After having read the bestselling and fantastic book one in the Alaska Courage Series entitled "Submerged," I was eagerly awaiting the release of book two, "Shattered." And I was definitely far from disappointed.
With enough twists and turns to satisfy the most die-hard suspense lover, plenty of Christian faith woven in without coming across as trying too hard, and just the right addition of real-life romance, "Shattered" is certain to become a fast favorite. It's the perfect blend!
To be entirely honest, I had started to grow disinterested in some of the Christian fiction genre, simply because it all started to seem redundant. Boy meets girl, boy cannot commit, girl wants to commit, something happens in the meantime to keep them apart, then suddenly they see the light and are ready to commit to being married and all ends well. Not saying I don't love a good old-fashioned, simple, happy love story such as that. But on an ever greater level I like suspense, complications, mysteries, something more similar to the loop life can through most of us! And "Shattered" seems to fit that bill.
This book focuses in on Reef, a sibling of Cole, one of the main characters in the first book. Upon his return to Yancey, Alaska, the "prodigal" Reef finds himself arrested for murder and the evidence piling up against him makes his chances of gaining freedom slim to none. But his close-knit siblings are not about to let Reef spend the rest of his life behind bars, and thus the excitement begins as they do their best to investigate and question with the help of the local deputy (a long-time friend of the family), Landon Grainger.
The main characters in this book are Landon and one of the McKenna siblings, Piper, the girl who has always been like his little sister. Except now, Landon and Piper are facing feelings for each other that have suddenly evolved into something more than friends . . . and this journey of new and uncertain feelings is where the romance in the story enters! Right into the mix of trying to find out who really murdered the poor young woman who was visiting Yancey as part of a snow sport professional circuit.
What I loved about this book: I loved how the author seems to never run out of creative twists and turns in the plot that still seem realistic. Also appreciated is the depth and genuineness of all the characters, especially the couple she chooses to use as the main characters (in this novel, Landon and Piper).
What I didn't like so much: It is very difficult for me to find anything I don't like about the Alaskan Courage series thus far. So honestly, I'm going to leave this section blank.
My rating: I would definitely give this Christian "fictional romantic suspense" a 5/5 stars. I would recommend it to anyone who would like a fresh type of Christian fiction, one that will keep you on the very edge of your seat even while leaving you feeling quite satisfied you read the whole book when done!
Thank you to Bethany House for a copy of this book in order to procure my honest review. Please note that all opinions expressed are my own.
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