Present Danger by Elizabeth Goddard

This is a good inspirational romantic suspense for readers who are tired of FBI agents. Jack, the hero, used to be FBI but is now a local police detective. Terra, the heroine, is a U.S. Forest Service Special Agent. I had no idea such agents even existed, watching for things like illegal logging and protecting water and soil.

In this novel, a body is found in a Montana national forest during a search and rescue operation. Jack and Terra are both on the scene, much to their dismay. They had been in love when young but then Jack had left, breaking Terra's heart. We know they still have feelings for each other. Can they work together, solve the murder and overcome hurts to rekindle their romance?

There is a good balance of character and relationship development alongside the murder investigation. We see suspense building as the investigation intensifies. The danger to Terra increases when it appears some of her family members are somehow involved. The novel provides a good combination of investigation and relationship restoration along with an exploration of the smuggling of artifacts. I appreciated Goddard's informative note about artifacts still missing after the 2003 Iraq war.

I like Goddard's writing style. It is clear and entertaining. I appreciate the good faith message included as the main characters rely on God for their well being. The novel is a good change from the typical FBI suspense.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Elizabeth Goddard has sold over one million books and is the award-winning author of more than 40 romance novels and counting, including the romantic mystery The Camera Never Lies – a 2011 Carol Award winner. She is a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense finalist for her Mountain Cove series – Buried, Backfire, and Deception – and a Carol Award finalist for Submerged. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. You can find out more at www.ElizabethGoddard.com.

Revell, 381 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)