By Sandra Orchard - Deadly Devotion (Port Aster Secrets) (Large Print Edition) (2013-08-16) [Library Binding]

Port Aster Secrets #3

by Sandra Orchard

Researcher Kate Adams has finally pinpointed the medicinal plant responsible for tearing her family apart. She's certain that discovering its secrets is her only hope of solving the mystery surrounding the disappearance of her father. Kate will risk anything to find the truth--even her budding relationship with Detective Tom Parker. But more people than she can fathom are after the plants and going it alone just might prove to be a fatal mistake.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Romance, Contemporary, Christian, Fiction

Library Binding

First published May 26, 2015

About the author

Sandra leaps off the garden trails of her herbal-researcher-turned-amateur-sleuth (Port Aster Secrets) series, to the museum corridors of her plucky FBI art crime agent Serena Jones, in A Fool and His Monet.

When not plotting crimes, Sandra plays make-believe with her grandchildren or hikes with her hubby along the escarpment, near their home in Niagara, Canada.

Her novels have garnered numerous awards, including the National Readers' Choice Award, a Holt Medallion Award of Merit, an RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the Daphne DuMaurier Award of Excellence and five national Canadian Awards.

Learn more about Sandra’s books and fun bonus features at www.sandraorchard.com

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

About this book:

“Researcher Kate Adams has finally pinpointed the medicinal plant responsible for tearing her family apart. She's certain that discovering its secrets is her only hope of solving the mystery surrounding the disappearance of her father. Kate will risk anything to find the truth--even her budding relationship with Detective Tom Parker. But more people than she can fathom are after the plants and going it alone just might prove to be a fatal mistake.”


Series: Book #3 in “Port Aster Secrets” series. Review of Book #1 Here! and Book #2 Here!


Spiritual Content- Many prayers & thanking God; Scriptures are mentioned & remembered; Talks about God & trusting Him; ‘H’s are not capital when referring to God; Kate feels like she’s shutting God out; Many mentions of God, trusting Him, & praying/prayers; Mentions of faiths & sharing; A few mentions of churches & church going; A few mentions of a missionary; A couple mentions of Bible reading; A couple mentions of those in the Bible; A couple mentions of believers; A couple mentions of religious convictions; A couple mentions of a cross necklace.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘biddies’, a ‘blasted’, a ‘crud’, a ‘sissy’, six ‘idiot’s, and six forms of ‘stupid’; A couple mentions of curses (said, not written); Some sarcasm & eye rolling; Pain, almost drowning, fighting, explosions, fires, a blown tire, gunfire, knifes, & being kidnapped/held hostage and at gunpoint (up to semi-detailed); All about murders, killers, suicides, deaths, poisons, & dangerous people; Nearly all about Book #1 & #2’s murders, attempted murders, poisons, being drugged, a car crash, & injuries; Many mentions of kidnappings, the mafia, mobsters, & terrorists; Many mentions of marijuana, other drugs, drug lords, & growing it; Mentions of car accidents & deaths; Mentions of bombs, explosions, deaths, & bodies (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of pain, broken bones, & screams (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of pain, injuries, being shot, blood/bleeding, & burns; Mentions of Book #1’s cons & a con-man; Mentions of hacking; Mentions of thieves & a break-in; Mentions of revenge; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of rumors & gossip; A few mentions of bad smells; A couple mentions of horror movies; A mention of being impaled; A mention of a gang; A mention of animal waste;
*Note: Mentions of car brands; A mention of Dolce.


Sexual Content- Four fingers-to-lips touches, a cheek kiss, two head kisses, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, and five semi-detailed kisses; Remembering kisses (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to touch and kiss & staring at someone's lips (barely-above-not-detailed to semi-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Hand Holding, & Nearness (barely-above-not-detailed to semi-detailed); Butterflies; Noticing & Smelling (bant-above-not-detailed); Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of boyfriends, girlfriends, dating, & dates; Mentions of cheaters & exes; Mentions of flirting, vying for someone’s attention, jealousy, charmers, & crushes; Mentions of blushes; Mentions of reputations; A few mentions of unmarried couples moving in together or not (Kate is horrified by the thought); A few mentions of a man thinking a couple is fooling around (they aren’t); A few mentions of couples kissing; A few mentions of a guy ogling a women; Love, being in love & the emotions.

-Kate Adams, age 30
-Tom Parker
P.O.V. switches between them
361 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars (and a half)

{Add ½ a star for those who have read the first two books}

Have you ever had a book that you hug after finishing? That was me with “Desperate Measures” while absolutely squeeing over it all. Oh, my goodness. This has definitely become one of my favorite trilogies of all time—my favorite suspense/mystery thus far. (Though the third book in the Serena Jones trilogy is coming out soon and might give it a run for its money!) All the mysteries and threads that were woven together was just perfect and wonderfully written. All the details Sandra Orchard puts in just adds to the already detailed plots that just make you gasp when all is revealed.


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

[M.L. Milligan · Rating 4 out of 5]

2024 re-read update: Still my favorite in this trilogy. And I still love my favorite character from the first read. He might've been even cooler this time around too. 😎

What an end to a great trilogy! This has to be my favorite book out of all of the Port Aster Secrets. My favorite part?? That my favorite character ended up being a good guy.

[Sarah Grace Grzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, it's official. I am in love with these books. Wow! They only got better! This one was definitely my favorite with a perfect mix of suspense-filled action, heartwarming scenes, and even a few heart wrenching scenes.

The ending of book two made me so mad. Kate's missed opportunity at forgiveness had me really worried for what this book would bring. But thankfully, that was wrapped up relatively quickly in this one. I loved the progression of Kate and Tom's relationship. Just perfect! The romance is so sweet and not at all in-your-face. I loved all the characters in this book - well, most of them. While I didn't like some, they were still great characters. Jarret, Patti, Zoe, Kate's father . . . There's also the reappearance of characters from previous books, such as Edward Crump and Molly.

These books definitely keep you guessing and on your toes. There's also a lot more action in this one than the first two, which I loved. It also had some very sweet scenes, especially towards the end, between Kate and Tom, and Kate and her father. <3 And that plot twist with Kate "dying". Ugh! Poor Tom! He totally broke my heart.

All in all, a fantastic ending to the Port Aster series! I will definitely be purchasing paperback copies to go on my shelf of treasured books! Recommended!

Recommended for ages 15+ for romance and violence\action.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Desperate Measures is the third and final book in the Port Aster Secrets series. I have enjoyed all three books, but I think that this one was my favorite. I felt that the story lines that flowed through all the books were tied up very nicely in this novel.

Once again, Kate Adams is unsure about who can be trusted. Leaning more on herself than on God or the man who loves her, Kate finds herself in some scary situations. The author really did a great job of keeping me guessing. I didn’t know who Kate should trust either!

I really enjoyed the growing romance between Kate Adams and Detective Tom Parker. Their relationship has evolved throughout the three books. It has hit rough patches and that is pretty much where they are at when Desperate Measures begins. I really liked Tom. Watching him persevere and seeing his dedication to Kate in these books was great!

This was a fun series. I definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy romantic suspense.

My thanks to Revell for the complimentary copy of this book that I received in exchange for an honest review.

You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Shannah Mauney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third and final installment of the Port Aster Secrets series is just as gripping and exciting as the first two. I really loved how Sandra Orchard concluded all of the twists and turns from the first two books in a nice and tidy story. I was guessing at who the bad guys were and who the good guys were until the very end. Read my full review: http://faithlovebooks.blogspot.com/20...

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kate Adams has finally identified the plant that is responsible for tearing her family apart. Yet someone else doesn't want her research into it to go any further than it already has. With Kate staying with her injured colleague, she hopes she's out of danger. And that's what detective Tom Parker hopes too. Yet a runaway case he's working keeps entwining with Kate's penchant for being in danger. Only this time, they seem to be related. Will Kate ever be safe?

This is the conclusion to the Port Aster series. Trust me. This is a series that needs to be read in order.

I thought that it was just ok really. First of all, I have read the prior books. And I enjoyed them. I enjoyed this one as well, but I felt that things got tied up too nicely. And too conveniently. I'd figured out about halfway through that one of the characters wasn't a suspect.

But still, reading Kate's romance with Tom was pretty fun. And learning about some of the different plants and their antidotes was interesting. I thought that the epilogue was a nice touch.

I'd say that those who enjoy cozy mysteries would really enjoy this book.

I received the Kindle version of this book from Revell books via NetGalley for free for the purpose of reviewing. I was not required to like this book, only give my honest opinion. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of cozy mysteries, Love Inspired Suspense, Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon

Rating - 3.5 stars, which will be 3 stars

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third and final installment in the Port Aster series. It’s the first novel I’ve read by this author it won’t be the last. The author did a good job catching me up on events that happened in books one and two; it flowed seamlessly and didn't bog me down.. This series finds Kate Adams; scientist/plant expert and policeman Tom Parker's, lives intersecting again. It's because of a theft and an ongoing mystery they both want to solve. I’m thankful for the review copy of a book that introduced me to Kate Adams. I enjoyed her and all she knew about plants. It was fascinating to have that be an interracial part of the story line.

Kate ponders as, “She emerged from the bushes, her pulse escalating. She could just imagine what Julie would say of her pulse reasoning. “Too stupid to live”. How many times had her best friend compared her to a horror – flick chick who treks to the basement to investigate an eerie noise instead of racing out of the house and calling the police?” It seems that Kate is a magnet for trouble.

This is a nail biting suspenseful tale with a fresh and unique twist. I also liked the tension between Kate Adams and Tom Parker. She’s trying to hide things from him and he doesn’t want to tell her too much because he doesn’t want to freak her out. They don’t want to give into the fact that they are attracted to each other too! All makes for a fun read.

Here’s a peek at their interaction. Tom says to Kate. “No problem. I can give you a lift to the hospital.”

“Uh…” If her insides were already doing gymnastics over keeping secrets when he was being so nice, they’d be nothing but knots after a twenty-minute car – ride together. She’d probably end up confessing to digging up the plants and everything. And he’d take them away, just like he did her dad, and she’d never figure out what was so special about them and gain enough leverage to get him back.”

Tom glanced at her face. “Hey, it’s not like you pushed her. It’s not your fault.”

Softening at the caring tone, she tried to relax, expect one look at his deep blue eyes and her anxiety only morphed into guild over how nice he was being. Of course it was her fault. She was harboring a fugitive plant in her basement.”

These two cracked me up. I appreciated this author humor naturally woven into the heart pounding suspense. The author pulls out all the stops near the end as things become crazy. The bad guys near the end reminded me of a 007 movie with its complex plot, sub-plots and how the reader starts to suspect everyone is out to get Tom and Kate! Where are the good guys?

I highly recommended this as a fun read and one that would be great for a book club pick. There is so much to talk about. It would make a great movie too. Just saying it’s a keeper!

Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Sponsored by publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. 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”

Nora St Laurent
TBCN where Book Fun Begins www.,bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blotspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desperate measures by Sandra orchard is book 3 in the Port Aster series and the final book in the series. I read book one, didn’t read book two and was able to enjoy book 3. There are definitely continuations throughout each one and I would recommend reading them in order. However I enjoyed Desperate Measures without having read book two. It's such a cute relationship and dynamic between the main characters; Kate and Tom. They have good dialogue and realistic dilemmas. Kate is a researcher and the plot revolves around her finding the secret to a plants healing abilities. Tom is a Detective and has had to make some tough choices between protecting Kate who has a knack for getting into trouble and doing is job. I like that Tom's dad played a part in this book too and you get to see his character develop. As with book one there is always plenty of potential culprits. The surprise about her dad is revealed in book 2. There are also a couple other items from book one that are revealed in book 3. Kate has a neat relationship with her friend Julie and you see more of her relationship with Patty in this book.
I recommend this series if you enjoy a fun romantic suspense.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

[Vera Godley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the first two books in the Aster Secrets series, it was like stepping on familiar ground when I began reading page one of Desperate Measures. The characters are involved and intertwined with each other in sometimes confusing and bewildering ways. Their emotional quotient reacting to ensuing developments gives this reader the impression that they are hiding secrets and basically deceptive deep within their being. This conflicts with the tenets of Christianity which is their purported faith.

A predictable conclusion is certainly in the works, yet the culprit was not easily determined by this reader. The predictable conclusion on the romantic interest involving the main characters seemed thwarted at times by the need for deception. Can romance truly survive a beginning in deception?

The "main character," based on impact upon the story, is truly not a person but indeed is a plant of uncertain use. As the author has Kate and Tom running circles around each other and around this secretive plant, the story runs amoke.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Revell a division of Baker Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent end to an excellent series and I'm sad to see the characters go! I did find the culmination to be a little overwhelming with so many characters and I had to reread it twice but still great.

[Robert L. McKamey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reading

Truly great stories Enjoyed each of them. God is great in all ways of our lives. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read a good clean mystery

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful conclusion to a thrilling series! The twists and turns were so well done a lot of the times I never saw them coming. I am usually really good at guessing what's going to happen before it does in mystery books, but with Ms. Sandra's books I hardly ever guess correctly. I wish there were more books with Kate and Tom in it because *sigh* I'm really sad to say goodbye to them.

*fangirling* Tom and Kate they are just so adorable and make a really sweet couple! The romance is pretty low-key but it wasn't overpowering in the slightest. I was also so happy about Kate and her Dad so glad to see them reunited again

I hope to read more of Ms. Sandra's books in the future!

[Kari Kaczan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok this book was complex and well done as the final in the trilogy! For that I'm giving it a 5! There were a few mysteries that take you through all 3 books and you don't know till the end what it turns out to be! So many twists and turns, you don't know who is lying or on the good side, a sweet up and down love story, and lots of great values mixed in! Great series, worth the read!

[Rachel Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I relent. The first two books were great four star reads, but this one was special. A sweet, clean romance. Lots of biology. Drama of the past. LOTS of action. And great faith!! What more do you want. This book made the series and is my absolute favorite in the series. I definitely recommend reading back-to-back, and be prepared for a wild ride

[Amanda Tero · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an exciting and suspenseful conclusion to the series. It tied up threads from back in Book 1. There were so many questions I had while reading it! I couldn’t figure out who was who (which I like in a suspense novel).

There were good Christian themes and a growing romance.

[Bridget Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series

[Lacey Yoder · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was such an amazing book!!! And had great faith Contant!!!! This is definitely my favorite out of The whole series!!!🥰😊 definitely recommend!!!😁

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Desperate Measures
Author: Sandra Orchard
Publisher: Fleming H. Revell Company
Series: Port Aster Secrets # 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Desperate Measures" by Sandra Orchard

What I liked about this novel...

"Desperate Measures" by Sandra Orchard was this author's 'Port Aster Secrets #3' and ...I love this suspenseful mystery read that kept my interest from the beginning to the very end. I will say to probably better understand some of what went on in this series it would be a good idea to read the first two novels [Deadly Devotion and on to Blind Trust]. But since I didn't I will say that the mystery of it all starts from the very beginning as your attention will be grabbed quickly as this 'series centers around a mysterious plant[miracle plant] that supposedly has miraculous properties.' As the story goes on we find Kate's father was involved in this the plant situation and from here this author will bring to the reader a good mystery read that will unravel the rest of this series to the reader.

This was quite a interesting read about Detective Tom Parker and Kate Adams, who was a herbal research scientist. I loved how this author was able to give the reader a mystery with a lots of conspiracy that was non stopped action in this trilogy. The author's writing will have you guessing you know the answer but later finding out you didn't have that clue with all of the twist and turns that will be presented to the reader. You will be wondering...[Who are the good guy and the bad ones?] The lead heroine Kate really knew her job which I found her research work was very fascinating to read about and then their was the detective Tom. We find the detective is trying to solve this mystery too that surrounds Kate which will give us quite an interesting read. I don't know but to me there seemed to be something missing from these two[Tom & Kate]..sometimes I thought these two were clueless...but in the end maybe they really deserved each other in all of there tense romantic moments where you will be left wondering will these two ever learn that they really care for each other?

Be ready for a read of suspense, mystery, action and even some humor. There will be some well developed, defined, well portrayed and believable characters that will keep the details[secrets]that will be brought out to the reader with a very riveting conclusion for the reader. Now, this is where I say I don't want to say any more other than you must pick up this read "Desperate Measures" to see how it will all come out. I found it was one good read.

Needless to say once I started reading I was not able to put down with a plot that moves so very smoothly...with intriguing scenes and all of my questions were all answered in the end from this well written novel.

I received a copy through NOR in exchange for an honest review.

[Nicki Olsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

_______________________________________________

*My Thoughts*

Okay. Shoot me but I'm not a HUGE fan of mystery/suspense. I do enjoy it but historical novels are more my thing. I guess I'm a little mixed since NCIS and When Calls the Heart are my favorite t.v shows. Anyways, my point is, I did enjoy this one.

The characters relationship was pretty great through all the ups and downs but I struggled. You may have read that this is book 3 of the trilogy. Usually, I have no problem picking up book three without reading the other books. This one I did. It's not that it's impossible but it definitely is a whole lot easier to read the others first. I feel like I would be a lot more up to date on Tom and Kate's relationship had I done that.

On the cover, Kate looks extremely suspicious. She is. Throughout the book she struggles with who she can trust and has to be reminded that God has her wherever she is. I had the same feelings as she and that made the mystery so much more real to me.

All that being said, I hope to read more of Sandra's work, next time in order. I have a distinct feeling she'll blow my mind!
____________________________________________________

*My overall thoughts*
Desperate Measures by Sandra Orchard is a book featuring Tom and Kate and packed with mystery!! Throughout the night I had to tell myself to put it down. When I finished I was looking for books 1 & 2!
__________________________________________

*My Rating*

I give Desperate Measures by Sandra Orchard...




4 stars!!

*I received this book from the publisher and the author in exchange for an honest review, which I have given. All thoughts were my own and I was not compensated in any other way.

http://bookreviewsforchristians.blogs...

[Katrina Epperson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read.

I have read several of Sandra Orchard's books, but this is the first one in this series. I truly think it would have been helpful to have read the first two books in the series before this one though. With that being said, this is a very intense, suspenseful romance set in Port Aster.

We are introduced to Kate Adams, a research scientist, and Tom Park, a local detective. Tom and Kate have a history together and even though it's been somewhat rocky both have deep feelings for each other. The problem is Tom's actions have hurt Kate deeply and she doesn't think she can forgive him, so she keeps her emotions locked inside.

She is determined to find out how exactly why GPC Pharmaceuticals is so interested in the amendoso medicinal plant. Tom is on a possible runaway case and has been searching for clues in the disappearance of Caleb, but when Katie's friend becomes ill suddenly all clues are pointing to the possibility that Caleb's disappearance is related to GPC.

Tom fears for Katie's safety and vows to protect her at all cost.



If you like a lot of suspense in your stories with a little romance thrown in then this is definitely the book for you. I liked Kate's character, but become frustrated with her at times. She had one agenda and seemed only focused on that, but she has a good heart and means well. Tom's character I fell in love with. It seemed like he was trying to do everything right, but kept running into one road block after another. The story flows well. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good suspense.

I received this from Revell for a honest opinion without bias or outside influence. All opinions or thoughts are my own.

[Nayuleska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Squee! I do like my Mafia, reads, and this one didn't disappoint, although initially there's not a lot of involvement. I love Kate's life. I sort of understood why she was hiding her research, that she would do anything to see her father, which is sweet. It got her in a lot of trouble, although at times sort of saved her too. I enjoyed not knowing who to trust, all the drama which came about when she was in trouble – it found her frequently.

There are plot twists and ever so many layers to unravel, which continued to surprise me and make me smile, and some which had me convinced Kate wouldn't survive to the end of the book (she does, just). She has plenty of courage, perhaps a bit too much stubborness, but she slowly lets people into her head, as it were. The inevitable romance was realistic and not overpowering. I'm hoping there will be more books with her in! I doubt her life will ever be ordinary.

The only reason this didn't get full marks is that at times the plot twists were too complex for me to grasp, especially near the end where people switched sides a lot. This is probably because I read when tired, so find it harder to get my head around subtle plots. I didn'trealise for a while this was the 3rd book in a series which goes to show it can be a standalone read, although I definitely want to read others in the series!

I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review on my review blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever met a heroine that was so stubborn you just wanted to smack her upside the head to knock some sense into her? Only you like her too much to do bodily damage so you suffer in silence while grinding your teeth? Yeah, well Kate's that kind of heroine. And yes, I get why she is the way she is and I can totally sympathize but the girl hasn't a clue -- including about how to manage a protective type boyfriend. Mind you, Tom doesn't have a clue how to manage a maverick researcher like Kate either. You might say they deserve each other. And what a delicious conundrum that makes for the avid romance reader. Since this is the concluding book in a three part series Orchard doesn't hold anything back, making their romance a sizzling read.

The suspense is complicated and relentless. Since some of the suspense carries over from the first two books, I'd recommend that you read the Port Aster Secrets novels in order. For two reasons: First: this one has spoilers related to the previous stories. Second: As I said, the suspense is complicated and involves a lot of players -- a lot of suspects -- as well as intricate details that all lead up to the riveting conclusion. It will just make more sense if you've read Deadly Devotion and Blind Trust first.

A hard-to-put-down read that left me guessing until the very end.

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book.

[Tamara Tilley · Rating 3 out of 5]

DESPERATE MEASURES is the final installment of the Port Aster Secrets series. With plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing, I certainly would not suggest this book be read without first reading book one and two.

Researcher Kate Adams is desperate to find out the medicinal powers of a plant that sent her father into hiding years ago. Determined to keep in from the conglomerate that is after it, Kate will do anything to discover the truth. But with every twist, another suspect seems to come out of the woodwork with his/her own reason for wanting to get to the truth of the plants power. Kate doesn’t know who she can trust, and it kills her that she’s keeping a secret from Detective Tom Parker, the man that wants nothing more than to just keep her safe.

I enjoyed DESEPERATE MEASURES, but even though I read book one and two, I had a hard time—on occasion—keeping the storyline, suspects, and their associations straight. I loved Kate’s feisty attitude, but her determination to keep Tom at arms-length at times was a bit frustrating. Over all enjoyable, but I would recommend reading the books in quick secession so the story doesn’t get too blurred.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available June 2015 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger abounds for Kate & Tom...

A thrilling conclusion to a great suspense series! I have been looking forward to Desperate Measures since I turned the last page of Blind Trust, the hardest part was WAITING for it to come out. Just when I thought I had figured out exactly who was guilty and who was innocent Sandra Orchard would throw me another curveball. There were more twists and turns in this book than in a Chutes & Ladders game!

I really got into the story and sometimes just wanted to shake some sense in Kate and Tom. They kept hiding things from each other and I just wanted to yell “No, no, you need to talk to each other!” The characters felt like friends and I was sorry to say goodbye to them when I turned that last page. I can't wait to see what Sandra Orchard will be working on next.

Desperate Measures is an enjoyable read for any fan of Christian romantic suspense and is a must read for this summer!

(I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are enirely my own.)

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is also posted on Book by Book.

Sandra Orchard’s concluding Port Aster Secrets novel, Desperate Measures, definitely takes its readers on quite a ride. With nearly non-stop, dangerous action, I never knew what would happen next for Kate, Tom and the surrounding cast of suspicious character. Though I haven’t read the previous two novel, Deadly Devotion and Blind Trust, this novel’s story still captured my interest from the very start and kept me turning pages until the end. Thankfully, Orchard sprinkled her plot with enough explanatory details for me to satisfactorily understand the book’s events - but for any interested readers, I would still highly recommend starting the series at the beginning. If Deadly Devotion and Blind Trust are as suspensefully gripping as Desperate Measures, they’re definitely worth the read and won’t disappoint.

Thanks to Revell Reads, I received a copy of Desperate Measures and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desperate Measures is the third book in The Port Aster Secrets. I have not read the first books of the series but I was able to catch on quickly. This is a mystery that was so well written that I did not want to put it down. When I did, I could not wait to get back to it.

The mystery is centered around a miracle plant. Kate's, the main character, father was directly involved in the development of this plant. There are so many twists with this story that the reader will keep guessing and will be continually surprised.

There is also a Detective, Tom Parker, who is trying to solve the mystery around Kate. These two characters seem to dance around each other, so even in this the reader is continually guessing what is going to happen.

The characters are well developed and believable and the descriptions throughout the book help to draw the reader into the story. This is a great book that I would encourage anyone that enjoys mysteries to read.

I was given this book by Revell and Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series and have been looking forward to the last book coming out for a while. This series was different from most Christian suspense trilogies in that it had the same main character and plot line for all three books.

The other two books have been building up to this book, and though they were great reads and I enjoyed them, this book was the best of all three.... but that could be because everything gets wrapped up in this book, and it seems more happens in this book than the others.

The author kept me guessing in this book as to who the bad guys were and were not, and I had a few surprises at the end of the book. This was a great conclusion to a great series and I enjoyed it a lot, and couldn't put it down. Top notch writing and suspense, just the way I like it.

[Jennifer Shirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome end to this series! The author did a great job of creating a page-turning suspense that stands on its own but also wraps up all three books in the series fantastically. Had me on my toes the entire time. And the romance sprinkled in was enjoyable too.

[Toni Shiloh]

Wow best ending to a whodunit. So many people who gave off bad guy vibes so I was happy to see who really was the bad guy.

[Anna |This Curly Girl Reads| · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️