Kelly IrvinCritiques

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A different type of Amish story, but there is so much truth in it. The Amish do celebrate life, a gift from God, and each individual is cherished, no matter their disability.

This is a story of love, both family and romantic. Friendship that builds to a relationship, and questioning whether the inherited disabilities are to big a price. A story of living ones faith, as we all should do, but this is a read that highlights the obstacles that are thrown at young couples, but the author does a wonderful job of weaving this page tuner together!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.

With its fast, unrelenting pace and irresistible characters, the pages flew by!

A Deadly Wilderness, the debut Christian romantic suspense novel by veteran author Kelly Irvin, updated and re-released, is an absorbing tale of police work and personal relationships. The compelling story is sure to grab readers from the start and not let go until the final page. With its fast, unrelenting pace and irresistible characters, the pages fairly flew by.

Set in San Antonio, Texas, the story looks at the murder of the youngest son of a prominent local family in one of the city’s many public parks. Partner homicide detectives Ray Johnson and Deborah Smith lead the investigation when Ray discovers the body while hiking in a park’s wilderness area. They are under pressure from city leaders to find the killer because of the victim’s father’s political connections.

The partners’ relationship is a complicated one. Newly assigned as a team, neither one is familiar nor comfortable yet with the other. She sees Ray as a “Bible Boy” or “Jesus Freak,” and he knows she has a problem with alcohol and men. This situation made for compelling reading, wondering how it would all work out.

Deborah Smith is a strong woman, but her early and meteoric rise through the ranks to her current position has taken her to the edge of burnout. Ray Johnson is a strong and forthright hero who is carrying a torch for his immediate supervisor’s sister, Susana, with whom he has a history. Susana Martinez Acosta has her hands full. A widowed former firefighter, she’s going to school in preparation for a career change, caring for two small and active boys, and making ends meet while torn by grief for a fallen husband and guilt over her interest in Ray. Long undisclosed backstories for several of the characters confused me, making me wonder if there was a previous book to this one that I had overlooked.

Besides the murder, the story examines several troubled relationships and heavy topics such as adultery and alcoholism. However, the plot remains fast-paced, with the killer just out of reach of the investigators. The villain is suitably evil, and I was on the edge of my seat for Ray and Deborah to unmask and stop him as soon as possible. The detectives are persistent, and a couple of twists kept the story extra exciting.

I recommend A DEADLY WILDERNESS to readers of contemporary Christian fiction, romantic suspense, and mystery, especially those interested in San Antonio or locations in Texas and fans of the author’s other work.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

This was a truly new experience for Christian fiction and I don't mean that in a good way.
You may think this is a suspense book, but you'd only be partly right. First and foremost, it is a book meant to push liberal views in your face constantly. There was extreme steryotyping done of those with opposing viewpoints and the characters are not tolerant in the slightest.
Note to the main character: Show me why you believe what you believe instead of lecturing on why someone is a bad person if she doesn't believe what you believe.
I quit 1/3 of the way through because I could not take any more of that crap.

1 Star

Content (up to 33%): many mentions of suicide, comments about race, LGBT, global warming (Greta Thunberg also), steryotyping of Muslims

Well, this book jumped right into the action. No worries about a slow book if you pick up Closer Than She Knows. However, it did seem a tiny bit abrupt to me.

While this was a good book, it was not for me. A large part of that had to do with the characters. It was difficult for me to relate to them. (It was just a personality thing between me and the characters.)

The writing was typical of Kelly Irvan and I enjoyed getting to read it again.

I do NOT ship Teagan and Max. Don't ask me why, it is difficult to explain. I think it may have to do with the different opinions of the characters. Some different opinions are good but they had a lot of differences with political stuff.

Since I mentioned politics, I might as well mention it more. There was A LOT of talk about guns and the Second Amendment. The talk did show both sides, which was good, but still, a lot of political talk.



Rating: 3/5

Language: n/a

Romance: one kiss (very non-detailed)

Spiritual: Max is a paster

Violence: a book about a serial killer, need I say more?



*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.

What a heartrending story encompassing the hard subjects of a cancer diagnosis, divorce, estrangement, and spiritual questioning.
The characters and situations came across as very realistic. I applaud the author for using her own cancer experience to enlighten her audience. She truly has made lemonade out of lemons.
Forgiveness is a big theme as was getting your priorities straight, living in the moment and actively loving your family. It was told in several voices. Kristen was an oncologist who wholeheartedly gave to her patients. But she learned that she could not do enough when the patient was her sister, Sherri. The story showed how cancer affects the whole extended family, not just the person with the diagnosis.
Recommended for fans of women’s fiction.
*i received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

A beautifully written story filled with love, knowing who you are and embracing your family. It also reminds us that our days are in God's hands.
Abigail is torn between two familes: her biological parents and her adoptive parents. She tries to live with one foot in each but she must decide where she truly belongs. A definite must read!

The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos by Kelly Irvin is an emotional tale. I thought the story was well-written with realistic, developed characters. The author captured the emotions that are experienced by an individual when they receive a cancer diagnosis as well as by those close to person (family, friends, coo-workers). The author was able to share her knowledge and experience (with stage 4 ovarian cancer) in this story. I can tell that Kelly Irvin did her research. I had no idea that insurance would not cover all the costs. You can go severely into debt trying to get cured. I liked reading about the caring oncologists and how they are there for their patients. The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos is told from Kristen (the sister who is the oncologist), Sherri (the sister who is diagnosed with cancer), and Daniel’s (Kristen’s husband) point-of-view. The story deals with a variety of topics. Kristen and Daniel are empty nesters who are drifting apart. Kristen is a dedicated doctor. We get to see what happened in Kristen’s childhood that drew the sisters closer and led her to become an oncologist. Sherri is divorced, but she still cares for her ex-husband. Forgiveness, job dynamics, family troubles, grief, new beginnings, and faith are other topics addressed in this touching story. We get to see the ups and downs of a family affected by a cancer diagnosis. Faith was beautifully woven into the story. Faith and Sherri’s church family are an important part of her life. You will want to have a box of tissues nearby while reading The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos. The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos is an expressive story with close sisters, a scary diagnosis, a dedicated doctor, thoughtful friends, costly chemo, a frustrated husband, a devoted family, and a firm faith.

The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos by Kelly Irvin is an amazingly well written story that tackles the sensitive subject of cancer, it's treatments and outcome. It also shows how it affects not only the patient but also their family and friends. This story is so good with several things going on at the same time in the life of oncologist Kristen and her family. Not only does this story cover the cancer issue very well, it also covers the issues couples with important careers deal with. This story shows the difference between Kristen and her sister Sherri, the way they both live their lives. It is sad to see the extreme struggles Kristen and her family go through because of her job and the decisions that have to be made.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review.

This is a difficult story to read.
When Kristen’s sister is diagnosed with ovarian cancer, the characters are thrown into an urgent situation that changes everything.
Kristen is a difficult character to like. She’s a strong character, career-driven to the point that she doesn’t see what’s happening to her relationships with her husband, daughters or friends. I did not connect with this character at all and I found it difficult to like her or even want her to succeed in her mission. Her sister Shelley is a very likeable character, so I kept reading because I wanted Shelley’s story to turn out well. Kristen’s husband, David, is another great character though I felt bad for him because of the way Kristen treated him.
Readers are given an eye-opening experience as to how cancer treatments work. Medical language is used, with reader-friendly explanations that bring another layer to the story.
There are some sweet moments between secondary characters that made the read enjoyable.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Heart’s Bidding by Kelly Irvin is a sweet Amish story. I thought the story was well-written with developed characters. I enjoyed getting to know Toby Miller, an auctioneer, and Rachelle Lapp, an Amish special needs teacher. We first get to meet Toby and his family. They have an auctioneer business that keeps the men on the road during the warmer months leaving the women and kids home. Toby has been yearning for someone to love. However, Toby cannot see leaving his wife and, eventually, his children home while he travels. The family business works well with three generations of Miller men taking care of the work. But then Toby’s grandfather announces his retirement, and their well-run business gets off kilter. Rachelle loves children and enjoys teaching the special needs children in their district. Rachelle is surprised when the school board announces that in the fall, Rachelle’s pupils will be going to an Englisch school that has more resources available for the children. Rachelle is thrown for a loop. There are no openings for teachers in her community. Toby and Rachelle’s relationship has a rocky beginning. Their love for their siblings, Jonah and Sadie, helps draw the two together. Toby and Rachelle will see that God is in charge of their lives and with Him anything is possible. I like how the Amish regard children (and adults) who have learning and developmental disabilities. They see them as special gifts from God. Toby and his family learn that while traditions have their place, sometimes you need to try new methods. I like how faith is woven throughout the story. The Heart’s Bidding is the first An Amish Calling Novel. I look forward to reading the other books in this touching series. The Heart’s Bidding is a heartwarming tale with precious children, looking for love, retirement predicament, account confusion, an unconventional solution, and a faithful family.

If you’re a fan of police dramas and Christian romantic suspense, you might enjoy A Deadly Wilderness. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it definitely pulled me in. The fast-paced, suspenseful mystery with plenty of drama kept me turning the pages.

When, off-duty cop Ray Johnson stumbles off a cliff while hiking, trying to save his girlfriend’s son, they discover the dead body of Joey Doyle, son of a wealthy San Antonio, TX family. As Ray investigates the murder, several suspects emerge. But, one by one those close to the murder begin dying and it’s up to Ray and his partner to discover who the killer is before more die.

The murder investigation isn’t Ray’s only problem. His girlfriend Susana, still grieving over her husband’s death, irrationally blames Ray for her son getting injured on the hike. He also has to deal with an antagonistic, alcoholic partner whose off duty behavior puts herself and him at risk. Ray’s boss who is also Susana’s brother has to navigate between her and Ray along with dealing with unwanted feelings towards Ray’s partner Deborah. We also get the twisted viewpoint of a deadly hitman who enjoys what he does.

This story felt like watching a police drama on tv. At first, it felt like I’d been put right in the middle of the story without understanding what seemed like already established relationships. I questioned if this was the first book in the series. As I kept reading, the author did a great job introducing all the characters and helping me understand their backgrounds. There is definitely a lot of drama along with the fast-paced mystery. It felt like a realistic portrayal of what cops deal with on a day to day basis and the toll it takes on themselves and their families.

Faith was woven throughout the story, and I appreciated how the characters grappled with real problems and overcoming temptations. The story was realistic, at times gritty, and inspirational. I liked the way Ray persevered despite his own sorrows in life. The romance between him and Susana was well done despite it not being a prominent part of the story. At first, Ray’s police partner Deborah was totally unsympathetic, but as Ray finds out more about her background and why she drinks, I gained more sympathy for her. The bad guys were pretty awful and reading from the hitman’s point of view was at times disturbing. The final scenes where Ray finally discovers what’s going on were nail biters!

All in all, a good, inspirational, police drama with lots of suspense and a touch of romance. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher through PICT. All opinions are completely my own and voluntarily given. 3 1/2 stars raised to 4.

TW: child abuse, death by cop, death of spouse, alcoholism/drug abuse, brief descriptions of violence/murder.½

In A Deadly Wilderness, author Kelly Irvin transports the reader to San Antonio, Texas for an intriguing Romantic Suspense story that will keep the reader guessing and turning the pages.

When a prominent citizen's son is found murdered in a wilderness park by San Antonio Homicide Detective Ray Johnson while hiking, the heat is on to find the killer by the mayor and chief of police. When more bodies are found in other city parks with a connection to the first victim, the investigation intensifies, and is made even harder when the suspect list grows, and Ray has personal struggles and a professional conflict with his partner, Detective Deborah Smith, added into the mix. Ray is determined to solve the murder case before it becomes even more deadlier.

Author Kelly Irvin weaves a fast-paced and suspenseful tale written in the third person narrative that follows Ray and Deborah as they search for the reason behind the murders and for the killer. They embark on a dangerous cat-n-mouse game with someone who will do anything to get what they want.

The reader will be easily drawn into this action-packed and well written story with its richly descriptive plot that will keep them guessing as secrets, possible motives, deceptions, and clues are uncovered during the search for the killer. Just when you think you know who is behind the murders, the author teases the reader with unexpected twists and turns that keeps them sitting on the edge of their seat until the surprise ending.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I loved the intertwining of a Christian faith themed story with an intriguing and suspenseful police procedural, it kept me turning the pages. The angsty personal relationship that Ray has with his girlfriend, and the haunting addiction that Deborah has that threatens her career, had me feeling the gamut of emotions, it just doesn't get better than that!

A Deadly Wilderness has enough drama, tension, action, dark secrets, a touch of romance, and unexpected twists and turns that will take the reader on one heck of a thrilling roller coaster ride.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.

https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2023/06/a-deadly-wilderness-by-kelly-...

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Get caught up in the thrilling lives of law enforcement in San Antonio, Texas.
The characters are the Martinez family who are all policemen and their spouses, girlfriends and work partners. This current case is a puzzling crime involving the Doyles who own multiple car dealerships. Joey Doyle is found dead by off duty cop, Ray Johnson while he was hiking in the wilderness. Danger is around every corner as more bodies pile up, Roy and partner Deborah try to figure out who could be targeting the dealership. There are more sinister things going on.
Lots of twists and turns, motives to ponder, unlikely coincidences and job rivalries, not to mention family and relationship drama. Some characters show that even though they are Christians, they are not perfect;they struggle. But they also show that their strength comes through prayer and trusting God no matter what the circumstances.
This story is complicated and interesting. It will keep you on your toes.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book through PICT tours. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
A Deadly Wilderness, Wow! Another Kelly Irvin read that I couldn’t put down once I started reading. Susana Martinez-Acosta only wants a safe environment for herself and her son. But this was challenged when she takes a frantic anonymous crisis center hot-line call that leaves Susana’s life into an uproar of deadly hikes, murders, unease, tension, and dangers and all of the things she wants to avoid in life.

From the first page of A Deadly Wilderness, this story gripped my heart and never let go. The characters are very well written with their own unique personalities, strengths and weaknesses. Each character gave their own depth and authenticity to the story and era. There are many character’s, and many twists and turns that had my head spinning by the time I finished this story. I actually went back several times to re-read scenes because they were so fabulous and well written. This is a book I will keep and read again.

A Deadly Wilderness is a romantic suspense that sadly ruins families because some family members covet wealth more than a family. The faith running throughout the storyline makes you think of what is more important in life. I love all of the books I have read by author Kelly Irvin. And I think this is my favorite. Despite the fact that this is a re-print of Irvins debut novel. I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this. I am giving A Deadly Wilderness Five Stars. If you love romance mixed with a lot of suspense, this book is a must for you. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Trust Me by Kelly Irvin is my second book I have read by this author and I must say she has now become an auto buy author for me.

Trust Me is not only a thriller, but also a book about second chances, of hope, forgiveness, and friendships that are closer than family.

10 years ago Delaney discovered her brother murdered and her best friend and boyfriend was convicted by his peers as the person whom did this devastating act.

Now, 10 years later she is going through the same devastation when she finds her best friend Ellie, who was her brother’s girlfriend, murdered also.

Hunter Nash, the convicted killer of her brothers murder, has been newly released from prison on good behavior and he has one thing to prove, that he was innocent.

This book was full of twists after twist, figuring out who could have killed Ellie and if the two murders were connected.

It’s also a book that makes you hold onto faith when you have nothing else to hold onto. I adore her Kelly Irvin’s writing style and her reality based thrillers from all perspectives of the story.

I highly recommend this one and can’t say enough good things and I was completely caught off guard with the major reveal towards the end.

Thank you for allowing me to be on tour PICT

This is a love story, but not what you think, it's the love and acceptance of everyone.

We are given a girl whose heart loves teaching, and her job is teaching the children with special needs. Rachelle Lapp is a young Amish woman, and is one of 13 children, with a brother being special. She has a gift, and we watch her students bloom under her guidance.

We also meet Toby, a traveling auctioneer, he also has a special needs sister, and these two, Rachelle and Toby and thrown together by matchmaking parents, siblings, and community.

This is a page turner, and a heart warming read, yes, there are ups and downs, but this is a Faith based story, and I loved it!

Now I can't wait for the next book in this series!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.

Every Good Gift by Kelly Irvin is the third novel in the Amish Blessings series. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. I was eager to read this story (I moved it ahead of other books on my TBR list). I like Kelly Irvin’s writing style. It is friendly and engaging. I was easily drawn into the story. Maisy Glick is on her rumspringa and has an English boyfriend. When Maisy discovers she is pregnant, she makes a decision. Maisy does not want her family to be embarrassed by her actions. She departs for Haven, Kansas to stay with her cousin. Joshua Lapp is at the bus station sending his family off on their trip. He sees an exhausted Maisy and offers her transportation to her cousin’s farm. Joshua is not a baptized member of the church despite being in his early twenties. Joshua misses his twin brother who died when they were twelve. He is angry at God and does not understand how God can allow a child to die. Joshua befriends Maisy despite warnings from the bishop. Maisy has some tough decisions to make. What does God have in store for these two lost souls? Every Good Gift is a touching story. I thought the characters were realistic and relatable. The author did a wonderful job of describing the emotions the characters were feeling. Maisy and Joshua learn some valuable life lessons. Maisy needs to find a way to forgive herself so she can move forward while Joshua needs to let go of his grief and anger towards God. I like that we are reminded that “Every one of us has sinned and fallen short of the glory of Gott.” We only have to seek forgiveness and He will give it. I was sorry when Every Good Gift came to an end. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and going on their journey with them. I like that we get to catch up with the characters from Love’s Dwelling and The Warmth of Sunshine. Every Good Gift is a story about love, compassion, faith, family, forgiveness, and hope.

A decent murder mystery that is also a Christian novel, as well as a second-chance romance.

Set in San Antonio by an author who obviously knows, as well as loves, the Southern Texas town in the Hill Country.

This is the third book in this series, and I have read the others, and equally good, but this can be read alone!

Be warned this is a page turner, and brings so many emotions, and forgiving yourself.

Good reminder of a "sin is a sin", and the plank in the eye, but living with the visible sin is hard for Maisy, and she makes decisions that change her life forever. Good ones? The answers unfold as you turn the page, and I was quickly turning for answers.

There is so much love and compassion here, along with a few obstacles, but we are with people who live their faith, mostly!

There is also a young man who is struggling with his faith, but the author places him at the right place at the right time, and we are with him as he has to decide what he is going to do!

This is a wonderful book, and now I want more! Thank you Kelly Irvin!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.

I really liked the storyline and thought the author did an amazing job of showing readers how we will sometimes be tested in our faith. I was taken by surprise when Abigail learns she was adopted twenty years ago. There are so many thoughts running through her mind as she tries to understand that her life is forever changed. What would you do if you suddenly found out that you were adopted? Abigail is in turmoil facing her biological mother while trying to hold her emotions in check. You can tell that she has this curiosity about this woman who says she gave birth to her. I think Abigail feels a little betrayed and lied to by her parents. It must have been hard for them to keep this secret for so long. The author lets us see Abigail struggling with what the right thing is to do. Should she go see this other family she never knew existed? How will it affect the only family she has ever known? Will it cause friction in her relationship with Owen?

Owen had this wandering spirit about him. He likes working with his father but he is restless and has this dream to farm. He can feel the soil in his hands and picture the crops as they grow. His heart is not fulfilled and he knows he must follow God’s direction. His talk with Abigail about her situation was hard but I thought he gave her wise advice. As much as he wants to tell her to stay, he has to let her go to find out where God wants her. Owen is very mature in his thinking but deep down there is pain and a yearning to have a family.

The mention of sunflowers in the story made me smile. My favorites flowers are daisies and sunflowers. When I would visit my granddad on his farm every summer I was surrounded by sunflowers. It felt like they were smiling at me as they stood tall and beautiful. I learned through the story that they are used for oil and birdseed. It doesn’t take much space to grow them and they are good for the land. I appreciate the author doing her research to give readers an idea of how to grow sunflowers and how they are profitable, Owen wants to have a sunflower crop but his dad doesn’t think it will be enough to support himself and a family.

This may seem strange to those who have read the book, but I really liked Eric who is Abigail’s biological dad. He has a good head on his shoulders and wanted to make sure Abigail knew he wanted to keep her and regrets their decision. If I was Abigail I would be feeling a little more secure knowing that I was wanted. When he tells her that they will slow down getting to know her I applauded him. As they discuss the past he says , “Or maybe we had to go through trials in order to find our way back to each other.” Well that stopped me in my tracks. Just think of all the trials you have been through. Did they lead you back to where you were meant to be?

The author showed me what it was like to believe in yourself and not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Abigail is an inspiration for all those who don’t feel like they fit in. We have to go through trials sometimes to discover where God wants us to be planted. I loved how the story takes us through second chances, patience, being content with who you are and forgiving even when it is hard.

“A faith not tested would be weak faith.”

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The review is my own opinion.

Author Kelly Irvin gives us a very different Amish story, a girl with now two families, birth parents and adopted parents. One set Amish, they raised her to be be the young women she is when we meet her, and now another set that want to pull her into their lives, and we are there to see how this turmoil resolves!

Can't imagine finding out or the first time at the age of twenty that you were adopted, yes, they should have told her sooner, but that chance goes away when the birth mother shows up at their door!

All the while reading this you wonder, she has values, but will she totally embrace the life of a non-Amish woman? So many new things, and she is encouraged to try so many different and unknown devices, clothes, lifestyles!

Will the new young man turn her head and make her stay, or the life she has know and they young man there make her return? We page turn for answers!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.

The Warmth of Sunshine by Kelly Irvin is a touching Amish tale. Abigail Bontrager has her life turned upside down when she learns that she was adopted. Her birth mother, Heather shows up at the family farm wanting to get to know Abigail. Abigail is confused and no longer knows who she is. Abigail decides to visit her birth mother and siblings in Abilene to see if it can provide clarity. Abigail hopes that God will lead her down the right path. I thought The Warmth of Sunshine was well-written with developed characters. I like Kelly Irvin’s engaging writing style. I was drawn into the story and just wanted to keep reading. I cannot imagine what Abigail was feeling after discovering that she was adopted. She has always felt like she did not fit in since she struggles to accomplish the normal female tasks (cooking, baking, etc.). Abigail’s cookies could break a tooth. I thought the author did a wonderful job at portraying Abigail’s emotional and her mental state after this revelation. We also meet Owen who has been courting Abigail. He works for his father’s metal shed construction company, but Owen prefers farming. He wants to grow sunflowers as a cash crop on his father’s land, but Owen’s father is not keen on the idea. When Abigail departs for Abilene, Owen is left wondering if she will return to Haven. Owen’s father is also courting a local widow. It looks like he will be proposing soon which means a new stepmother and five new siblings. The story is told from Abigail and Owen’s point-of-view in alternating chapters. I found the pacing to be a little on the slow side as Abigail decides what to do and then visits her birth mother. There are good life lessons in the story. Everything happens for a reason. God has a plan that will unfold according to His schedule (not ours). The Warmth of Sunshine is a story about hope, love, family, friendship, and faith. It is the second book in the Amish Blessings series, but it can be read as a standalone. The Warmth of Sunshine is a poignant Amish tale with an unexpected announcement, baffling feelings, bewildering birth family, crop conundrum, displeased parents, and a gracious God.

I love a good mystery/thriller type novel. Trust Me by Kelly Irvin doesn't disappoint. I won't go into what the story is about, you can read in in the blurb. I will say that there are likable characters, and a plot that I did not figure out until almost the end of the book. That is saying something because in some stories, it is easy to figure out.

Delaney Broward lost her brother to murder, the love of her life, Hunter Nash is convicted and spends 10 years of his life in prison for the murder. He says he did not do it; he is believed by no one. He is out and gets a second chance teaching art to troubled students.

He swears that he will get Delaney to believe him one way or the other. The only way is to prove he didn't kill her brother and find the real killer. It seems that wherever Delaney goes he is not far behind as they search the clues.

The day that he is released from prison, the girlfriend of the deceased brother of Delaney is murdered, and Hunter is the suspect. Now they really have to try to figure out who the killer is before he strikes again. Delaney has lost her faith; Hunter is determined to get her to believe in God again.

This is a standalone novel, a clean murder mystery/romance. There is a religious undertone, not in your face religious story, which I like. I found the characters to be likeable, like I said before. The plot was well thought out and written with a lot of knowledge of the San Antonio area. Will Delaney give Hunter a second chance? Will she get her faith back? Go get your copy and read for yourself, I totally enjoyed the story, and it turned into a page turner.