Happy Monday Bookworms!
I have been a busy little bee as I help work on wedding preparations for my younger sister's upcoming wedding in November, which means my reading time has been quickly shrinking. This always seems to happen in August, no matter what, and it always makes me sad as I know that the end of summer is near. I know I'm not the only one that is feeling the rush as school starts and early signs of fall are peeking through the summer sunshine, which is why I am so thankful that you're here with me today.
I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Christian Suspense and let me know in the comments if you’ve read any other good Christian fictions recently that you’d recommend for me. I'm always on the lookout for my next good read.♥︎
About the Book
Author: Alexa Verde
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: July 16, 2025
Genre: Christian Suspense
Dedicated doctor Hudson Hamilton gave up on love after his fiancée Hayley Roberts broke off their engagement years ago. Then a week before Christmas he’s rescued from gunfire by a mysterious stranger whom his heart recognizes as his ex-fiancée. But will she be gone after Christmas?
Hailey Roberts had to go into hiding, but after she overhears Hudson is a target, she’ll do anything to keep him alive. Including posing as his girlfriend for the holidays.
Can they survive the peril without surrendering their hearts?
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Bookbub
My Review
It starts with a mystery, and a suspenseful chase soon follows as an unknown danger has targeted Dr. Hudson Hamilton. He still carries a torch for his ex-finance, Hailey, who had broken their engagement and left without an explanation. Now she is back to fight to protect him from this unknown force. The love never ended between these two, and it’s clear from the moment Hailey abruptly steps back into Hudson’s life.
While the plot is intriguing, and there is a decent backstory, I felt a disconnect between myself and these characters. It was almost like I was being held at arm’s length, as much of what I read felt surface-level. Could this be due to the fact that I haven’t read any of the other novels in this series? Possibly, but the fact is I didn’t get that connection that I had so desperately craved, which was disappointing. There were also scenes that felt like they were stretched too thin and really messed with the pacing, as well as details that felt frivolous and unnecessary to the plot.
Still, there were moments that were surprisingly touching, and one line in particular truly touched my soul: “Her face was now more used to frowns than to the smiles that broke out so easily once upon a time. When was the exact moment that joyful, optimistic girl disappeared?” I feel like this is something my own heart has whispered recently, and I’m sure I’m not alone in this sentiment.
While I had my qualms, I don’t regret reading this novel at all and wonder if going back and reading the other volumes in this series would help my overall opinion.
About the Author
Alexa Verde writes feel-good small-town romances - sweet like pie with more than a dash of suspense and a generous sprinkle of mystery, warming like a cup of hot chocolate. She writes to encourage people, bring them many hours of reading bliss, and take them away from their sorrows.
She has worn the hats of a teacher, reporter, translator, caretaker, office assistant, but feels the author’s hat suits her the best. Oh, about hats: she's lived in both hemispheres, traveled to eight countries (got lost in several), and now hangs her hat in south Texas. She speaks five languages and gets misunderstood in most of them (heavy accent).
Connect with Alexa by visiting alexaverde.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
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