Abducted in the Woods by Kerry Johnson

Abducted in the Woods
by Kerry Johnson

ISBN-13: 9781335957436
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Released: November 25, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Just when Sarah Brindley believes she and her son, Liam, are safe from the men who murdered her husband, they are attacked—and Liam is taken. Her only hope is to team up with her brother-in-law, forest ranger Tucker Brindley, to uncover who is targeting her family. When they discover her late husband’s ties to an underground medical black-market ring, it’s clear the trail of danger runs deeper than they realized. With assaults on them ramping up, they must race against the clock to recover young Liam.


My Review:
Abducted in the Woods is a Christian romantic suspense. Sarah married Tanner even though she liked his fraternal twin, Tucker, better. It seemed like Tucker wasn't interested in her, but now she finds that Tanner told Tucker that she wasn't comfortable around him and to stay away from her. Not to mention, her husband was just murdered because he was involved in something illegal, and the killers think she can help them get something they want.

Sarah liked how Tucker was supportive of her and built her up. Tucker was impressed by Sarah character and beauty. They worked well together as they tried to survive while tracking down her son's location and uncovering what got her husband killed. The main characters were engaging and reacted realistically to events. I cared about what happened to them. The suspense came mainly from the potential danger to Sarah (and her worry for her kidnapped son). The main characters prayed for help. Sarah struggled with viewing God as reliable due to her family relationships. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable story.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Against a Crescent Storm by A. L. Sowards

Against a Crescent Storm
by A. L. Sowards

ISBN-13: 9781639934539
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Released: November 4, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
The Balkans, 1389. Three years ago, Danilo’s people won their freedom from the hated Ottoman Empire, but with enemies on every side, the Serbs’ hard-earned peace remains fragile. Knowing the sultan will soon come for revenge, Danilo sets out to gain key allies for the coming war—and to escape the haunting grief of personal loss.

War has orphaned Maja and her brother, but they’ve moved forward from tragedy by crafting religious mosaics. Yet after being cheated and robbed, they are desperate for help. Rescue comes from Danilo, the man who once saved them from slavery to the Turks.

Danilo and Maja are soon drawn together by shared grief and affection, but complications arise on every side. A Hungarian noble suspects them of conspiracy. An Ottoman spy, Iskandar, is consumed by a vendetta against Danilo and a dangerous obsession with Maja. And a pending marriage alliance pits Danilo’s heart against his duty. As rumors of treason weaken Christian unity, hope of victory in the Balkans grows dim. Allies and enemies converge on the fields of Kosovo, where an epic battle will shape the destiny of nations for centuries to come.


My Review:
Against a Crescent Storm is a suspense/romance set in 1389 in the Balkans. It's the 3rd book in the series. It can be read as a standalone, though characters from the previous novels show up in this novel. Vivid historical and setting details were woven into the story, bringing it alive in my imagination. The main characters were engaging, complex, and felt like real people. The suspense came from various attacks on Danilo and Maja during their travels, an enemy set on killing Danilo and marrying Maja, and a major battle against an overwhelming Turkish force.

Danilo and Maja enjoyed each other's company, became friends, and helped each other. Danilo sought Maja out to talk about things that concerned him. However, Danilo has been betrothed to secure a vital military alliance that might make the difference in the upcoming battle. And Danilo had to fight in that major battle where few survived, trusting God with his future (in death or in life). There was no sex or bad language. The bad guy started to force himself on Maja twice, though it went no further than forced kissing and the knowledge that he intended to rape her. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting, suspenseful historical novel.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Deadly Trade by Sara Driscoll

Deadly Trade
by Sara Driscoll

ISBN-13: 9781496756312
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Kensington
Released: October 28, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
After a difficult assignment and the excitement of her wedding to firefighter Todd Webb, Meg is more than ready for two weeks of sun, sea, and gorgeous Hawaiian scenery. Her K-9 partner, Hawk, accompanies Meg and Todd to their resort, reveling in his celebrity status with both staff and guests. After a week of relaxation, all three are ready to get out into nature on the Big Island, where Meg and Hawk can practice search strategies.

In the remote fern forest of Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve, Hawk’s senses are on high alert. When Meg lets him leave the path, they encounter two men trapping bright birds. The poachers escape, leaving their bounty behind, and when agents from the FBI and US Fish and Wildlife arrive, they confirm that the birds are all endangered species near extinction. Super-wealthy collectors acquire them for private zoos, with no regard for the birds’ survival. Alive or dead, these beautiful creatures are merely trophies.

Meg, Todd, and Hawk join an official search using a local conservation dog to pinpoint vulnerable nesting grounds in an attempt to protect trafficked wildlife and to stop the poachers in their tracks. But beyond the threat posed by determined poachers lurks another danger—Mauna Loa, one of the island’s active volcanoes, has been grumbling, and is poised to turn this mission into their most terrifying yet.


My Review:
Deadly Trade is a K9 suspense. This book is the 10th in a series, but you don't need to read the previous books to understand this one. Meg and her K9, her FBI partner and his K9, Meg's paramedic/firefighter husband, and the expert researcher/journalist who are part of her usual team were all in on the investigation along with local law enforcement. A lot of details about rare bird trafficking were woven into the story as well as details about the setting that brought the story alive in my imagination.

The main characters were likable, interesting, and reacted realistically to events. The high suspense came from the danger from the bad guys, the tough terrain, and the increasing threat of the nearby volcano erupting. The FBI dogs tracked down the bad guys while a local K9 and his handler searched out nesting areas (where the bad guys were likely to be). The researcher looked into how the bad guys might be getting the birds off the island and where the desirable birds were most likely to be located--which was still a huge area to search. The goal: catch the bad guys, save any caught birds, and maybe even uncover the entire trafficking ring.

There was occasional use of bad language. There were no sex scenes. Overall, I'd recommend this suspenseful novel.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

On the Edge of Trust by Patricia Bradley

On the Edge of Trust
by Patricia Bradley

ISBN-13: 9780800747008
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Revell
Released: November 4, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
When decorated FBI undercover agent Scott Sinclair suffers a gunshot wound in his right arm, the injury threatens his future career in the field. He is determined to regain his former job by training himself to use his left hand, and failure is not an option--especially when he's unofficially pulled into an investigation.

Tori Alexander is a passionate crime reporter and podcaster who has dedicated her life to seeking justice. Her relentless pursuit of the truth has freed two men from prison who were falsely convicted, and when her nephew is accused of murder, nothing can stop her from getting involved and clearing his name.

Sparks ignite when Tori reconnects with Scott on the case, but she's doubtful if she can extend grace and trust. As the investigation intensifies, they find threats targeted at themselves. They'll have to combine their skills and rely on their growing relationship to outsmart the killer.


My Review:
On the Edge of Trust is a Christian romantic suspense. It's the 5th novel in a series but works as a standalone. Tori is a crime podcaster who has proven that an innocent man was sentenced for murder. She's now being attacked, but is it the angry ex-husband accused of abuse by his ex-wife on the podcast? Or her on-air declaration that she's going to find the true murderer? Or the fact she's trying to solve the murder of a friend who may have uncovered a crime? The suspense came from the repeated attacks on the main characters.

Scott and Tori liked each other and had a shared passion for justice, but Tori didn't trust that Scott wouldn't relapse into alcholism since her own dad did once with tragic results. They had to work through this lack of trust, and Tori struggled with forgiving her dad. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this novel to suspense fans.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

The Royal Artisan by Tessa Afshar

The Royal Artisan
by Tessa Afshar

ISBN-13: 9780764243707
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Released: November 4, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Sazana of Persia creates exquisite pottery that graces Susa's finest tables, but her employer, Lord Haman, does not know Sazana is one of the Jews he despises. When Haman discovers her true identity, he forces her into indentured servitude. In an unexpected reversal, at Haman's downfall, Queen Esther becomes the new master of the pottery workshop, restoring Sazana to her rightful place. But her troubles are not over. The loss of their inheritance has enraged Haman's ten sons, so the queen assigns one of her men to the workshop, posing undercover to root out any spies.

Sazana is shocked to discover that the queen's agent is none other than the man who left her heart in ruins years ago. On assignment from the queen, Jadon safeguards the workshop, yet the situation escalates with the need to discover an ancient artifact. Can Jadon and Sazana work through past heartache and unearth the secrets that will allow them to thwart the impending tragedy threatening their people?


My Review:
The Royal Artisan is a Christian historical romance set at the time of Queen Esther. There's some mystery, too, as there's a hidden document that Sazana's parents and guardian hid, but they didn't tell her the location of the document (except in vague hints) before they died. Queen Esther believes that document will help protect the Jews. Esther and Sazana both lost their parents as children and took on Persian names to hide their Jewish heritage. When Esther is given the pottery workshop at Haman's downfall, the two women meet and become friends. The search for the document brings danger, and Jadon's assigned to help and protect Sazana.

Jadon broke a betrothal with Sazana years ago because he felt he shouldn't have children. Only he didn't tell Sazana why, leaving her feeling unlovable. They had to work through this pain, and Jadon had to find the courage to explain why he broke off the betrothal. The main characters were likable and acted realistically to events. Sazana and Jadon supported and cared for each other. Historical details about pottery-making and the dangerous time they were living in (accurate to the Bible account) brought the story alive in my imagination.

The Christian theme was trusting God with an unknown future. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting historical romance.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Prowl by Colleen Coble

Prowl
by Colleen Coble

ISBN-13: 9780840714374
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Released: November 4, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
When a worker at the Sanctuary is discovered dead in the tiger enclosure, authorities assume the big cat killed her. But when the autopsy shows she was killed by a lethal dose of anesthetic delivered by a tranquilizer gun, suspicion falls on Blake Lawson, co-owner of the Sanctuary. Blake has his hands full trying to clear his name as well as get the Sanctuary finances back in the black. When a soil test turns up traces of rare earth, he's even more puzzled. Is someone trying to run them out of business to get to whatever is under the ground?

Meanwhile, wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden is determined to find the brother she only recently learned even existed. When the results of the DNA test she ran mysteriously disappear from her portal before she can read them, she realizes someone must not want her to know the truth. A break-in at her new apartment is alarming, but she tries to pass it off as someone trying to scare her away. She refuses to turn tail and run when she is desperate for answers.

For Blake, the only solid ground is his relationship with Paradise, and he longs to propose--but how can they even think about starting a life together with so many forces working against them?


My Review:
Prowl is a Christian romantic suspense. This is the second book in a series and continues the story of the main characters in the previous book. However, you can understand this story if you haven't read the previous book.

There were several mysteries that Paradise and Blake were trying to solve: the past murder of Paradise's parents, the person currently threatening Paradise, and who killed the worker at the Sanctuary and why? Paradise and Blake asked questions, found clues, and passed any evidence on to law enforcement that were on their side (as the main detective for the murder had a grudge against Blake). I didn't strongly suspect the non-obvious whodunit until nearly the end but did wonder why Paradise just let a clue drop which hinted at whodunit's involvement. The murder of Paradise's parents' remained unsolved by the end but much of what was happening at the Sanctuary was solved and stopped.

The main characters were likable and reacted realistically to events. The suspense came from the danger from the attacks on Paradise. Blake and Paradise genuinely wanted to help and support the other. Blake and Paradise struggled with trusting God with an uncertain future. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting novel.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Rescued Heart by Angela Hunt

Rescued Heart
by Angela Hunt

ISBN-13: 9780764245176
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Bethany House
Released: October 7, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
In Ur of the Chaldeans, Ishcah is old to be a bride when she marries Abram, a man she has never met and who renames her Sarai on their wedding day. Their union, arranged since childhood, tests her as she grapples with Abram's sole devotion to an unseen God--entirely unlike the idols she has worshiped all her life. When Abram reveals that Adonai has promised to make his descendants into a great nation, Sarai chooses to trust him and follow his God. As the years pass without conceiving a child, Sarai wrestles with doubt and faith within her marriage. Her skepticism that their descendants will "outnumber the stars" grows with time. It will take nothing short of a miracle to prove Adonai's faithfulness to His promise.


My Review:
Rescued Heart is a story of Abram and Sarai. While some parts of the Bible account are used, it's largely based on the account given in the book of Jasher. The original book of Jasher was lost, and, to quote Grokipedia, "Numerous forgeries purporting to be rediscovered copies of this lost book have been written." Angela Hunt admits she doesn't know it's accurate, yet she chose to go with a version of Jasher that she found even when it conflicted with the Bible. For example, Sarah is Abram's half-sister in the Bible (Genesis 20:12: "Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father though not of my mother.") but is Abram's niece in the book of Jasher.

Angela decided to make Sarai Abram's niece. Staying true to the Bible account would have meant going with half-sister, but she treated the book of Jasher as having the greater accuracy. There were several places where the Bible is clear about what happened but Angela chose to use the book of Jasher instead. I was very disappointed with this.

Unfortunately, I didn't even like Sarai. She's self-centered, wanting her own way and hurting others in the process until the day she died. I expected a story of Sarai's growth in her faith and relationships, lessons learned and things like that. Nope. She started strong in her faith in Abram's God after He saved Abram from dying when thrown into a deadly-hot, fiery furnace, but she quickly fell into self-pity and lack of trust after that. She died trying to go after Abram to stop him from killing Isaac--after Abram lied about what he was doing (traveling to relatives so Isaac could learn from Shem about God) but a "prophet" told Sarah that Abram was going to kill Isaac. So not really the type of story I was looking for.

There were no sex scenes or bad language.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.