"CROSSHAIRS" BY PATRICIA BRADLEY

 Crosshairs by Patricia Bradley

🔍Book Blurb:

Investigative Services Branch (ISB) ranger Ainsley Beaumont arrives in her hometown of Natchez, Mississippi, to investigate the murder of a three-month-pregnant teenager. While she wishes the visit was under better circumstances, she never imagined that she would become the killer's next target--nor that she'd have to work alongside an old flame.

After he almost killed a child, former FBI sniper Lincoln Steele couldn't bring himself to fire a gun, which had deadly and unforeseen consequences for his best friend. Crushed beneath a load of guilt, Linc is working at Melrose Estate as an interpretive ranger. But as danger closes in on Ainsley during her murder investigation, Linc will have to find the courage to protect her. The only question is, will it be too little, too late?

_________________________________________

🔍My Thoughts:

A recent release, Crosshairs is the third and final book in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers romantic suspense trilogy.

My father died a little over two weeks ago, after about a month of being in the hospital with various health problems, including strokes, COVID, pnemonia, and organ failure. With this and everything that's been going on with my family and me, I've been in a terrible reading slump recently.

That being said, I read the first chapter of this book and with the author's beautiful writing style, I can see easily getting lost in its pages, in a good way. This author is new to me, however I've been wanting to read her books for some time, many of which my friends have read, liked, and recommended. I will update this post with more in depth thoughts as soon as I'm able to read Crosshairs in its entirety.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from Revell, for which I am extremely grateful, and these are my honest thoughts.

Credits: The book blurb and cover photo seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com.

"DEADLY TARGET" BY ELIZABETH GODDARD

 

Deadly Target by Elizabeth Goddard

🔍Book Blurb:

Criminal psychologist Erin Larson's dreams of a successful career come to a screeching halt when she nearly loses her own life in a boating accident on Puget Sound and then learns that her mother tried to commit suicide. She leaves her job as a criminal psychologist to care for her mother in Montana. At least she is able to produce her podcast, which focuses on solving missing persons cold cases.

Nathan Campbell's father was investigating such a case when he was shot, and now Nathan needs to enlist Erin's help to solve the case. She's good at what she does. The only problem? She's his ex.

As the two dig deeper, it becomes clear that they, too, are being targeted--and that the answers to their questions are buried deep within the past Erin struggles to explain and longs to forget.

_________________________________________

🔍My Thoughts:

Deadly Target is the second book in the Rocky Mountain Courage series. This is a new release by one of my more recent favorite authors, Elizabeth Goddard. I became a fan of hers when I read her Uncommon Justice trilogy last year (2020), which I loved! I highly recommend reading anything by this author if you like clean suspense with a touch of romance.

My father died a little over two weeks ago, after about a month of being in the hospital with various health problems, including strokes, COVID, pneumonia, and organ failure. With this and everything that's been going on with my family and me, I've been in a terrible reading slump recently.

That being said, I read the first chapter of this book and it is well written and very intriguing so far, as expected. I look forward to reading this book in its entirety very much and will update this post with more in depth thoughts as soon as I do.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from Revell, for which I am extremely grateful, and these are my honest thoughts.

Credits: The book blurb and cover photo seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com.

"POINT OF DANGER" BY IRENE HANNON

 "Point of Danger" by Irene Hannon

🔍Book Blurb:

Hate mail was one thing. This was quite another.

Radio talk show host Eve Reilly is used to backlash from her pot-stirring on-air commentary and interviews. But now it seems a disgruntled listener is resorting to more than angry words to express their displeasure. When a suspicious package arrives on her doorstep, Eve turns to law enforcement for help.

Police detective Brent Lange can’t find any evidence to link the string of unsettling incidents that follows, but he’s convinced they’re connected. As the harassment grows more menacing, it becomes clear someone wants Eve’s voice silenced—permanently.

But unless he can track down her elusive foe, the gutsy woman who is willing to take risks for what she believes—and who is swiftly winning his heart—may not survive.

_______________________________________________

🔍My Review:

The catchy 1st line of Ch. 1: “The package was ticking.”

Irene Hannon became a favorite author of mine with the books in her "Private Justice" trilogy, which are quite different from "Point of Danger."

This book has a strong focus on conservative political views with its main character, Eve, hosting a radio talk show highlighting some of the most controversial subjects of today's right and left winged groups. This made the suspense and dangers in this book feel very real and current, which I found both stressful and inspirational to read.

I love this author’s writing style and really enjoyed the way the characters and plot were developed in this book, with great pacing, and gripping surprise twists that kept me guessing and made it difficult to put this book down.

I now look forward to reading the next book in this “Triple Threat” series.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Revell/Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful.

My ⭐ Rating: 4 stars

Credits: The book blurb and cover seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com.

"NINE" BY RACHELLE DEKKER

"Nine" by Rachelle Dekker

Synopsis:

Zoe Johnson spent most of her life living in the shadows, never drawing attention to herself, never investing in people or places. But when a wide-eyed, bedraggled teenager with no memory walks into the diner where Zoe works, everything changes. Now, against her better judgment, Zoe, who has been trying to outrun her own painful memories of the past, finds herself attempting to help a girl who doesn't seem to have any past at all. The girl knows only one thing: she must reach a woman in Corpus Christi, Texas, hundreds of miles away, before the government agents who are searching for her catch up to them.

My Review:

Reading and thinking about this book is keeping me awake at night. I've found it difficult to put down and hard to sleep without knowing what happens next. From its first pages it really grabbed my attention with an intense situation, two females frantically running for their lives in the woods while being chased by a large group of armed pursuers with ill intentions. The older of these females is rescuing the younger one from...

I don't want to spoil anything here. I'll just say that if you enjoy an eerie mystery/suspense/thriller story that's fast-paced, with an action-packed theme of good versus evil and a hint of science fiction, I highly recommend picking up this book.

My only complaint is that there is a little too much violence in this story for my liking.

Thank you NetGalley and Revell for sending me this book to read and review!

Other Credits: The synopsis and cover seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com.

"STORIES THAT BIND US" BY SUSIE FINKBEINER

"Stories That Bind Us" by Susie Finkbeiner

Synopsis:

"Betty Sweet never expected to be a widow at 40. With so much life still in front of her, she tries to figure out what's next. She couldn't have imagined what God had in mind. When her estranged sister is committed to a sanitarium, Betty finds herself taking on the care of a 5-year-old nephew she never knew she had.

In 1960s LaFontaine, Michigan, they make an odd pair. Betty with her pink button nose and bouffant hair. Hugo with his light brown skin and large brown eyes. But more powerful than what makes them different is what they share: the heartache of an empty space in their lives. Slowly, they will learn to trust one another as they discover common ground and healing through the magic of storytelling.

Award-winning author Susie Finkbeiner offers fans a novel that invites us to rediscover the power of story to open the doors of our hearts."

My Review:

Having been struggling with COVID-19 symptoms, "Stories That Bind Us" was a welcome escape and helped me get out of a reading slump. 

I love the character development seen in this book, and the way things unfold primarily through the voice of Betty Sweet, a kind and loving soul who has a wonderful outlook on life, despite her hardships. I really enjoyed getting to know this main character and found her to be quite inspirational. I also loved reading about Betty's relationships with her in-laws and her nephew, Hugo.

An emotional and heartfelt tale, "Stories That Bind Us" made me smile, laugh, and shed tears of sadness and joy. This book carries a strong message of finding strength, hope, and faith amid life's most difficult moments.

This is a book I would like to revisit with my book club some time soon, at which time I will add more thoughts to this review.

My ⭐ Rating: 5 stars

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Publishing/Revell in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful!

Credits: The book cover and synopsis seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com. 

"THE LOST LIEUTENANT" BY ERICA VETCH

"The Lost Lieutenant" by Erica Vetsch

Synopsis:

He's doing what he can to save the Prince Regent's life . . . but can he save his new marriage as well?
Evan Eldridge never meant to be a war hero--he just wanted to fight Napoleon for the future of his country. And he certainly didn't think that saving the life of a peer would mean being made the Earl of Whitelock. But when the life you save is dear to the Prince Regent, things can change in a hurry.

Now Evan has a new title, a manor house in shambles, and a stranger for a bride, all thrust upon him by a grateful ruler. What he doesn't have are all his memories. Traumatized as a result of his wounds and bravery on the battlefield, Evan knows there's something he can't quite remember. It's important, dangerous--and if he doesn't recall it in time, will jeopardize not only his marriage but someone's very life.

Readers who enjoy Julie Klassen, Carolyn Miller, and Kristi Ann Hunter will love diving into this brand-new Regency series filled with suspense, aristocratic struggles, and a firm foundation of faith.

My Review:

I've been quite sick recently and really enjoyed spending these last few days cozied up in bed reading this book. Wonderfully written and a great escape from reality, "The Lost Lieutenant" has a perfect blend of suspense, intrigue, historical details, and romance, and I love the way faith has been woven throughout this story. This book is a definite keeper and one I will likely read again in the future.

My ⭐ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars


Note: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful!

Credits: The synopsis seen in this post is courtesy of Amazon.

To enter to win the special giveaway in the image seen above, click here.

"BEST FAMILY EVER" BY KAREN KINGSBURY

"Best Family Ever" by Karen Kingsbury

Synopsis:

"Brooke is the perfect older sister. For that reason, Kari and Ashley work hard to make their parents just as proud of them as they are of Brooke. Each girl has her own talents. Brooke is an excellent student. Kari is a great soccer player. Ashley, a talented artist. And they are always there for each other.

But when the news comes that Dr. Baxter is moving the family from Ann Arbor to Bloomington, Indiana, and the Baxters need to leave the only home and friends they’ve ever known, no one is happy. Saying goodbye is hard but the family still has what’s most important—their faith and their love for each other. 

The first book in the Baxter Family Children series, #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury and Tyler Russell tell the story of what it was like to grow up in the Baxter family, the best family ever."

My Review:

"Best Family Ever" is packed full of wonderful life lessons and its characters are incredibly relatable. The Baxter kids in this book experience all sorts of normal childhood things, including social and academic struggles and successes, friendships, bullies, balancing hobbies and schoolwork, and the difficulty of moving long distance. They get through all of these things and more relying on their family and their faith in God.

This is such a great book for people of all ages, but especially for kids ages 8-12, grades 3-7. I wish so much that I had a book like this to read as a kid.

My ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Credits: The cover image and synopsis seen in this post are courtesy of the author's website, karenkingsbury.com.

"ASTRAY" BY J.F. ROGERS

"Astray" by J. F. Rogers

Synopsis:

After a lifetime with no knowledge of her parents, troubled seventeen-year-old Fallon Webb receives a necklace once belonging to her mother. The amulet leads her on a life-changing journey through a portal to a foreign land where she encounters unusual creatures, shape-shifters, and something she’s always longed for—family.

In Ariboslia, Fallon learns her mother is alive. Vampire-like creatures have her, and many others, captive. Most distressing is the prophecy that devastated her family. Can she trust it? Because if it’s right, Fallon must destroy the vampires’ leader—her uncle—to rescue her mother and free her people from the threat.

Unprepared and afraid, Fallon sets out on the journey, with no skills to assist her quest and no other way home. In her travels, she learns about the One True God and how desperately she needs Him. Perhaps, with His help, she’ll find a way to fulfill her destiny and stay alive.

My Review:

I love love love this book! It is now a favorite of mine in the fantasy fiction genre…

"Astray" is the first book of the Ariboslia series. The fantasy elements in this book remind me of: "The Chronicles of Narnia”—with characters stepping through a portal between the human realm and a realm where magical settings, beings, and creatures exist; and “The Lord of the Rings”—influenced by folklore, mythology, and the Christian bible, with a selected group of characters sent on a quest to save the world from evil forces.

What appears to be her debut novel, "Astray" reveals its author’s amazing imagination and storytelling abilities. Something I really enjoyed is the way she uses comparative descriptions that are quite creative, fun to read, and help form vivid pictures in the minds of readers, such as: "The hairs on my arms stood up like meerkats on the lookout for danger" as a reaction to a creepy environment; and “The clouds let loose, as if God had tightened His fist around them and squeezed” in reference to a downpour of rain.

The characters of this book are quite interesting with great character arcs. Multiple races (humans, shapeshifters, vampires, and others) can be found in this book, and I love the balance of good and bad shown in every race, with a powerful story of redemption. I especially enjoyed seeing the growth and development of Fallon (the main character) throughout this book. Being in the realm of Ariboslia and surrounded by its natives changes her a great deal, for the better.

Some of my favorite quotes from "Astray" are: “No matter where you are, no matter what has happened, there is a greater purpose for everything” and “Through it all, you are loved by the One True God.”

“Astray” is an inspirational and imaginative fantasy fiction book that teens and adults are sure to enjoy!

I now look forward to reading anything J. F. Rogers ever writes! 😊

My ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Notes: You can find my Goodreads review of "Astray" here. Also, I received a free copy of this book from its publisher and author, for which I am incredibly grateful, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Credits: The book cover and synopsis seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com.

If any of you would like to learn more about J. F. Rogers and her books, check out her website, JFRogers.com.

"DEAD LAKE" BY DARCY COATES

"Dead Lake" by Darcy Coates

My Synopsis & Review:

A young professional artist named Sam stays alone in her Uncle Peter’s cabin for a week to gain creative inspiration and create several paintings, without interruption, for an upcoming exhibition. Her uncle built this cabin himself about 10 years ago as a beautiful place to escape to on occasion, and when he offered it to his niece, she gladly accepted thinking it was just what she needed to get away from all distractions and focus on her art for a bit.

The cabin rests on the shore of a large lake, surrounded by densely wooded mountains, a two-hour drive from the nearest town. It has no electricity, no phone reception, and no running water. In this place, the only method of communication with the outside world is via a battery powered two-way radio. Sam had looked forward to this isolation and believed it would help her, however her fear of this place gradually rises as eery to downright horrifying things occur, both natural and supernatural.

I read this as I was in the mood for a creepy and quick read, and although I enjoyed reading this book, how it was written, and its pacing... it was more terrifying than I imagined it would be and scared me enough to give me some nightmares.

I recommend this book to those who love stories that make your heart race and your skin crawl. To those who frighten easily or somewhat easily, I recommend not reading this book at night or in the dark.

My ⭐ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Notes: If any of you would like to learn more about Darcy Coates and her books, check out her website, DarcyCoates.com. Also, you can find my review of Dead Lake with my book highlights at Goodreads, here.

Credits: The book cover seen in this post is courtesy of Amazon.com.

"THE KILLING TIDE" BY DANI PETTREY

"The Killing Tide" by Dani Pettrey

Synopsis:

When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer's boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.

When investigative reporter--and Finn's boss's sister--Gabby Rowley arrives, her unrelenting questions complicate an already volatile situation. Now that she's back, the tug on Finn's heart is strong, but with the risks she's taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.

Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can't ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them. But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?

My Review:

The opening line in this book really grabbed my attention.

So this was how she was going to die….

The Killing Tide has all sorts of dangerous criminals posing a threat to the main characters from the very beginning. This book contains many of the things I love most about Dani Pettrey’s Submerged (one of my favorite books)—interesting family and friendships, action and adventure, thrilling suspense and mystery, an exciting water/dive rescue theme, and a cast of brave heroes and heroines.

Sadly, I feel the main characters of this book (Gabby and Finn) are lacking depth, making it difficult to get invested in them. Their romance is also quite superficial and a bit too heavy for my liking, with more of a focus on physical/sexual attraction than their personalities or internal traits. After finishing this book, I felt like I didn't really know or care too much about these two characters and found myself a lot more interested in the side characters.

Dani Pettrey is one of my favorite authors, and while I didn't love The Killing Tide, I enjoyed reading it and look forward to the next book in the Coastal Guardians series. I’m especially interested in finding out more about the secondary characters, Noah Rowley and Rissi Dawson.

On a side note, the cover of this book is amazing!

My ⭐ Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Note: You can find my Goodreads review of "The Killing Tide" with my highlights here. 

Credits: The book cover and synopsis seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com, and if any of you would like to learn more about Dani Pettrey and her books, check out her website, DaniPettrey.com.

"SUBMERGED" BY DANI PETTREY

"Submerged" by Dani Pettrey

Synopsis:

A sabotaged plane. Two dead deep-water divers.

Yancey, Alaska was a quiet town...until the truth of what was hidden in the depths off the coast began to appear.

Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey again. She has a past, and a reputation--and Yancey's a small town. She's returned to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash and is determined not to stay even an hour more than necessary. But then dark evidence emerges and Bailey's own expertise becomes invaluable for the case.

Cole McKenna can handle the deep-sea dives and helping the police recover evidence. He can even handle the fact that a murderer has settled in his town and doesn't appear to be moving on. But dealing with the reality of Bailey's reappearance is a tougher challenge. She broke his heart, but she is not the same girl who left Yancey. He let her down, but he's not the same guy she left behind. Can they move beyond the hurts of their pasts and find a future together?

My Review:

Reading this book, I found myself wishing I could be a part of the McKenna clan. I really enjoyed getting to know this fictional family. The camaraderie and playfulness between siblings and how they all look after one another is quite appealing.

The characters of Submerged are all well developed with varied personalities, ranging from really likable to really detestable. The story plot is very well-paced and the crime elements are mysterious and thrilling, with a bit of a Nancy Drew vibe. I really love the rescue diving theme in this book!

One of my absolute favorite things about Submerged is its message that no one is undeserving of love and forgiveness. This is especially evident in the wonderful character arc of Bailey Craig, as she undergoes a quite significant internal transformation from the beginning to the end of this story. I loved seeing this character evolve and heal from her brokenness.

Submerged is Dani Pettrey's first published novel, the first book I ever read by this author, and one of the first Christian suspense books I ever read (now a favorite genre). I love this book and can't wait to read the rest of Pettrey's written works.

My ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Notes: This book belongs to the "Alaskan Courage" series. My reviews for the rest of books in this series can be found on Goodreads, which there is a link to near the top of my blog. Also, you can find my Goodreads review of "Submerged" with my book highlights here.

Credits: The book cover and synopsis seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com, and if any of you would like to learn more about Dani Pettrey and her books, check out her website, DaniPettrey.com.

"DECEIVED" BY IRENE HANNON

"Deceived" by Irene Hannon

(Private Justice #3)

Synopsis:

For three years, Kate Marshall has been mourning the loss of her husband and four-year-old son in a boating accident. But when she spots a familiar-looking child on a mall escalator, she's convinced it's her son. With police skeptical of her story, she turns to private investigator Connor Sullivan for help. As the former Secret Service agent digs into the case, the boating "accident" begins to look increasingly suspicious. But if Kate's son is alive, someone is intent on keeping him hidden--and may go to lethal lengths to protect a sinister secret.

My Review:

Yet another well written suspense novel by Irene Hannon with richly developed characters and a captivating storyline.

This is the final book in the "Private Justice" trilogy. Each book in this series focuses primarily on one of Phoenix, Inc.'s private investigators and a case he is working—Cal in "Vanished" (book #1), Dev in "Trapped" (book #2), and Connor in "Deceived" (book #3). I really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters in this series, and I loved the close friendship between these three investigators.

I found "Deceived" to be a gripping read and an excellent conclusion to the "Private Justice" series!

My ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

Notes: This is an older review (2017) that I'll be updating when I read this book again. You can find my Goodreads review of "Deceived" with my highlights here.

Credits: The book covers and synopses seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com. Also, if any of you would like to learn more about Irene Hannon and her books, check out her website, IreneHannon.com.

"TRAPPED" BY IRENE HANNON

"Trapped" by Irene Hannon

(Private Justice #2)

Synopsis:

When librarian Laura Griffith's sixteen-year-old sister disappears on a frigid February day, leaving only a brief note behind, Laura resolves to do whatever it takes to track down the runaway teen. That includes recruiting ATF agent turned PI James "Dev" Devlin to help. But the deeper he digs, the more he begins to suspect that something sinister is at work in the girl's disappearance. And the closer he gets to uncovering the truth, the clearer it becomes that the situation isn't just dangerous--it's deadly.

My Review:

This is quite a chilling story with just the right amount of creepiness and complete terror, alongside a heartfelt budding romance. Hannon is rather talented in creating thrilling stories with well-developed, intriguing characters.

I read "Vanished" and "Trapped" (books 1 & 2 in the "Private Justice" series) back to back and these two books share numerous similarities, including many of the same character introductions, relationship details, and very similar plots and settings. For this reason, I recommend putting a bit of time between each book, to avoid the feeling of repetitiveness. The books in this series were written as stand-alone novels that have some connections to one another, but can each be read on their own.

"Trapped" is well written and very well-paced, with suspense building more and more as the story progresses and details are gradually revealed about its villain. I found this book to be highly enjoyable and difficult to put down.

Irene Hannon is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!

My ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Notes: This is an older review (2017) that I'll be updating when I read this book again. You can find my Goodreads review of "Trapped" here.

Credits: The book cover and synopsis seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com. Also, if any of you would like to learn more about Irene Hannon and her books, check out her website, IreneHannon.com.

"VANISHED" BY IRENE HANNON

"Vanished" by Irene Hannon

(Private Justice #1)

Synopsis:

Reporter Moira Harrisons is lost. In the dark. In a thunderstorm. When a confusing detour places her on a rural, wooded road, she's startled by the sudden appearance of a lone figure caught in the beam of her headlights. Though Moira jams on her brakes, the car careens across the wet pavement--and the solid thump against the side of the vehicle tells her she hit the person before she crashes into a tree on the far side of the road.

A dazed Moira is relieved when a man opens her door, tells her he saw everything, and promises to call 911. Then everything fades to black. When she comes to an hour later, she is alone. No man. No 911. No injured person lying on the side of the road. But she can't forget the look of terror she saw on the person's face in the instant before her headlights swung away. The person she hit had been in trouble. She's sure of it. But she can't get anyone to believe her story--except a handsome former police detective, now a private eye, who agrees to take on the case.

My Review:

This book has all of the things I now look for in a good suspense novel... A mentally and emotionally captivating plot driven by dangerous circumstances that keep you on the edge of your seat, with compelling characters, and subtle elements of faith and romance, without any profanity, graphic violence, or sexual content.

One of my favorite quotes from this book is: "After that, I started laying my problems and needs before God and asking for grace and guidance and whatever other virtues he thought I needed..."

"Vanished" captured both my mind and my heart. I found this book to be thrilling, uplifting, and truly entertaining. This is the first book I've read by Irene Hannon, and I very much look forward to reading more of her suspense work!

My ⭐ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Notes: This is an older review (2017) that I'll be updating when I read this book again. You can find my Goodreads review of "Vanished" here.

Credits: The book cover and synopsis seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com. Also, if any of you would like to learn more about Irene Hannon and her books, check out her website, IreneHannon.com.

"AGAINST THE TIDE" BY ELIZABETH CAMDEN

"Against the Tide" by Elizabeth Camden

Synopsis:

After a childhood rampant with uncertainty, Lydia Pallas has carved out a perfect life for herself. She spends her days within sight of the bustling Boston Harbor, where her skill with languages has landed her an enviable position as a translator for the U.S. Navy.

Lydia's talents bring her to the attention of Alexander Banebridge, a mysterious man in need of a translator. Driven by a campaign to end the opium trade, Bane is coolly analytical and relentless in his quest. He cannot afford to fall for Lydia and must fight the bittersweet love growing between them.

When Bane's enemies gain the upper hand, he is forced to turn to Lydia for help. Determined to prove her worth, Lydia soon discovers that carrying out Bane's mission will test her wits and her courage to the very limits.

My Review:

As a beautiful work of historical Christian fiction, I consider Elizabeth Camden’s “Against the Tide” to be a great read for all—not just for Christian readers. This book is very well written with fascinating characters and an excellent blend of mystery, suspense, adventure, romance, and redemption.

The development of each character in this book is very well paced. Camden keeps you guessing as the history and motives of each character are slowly unveiled with brilliant timing. Most of the characters have visible flaws, which I really appreciate because this makes them much more realistic, more human.

Bane in particular is such a complex, mysterious, and intriguing character! The Bane you see in the beginning, middle, and end of this story, are all very different. This character is constantly evolving throughout this book and my opinion of him changed drastically from beginning to end, which I love. I believe he has more depth than any other character in this book.

There is also a character that is so inherently evil that reading about him/her made my skin crawl, however this character has an outward appearance to most of a well-educated and highly intelligent individual with a kind disposition, which makes this person even more creepy—a definite wolf in sheep’s clothing. I won’t spoil who this character is, but I will say that this person adds a lot of shock and suspense to this story!

The plot of “Against the Tide” is centered around an opium (a narcotic drug) addiction problem in the U.S. that had led to extreme crime and severe suffering in the late-1800s, and from what I could tell this book is historically accurate. The author really did her research. I found this story especially interesting because the U.S. is facing a very similar problem today with opium addictions.

Outside of some necessary terrors that keep the reader on the edge of his or her seat, this book is clean with no cursing or sexual situations in it, which I really admire the author for. I'm also impressed with how the author blended faith into this story without being overbearing or "preachy," making this book appealing to both believers and nonbelievers.

I finished this book not wanting it to end, and I will undoubtedly be reading it again multiple times in the future.

“Against the Tide” is a very enjoyable and exciting read that I highly recommend.

My ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Notes: This book has one of my favorite book covers! You can find my Goodreads review of "Against the Tide" with my book highlights here. 

Credits: The book cover and synopsis seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com, and if any of you would like to learn more about Elizabeth Camden and her books, check out her website, ElizabethCamden.com.