As a forensic genealogist, Willow Anderson is following in her late grandfather's footsteps in her quest for answers about a baby abducted from the hospital more than twenty years ago. The case may be cold, but things are about to heat up when someone makes an attempt on her life to keep her from discovering the truth. Ex-FBI agent--and Willow's ex-flame--Austin McKade readily offers his help to protect the woman he never should have let get away. Together they'll follow where the clues lead them, even if it means Austin must face the past he's spent much of his life trying to forget. And even if it puts Willow's tender heart at risk. In this fast-paced and emotional page-turner, bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard keeps the stakes high, the romantic tension sparking, and the outcome uncertain until the very end.
Never Let Go by Elizabeth GoddardMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Elizabeth Goddard has written a book that lives up to its title because 'Never Let Go' grabs your attention from page one and it is hard to put it down! The prologue introduces us to an event that occurred twenty-one years ago and it is a cold case that has never been solved. Now, in the present, forensic genealogist Willow Anderson is determined to try one last time to find a baby girl that was stolen from a hospital in Houston and never returned to her mother. It is a case that Willow's grandfather intended to look into before his sudden death and Willow feels an obligation to help the still grieving mother who is now facing death from leukemia. The sudden appearance of Willow's former boyfriend Austin McKade seems very awkward but she soon realizes that she needs his FBI experience and expertise to continue. Their partnership quickly reveals that the feelings they once shared are still very much alive!
I enjoyed the apparent romantic tension between Willow and Austin. Willow wants to trust him but her past hurt runs deep. It is only when she continues to be threatened that Willow realizes that Austin is the only one who can protect her and help her to find this young woman. Austin still loves Willow but he has a secret that keeps him from sharing his true feelings. It is only when his secret is revealed at the latter part of this book that we can understand his initial reluctance to help Willow with this search.
There are so many things to love about this story! It has circumstances that I could never have imagined and there are unseen threats and almost non-stop danger. Secrets are finally uncovered but I was kept guessing until the very end just who was behind all of the threats and who was responsible for the kidnapping twenty-one years ago. I wasn't familiar with forensic genealogy so this was an intriguing element and I also enjoyed learning about the Jackson Hole region of Wyoming and the Bridger-Teton National Forest, the area where much of the story takes place. But most of all, I loved the strong faith element running throughout the plot. Talking with God is often mentioned and one example is as Willow tries to escape from an assailant.
"Help me, God! Help me get away. Someone has to live to tell the story." And a short time later, Willow again prays. "I'm doing the best I can and it's not enough. Jesus, help me!"
You will definitely want to read this book if you enjoy romantic suspense and Christian fiction. 'Never Let Go' by Elizabeth Goddard gets 5 stars from me and I look forward to the next book in this Uncommon Justice series that will allow Austin's brother Heath McKade to have his own story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Revell Publishing but I was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. These are my own opinions.
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