, Kate is determined to unearth the truth.

Former FBI agent Tom Parker finds it hard to adjust to life back in his hometown of Port Aster. Though an old buddy gives him a job as a detective on the local police force, not everyone approves. Tom's just trying to keep a low profile, so when Kate Adams demands he reopen the investigation of her friend's death, he knows his job is at stake. In fact, despite his attraction to her, Tom thinks Kate looks a bit suspicious herself.

As evidence mounts, a web of intrigue is woven around the sleepy town of Port Aster. Can Kate uncover the truth? Or will Tom stand in her way?


My Review:

Overall I liked this book. This is the first book in the Port Aster Secrets series. It was a slight romantic Christian book with a mystery/suspense aspect. I got annoyed a few times at the plot. The characters kept jumping from one suspect to the next then back again. It felt disjointed. It felt like I never connected all the way with the characters. I liked Kate and Tom but it just did not come off the pages to me. The plot was interesting but according to the first part of the book description above and on the back of the book the antidepressant medicine should have a played a big role. It was not mentioned until the very end. I kept waiting and waiting for the story to pick up. It had more potential so when the next book comes out I will read it.




Sandra Orchard is an active member in American Christian Fiction Writers, The Word Guild, Romance Writers of America, and a local writing group. She recently participated in the Writers' Police Academy for hands-on training and simulations at a police training facility. She is the author of Shades of Truth, Critical Condition, and Deep Cover, which won the Canadian Christian Writing Award for romance in June 2012 and was recognized as one of the top five novels of the year by Family Fiction magazine. Sandra has also received a Daphne DuMaurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense in both the inspirational category and for best score overall. She lives in Niagara, Ontario, Canada. To find out more, please visit www.sandraorchard.com.


Available June 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.