SEPTEMBER GIVEAWAY

Suspense Sisters: September Giveaway

Waylaid by Jerusha Agen - Book Review by Gina Holder

 

Title: Waylaid
Series: Windy City Westons #1
Author: Jerusha Agen
Publisher: SDG Words LLC
Release Date: March 27^th, 2025

Someone wants to kill her. She wants the killer to finish the job.

Spring Weston will do anything to rise in the ranks of pro cycling and prove she isn’t the one failure of the five Weston siblings. Anything except cheat. When she learns of doping on her cycling team, she’s determined to uncover the truth. But she can’t if she’s dead.

Sergeant Torin Cotter may not be the hero the public thinks he is, but he recognizes fear when he sees it. When he takes over the investigation of the collision that landed Spring in the hospital, he’s compelled to protect her from whatever danger she’s in, even though he knows he might fail. Again.

Spring’s faith in God isn’t enough to help her face the living nightmare she awakened to after the accident. But neither she nor the handsome sergeant see the greater threat that’s coming until it’s too late.

If they’re going to survive, Spring and Torin will not only have to confront their worst fears—they’ll have to find a reason to live.

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Waylaid-Christian-Romantic-Suspense-Westons-ebook/dp/B0DJB2CY6H

My Thoughts

 

I loved this book! From the beginning, it pulled me in and by the time I hit the middle, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Jerusha Agen has hit it out of the park with this one!

Waylaid introduces romantic suspense readers to a few unique plot elements. Our hero works for the Accident Investigations Unit of the Chicago Police Department, which is a new angle we don’t normally see. And our heroine has a physical limitation that takes the story in a totally new direction, which adds so much angst and emotion to this romantic suspense.

You’ll get to see them resolve not one crime, but two! Plus, the psychological and spiritual struggles of the characters dug deep into PTSD, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Faith and the Gospel are sprinkled through the story in a beautiful, realistic manner.

The Westons were great, showing the sibling dynamics through their banter, quarrels, and love for each other. The dysfunction of the father was heartbreaking and something I’m hoping will resolve further into the series.

In some trials we face, our faith takes a greater beating than during others. Things happen to us because of the actions of others, and we don’t understand why God allows us to go through them. This is the battle that Spring Weston faces when an accident “ruins” her life. Few things genuinely ruin a life—it may change your life—but ruin it? Not with God. No matter what happens, He can give us a new purpose and a new direction, if only we allow Him.

If you love romantic suspense with a non-subtle faith message, Waylaid is for you! And book #2, Wasted, releases October 23^rd, and is available for preorder now! I highly recommend this new series by Jerusha Agen.

 

About the Author

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

With a B.A. in English and a background in screenwriting, Jerusha is a speaker, writing instructor, and Fear Warrior who sounds the call to battle against fear in our everyday lives.

Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats. You’ll often find her sharing irresistibly adorable photos of them in her newsletter and on social media.

Get a free suspense story from Jerusha at FearWarriorSuspense.com and find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting stories at www.JerushaAgen.com.

Giveaway

Comment below to enter to win an eBook or paperback copy of Waylaid by Jerusha Agen. Winner’s Choice. 

When Suspense Mirrors Real Life

 

I’ve always been fascinated by how suspense mirrors real life. Sometimes danger shouts at us—it’s obvious, unavoidable. But other times, it whispers, creeping in through uncertainty, regret, or the quiet unease of not knowing what’s around the next corner.

That’s the kind of danger Hannah faces in Shattered Amish Identity. She wants to believe her life is steady, but her doubts won’t let her rest. Memories are missing. The scars on her hands don’t line up with the story she’s been told. And then there’s Titus—a man she barely remembers but can’t ignore, a man who insists her past is more complicated than she knows.

Titus has his own demons—mistakes that pushed him away from the community he once called home. Now he’s back, determined to keep Hannah safe. But as they’re drawn deeper into the mystery, both of them have to decide: will they let fear keep them frozen, or will they step forward into the unknown, not knowing what dangers wait?

Writing their journey made me stop and think about my own. Life doesn’t always give us answers when we want them. Sometimes we have to move ahead even when the shadows feel overwhelming.

My question for you: When you’re faced with uncertainty, are you someone who retreats to what feels safe—or do you press forward, even if you’re not sure what lies ahead?

I’m giving away a copy of Shattered Amish Identity to someone who leaves a comment. Be sure to include your email address.

Shattered Amish Identity releases October 28^th!

Here is a little about the book:

The key to her survival

lies hidden within her memories.

When Amish school teacher Hannah York is attacked, she defends herself with skills she never knew she had. CIA agent Titus Miller arrives, claiming that she’s actually fellow agent Lara Redmond—and that she’s in danger from a powerful enemy. Despite suffering from amnesia, Hannah is certain she’s only ever lived a quiet Amish life. But why does Titus seem so familiar, and could it be true that he loved her once? When Hannah’s family is abducted, she and Titus must work together to find them. Can Hannah trust him to help unlock the truth of her past…and keep her safe?

https://amzn.to/3F6bJKO

 

All the best. . .

Mary

WHAT'S HOT IN INSPIRATIONAL SUSPENSE?

 Wondering what's HOT in Inspirational Suspense this week? RANGER BELIEF by Lynn Shannon

Some hunters choose their prey carefully…

State Park Ranger Laney Torres left the battlefield behind when she traded her military uniform for park service greens. Now she patrols the trails with her loyal K-9 partner, helping families create memories and keeping her favorite corner of the world safe. But when Lanie discovers the murders of a young couple at a remote campsite while the killer is still near, she's thrust into a fight for her life.

Texas Ranger Jonah Foster has always been the grumpy realist to Laney's unwavering optimism. Called in to lead the investigation, the murders—and Laney's assault—leave him determined to find the killer. But working closely with the one woman he's never gotten over threatens to expose feelings he's kept hidden for years.

As more victims fall and the killer closes in, Laney and Jonah must navigate the fragile line between friendship and something far more dangerous. Because falling in love isn't just risky to their friendship…it may make them the predator's final target.

Ranger Belief is the eleventh novel in the Texas Ranger Heroes series, although each book can be read as a standalone. A fast-paced mystery paired with a sweet romance, it's guaranteed to keep you hooked until the final page! And you can get your copy at THIS LINK! 

I hope you LOVE it! ~ Marji Laine

THIS WEEK ON THE SUSPENSE SISTERS

We have exciting things planned for you this week on the Suspense Sisters!

On Tuesday, Suspense Sister Marji Laine will tell us what’s hot in inspirational suspense and mystery.

Wednesday, we’ll hear from author Mary Alford. She’ll be talking about how real life can mirror suspense. She’s also featuring her upcoming release, SHATTERED AMISH IDENTITY. Leave a comment, and you could win a copy!

The key to her survival lies hidden within her memories.

When Amish school teacher Hannah York is attacked, she defends herself with skills she never knew she had. CIA agent Titus Miller arrives, claiming that she’s actually fellow agent Lara Redmond—and that she’s in danger from a powerful enemy. Despite suffering from amnesia, Hannah is certain she’s only ever lived a quiet Amish life. But why does Titus seem so familiar, and could it be true that he loved her once? When Hannah’s family is abducted, she and Titus must work together to find them. Can Hannah trust him to help unlock the truth of her past…and keep her safe?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

PREORDER IT HERE 

Friday, Suspense Sister Gina Holder reviews Jerusha Agen's book, WAYLAID. Leave a comment and you could win a copy of this exciting book. You can pick an eBook copy or a print copy - your choice. (U.S. only for print copies.)

WAYLAID

Someone wants to kill her. She wants the killer to finish the job.

Spring Weston will do anything to rise in the ranks of pro cycling and prove she isn’t the one failure of the five Weston siblings. Anything except cheat. When she learns of doping on her cycling team, she’s determined to uncover the truth. But she can’t if she’s dead.

Sergeant Torin Cotter may not be the hero the public thinks he is, but he recognizes fear when he sees it. When he takes over the investigation of the collision that landed Spring in the hospital, he’s compelled to protect her from whatever danger she’s in, even though he knows he might fail. Again.

Spring’s faith in God isn’t enough to help her face the living nightmare she awakened to after the accident. But neither she nor the handsome sergeant see the greater threat that’s coming until it’s too late.

If they’re going to survive, Spring and Torin will not only have to confront their worst fears—they’ll have to find a reason to live.

ORDER IT HERE 

Don’t forget to enter our monthly contest!

THE SUSPENSE SISTERS

WE LOVE BOOKS

Siblings

 by Sharon Dunn

In my book that releases on September 30, Double Protection Duty, siblings who are identical twins are a big part of the story. Austin and Beacon are three-year-olds with dark hair and blue eyes. I remember a twin telling me that she really hated when people assumed that because she and her sister looked alike, they must also have the same talents and preferences. For this reason, I wanted to make sure that Austin and Beacon had distinct personalities. Austin is talkative often speaking for his brother. He is more physical. He prefers to play with cars and building blocks and makes mechanical noises when he plays. Beacon is quieter. If given a choice, he loves to do art and look at picture books. Even if you are not a twin, I think everyone desires to distinguish themselves from their siblings. 

I grew up in a family with four sisters and a brother. I am the middle child. The blessing of a big family is that you could always find someone who was up for playing. On the flip side, there was always someone you could pick a fight with. Even though I grew up isolated in the country, I think having so many siblings helped me have decent social and survival skills. My sisters and I played all kinds of imaginative games that I think nurtured my creativity as a writer.  When I was a young adults trying to establish myself in a career and marriage and taking care of growing children, I didn't get together often with my siblings. Now that I am older, I find myself wanting to be with them more. It's come full circle. 

How about you? Are you a twin or maybe you have siblings or friends who are twins? How did growing up with siblings shape you as a person? Maybe you were an only child. How did that affect you? Did you have a best friend who was like a sibling?

Leave a comment along with your email address. I will be giving five copies of Double Protection Duty away (USA only).  If you want to learn more about me and my books and sign up for my newsletter where I do more giveaways, you can go to my website at www.sharondunnbooks.net.