Book Review - HOLD YOUR BREATH by Suspense Sister Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

The beginning of this book had me sure it was going one way, and it abruptly cut a corner and went a different direction. Twists and turns are what make suspense GREAT! And HOLD YOUR BREATH by Suspense Sister Kristen Hogrefe Parnell is excellent suspense with a deep cup of romance.

Jayna Scott is a great heroine – broken and searching for something to fill her life after a disastrous relationship. Truth be known, she’s been looking for this healing since her teenage years. When her neighbor invites her to a church event, and then a weekend trip to the mountains, she’s exposed to people whose belief in God seems real but not judgmental. Her journey is sincere and authentic, filled with doubt and taking over control and a longing that all she’d heard about God is real.

I love how the author wove in the story of Abram and Sarai and how they tried to take over control of having an heir. This character was so real, I felt I could have a chat with her.

Liam Bracken, the hero, is equally as realistic. Sometimes, male leads seem to follow the same personality type. You’ve probably seen them on Hallmark movies or in a number of books. They’re not bad, but at first they come across as domineering, arrogant, and loud. Later, we learn that they’re just bold, confident, and engaging.

Liam is a different sort of hero in a much softer way. He is “the quiet one” in the group though he cares enough about those involved to personally engage with them, not needing or even wanting the center of attention. He is strong enough to take action but not come across as needing to be the leader. He doesn’t flaunt his work as a private investigator, but he does jump in with both feet when opportunities to break his open case reveal themselves. And he is resourceful, cool-headed, and relies on the Lord at just the right times.

The plot of this one is as unique as the characters. With a setting that roams from a Bahama Island to Beech Mountain in North Carolina, the danger is real and persistent as a puppet-master, staying undercover, continues to wield his empire.

Here’s a little more about HOLD YOUR BREATH:

The end justifies the means—or does it?

Serial dater and travel blogger Jayna Scott lands a dream assignment in Bimini, Bahamas at Mario Delgado’s resort. But after she falls hard and fast for her host, she discovers his terrible secret. Her flight instinct sends her to the mountains of North Carolina on a trip with a Tampa church group, but Mario pursues her, determined to prove his actions were justified.

Private investigator Liam Bracken helps his best friend plan a surprise engagement in Beech Mountain to the woman he once liked. Now, the mysterious Jayna, the new addition to their group, tugs at his heart, but his instincts warn him she’s running from something. When Jayna emerges at the epicenter of his agency’s high-profile drug investigation, Liam prays he can save her—and guard his heart at the same time.

Get your own copy HERE.

So what is your favorite element of a suspense novel? Is it the unexpected turns, an embedded mystery, the tension, or something else? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!