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Recommend this book:
Where Are You, Caleb?
A Novel
Christa St. Germain
2026 Finalist
245 Pages
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Christian - Thriller
Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite
After marrying her high school sweetheart, settling in Milford Falls, New York, and giving birth to three beautiful kids, everything in Diane Hart’s life seemed to be going well, until it wasn’t. It all begins with the tragic demise of her husband. Then shortly after, the mysterious disappearance of her lastborn child, her only son, Caleb. All the efforts from both Diane’s family and the community to search for Caleb prove futile, as no one comes up with a clue as to his whereabouts. Years pass, and Diane is forced to follow her two now-grown daughters to South Carolina as they launch their careers. It is then that one of the girls’ former classmates, now a detective, reopens an investigation into Caleb’s case. What happened to Caleb? Find out in Christa St. Germain’s Where Are You, Caleb?
Lovers of Christian fantasy adventure novels with a touch of family drama, suspense, and thrills will find Christa St. Germain’s Where Are You, Caleb? an enthralling read. Running the storyline on a multi-perspective timeline, St. Germain anchors the plot in a wistful and poignant tale of love, loss, grief, betrayal, resentment, anger, trauma, resilience, hope, and more. The sentimental edge accompanying the narration allowed me to experience the feelings of the characters. It felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster. The juxtaposition of their complex traits made it easy to connect with them. The story reveals the ugly side of grief and how it tears not only an individual, but also a family apart. However, it reassures the bereaved that their loved ones are in a better place.
After marrying her high school sweetheart, settling in Milford Falls, New York, and giving birth to three beautiful kids, everything in Diane Hart’s life seemed to be going well, until it wasn’t. It all begins with the tragic demise of her husband. Then shortly after, the mysterious disappearance of her lastborn child, her only son, Caleb. All the efforts from both Diane’s family and the community to search for Caleb prove futile, as no one comes up with a clue as to his whereabouts. Years pass, and Diane is forced to follow her two now-grown daughters to South Carolina as they launch their careers. It is then that one of the girls’ former classmates, now a detective, reopens an investigation into Caleb’s case. What happened to Caleb? Find out in Christa St. Germain’s Where Are You, Caleb?
Lovers of Christian fantasy adventure novels with a touch of family drama, suspense, and thrills will find Christa St. Germain’s Where Are You, Caleb? an enthralling read. Running the storyline on a multi-perspective timeline, St. Germain anchors the plot in a wistful and poignant tale of love, loss, grief, betrayal, resentment, anger, trauma, resilience, hope, and more. The sentimental edge accompanying the narration allowed me to experience the feelings of the characters. It felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster. The juxtaposition of their complex traits made it easy to connect with them. The story reveals the ugly side of grief and how it tears not only an individual, but also a family apart. However, it reassures the bereaved that their loved ones are in a better place.
Recommend this book:
10910
An Allegorical Christian Thriller
Nick Samra
2026 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Christian - Thriller
Reviewed by K T Bowes for Readers' Favorite
In 10910 by Nick Samra, The Dark Prophet peddles the drug 10910, creating a dangerous epidemic and sucking ordinary people into its addictive allure. One scientist stands in his way, scarred by another’s addiction and willing to put himself on the line to prevent the drug’s systematic swallowing of vulnerable communities. When a serial killer nicknamed The Hobbler wreaks misery across the US, he becomes the epitome of the evil associated with 10910. He murders adolescents and desecrates their bodies, claiming one of their feet as a trophy. Paul Topasteehl has a vision of what’s coming, a slow, painful destruction of humanity. While dedicated police officer Brad Labradine pursues The Hobbler across America, with the covert help of a psychic, Paul turns to science and powerful politics to defeat the chemical enemy. But when The Hobbler comes after Brad’s psychic ally and Paul uncovers a traitor in his camp, all hope for the innocents seems lost.
The novel 10910 is a clever allegorical Christian thriller which begins with a seed sown on fertile ground in the character of Rachel. Nick Samra presents a thrilling murder mystery filled with biblical clues. I loved the hidden anagram of ‘the apostle’ for Paul’s surname and the dichotomy of his likeness to both Herod and Saul. The name of the drug at the heart of the narrative is particularly artful. The title 10910 relates to Romans 10:9, verse 10, which states that ‘‘God has set everything right between him and me!’ Samra injects incredible depth into the plot, combining multiple points of view as the story progresses. I thought Samra wrote skillfully in recognizing how the world blames believers for all the worst parts of humanity, particularly in his portrayal of The Dark Prophet as the evil mastermind behind an organized drug cartel. It’s a fantastically ambitious Christian novel that certainly kept my mind spinning, because absolutely nothing is as it seems.
In 10910 by Nick Samra, The Dark Prophet peddles the drug 10910, creating a dangerous epidemic and sucking ordinary people into its addictive allure. One scientist stands in his way, scarred by another’s addiction and willing to put himself on the line to prevent the drug’s systematic swallowing of vulnerable communities. When a serial killer nicknamed The Hobbler wreaks misery across the US, he becomes the epitome of the evil associated with 10910. He murders adolescents and desecrates their bodies, claiming one of their feet as a trophy. Paul Topasteehl has a vision of what’s coming, a slow, painful destruction of humanity. While dedicated police officer Brad Labradine pursues The Hobbler across America, with the covert help of a psychic, Paul turns to science and powerful politics to defeat the chemical enemy. But when The Hobbler comes after Brad’s psychic ally and Paul uncovers a traitor in his camp, all hope for the innocents seems lost.
The novel 10910 is a clever allegorical Christian thriller which begins with a seed sown on fertile ground in the character of Rachel. Nick Samra presents a thrilling murder mystery filled with biblical clues. I loved the hidden anagram of ‘the apostle’ for Paul’s surname and the dichotomy of his likeness to both Herod and Saul. The name of the drug at the heart of the narrative is particularly artful. The title 10910 relates to Romans 10:9, verse 10, which states that ‘‘God has set everything right between him and me!’ Samra injects incredible depth into the plot, combining multiple points of view as the story progresses. I thought Samra wrote skillfully in recognizing how the world blames believers for all the worst parts of humanity, particularly in his portrayal of The Dark Prophet as the evil mastermind behind an organized drug cartel. It’s a fantastically ambitious Christian novel that certainly kept my mind spinning, because absolutely nothing is as it seems.
Recommend this book:
Utter Darkness
Tony Knapp
2026 Bronze Medal
297 Pages
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Christian - Thriller
Reviewed by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite
In Utter Darkness by Tony Knapp, former FBI agent Ryan Fletcher from Seattle, Washington, becomes the new chief of police in the small town of Cedar Grove, Tennessee. Fletcher thought he was able to walk away from the nightmare that still haunts him, but it seems to have followed him. When a child is abducted, Ryan treats it seriously and takes all the help he can get to find this little girl. The retired police chief offers to help Ryan and leads him to a place where he must face the demons he left behind in Seattle. Ryan faces spiritual warfare, which requires him to trust his new co-workers and community, though someone in his crowd is making deals with the devil that could jeopardize the safety of the children, as well as Ryan.
Tony Knapp took a key character from his Hawk McCullough series and created Utter Darkness, featuring Ryan Fletcher, Hawk McCullough’s partner in Seattle. This is a case where the evil surrounding an FBI agent becomes too much, so he changes location to a quiet southern town. Each chapter and section leaves you hanging on as the characters are searching for clues, facing danger, or praying for deliverance. The characters are split into warriors, saints, and demons; at times, you’re not sure which is which. This is a supernatural thriller at its best, with psychological elements at play. I often thought of Frank Peretti’s books as I glimpsed the unseen realm through the author's eyes. This is by far one of the best books I have read, and I look forward to reading more from Tony Knapp.
In Utter Darkness by Tony Knapp, former FBI agent Ryan Fletcher from Seattle, Washington, becomes the new chief of police in the small town of Cedar Grove, Tennessee. Fletcher thought he was able to walk away from the nightmare that still haunts him, but it seems to have followed him. When a child is abducted, Ryan treats it seriously and takes all the help he can get to find this little girl. The retired police chief offers to help Ryan and leads him to a place where he must face the demons he left behind in Seattle. Ryan faces spiritual warfare, which requires him to trust his new co-workers and community, though someone in his crowd is making deals with the devil that could jeopardize the safety of the children, as well as Ryan.
Tony Knapp took a key character from his Hawk McCullough series and created Utter Darkness, featuring Ryan Fletcher, Hawk McCullough’s partner in Seattle. This is a case where the evil surrounding an FBI agent becomes too much, so he changes location to a quiet southern town. Each chapter and section leaves you hanging on as the characters are searching for clues, facing danger, or praying for deliverance. The characters are split into warriors, saints, and demons; at times, you’re not sure which is which. This is a supernatural thriller at its best, with psychological elements at play. I often thought of Frank Peretti’s books as I glimpsed the unseen realm through the author's eyes. This is by far one of the best books I have read, and I look forward to reading more from Tony Knapp.
Recommend this book:
The Hidden Face of God
A Near-Future AI Thriller
R.A. Williams
2026 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Christian - Thriller
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
The Hidden Face of God by R.A. Williams is a near-future AI thriller set in 2038. Cybersecurity expert David Bishop expects danger to remain behind computer screens, but a favor for his pastor pulls him into something far more serious. When a website about the Shroud of Turin is mysteriously destroyed, David discovers that nearly every Shroud-related site has been targeted and erased. After he isolates a viral worm and restores the site, the attacks turn personal. David and Seattle detective Jordan Hernandez become trapped in a conspiracy involving a rogue artificial intelligence that wants to wipe out the Shroud and the evidence connected to Christ’s resurrection. While trying to stop it, David must balance his faith, duty, and feelings for Jordan as the threat expands into a struggle for technological power.
Author R.A. Williams' captivating and intriguing novel combines themes of religion, science, and suspense successfully. David is a fantastic protagonist. He is intelligent, talented, and conflicted about the rogue AI, but he handles the situations very smartly. Jordan, on the other hand, adds strength and emotional stability for David. I loved how Williams ensures that despite the topic and theme of the novel, the characters remained human to a fault. It made them easier to connect with and understand. The rogue artificial intelligence seems disturbingly real with its logical actions and lack of emotions. The novel presents a very plausible version of a future that can actually happen. The Shroud of Turin was a nice touch to add mystery and suspense to the plot. I loved the emotional highs of the story, and how the author did justice to David’s feelings for Jordan, and enabled readers to enjoy their journey. Highly recommended!
The Hidden Face of God by R.A. Williams is a near-future AI thriller set in 2038. Cybersecurity expert David Bishop expects danger to remain behind computer screens, but a favor for his pastor pulls him into something far more serious. When a website about the Shroud of Turin is mysteriously destroyed, David discovers that nearly every Shroud-related site has been targeted and erased. After he isolates a viral worm and restores the site, the attacks turn personal. David and Seattle detective Jordan Hernandez become trapped in a conspiracy involving a rogue artificial intelligence that wants to wipe out the Shroud and the evidence connected to Christ’s resurrection. While trying to stop it, David must balance his faith, duty, and feelings for Jordan as the threat expands into a struggle for technological power.
Author R.A. Williams' captivating and intriguing novel combines themes of religion, science, and suspense successfully. David is a fantastic protagonist. He is intelligent, talented, and conflicted about the rogue AI, but he handles the situations very smartly. Jordan, on the other hand, adds strength and emotional stability for David. I loved how Williams ensures that despite the topic and theme of the novel, the characters remained human to a fault. It made them easier to connect with and understand. The rogue artificial intelligence seems disturbingly real with its logical actions and lack of emotions. The novel presents a very plausible version of a future that can actually happen. The Shroud of Turin was a nice touch to add mystery and suspense to the plot. I loved the emotional highs of the story, and how the author did justice to David’s feelings for Jordan, and enabled readers to enjoy their journey. Highly recommended!
Recommend this book:
The Basement Angel
LeeAnn McChristian
2026 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Christian - Thriller
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
In The Basement Angel by LeeAnn McChristian, a sixty-three-year-old widower in North Texas robs a small town bank after financial strain and years of isolation following the deaths of his wife, Elizabeth, and daughter, Amanda Joy. Fleeing the police, he hides in the basement workshop of a Denison home where ten-year-old Janie lives with her mother, Beth, and her siblings. The basement still has the unfinished bedroom that Janie’s father, John, planned to build before his fatal fall down the stairs. While concealing his identity, the man begins repairing the broken railing and completing the room in secret. Janie discovers him and believes he has been sent to help her family. As she brings him food and shares her father’s Bible, their hidden arrangement draws them toward a moment that will alter both of their lives.
LeeAnn McChristian’s The Basement Angel is a beautiful Christian literary novel that links two completely different households, unknowingly, in grief. It is really hard to make that feeling of grief transcend the page, but McChristian achieves it. I admit I got a bit choked up when I remembered the phone call in which a grown man dropped to the kitchen floor because his legs would not hold him. That physical trauma contrasts with a little girl standing beside a carved wooden doll's cradle, speaking softly to a man she believes may have been sent by heaven. Janie is fully-fleshed out. I love that she crawls through winter hedges, brings sandwiches, and feels guilt over a torn sleeve and a lie that feels enormous in her small world. She chooses to see grace where other people see a threat, and that perspective has the potential for a mass catalyst. For readers who enjoy well-written stories about repentance, responsibility, and faith in ordinary people, this book will speak straight to them. Recommended.
In The Basement Angel by LeeAnn McChristian, a sixty-three-year-old widower in North Texas robs a small town bank after financial strain and years of isolation following the deaths of his wife, Elizabeth, and daughter, Amanda Joy. Fleeing the police, he hides in the basement workshop of a Denison home where ten-year-old Janie lives with her mother, Beth, and her siblings. The basement still has the unfinished bedroom that Janie’s father, John, planned to build before his fatal fall down the stairs. While concealing his identity, the man begins repairing the broken railing and completing the room in secret. Janie discovers him and believes he has been sent to help her family. As she brings him food and shares her father’s Bible, their hidden arrangement draws them toward a moment that will alter both of their lives.
LeeAnn McChristian’s The Basement Angel is a beautiful Christian literary novel that links two completely different households, unknowingly, in grief. It is really hard to make that feeling of grief transcend the page, but McChristian achieves it. I admit I got a bit choked up when I remembered the phone call in which a grown man dropped to the kitchen floor because his legs would not hold him. That physical trauma contrasts with a little girl standing beside a carved wooden doll's cradle, speaking softly to a man she believes may have been sent by heaven. Janie is fully-fleshed out. I love that she crawls through winter hedges, brings sandwiches, and feels guilt over a torn sleeve and a lie that feels enormous in her small world. She chooses to see grace where other people see a threat, and that perspective has the potential for a mass catalyst. For readers who enjoy well-written stories about repentance, responsibility, and faith in ordinary people, this book will speak straight to them. Recommended.
Recommend this book:
Dreams and Illusions
A Gabrielle Dorian Mystery #1
Rebecca Olmstead
2025 Finalist
251 Pages
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Christian - Thriller
Reviewed by Foram Vyas for Readers' Favorite
As a big fan of murder mysteries, I have to say Dreams and Illusions by Rebecca Olmstead is a real page-turner! The story centers around Gabrielle Dorian, who’s grappling with a crisis of faith after a series of personal tragedies. Just as she’s trying to make sense of her prophetic dreams and the losses she couldn’t prevent, she’s pulled into a new nightmare—her estranged sister is accused of murder. The plot thickens as Gabrielle races against time to uncover the truth and save her sister from a seemingly inevitable guilty verdict. The tension builds with each chapter, and I found myself deeply invested in Gabrielle’s quest. I was on the edge of my seat, worrying right alongside her as she navigated this emotional and suspenseful journey.
Rebecca Olmstead really knows how to build tension and develop her characters. Gabrielle is a strong, relatable protagonist whose struggles feel real and heart-wrenching. The author’s attention to detail adds depth to the story, making each twist more impactful and the stakes feel incredibly high. I especially enjoyed the mix of emotional highs and lows, which kept the narrative from becoming too predictable. The storyline is well-paced, balancing moments of intense drama with quieter, reflective scenes that add layers to the mystery and complexity to the characters. I found myself second-guessing every clue, and even now, I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment to see where Gabrielle’s journey will take her. If you’re a fan of thrillers with well-crafted characters, intricate plot twists, and plenty of suspense, Dreams and Illusions is definitely a book you should check out! It’s the kind of mystery that stays with you long after the last page is turned.
As a big fan of murder mysteries, I have to say Dreams and Illusions by Rebecca Olmstead is a real page-turner! The story centers around Gabrielle Dorian, who’s grappling with a crisis of faith after a series of personal tragedies. Just as she’s trying to make sense of her prophetic dreams and the losses she couldn’t prevent, she’s pulled into a new nightmare—her estranged sister is accused of murder. The plot thickens as Gabrielle races against time to uncover the truth and save her sister from a seemingly inevitable guilty verdict. The tension builds with each chapter, and I found myself deeply invested in Gabrielle’s quest. I was on the edge of my seat, worrying right alongside her as she navigated this emotional and suspenseful journey.
Rebecca Olmstead really knows how to build tension and develop her characters. Gabrielle is a strong, relatable protagonist whose struggles feel real and heart-wrenching. The author’s attention to detail adds depth to the story, making each twist more impactful and the stakes feel incredibly high. I especially enjoyed the mix of emotional highs and lows, which kept the narrative from becoming too predictable. The storyline is well-paced, balancing moments of intense drama with quieter, reflective scenes that add layers to the mystery and complexity to the characters. I found myself second-guessing every clue, and even now, I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment to see where Gabrielle’s journey will take her. If you’re a fan of thrillers with well-crafted characters, intricate plot twists, and plenty of suspense, Dreams and Illusions is definitely a book you should check out! It’s the kind of mystery that stays with you long after the last page is turned.
Recommend this book:
Just Dying to Glamp
April Nunn Coker
2025 Honorable Mention
293 Pages
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Christian - Thriller
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Just Dying to Glamp by April Nunn Coker is a thriller with a difference. After losing her husband, Mamie West decided she needed to get on with her life. Buying a vintage camper, she sets off on a glamping trip to Magnolia Bluff with the Gals Gone Glamping group, but her first trip doesn’t go quite as planned when one of the women is murdered. A cryptic note leads Mamie to investigate—after all, she doesn’t want to be the next victim. With Babs, her Boston Terrier, along for the ride, Mamie comes under the watchful eye of Nick Vandegan, a police officer in Magnolia Bluff. Can Mamie find the culprit before more campers lose their lives?
Just Dying to Glamp by April Nunn Coker is part of the long-running Magnolia Bluff series. This is packed with everything you need in a crime thriller—murder, romance, and a few secrets waiting to be uncovered. With plenty of twists and turns, this book will keep you on your toes; it's an easy read that holds your interest all the way through. You’ll find the characters very easy to like, even if you’ve not read any of the earlier books. That said, reading the entire series does give you a better insight into who they are, but this could easily be treated as a standalone story. Every character has their own strong personality, and they are all likable and relatable. With a bit of humor peppered throughout, this is the perfect read for a rainy afternoon, a wonderful way to while away a few hours by stepping into someone else’s life.
Just Dying to Glamp by April Nunn Coker is a thriller with a difference. After losing her husband, Mamie West decided she needed to get on with her life. Buying a vintage camper, she sets off on a glamping trip to Magnolia Bluff with the Gals Gone Glamping group, but her first trip doesn’t go quite as planned when one of the women is murdered. A cryptic note leads Mamie to investigate—after all, she doesn’t want to be the next victim. With Babs, her Boston Terrier, along for the ride, Mamie comes under the watchful eye of Nick Vandegan, a police officer in Magnolia Bluff. Can Mamie find the culprit before more campers lose their lives?
Just Dying to Glamp by April Nunn Coker is part of the long-running Magnolia Bluff series. This is packed with everything you need in a crime thriller—murder, romance, and a few secrets waiting to be uncovered. With plenty of twists and turns, this book will keep you on your toes; it's an easy read that holds your interest all the way through. You’ll find the characters very easy to like, even if you’ve not read any of the earlier books. That said, reading the entire series does give you a better insight into who they are, but this could easily be treated as a standalone story. Every character has their own strong personality, and they are all likable and relatable. With a bit of humor peppered throughout, this is the perfect read for a rainy afternoon, a wonderful way to while away a few hours by stepping into someone else’s life.
Recommend this book:
Shadowed Secret
Mirror Estate Psychological Thrillers Book 5
S.F. Baumgartner
2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Christian - Thriller
Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite
In Shadowed Secret by S.F. Baumgartner, the author has written another amazing cliff-hanger of espionage, assassinations, hidden fortunes, and criminal masterminds, bringing it all together in a page-turning psychological suspense novel that plays mind games with the reader. The action takes place over a long weekend, starting on a Friday and ending on a Monday. The main characters make their appearance - Dylan Roche, Senator Simon Roth, FBI Agent Kyle Peters, Lily, Fr Phil Olivia Tso, Moneyman and Perez, Sean Murray, Grace Benson, and FBI Agent Ana Ruiz. These characters appear in all the previous novels. I love the fact that the author has included a chart in the front of the book outlining how everyone fits together, who are the good guys and bad, and the layout of the compound where the Ghost is being kept as a prisoner at the United States of America’s pleasure.
S. F. Baumgartner starts Shadowed Secret with a clue that only becomes clearer toward the end of the story. This was something that kept niggling in the back of my mind, especially after priests Fr Stanislaw Novak and Fr Michael Donovan’s comments. It is just as fast-moving and well-paced as the previous books, with espionage, a criminal mastermind, and a cliffhanger. It is the type of book that one could read on a really cold day before an open fire with a pot of coffee at hand and cookies. It's just the ticket for a lazy day. The author holds the reader’s attention with the many turns that take place over the four days of the story, but the twist at the end will make them look out for the next book in this series. Each twist and turn in the plot takes it to the ultimate climax; it is so believable that you find yourself empathizing with the characters, and you wonder where they get all their stamina from to keep going. This is a captivating story that will have the reader going back to read it a second time just to make sure they did not miss any clues as to who the ultimate mastermind is. Thank you for this intriguing read. The most suspenseful book that I have read in a long time. I really enjoyed it.
In Shadowed Secret by S.F. Baumgartner, the author has written another amazing cliff-hanger of espionage, assassinations, hidden fortunes, and criminal masterminds, bringing it all together in a page-turning psychological suspense novel that plays mind games with the reader. The action takes place over a long weekend, starting on a Friday and ending on a Monday. The main characters make their appearance - Dylan Roche, Senator Simon Roth, FBI Agent Kyle Peters, Lily, Fr Phil Olivia Tso, Moneyman and Perez, Sean Murray, Grace Benson, and FBI Agent Ana Ruiz. These characters appear in all the previous novels. I love the fact that the author has included a chart in the front of the book outlining how everyone fits together, who are the good guys and bad, and the layout of the compound where the Ghost is being kept as a prisoner at the United States of America’s pleasure.
S. F. Baumgartner starts Shadowed Secret with a clue that only becomes clearer toward the end of the story. This was something that kept niggling in the back of my mind, especially after priests Fr Stanislaw Novak and Fr Michael Donovan’s comments. It is just as fast-moving and well-paced as the previous books, with espionage, a criminal mastermind, and a cliffhanger. It is the type of book that one could read on a really cold day before an open fire with a pot of coffee at hand and cookies. It's just the ticket for a lazy day. The author holds the reader’s attention with the many turns that take place over the four days of the story, but the twist at the end will make them look out for the next book in this series. Each twist and turn in the plot takes it to the ultimate climax; it is so believable that you find yourself empathizing with the characters, and you wonder where they get all their stamina from to keep going. This is a captivating story that will have the reader going back to read it a second time just to make sure they did not miss any clues as to who the ultimate mastermind is. Thank you for this intriguing read. The most suspenseful book that I have read in a long time. I really enjoyed it.
Recommend this book:
Half Agony, Half Hope
Jane Austen's Men Book 1
Joy Michelle Austin
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Christian - Thriller
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Half Agony, Half Hope by Joy Michelle Austin reimagines Austen’s enduring themes through a gripping, faith-rooted thriller set in modern times. Centered on the soul-deep bond between two men who become family in all but name, the novel explores the trauma of abuse, the agony of silence, and the long road toward healing. Inspired by the steadfast Captain Wentworth of Persuasion and shaped by the contours of a chilling true story, the narrative follows a survivor’s path through unspeakable pain toward redemption. Austin weaves suspense, Christian conviction, and emotional authenticity into a taut, immersive journey of resilience, faith, and unwavering love in the face of darkness. The result is a story as harrowing as it is redemptive, as a portrait of endurance shaped by grace.
Author Joy Michelle Austin has a really interesting take on the popular characters of Austen’s world, and in particular, the author’s view on masculinity, but you don’t need to be an expert on the Regency author to enjoy this blend of psychological suspense and Christian inspiration that tackles hard truths with unflinching empathy. Whatever your background, coming to the new imagining of Wentworth and those he bonds with is an emotive experience; the emotional depth of the modern-day dialogue still sparks hints of Austen-like elegance and decorum, which is a nice fit with modern-day Christianity and the morals under the surface of the story. Fans of the literary greats will be able to draw some strong parallels with traditional storytelling, thanks to the author’s keen sense of themes and how the journey is organized. This is a compelling modern reinterpretation of Austenian heroism through a redemptive viewpoint and characters you just want to root for no matter what. Overall, Half Agony, Half Hope is a gripping and heartfelt read that I would highly recommend to fans of deeply moving thrillers that explore healing without shying away from real pain.
Half Agony, Half Hope by Joy Michelle Austin reimagines Austen’s enduring themes through a gripping, faith-rooted thriller set in modern times. Centered on the soul-deep bond between two men who become family in all but name, the novel explores the trauma of abuse, the agony of silence, and the long road toward healing. Inspired by the steadfast Captain Wentworth of Persuasion and shaped by the contours of a chilling true story, the narrative follows a survivor’s path through unspeakable pain toward redemption. Austin weaves suspense, Christian conviction, and emotional authenticity into a taut, immersive journey of resilience, faith, and unwavering love in the face of darkness. The result is a story as harrowing as it is redemptive, as a portrait of endurance shaped by grace.
Author Joy Michelle Austin has a really interesting take on the popular characters of Austen’s world, and in particular, the author’s view on masculinity, but you don’t need to be an expert on the Regency author to enjoy this blend of psychological suspense and Christian inspiration that tackles hard truths with unflinching empathy. Whatever your background, coming to the new imagining of Wentworth and those he bonds with is an emotive experience; the emotional depth of the modern-day dialogue still sparks hints of Austen-like elegance and decorum, which is a nice fit with modern-day Christianity and the morals under the surface of the story. Fans of the literary greats will be able to draw some strong parallels with traditional storytelling, thanks to the author’s keen sense of themes and how the journey is organized. This is a compelling modern reinterpretation of Austenian heroism through a redemptive viewpoint and characters you just want to root for no matter what. Overall, Half Agony, Half Hope is a gripping and heartfelt read that I would highly recommend to fans of deeply moving thrillers that explore healing without shying away from real pain.
Recommend this book:
Distant Contact
A Christian Action Suspense
D.I. Telbat
2025 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Christian - Thriller
Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite
A diving expedition in Azerbaijan goes wrong for Wynter Caspertein and her partner, Ingram Thatcher, when their guide dies due to improper gear use. Concern gradually becomes outright fear as they discover the young man's true identity. Now, they are on the run, trying to escape retribution from a vengeful father backed by an Islamic extremist group. Wynter doesn't realize it yet, but her only hope of survival involves reaching out to her once-close family, including her brothers Titus, a renegade soldier of fortune wanted by several governments, and Rudy, a gentle giant with a love for nature. They must set aside old differences and work together to protect what they love in D.I. Telbat's Distant Contact.
In Distant Contact, D.I. Telbat draws inspiration from biblical references to portray a secretive Christian organization, adapting it to resonate with modern times. He uses a similar approach to world-building, depicting Christian persecution in a way that readers will recognize by referencing totalitarian regimes' efforts to suppress Christianity. The combat scenes feature non-lethal weapons that align with fundamental commandments, which will spark the interest of Christian action fans as they see how Titus and his fellow agents carry out their missions. Telbat keeps the dialogue straightforward, emphasizing carefully placed clues and subtle scriptural references designed to uplift readers and deepen their immersion in the story. He also includes accurate historical references to female Christian prisoners, which may make some readers uncomfortable, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail. He combines these elements with an evenly paced narrative to create a compelling adventure. This first installment of an intriguing series promises further excitement.
A diving expedition in Azerbaijan goes wrong for Wynter Caspertein and her partner, Ingram Thatcher, when their guide dies due to improper gear use. Concern gradually becomes outright fear as they discover the young man's true identity. Now, they are on the run, trying to escape retribution from a vengeful father backed by an Islamic extremist group. Wynter doesn't realize it yet, but her only hope of survival involves reaching out to her once-close family, including her brothers Titus, a renegade soldier of fortune wanted by several governments, and Rudy, a gentle giant with a love for nature. They must set aside old differences and work together to protect what they love in D.I. Telbat's Distant Contact.
In Distant Contact, D.I. Telbat draws inspiration from biblical references to portray a secretive Christian organization, adapting it to resonate with modern times. He uses a similar approach to world-building, depicting Christian persecution in a way that readers will recognize by referencing totalitarian regimes' efforts to suppress Christianity. The combat scenes feature non-lethal weapons that align with fundamental commandments, which will spark the interest of Christian action fans as they see how Titus and his fellow agents carry out their missions. Telbat keeps the dialogue straightforward, emphasizing carefully placed clues and subtle scriptural references designed to uplift readers and deepen their immersion in the story. He also includes accurate historical references to female Christian prisoners, which may make some readers uncomfortable, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail. He combines these elements with an evenly paced narrative to create a compelling adventure. This first installment of an intriguing series promises further excitement.
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