Take My Hand by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell Book Review

About the Book

Book: Take My Hand

Author: Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: December 5, 2022

Don’t find us. We’ll find you.

Trauma therapist Kaley Colbert needs a vacation from her job, and a ski trip with her church singles’ group seems like the perfect way to unplug. But while in the mountains, she learns that her last client was murdered hours after their meeting, and she wonders if the notes she’s receiving from a possible stalker hold a more sinister warning.

On the trip, ex-boyfriend and entrepreneur Reef Mitchell wants to give their relationship another chance, but Kaley questions if his past and priorities could ever mesh with her life. When her client’s underworld connections catch up with her, she has no choice but trust Reef to help her stay alive, solve her client’s mystery, and bring the killers to justice.

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My Review

This is an enjoyable inspirational romantic suspense. The romance is interesting as it is a tension filled reuniting of two people who had previously been a couple. That allowed for the reigniting of feelings during danger. I felt the characters were developed pretty well. Kaley is too nice, not suspecting a devious woman and that gets her into trouble. Reef is a nice guy and I felt as frustrated as he did when his rescue efforts were hampered by law enforcement. It might be a little unrealistic that Reef had more success than professionals but it made for a good story.

I liked the settings of Florida and then a snow skiing area. As a PNW person, it was fun to read of Floridians experiencing snow and learning to ski. It was also interesting to read about the boating event in Tampa, something I had not heard about. Parnell's writing style is good making this novel an easy read.

This is a good romantic suspense with a strong faith message for young career age readers. It seems like this might just be the beginning of adventures for Kaley so I will be looking for more from Parnell.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

 

About the Author

Kristen Hogrefe Parnell writes suspenseful fiction from a faith perspective for women and young adults. Her own suspense story involved waiting on God into her thirties to meet her husband, and she desires to keep embracing God’s plan for her life when it’s not what she expects. Kristen’s books have won the Selah Award and the Grace Award, among others. An educator at heart, she also teaches English online and enjoys being a podcast guest. Kristen lives in Florida with her husband and baby boy. Visit her online at KristenHogrefeParnell.com.

More from Kristen

Real-Life Inspiration for Fictional Suspense

Mark Twain said, “Write what you know.” I certainly took his advice with the setting of my romantic suspense novel, Take My Hand. Beech Mountain, North Carolina is part of my own story in a special way. While my husband James and I were dating, our church group planned a ski trip to Beech Mountain, much like the one Reef and Kaley embark on in my story. Born and raised in Florida, I had never seen fresh snow fall, let alone attempt to ski in it. Writing Kaley’s frustration with the learning curve is something I came by honestly.

James taught the other new skiers and me the basics, and I felt so special to be his girlfriend and have such a thoughtful date. Later, when my writing imagination kicked in, I began to wonder, “What if James and I hadn’t been dating but had broken up? How awkward would that experience have been?” Awkward on steroids. Then the suspense lover in me began to spin the story of Kaley and Reef as well as a celebrity villain that no one would suspect. And so, this story was born.

But my experience with Beech Mountain didn’t stop with a ski trip. After James and I had been dating for just over a year, he planned a surprise engagement trip to—you guessed it—Beech Mountain. Since my Sunshine State doesn’t offer fall foliage, James invited some friends and me on a fall hiking trip. Though I wondered if he might pop the big question, I wasn’t sure, and my best friend wasn’t budging with any clues. One of our late afternoon hikes took us to Wiseman’s View, a stunning overlook of the mountains and canyon below. I was cold, craving hot chocolate, and ready to head back to our cabin, but James wanted to show me one more vista and “get a picture.” With my best friend recording the moment, James dropped down on one knee, spoke the sweetest words, and asked me to marry him—to which I happily said yes!

Now, Beech Mountain is one of our favorite road trip destinations as a married couple. With the arrival of our baby boy this summer, we are anticipating future family trips which will no doubt provide new inspiration for writing material. I look forward to sharing more stories in this series that revolve around Beech Mountain and the friends who come together and grow in their faith as they face life’s dangers and adventures.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 9

Texas Book-aholic, December 10

deb’s Book Review, December 11

Inklings and notions, December 12

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 14

For Him and My Family, December 14

Betti Mace, December 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 16

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 17

Blogging With Carol, December 18

Lily’s Book Reviews, December 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 20

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 21 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, December 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kristen is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card with a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/23056/take-my-hand-celebration-tour-giveaway

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.)