Uncharted Waters

by Sara Dubose

When Beth Davidson spies an unfamiliar black Honda lurking outside her apartment, her worries are just beginning. Mysterious gifts appear on her doorstep, photos are stolen from her apartment. Beth turns to the police for help. As the Domestic Violence Unit investigate, Beth develops a relationship with the protective and supportive Donnie Crawford.

Beth then throws herself heart and soul into her application to join the Department, putting herself through the grueling Police Academy. Motivated by her experiences and her faith, Beth manages to achieve the unachievable - maintaining grades in the Academy, a decent relationship and friends to boot. When Donnie proposes Beth's dreams seem to be coming true...until she comes face to face with her stalker in the park. When it's his wit's against her own, will she have the strength to assert herself to bring his reign of terror to an end?

276 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2012

Reviews

[Adele Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beth Davidson’s world gets complicated when a stalker appears on the scene, and this man seems determined to bring her around to his point of view – be his girl, or die. Around these persistent interruptions, romance develops between Beth and all round good guy, Donnie Crawford, a handsome young police officer who swiftly takes charge. Their relationship only irritates Beth’s stalker and suspense mounts, but carelessly bold, he leaves an obvious trail that swiftly reveals his identity. With unwavering affection, Donnie helps Beth weather life’s ups and downs, including managing her unwanted admirer, encouraging her faith, finding a new career in law enforcement, and rebuilding the remains of her relationship with her father. With support from Donnie and other close friends from her church and work, Beth explores some deeper issues linked back to the childhood loss of her mother, and comes to appreciate her greatest challenge is finding confidence in her own capacity and worth. But to do so, she must face her present fear.

Right from the start there is effective investment in the suspense elements of this novel, swiftly drawing the reader into Beth’s predicament. As such, I was a little surprised to not be offered more red herrings as the climax neared, or be led to a more insidious involvement by Annabel, an unnervingly jealous and unsettled young woman with an unexpected connection to Beth’s present difficulties. Well researched inclusions of police training bring sound credibility to the work, ensuring an immersive experience. Written in an easy-to-read style, this story will appeal to readers who enjoy a gentle romance with a dash of crime – not to mention a gorgeous cover design.

A touch over three and a half stars.