TEXAS K-9 UNIT CHRISTMAS contains two novellas about the police department and town of Sagebush, Texas. In HOLIDAY HERO, Emma Fairchild has returned to Sagebush to care of her great aunt Bea and is opening a diner. As she leaves the diner for the night, she is attacked in the parking lot. Her attacker drags her back into the diner and keeps asking for the money. Emma has no idea what he is talking about. The attacker rushes out the back door when he hears someone calling from the front door. Police Lt. Lucas Harwood has just returned to Sagebush also and is on patrol that evening. He sees the lights on in the diner and hears the commotion. Lucas and Emma grew up together and were best buddies. Can he find Emma's attacker and solve this case? Can they solve the emotional issues of their hearts?

RESCUING CHRISTMAS begins with Lily Anderson running for her life out of Lost Woods. She runs right across the road in front of Jarrod Evans' car. Jarrod is on his way to Sagebush to train his K-9 partner, Maxine, and Lily is to be her trainer. Jarrod learns that Lily is running from an abductor. She doesn't have a clue who is after her. Police Chief Slade McNeal assigns Jarrod to protect Lily during the day while they are training. Lily puts her life in Jarrod's hands, but will her heart be safe with him too?

It's always nice to return to Sagebush and catch up on the lives of characters from previous Texas K-9 books. Shirlee McCoy has strong main characters in HOLIDAY HERO, with an eclectic mix of supporting characters. The plot moves at a steady pace with the suspense building gradually. Ms McCoy's language is very detailed and descriptive, and there's a good balance of suspense and romance.

Terri Reed begins RECUING CHRISTMAS with a dramatic scene filled with terror, and the action moves non-stop from there. There is enough suspense to keep you thoroughly engaged throughout the story. Ms. Reed's characters are very realistic and strong, but the personal thoughts within their heads move the relationship along at a breakneck speed.

Both stories share the message that God has a plan for our lives and we need to let Him take control. If inspirational suspense is your genre, TEXAS K-9 UNIT CHRISTMAS is a great book to add to your list.