Pursued by Mary Alford

Pursued Reviews

• 
  Agnieszka

  All books are Christian romantic suspense
  
  #1:
  Nowhere to Run by
  Mary Alford 2* 7/18-19/22 (192) (Love on the Run #1 - no other book followed in five years)
  NYC & Spruce Glen, New York; Longboat Key & Devils Key, Florida; Dr. Jordan Scott aka Jayne Sinclair, Riley Donovan; Caesar Santiago; pediatrician & detective
  romantic suspense, betrayal, grief, love on the run/in hiding, insta-love
  
  It was a strong 3* book most of the story, could easily become 4* with some editorial work - needs urgently editor (or at least a good proofreader). The awfully unrealistic and cheesy ending (the last chapter & so-called epilogue) destroyed the story for me so in the end it's only 2 stars. The characters were likeable and had a lot of potiential, though mostly unused as well, their relationship was very ambivalent and stayed that way until the very end. There were also too many things regarding the character's faith that didn't work out or contradicting, which bothered me even more vengence & self-sufficience were two main treats of the characters until the very end and way too many typos.
  The book was originally planned as first in series, though no further books followed in five years. I have other of her books in various book sets and won't give up on this author yet, though not sure I'll look forward to those books as well - good challenge task fillers but nothing more right now.
  
  
  #2:
  Imperfect by
  Christy Barritt ?* ?/?/22 (258) stand alone
  Perfect, ?; Morgan Blake; author
  mystery, grief
  
  #3:
  The Unrelenting Tide by
  Lynnette Bonner 3.5* 9/6-14/22 (269) Islands of Intrigue: San Juans #1
  San Juan Islands of the Pacific Northwest; L.A. (very minor); Devynne 'Dev' Lang Shania Hane, Carcen Lang; former actress & sherif
  romantic suspense, stalking, new/false identity, life on the run/in hiding, single parent/guardian
  
  Another promising work that could’ve been very good but lacked the finish/professional editor/proofreader.
  I liked the three main characters - especially the four-year-old - enough I suffered through the errors and plot holes/inconsistencies. The story started with a bang, stayed suspenseful most of the first two thirds only to become rather mediocre and very predictable in the last third. The emotions and inner monologues are very realistic and mostly fitting the situations and danger, the development of characters and plot were a bit too unpredictable for my taste (I’m not a big fan of the three-steps-forward-and-two-steps-back approach) but tried.
  I guessed the stalker’s identity almost immediately after his introduction, let myself become insecure (look up a better fitting word!) by a second character only to go back to my original conviction - which is a characteristic of a good suspense story in my opinion.
  I liked the general writing style of the author and would’ve loved the novel if it were of better quality.
  I still plan to give this ‘series’ and author a second chance but doubt It will happen very soon.
  
  
  #4:
  Saving Grace by
  Lesley Ann McDaniel ?* 12/?/22 (386) Madison Falls #1
  Madison Falls, Montana; Tracy Fontaine aka Grace Addison; former opera singer
  romantic suspense, stalking, new/false identity, life on the run/in hiding, love triangle
  
  #5:
  Prey by
  Lisa Phillips 4* 11/29-30/22 (175) Denver FBI #2
  Buckshot & Denver, Colorado; (very minor: San Francisco); Mark Heyland, Samantha Kurter; accountant & sheriff's deputy
  romantic suspense, insta-love, single parent/guardian, kidnapping/hostage
  
  The best book in this book set (so far) and the last in a very short but intense series. A lot of action and turns, dealing with difficult issues and an inta-love story I didn't hate (no fan of this trope) but it worked this this time most likely because it didn't fell as if the two character knew each other for all of five minutes before they decide to marry.
  Some minor issues were left unresolved but all in all it's another good story by this author.
  
  
  #6:
  Identity Theft by
  Alana Terry 3* 8/5-6/22 (155) Alaskan Refuge #1
  Glennallen & Anchorage, Alaska; safe house in Texas (very minor); Lacy aka Jo, Kurtis & Raphael (no last names); kindergarden teacher, Alaska state trooper, artist
  mystery with romance elements, on the run/in hiding (witness protection), betrayal, single parent, love triangle
  
  I loved the previous book by this author so much I had pretty high expectation for this story. Unfrotunatelly I struggled very much with the characters, guessed correctly most of the turns and didn't care very much for the proportions of the plot (very long build-up/introduction/warm-up with a very short actual suspense part and a sudden and drawn out ending)
  I loved the Alaska setting and the trooper's daughter very much (my favorite character). Another plus there weren't too many typos and no obvious plot issues.
  I realised recently I have all three books in this series in various book sets so I plan to read all of them before I decide if I'll stick with this author or keep her other books for challenge purposes only.
  
  
  #7: Homecoming Homicide by
  Virginia Vaughan ?* ?/?/22 (203) stand alone?
  ?; Kim & Mike Clarkson; ? & homicide detective
  mystery?,
  *
• 
  Deeann Zessin

  Pursued: A Christian Romantic Suspense collection
  
  Overall = 4.58 stars
  I enjoyed all of the stories even though several were a little skimpy (to say the least) on romance.
  
  
  NOWHERE TO RUN by MARY ALFORD:
  
  When you don’t know which way to turn, the most dangerous place to fall is in love…
  Surrounded by death and lies, the last thing Dr. Jordan Scott needs is to fall in love.
  Jordan thought she knew her boyfriend better than anyone…until a Detective Riley Donovan confronts her with the truth about her brother’s death. His murder was no random act of violence. And Caesar is the prime suspect, which puts her directly in the path of danger.
  
  
  
  
  
  4.5 Stars
  Fast paced and action packed right from the beginning. The characters are introduced quickly and efficiently and are very likable. I liked the suspense, the twists and the romance. I’m looking forward to checking out more of Mary Alford’s books.
  
  
  IMPERFECT by CHRISTY BARRITT:
  
  A book signing in the mountain town of Perfect seems just like what novelist Morgan Blake needs to revive her creative juices. Her trip there takes a wrong turn when she’s involved in a hit and run—she’s hit a man, and he’s run from the scene. Before fleeing, he mouthed the word “help.” Once in town, she searches for answers about the man’s identity. But the deeper she digs, the more she suspects she was lured to town for an ulterior purpose. Only one man can help her . . . if he survives in time to reach her.
  
  
  4.5 Stars
  The writing itself is very good. I did spend the first half of the story wondering if anything was ever going to happen, but then the pace picked up and I couldn’t put it down. There is plenty of suspense and some twists. That said. Even though it was a well written story, it wasn’t really for me. I found the town very creepy and didn’t really care for any of the town’s folk. I also found the idea of one person having two identities without being noticed confusing. I rated this book on the quality of the story rather than my personal preferences.
  
  
  
  THE UNRELENTING TIDE by LYNNETTE BONNER:
  
  Widowed former-Hollywood-actress Devynne Lang has been living a quiet life in the San Juan Islands of the Pacific Northwest. For years, she's hoped her fabricated death would keep her identity safe from the public, and more to the point, from the stalker who forced her into hiding. But strange things have been happening around her place and this time, with a daughter to protect, she can’t afford one mistake – even if it means letting Carcen Lang get close enough to help.
  
  5 Stars
  Likable characters, fast paced, mystery, the right amount of angst and a bit of faith. So who is this mysterious and dangerous stalker? There are so many suspects. My only con of this story was the portrayal of the nurse in the Seattle hospital; it felt as though she was stereotyped. I don’t believe they speak like that in Seattle, Alabama maybe but not Seattle. Otherwise, I look forward to checking out more of her books.
  
  
  
  SAVING GRACE by LESLEY ANN McDANIEL:
  
  When an obsessive fan forces opera singer Tracy Fontaine to change her name to Grace Addison and go into hiding in a small Montana town, the last thing she wants is to get to know the locals. Now, not one but two men have worked their way into her daily routine, much to the chagrin of a jealous local girl, who insists on prying into Grace’s past and stirring up deadly trouble. Will Grace find love in Madison Falls…or will her stalker find her?
  
  4.55 Stars
  I really love the faith and redemption in this story and I would love to be able to give it a full 5 stars. I do plan to check out more by this author. The only issue I have is the slow 1st half (+) of the book. It felt like nothing really happened until the 29th chapter (29 of 43). Though there is a minor twist or two, it is fairly easy to anticipate, but I’m okay with that. I would have like to see a bit more romance rather than so much of this person liking that person who likes that person who thinks that person likes a particular person. … yep – more than a triangle. The characters are, for the most part, likable. Though everything is through Grace’s viewpoint, so some of the depth of the characters is sacrificed. That said. It is a very inviting town that temps you to want to live there.
  
  
  
  
  PREY by LISA PHILLIPS:
  
  Mark Heyland is on the run with a flash drive of information...and his sister. His past is catching up, and they need the help of the sibling they've never met.
  Samantha Kurter is a sheriff's deputy in Buckshot, Colorado. But even being a former Marine isn't going to help when a dangerous criminal abducts the sheriff's long lost brother.
  Lives are on the line and loyalty is tested as Samantha's daughter is put in danger. How will they survive a night being hunted as prey?
  
  4.5 stars
  Love that God is the hero here. Good story, ample action and danger. No real romance - just hints of attraction. Add in some actual romance and the story would be nearly perfect. That and give a little closer to some unanswered questions - like who the insider was. I thought I had it figured out, but apparently was wrong.
  
  
  IDENTITY THEFT by ALANA TERRY:
  
  After a devastating accident stole her fiancé and robbed her of a normal life, Lacy does what she can to move on. It’s hard enough living in Glennallen, Alaska with its negative-fifty-degree winters and mosquito-ravaged summers. Things get even more complicated when she meets Kurtis, an Alaska state trooper, and his delightful four-year-old daughter who would love nothing more than to make Lacy her new mom.
  A traumatized past makes it hard for Lacy to commit to this new relationship, especially since she can’t shake the nagging suspicion that her fiancé isn’t dead like the police reports claim. All she wants is closure, but as she seeks out real answers, she discovers how deadly the truth can actually be.
  
  4 stars
  Nice and unusual story. The story seems to be contrasting a quiet living faith with a vocal empty faith. I didn’t find out enough about the person’s quiet living faith to really know how strong his faith is. It is a good story though and I enjoyed the twists and mystery.
  
  
  
  HOMECOMING HOMICIDE by VIRGINIA VAUGHAN:
  
  When a case of mistaken identity has Kim Clarkson accused of a crime she did not commit, she must rely on her newfound faith and the investigative skills of her husband, homicide detective Mike Clarkson, the man whose heart she broke—and hopes to win back—in order to see her name cleared. He’ll have to look past his own pain and distrust to uncover the truth and protect Kim from the real killer who is determined to see her blamed at any cost.
  
  
  5 stars
  This story truly glorified God. The faith and redemption was very realistic and I enjoyed this story very much. I will be looking at more by this author. I would have liked to have seen a bit more romance. He wondered if she still had passion, but that was left unsaid. Christian are sexual beings too.
  
• 
  Sharon

  Nowhere to Run by Mary Alford ** It Was Okay
  There were a number of elements in this book that didn't come across as very believable to me. It fell short, for me, too, os a "Christian" book. Ignoring both of those impacts, the suspense and the romance do have some entertainment value.
  
  Imperfect by Christy Barritt *** I Liked It
  I've read this before… under the title "The Trouble With Perfect." I may be tempted to just skim through bits that I remember, except it's been about five years since I've read it and I don't remember all that much. The first time I reviewed this book all I wrote was "shades of Gothic Romance" and I think it still fits... because Perfect is just plain creepy-crawling with very unwholesome vibes. The suspense is nearly killing.
  
  The Unrelenting Tide by Lynnette Bonner **** I (still) Really Liked It
  Read this one, too. I guess I must have bought this boxed set because it was very inexpensive and there was at least one book that I haven't already read. I sure didn't remember as much of this as I first thought with many of the spoilers just popping into my memory only as scenes were already unfolding; so, this second time reading wasn't really spoiled at all and I was thoroughly entertained.
  
  Saving Grace by Lesley Ann McDaniel ** It Was Okay
  It took me awhile but I realised I've read this one, too. I actually think I remember quite a bit of this one. It is an okay story but I didn't really relate to the lead character and I found a number of the elements of the story a bit unbelievable.
  
  Prey by Lisa Phillips **** I Really Liked It
  This book can be read as a stand alone but the story is enriched if it is read as Book 3 in the Denver FBI series after "Target" and "Bait". The names "Nadia and Bolton," tossed into the narrative, very loosely connect this book to the Sanctuary series, specifically Book 4: Sanctuary Deceived. I was thoroughly entertained by this book with its realistic characters, plot twists and romantic element.
  
  Identity Theft by Alana Terry
  This is another book that I read quite some time ago. I skimmed through my previous bookmarks and highlights and decided that I didn't really want to read it again, just now. I'll let my previous rating for it stand unchanged: ** It Was Okay From the beginning this book had a quite different tone to it than the previous books in this collection. I did not like the lead female character but the back story was intriguing enough to keep me reading. In the end the character development was satisfying and I was happy with the ending of the story.
  
  Homecoming Homicide by Virginia Vaughan **** I Really Liked It
  This book is full of Christian principles, practices, beliefs and testimony. That really enhanced my enjoyment of this book. It has believable characters, witty dialogue and an intriguing plot.
• 
  MarleneJS

  Awesome set of mysteries
  
  This set of books included some Id read already but still couldn't put down. Some are just clean fiction while others examine faith in the midst of crisis The only problem I had with it was the organization as it had no contents and author listing at the beginning. Needed for such a large set
• 
  Sheila Schreiber

  Good christian reads
  
  Most of these books were good christian stories with real life struggles and doubts as we humans do. But ultimately God's love a nd Grace bring them through
• 
  Kay Fief

  Was hard to follow at first , but it is starting to make some sense. Not sure if I like it or not. Will hang in there a little longer.
  
• 
  judy koepsell

  Very Good
  
  Enjoyed this story better than most I've read. It is down to earth and being from the far north I related to details and location, ah . . . memories.
• 
  Sandra Allred

  Enjoyed the collection. Some were too short and some a little unbelievable but all in all good clean reading. I will be looking up some of the authors for more of their books.
• 
  DeeAnn Christensen

  A good collection.
  
  All of the books in this collection were quite well written. I enjoyed each one. Would like to be able to do this more often. Thanks.
• 
  jenny reed

  Loved this book
  
  I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. I definitely recommend this book to anyone that enjoys this type of reading.
• 
  Tina Middleton

  Each of the authors in this set wrote compelling stories of suspense. I can see my self re-reading this set in the not too distant future.
• 
  Peni

  Please see individual stories for review.
• 
  Elizabeth Kling

  Great short stories
  
  This was really fun. A way to be introduced to new authors ...new to me. An inexpensive way to test the waters. All the stories were excellent. Well written. Full of suspense, whodunit. Amazing how well the characters were developed in such a short story. Beautiful way to find hope in God's grace thru flawed people (as we all are) and done in a natural believable way, not forced or preachy. I highly recommend this boxed set. I laughed and i cried and i was inspired. What more could i ask for?