Scan barcode
breezy610's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoy this novel. at first I wasn't sure about it and then I really got into it. I can't wait to read the next one.
meezcarrie's review against another edition
4.0
In this first book in the Port Aster series, Sandra Orchard creates a town full of characters that reminded me a little of Cabot Cove, Maine (from Murder, She Wrote) in that nearly everyone comes under suspicion at some point or other before it's all over :) Kate Adams, a spunky herbal researcher, makes a delightful protagonist as she drives Detective Tom Parker crazy in her determination to clear her dear friend's posthumous name. Speaking of Tom, he is the perfect match for Kate's antics and for her heart. Really enjoyed reading this story - great blend of suspense (with excellent twists!), subplots, faith, and romance! (On a side note, Kate and Tom fondly reminded me of Amanda and Lee from a TV show I loved in the 80s - Scarecrow and Mrs. King. Every time Tom told Kate to stay put/stay in the car, you knew she wasn't going to listen. Same as Lee and Amanda. Loved it!)
bekaaaah's review against another edition
3.0
Kate Adams was alone until research scientist Daisy Lealock saw her potential and took her under her wing. Together they were working on treating depression through herbal medicine until Daisy is suddenly found dead. Declared a suicide by the police, Kate knows that her mentor didn’t kill herself—which means someone else did. Determined to find out who murdered Daisy, Kate begins digging along with the help of Detective Tom Parker, a former FBI agent. Tom doesn’t trust anyone--especially not women. Will they both be able to put aside their misgivings and work together to discover what really happened to Daisy Lealock? Or will the killer silence Kate first?
I am always in the mood for a good mystery and this one definitely interested me. A whodunit? Count me in! What I found was an exciting, fun mystery with intriguing characters and a cute budding romance. Deadly Devotion kept me turning the pages.
I really enjoyed Tom and Kate’s characters. Their budding romance was very sweet. They both had pasts that made them wary, but they were still drawn to each other. I liked the fact that they were multidimensional. I am interested to discover more about them throughout the series. The mystery was enjoyable. On one hand, it was completely intriguing and unpredictable. On the other, I felt like there were just too many overly suspicious suspects. There were a lot of incidents where Kate thought she was in danger from all different people but really she wasn’t. Not a lot of real “action” came until the very end. While I wish some of Kate’s crazy theories had more substance, I still thought that it was a clever mystery. Not to mention I am very intrigued by the subplot of what really happened with Kate’s parents.
If you like a good whodunit that will keep you turning pages, I would definitely recommend Deadly Devotion and the Port Aster series. I’m excited for the continuation of the story in book two, Blind Trust!
I am always in the mood for a good mystery and this one definitely interested me. A whodunit? Count me in! What I found was an exciting, fun mystery with intriguing characters and a cute budding romance. Deadly Devotion kept me turning the pages.
I really enjoyed Tom and Kate’s characters. Their budding romance was very sweet. They both had pasts that made them wary, but they were still drawn to each other. I liked the fact that they were multidimensional. I am interested to discover more about them throughout the series. The mystery was enjoyable. On one hand, it was completely intriguing and unpredictable. On the other, I felt like there were just too many overly suspicious suspects. There were a lot of incidents where Kate thought she was in danger from all different people but really she wasn’t. Not a lot of real “action” came until the very end. While I wish some of Kate’s crazy theories had more substance, I still thought that it was a clever mystery. Not to mention I am very intrigued by the subplot of what really happened with Kate’s parents.
If you like a good whodunit that will keep you turning pages, I would definitely recommend Deadly Devotion and the Port Aster series. I’m excited for the continuation of the story in book two, Blind Trust!
readerturnedwriter's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 rounded up.
I enjoyed this book while reading it. I hadn't guessed the ending and who had done it, but I'm not very good at that usually. I liked the main characters, though the main police man was not very good at his job (or at least it felt that way for most of the book, his retired police man Dad was much more convincing).
My main complaint was it felt too long. There were parts where the pacing felt off. The ending in particular felt very unsatisfying, though I'm guessing this same case in continued in the sequel and might be wrapped up better later.
Overall, it was enjoyable. I would probably recommend Sandra Orchard's Serena Jones series over this one so far.
I enjoyed this book while reading it. I hadn't guessed the ending and who had done it, but I'm not very good at that usually. I liked the main characters, though the main police man was not very good at his job (or at least it felt that way for most of the book, his retired police man Dad was much more convincing).
My main complaint was it felt too long. There were parts where the pacing felt off. The ending in particular felt very unsatisfying, though I'm guessing this same case in continued in the sequel and might be wrapped up better later.
Overall, it was enjoyable. I would probably recommend Sandra Orchard's Serena Jones series over this one so far.
sincerelyyoursannie's review against another edition
4.0
Research scientist Kate is convinced that her mentor, Daisy, didn’t take her own life – accidentally or on purpose. While the police have ruled it as such, Kate is determined to prove them wrong and uncover the truth.
Read the full review here: https://sincerelyyoursannie.com/2022/07/19/deadly-devotion-by-sandra-orchard-book-review/
Read the full review here: https://sincerelyyoursannie.com/2022/07/19/deadly-devotion-by-sandra-orchard-book-review/
nataliesboooks's review against another edition
2.0
This book went in circles. Kate suspects a person, follows or stalks that person, determines that person is innocent and then suspects that individual again. It got very tiresome after a while.
Tom is quite the bumbling detective, especially for a guy who used to be in the FBI. He's just not very good at crime fighting.
The mystery was not as thrilling as I thought it would be. I solved the crime almost immediately and it annoyed me that it took Kate and Tom so long to catch up.
I also didn't like the ending. It seemed like it left too much hanging. I'm not sure I'll bother reading the rest of the series.
Tom is quite the bumbling detective, especially for a guy who used to be in the FBI. He's just not very good at crime fighting.
The mystery was not as thrilling as I thought it would be. I solved the crime almost immediately and it annoyed me that it took Kate and Tom so long to catch up.
I also didn't like the ending. It seemed like it left too much hanging. I'm not sure I'll bother reading the rest of the series.
emmasbookdiary's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
3.0
This was an interesting read for sure! I’ve never really read a book about toxic plants so this was definitely different than what I typically read. I’ve always liked mysteries so I decided to give it a go.
I really liked Kate. She was a sweet character. I love how she wanted to believe the best in people even when they were all giving her reason to doubt them (like seriously, how on earth would you know how to trust anyone when they acted like that??) I was totally clueless!!
Tom was also a great guy. He’s more of a serious guy but I still liked him.
I really liked the faith content too. It wasn’t a lot but still there.
There were a few times I got a bit bored because things kept leading to dead ends. But overall, there was enough action and suspense to keep me reading. I think I’ll continue the trilogy since there’s still some things left unresolved. And I really like Kate and Tom!
I really liked Kate. She was a sweet character. I love how she wanted to believe the best in people even when they were all giving her reason to doubt them (like seriously, how on earth would you know how to trust anyone when they acted like that??) I was totally clueless!!
Tom was also a great guy. He’s more of a serious guy but I still liked him.
I really liked the faith content too. It wasn’t a lot but still there.
There were a few times I got a bit bored because things kept leading to dead ends. But overall, there was enough action and suspense to keep me reading. I think I’ll continue the trilogy since there’s still some things left unresolved. And I really like Kate and Tom!
blackngoldgirlsbookspot's review against another edition
4.0
Sandra Orchard, although not a "new" author is new to me and I have to say I'm a fan! Even though this book has very little romance it's high on the suspense and really had me stumped as to whodunnit. I was a little wary when I first started, thinking to myself that it was waaaay too easy and it was going to be a tough book to get through since I already had the case solved but I have never been more wrong. Sandra Orchard writes a mystery along the lines of a Castle script -- I really enjoyed all the twists and turns. I'll admit that the heroine was a little crazy for going after a killer pretty much on her own with no detective or police experience but I ended up liking her. I definitely am interested in the next book in the series especially since it appears that Kate, Tom, and the whole crew from Port Aster will be back at it again! If you're a fan of the cozy mystery then this is a title not to be missed!
“Available June 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
~ My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ~
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review 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.*
“Available June 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
~ My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ~
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review 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.*
booksforchristiangirls's review against another edition
4.0
About this book:
“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?”
Series: Book #1 in “Port Aster Secrets” series.
Spiritual Content- Many Prayers; Scriptures are read, remembered, quoted & mentioned; Talks about God & where God is; ‘H’s are not capital when referring to God or Jesus; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers; Mentions of faiths & sharing; Mentions of Heaven & eternity; Mentions of church; Mentions of Bibles & Bible reading; A couple mentions of those in the Bible; A couple mentions of a minister; A mention of a godsend;
*Note: A mention of a “bat out of you-know-where”; A mention of not being in luck.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘darn’, a ‘dumb’, a ‘stinking’, four forms of ‘shut up’, four forms of ‘stupid’; A couple mentions of curses (said, not written); Sarcasm & smart alecks; All about a murder (which many believe it was a suicide), poisons, deaths, bodies & a killer (up to semi-detailed); Many, many mentions of marijuana, drugs & dealers; Many mentions of bombs & terrorist theories; Many mentions of cons; Mentions of blood & pain (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of threats; Mentions of criminals, victims & jail; Mentions of robberies, stealing & thieves; Mentions of cigarettes; Mentions of gossip; A few mentions of vomit; A few mentions of bad smells; A couple mentions of bruises; A couple mentions of a misunderstanding of thinking someone is a terrorist; A mention of a mafia hit man; A mention of roadkill; A mention of a man zipping his pants after using the restroom;
*Note: A mention of GQ; A mention of looking like a zombie.
Sexual Content- Touches & Nearness (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing & Smelling; two forms of ‘hot’; Mentions of boyfriends, girlfriends & acting like you’re dating; Mentions of betrayals; Mentions of a playboy, flirting, blushes, & reputations; A few mentions of miscarriages; A couple mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of crushes & being sweet on someone; A couple mentions of an out of wedlock pregnancy; A couple mentions of affairs; A mention of a first kiss; A mention of a girl necking with her boyfriend; A mention of a gossip asking if a guy and girl could possibly be doing “you know…in the middle of the day?” (they aren’t); A bit of love, falling in love & the emotions.
-Kate Adams, age 29-30
-Tom Parker
P.O.V. switches between them
358 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
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
Okay, I found this book completely fascinating. I’m totally kicking myself that I didn’t buy this trilogy all at once…now I have to wait to get my hands on the rest. I believe my fellow murder mystery fans will enjoy this one. With just a dash of romance and a lot of interesting facts about toxic plants, I’m hooked on this series and am eagerly awaiting to start the next book in the series.
{ So, a note to those interested in “Deadly Devotion”, when I read a couple other reviews I became concerned about the mystery not wrapping up like some reviewers were saying. Thankfully, the main mystery is wrapped up, but there are some smaller ones started in this first book that get carried on to the next. ;) }
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogspot.com/2016/07/deadly-devotion-by-sandra-orchard.html
*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.
“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?”
Series: Book #1 in “Port Aster Secrets” series.
Spiritual Content- Many Prayers; Scriptures are read, remembered, quoted & mentioned; Talks about God & where God is; ‘H’s are not capital when referring to God or Jesus; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers; Mentions of faiths & sharing; Mentions of Heaven & eternity; Mentions of church; Mentions of Bibles & Bible reading; A couple mentions of those in the Bible; A couple mentions of a minister; A mention of a godsend;
*Note: A mention of a “bat out of you-know-where”; A mention of not being in luck.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘darn’, a ‘dumb’, a ‘stinking’, four forms of ‘shut up’, four forms of ‘stupid’; A couple mentions of curses (said, not written); Sarcasm & smart alecks; All about a murder (which many believe it was a suicide), poisons, deaths, bodies & a killer (up to semi-detailed); Many, many mentions of marijuana, drugs & dealers; Many mentions of bombs & terrorist theories; Many mentions of cons; Mentions of blood & pain (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of threats; Mentions of criminals, victims & jail; Mentions of robberies, stealing & thieves; Mentions of cigarettes; Mentions of gossip; A few mentions of vomit; A few mentions of bad smells; A couple mentions of bruises; A couple mentions of a misunderstanding of thinking someone is a terrorist; A mention of a mafia hit man; A mention of roadkill; A mention of a man zipping his pants after using the restroom;
*Note: A mention of GQ; A mention of looking like a zombie.
Sexual Content- Touches & Nearness (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing & Smelling; two forms of ‘hot’; Mentions of boyfriends, girlfriends & acting like you’re dating; Mentions of betrayals; Mentions of a playboy, flirting, blushes, & reputations; A few mentions of miscarriages; A couple mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of crushes & being sweet on someone; A couple mentions of an out of wedlock pregnancy; A couple mentions of affairs; A mention of a first kiss; A mention of a girl necking with her boyfriend; A mention of a gossip asking if a guy and girl could possibly be doing “you know…in the middle of the day?” (they aren’t); A bit of love, falling in love & the emotions.
-Kate Adams, age 29-30
-Tom Parker
P.O.V. switches between them
358 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
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
Okay, I found this book completely fascinating. I’m totally kicking myself that I didn’t buy this trilogy all at once…now I have to wait to get my hands on the rest. I believe my fellow murder mystery fans will enjoy this one. With just a dash of romance and a lot of interesting facts about toxic plants, I’m hooked on this series and am eagerly awaiting to start the next book in the series.
{ So, a note to those interested in “Deadly Devotion”, when I read a couple other reviews I became concerned about the mystery not wrapping up like some reviewers were saying. Thankfully, the main mystery is wrapped up, but there are some smaller ones started in this first book that get carried on to the next. ;) }
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogspot.com/2016/07/deadly-devotion-by-sandra-orchard.html
*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.