About the Book
Author: Valerie Massey Goree
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
Release date: July 3, 2021
Cooper Callahan has been an International Retrieval Organization operative for fifteen years. In all that time he has never worked with a trainee like Kitty Claire Briggs. Overflowing with energy, KC isn’t quiet long enough for Cooper to think. But when the boss assigns them a training mission, KC’s serious side emerges.
Former stunt double, KC Briggs wants to be an agent, but she also has an ulterior motive to be accepted by IRO—she wants access to their superior technology. Can she locate her quarry without Cooper finding out?
As Cooper shares the finer points of surveillance with KC, his waning faith is strengthened by her enthusiasm for the Lord and for the job. When the training exercise turns into a real abduction, will KC’s naivete lead to death or to a successful conclusion to the case?
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My Review
This novel is a combination of suspenseful action and budding romance. The plot involves a seasoned retrieval agent, Cooper, and a rookie, KC, checking up on Sadie and her two children when it seems she may be off track on her way to visit friends. The result is almost a milder kind of “deliverance” experience, in the wilds confronting crazy people with guns. Suspense abounds, although in a repeated fashion.
I am not sure the plot works. The reason Sadie is in trouble is rather odd and way she is being held is odder still. While the motive for the abduction is eventually revealed (3201/3947) the actions of the abductors just don't ring true to me. And then the later introduction of a drug crazed person with the abductors. And then the later introduction of hidden money to the plot. And Cooper stopped going to the other cabin because the bridge was out when he had gone to it another way initially. And suddenly, when all the suspense is over, there is cell phone service when they tried so many times for service in various locations when they were in dire trouble. (3820/3947)
Much of the suspense is because Cooper didn't prepare well for the training task and because of mistakes. At one point Cooper says, “This whole trip has been one goof after another.” (3237/3947) Cooper and KC going into the cabin, then out and hiding, then in again, then hiding...it just seemed strange and served only to draw out the suspense.
This is a novel for readers who just want suspense and romance and aren't too picky about everything in the plot making sense. It does have a very good faith message and I really appreciate that aspect of the novel.
My rating: 3/5 stars.
About the Author
After serving as missionaries in her home country of Zimbabwe and raising two children, Glenn and Valerie moved to Texas. She worked in the public school system for many years, focusing on students with special needs. Now retired, Valerie spends her time writing, and spoiling her grandchildren.
Check Valerie’s website to learn more about her books: www.valeriegoreeauthor.com
Valerie loves to hear from her readers.
More from Valerie
Justice at Dawn is the third novel in the Stolen Lives Trilogy. I knew I wanted to tell Cooper Callahan’s story after his brief appearance in Day of Reckoning, the second novel. How did he get his scar? Why was he one-track minded in his work? Why was he single?
It is always exciting to invent a backstory for a character. To uncover his fears, his shattered dreams, his greatest desire for the future, and discover how those events shaped his personality and his present life. Cooper takes his role as the chief training officer for the San Diego branch of the International Retrieval Organization very seriously. He tells the newest recruit, “It’s my job to ascertain your skills, and to determine whether or not you’ll make an effective agent.”
Of course I had to create a heroine worthy of Cooper’s attention. No petite, helpless, always concerned about her perfect makeup partner for Coop. My heroine in Justice at Dawn is anything but petite or helpless. In Kitty Claire Briggs’s own words, she is not a run-of-the-mill gal, and after describing her unique backstory, she says, “That’s why I grab life by it’s pointy little ears, and I intend to make the most of every opportunity.”
Indeed. How will Cooper react if he discovers the real reason KC wants to become an IRO agent? Will the skills she used in her former job as a stunt double and the fact she is a sharp-shooter play a part in her training?
Now, don’t get me wrong, KC is vulnerable and has issues from her past she has to conquer, but she is the perfect foil for Cooper. She absorbs his advice, but also uses her initiative and even challenges Cooper at times. He might be teaching her the finer points of becoming a successful agent, but she teaches him how to overcome his past baggage and to live life to its fullest.
Blog Stops
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 12
Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, August 13
Texas Book-aholic, August 14
Inklings and notions, August 15
deb's Book Review, August 16
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 17
For Him and My Family, August 18
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 19
The Sacred Line, August 19
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 20
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 21
Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting, August 22
Batya's Bits, August 23
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 24
Mary Hake, August 24
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 25
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.
(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.)
3 comments:
Thank you for the review.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the book.
I hope the so-so review won't deter you from reading my book.
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