"Pursued" by Lisa Harris

Pursued (Apr. 4, 2017) by Lisa Harris.*

The plane crash is traumatic enough and now Special Agent Nikki Boyd with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is right back on the job when a passenger who’s not listed on the manifesto, but whom she sat right next to, goes missing. Erika Hamilton is a key witness in a grand jury trial, and they have 48 hours to find her. The fact that she left the accident scene suggests she is afraid and with good reason, as she is clearly being pursued. Nikki and her team are also trying to locate her, but they’re the good guys. A body count does not bother the bad guys in the least. The bad guys are obvious, but how do you bring someone down with far-reaching contacts, disposable cash and a philanthropic public persona?

            Harris flies out of the starting gate in the first chapter of this story, and it sets the pace for a swiftly-moving storyline. Nikki hardly has time to begin processing what she’s just gone through when she’s thrust into a new case. Her faith is strong, but she’s also human, so to doubt and worry is understandable. “Pursued” is an inspirational, romantic suspense fiction novel, but I found the romance to be lacking, and no, this is not a detriment to the story. The budding romance between Nikki and Tyler Grant is trying to blossom into something beautiful, but with one thing after another going on with Nikki’s working life, Tyler, regrettably, is often put on the backburner, much to Nikki’s worry and chagrin. They have things to discuss. And because of those very human things, Harris strengthens these two as relatable characters. The race against time makes the suspense feel real. I was riveted to the story – to the drama and suspense of it – but with danger around each bend, we can all be glad it’s a work of fiction.

            Book One: Vendetta

            Book Two: Missing

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly 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.”

"Long Time Gone" by Mary Connealy

Long Time Gone (Feb. 28, 2017) by Mary Connealy.*

With Ma and Pa in Denver, and his brother, Cole, in mortal danger, Justin Boden feels the weight of the Cimarron Ranch (CR) on his shoulders out in New Mexico Territory in 1880. Sadie and Heath are around, as is Rosita, who works for them. The dangers are not behind them, as they had thought. There is a plot that goes back decades, and if the enemy’s plot succeeds, the CR will be lost to the Bodens, as will many of their lives. They must all put their minds together in order to fit the pieces of the story. But there is a traitor working on the CR. Can they root the person out before someone else is hurt? Someone innocent like Angelique “Angie” DuPree? She finds herself at the CR to assist the doctor in tending to Cole’s injury. It is risky for Angie to be there – to associate with the Bodens – but Angie puts her worry over the Bodens above the threat of menace. This clearly bothers Justin, and he doesn’t know if he should banish her to the orphanage or keep her close. She’s as distracting to him as he is to her.

            This next book in The Cimarron Legacy did not disappoint. I’ve found that I generally like reading historical suspense fiction, and this novel was fast-paced. We met Angie but briefly in the first book, so I was glad to see her story fleshed out in this next installment. “Long Time Gone” is an inspirational fiction western packed with history, suspense and at least one honest cowboy! It is the opposite of a dry gulch; Connealy fills her tale with a lush plot, engaging characters, faith and humor, but also self-doubt, dangerous anger and, naturally, bad guys. A rich tale indeed!

            Book One: No Way Up

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly 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.”