I loved “Behind the Lens,” the first book in this series, and was thrilled to get to visit the memorable characters once again. Annie, Cerelli, and Sawyer had lingered in my memory. Annie Hawkins Green is smart and tenacious but also has her flaws. She at times lets her heart rule her head. Cerelli is the “knight in shining armor.” And Sawyer is the loyal, trustworthy sidekick.

There were some strings left dangling from the first book that I wanted to be resolved. So, I am happy to say that I also loved “Double Exposure.”

I was immediately drawn into the story as Annie awaits her flight home. She has been in Saudi Arabia and Yemen on a three-month assignment. She is eager to get home to her teenage daughter Mel and her lover Captain Finn Cerelli. But when she arrives in the US, she finds she is under investigation for an incident that happened five months previously.

The flashbacks Sacken wove into the present-day story refreshed my memory of the incident, and the emotions I felt from that first book came flooding back into me.

The pace was a bit slower this time around, but the plot was still complex and suspenseful. Annie must juggle her responsibility as a single mother, demands from her ex-husband, and the needs of Afghan women and children. She also works to maintain her independence in her relationship with Cerelli, which isn’t that easy since they are both hardheaded and Cerelli is very protective of her. I love this quote from Cerelli regarding Annie: “You’re so fearless it terrifies me.”

Sacken’s incredible writing and career as a photojournalist bring a realistic look into the lives of the Afghan people, especially the women. I love the rays of sunshine that come through because of courageous women standing their ground.

It is not often that I hope for another book in a series when it seems all is resolved. But there was one issue that might still be unresolved so there is hope for another book. I would also love to have Sawyer in a bigger role.

“Double Exposure” has a lot to offer: amazing writing, family drama, strong friendships, a tender love story, memorable characters, set in a foreign land, and political intrigue. What more could one want?

In my opinion, you really should read “Behind the Lens” first. You won’t get the full emotions of the story without it.

Thank you to The Book Club Cookbook for the complimentary copy. ( )