The Lost and Found

by Jennifer Carr

In the small quiet town of Owenston, Kentucky, former FBI agent Mark Collins has found a new purpose as the county Sheriff. Married and enjoying the prospect of becoming a father for a second time, Mark's life seems picture-perfect. But when a series of petty thefts turns into a murder investigation, Mark's peaceful life takes an unexpected turn.

As Mark delves into the case, he uncovers a heartbreaking truth - two young boys have lost their mother and are now alone in the world. Determined to seek justice for the victim and find a family for the boys, Mark's goals broaden beyond solving the crime.

With his steadfast resolve and unwavering faith, Mark embarks on a race against time to catch the killer and provide a safe haven for the boys. But as he digs deeper, he realizes that the case is more complex than he ever imagined, and the danger hits closer to home than he could have anticipated.

The Lost and Found is a Christian suspense novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat, blending thrilling intrigue with heartwarming moments. Mark's unwavering commitment to justice, his ever-expanding family, and his unwavering faith in God make for a gripping tale of redemption, hope, and love. Can Mark untangle the web of secrets and find a way to heal the wounds of the past? Discover the truth in this captivating story of courage, compassion, and the power of love.

266 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2023

About the author

I'm Jennifer Carr. I'm a wife (married my best friend that I met when I was 13), homeschooling mom (1 teenage daughter who is an artist and looks just like her dad), part-time farmer (we just downsized to chickens only but there were goats not long ago!), social media addict (aka Queen of the Doomscroll!), and an avid reader (I’ll give anything a try).
I'm a lover of coffee, music, learning, animals, and writing. I have a degree in Psychology, a Master's in Marriage & Family Counseling, and certifications in Life Coaching, Health and Wellness Coaching, and am a certified Brain Health Professional. I also taught high school AP Psychology for several years. Then I wrote a book... and my world shifted on its axis.
In March 2023, I launched a podcast (Connected Conversations for Creatives) in hopes of cultivating a community geared toward creatives—authors, musicians, artists, etc. My goal has been to foster a platform where we can share ideas, support one another's work, and create a network of resources creatives need along their journey.

About My Books:
Real American Country is a No Spice New Adult Contemporary Romance series set in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. The series follows the lives of aspiring country music artists competing in a reality TV show. Each book focuses on different participants whose paths cross in life-changing ways. This series blends intense personal stories with the charm and nostalgia of country music.
You can read more about each book here: https://www.jcarrwrites.com/real-amer...
And all of my books are available on Amazon, Kindle, & Kindle Unlimited.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLKVN8K7
Signed copies available at jcarrwrites.com

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost and Found by Jennifer Carr is book 2 in the No Matter What series. Having not read the first book in the series, I easily read and enjoyed this story. It is well written with enjoyable characters. The story gives good back ground on the people so it is easy to follow.

Marc and Jess are former FBI agents and now live in a small town where he is the sheriff. I enjoyed how loving and caring Marc is to others and how thoughtful Jess is. When she is offered a baby show, she accepted it as a shower for other expectant mothers less fortunate than herself. This is an inspirational story in that is repeatedly shows that Gut puts us where He wants us to be in his timing. And, He tells us what we need to hear when we need to hear it.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this wonderful story, this is my honest review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book! I love the characters, Jess and Mark. Their story was so good. I couldn’t put it down. It’s a great book.

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

What starts out as a nice slow moving story quickly escalates when two young boys are found homeless and a murder is discovered. Someone is stealing simple little items from stores but it sounds like it may be supplies for survival. Getting to know Mark we discover he has a big heart and adores his wife and sweet little girl Hayley. With his wife pregnant he is overly cautious with her. Being the sheriff does bring Mark a little closer to danger but he never suspected that what he uncovers will cause pain, secrets and a mystery that reaches far from just the town.

Within the story are two young boys who are now orphaned. Mark thinks he has found a solution to provide a safe place for them. I was shocked when a relative of the boys is found. Why did this person never step up to help and try to prevent the chaotic environment they lived in? I like how the author talked about foster care and how important it is for children to be part of a loving family.

Mark’s wife Jess has such a good heart and always seems to be very observant. When a stranger comes to their small town her senses pick up that this man is hiding something. I like how she is careful not to draw attention to herself but lets her husband know the man is near her.

The story takes on an emotional turn as we get a glimpse into Mark & Jess’s past. Both have lost something or someone and that pain is still there. I loved how the author brought faith into the story as well as how important it is to have family. I will be looking for more books from this author.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Cover Lover Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Lost and Found,” book 2 of the No Matter What series, is a beautiful, inspirational, redemption story. It’s a family love story on many levels with threads of faith, trust, hope, and love binding it all together.

My favorite kinds of fiction stories are those that have a small-town setting, a second chance trope (whether in life, love, or romance) and inspiring elements of faith, so The Lost and Found is right up my alley. Jess and Mark are wonderful characters that are believable and easy to connect with and root for.

Whether you’ve read the first book in the series or not, this one works well on its own and is sure to touch your heart. Have tissues handy…I might’ve shed a tear or two.

First Line: I watched and listened from the doorway as the pair walked around the tree oohing and ah-ing over the lights and ornaments.
Series: No Matter What, book 2
Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense
Author: Jennifer Carr
Page Count: 266

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost and Found by Jennifer Carr is a Christian Suspense novel. It is the second book in the “No Matter What” series. It continues the stories of Mark, a former FBI agent turned sheriff, his wife, her daughter, and other friends who became family members.

Mark works to solve a case that starts with petty break-ins that lead to a murder. During this time, his wife is expecting their first child together. The author fills this book with faith, hope, love, family, and more. The suspense will keep you reading. Moreover, the storyline flows beautifully. Being told from both Mark’s and Jess’s perspectives, the author clearly indicates who is speaking at the start of each chapter.

I loved getting to know all of the characters in this book. I want to read more books by this author. Plus, I would love to read more about these characters. The book ends, leaving you longing for more.

So, if you enjoy Christian suspense novels, check out The Lost and Found by Jennifer Carr.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark and Jess have many things to be thankful for. Starting off a new life and new family with each other along with Jess's little girl and looking forward to the new baby that is coming. Mark is settling into his new role as sheriff, and he is thankful every day for the second chances he has been given.

Jess is flourishing in her new town and marriage and is looking so forward to meeting her new little one, which she is about to pop with. She does still deal with grief and trauma over her late husband and his murder. The author does summarize those events in this book, but if you would like to know their story, No Matter What is the beginning. However, she is determined to continue on and focus on her family and a new charity project that will help those less fortunate.

Mark has been trying to track down who might be causing random and bizarre break ins in town, when he comes across a gruesome murder scene. Not something he expected in their small town. Now he knows that two young boys' lives are in danger, and he must find and protect them before the murderer gets to them first.

We get both of Jess and Mark's points of views as they both become entangled in this mystery and the boys' lives. This is novel that really focuses on family with a thread of mystery. I liked that the author showed Mark and Jess working together as a married couple should to get through the trials of life. It was refreshing to read about a normal married couple.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...

[Debbie]

I really enjoyed this book. There was a scene that wasn’t pleasant because a murdered body was found. But even with that the book is five stars. It is an inspiring read. It touches on the subject of adoption. The love that makes most characters family is so heartwarming. I recommend reading the first book in this series first but if you haven’t read it already you can still enjoy this book. The ending makes the title come alive.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Litand these opinions are my own.

[S.campbell8655yahoo.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special

I highly recommend this series. It's a very sweet and special story with suspense, love and loyalty. Great characters , faith based.

[Carmen Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to find this sequel to No Matter What! I was anxious to read more about Jess and her unique ability to read people's nonverbal expressions. She continues to use her unique ability but in a more personal way than with her career. Her relationship with a friend and colleague develops more intimately as she works with him and eventually marries him. Mark is learning how to be a husband and father to Jess and her daughter while becoming the sheriff of their little town. Mystery builds as theft and murder occur in town.

This is clean, Christian romance and mystery. It was fun to read and anticipate how Jess and Mark were going to work together as newly weds to solve some mysteries that were too close to them!

[Glinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing read

Jennifer drew us in once again into the lives of the characters. Love, laughter, heartbreak with some suspense thrown in kept me turning the pages. I am so looking forward to your next book. Thanks so much for a great read!

[Linda Aldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this follow on story to No Matter What....looks like there will be another book after this one....I sure hope so!

[Aracelis Melendez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be ready with some tissues 🤧 because you with needing with this beautiful and inspirational story.
Yes, I cry.
Jess and Mark Collins together with their extended family face some serious troubles but they are not alone, God is with them. Not only do they need to make some decisions they need to trust God at a new level, to help two young children to trust them to keep them safe but also for the adults to understand that God has been having this problem under control.
A suspenseful Christian novel with a theme of redemption, hope, love, and also family. Enjoy 😉

[Katie Vance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has it all. It has a beautiful love story, but the suspense will keep you on your toes. I love the family aspect and I love that she incorporated adoption. I highly recommend this book!!

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another touching novel by Carr. She knows how to tug at our heart strings and here she does so through exploring what family means. We readers find ourselves in a very supportive community where people are quick to help each other and consider newcomers as part of an extended family. An exploration of the foster system is part of the strong message of the meaning of family, that it is not necessarily blood relation.

The focus of the novel centers on the characters while the mystery takes a back seat. Jess is an interesting person in that she is very sensitive and can detect information from a person's subconscious micro-expressions and body language. My favorite characters were the young boys, especially the nonstop talking Colton.

The novel is written in alternating first person narratives, from Jess' and Mark's viewpoints. The chapters are clearly identified but one can be temporarily confused if reading is interrupted mid-chapter. It is not my favorite writing style.

I liked this touching novel of relationships and family. It is the second in a series but reads well on its own. I would recommend reading the first book, No Matter What, to fully enjoy this one. We are definitely set up at the end of this book for a sequel and I will be watching for it.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost and Found is an intense suspense novel. It’s a Christian novel with faith in the forefront but it’s also so much more. We’ve got a former FBI agent who is now a small county sheriff.

Mark has a new case. It was first just petty theft. But then it’s a murder investigation. He himself is about to have a second child. But in this case, there are two young boys who need him to protect them and find a place to keep them safe.

This novel moves quickly. It seems like you can’t look away from the page or you might miss something. Like something might happen that wasn’t recorded! I loved it! The characters are wonderful. The suspense is suspenseful and really does keep you wondering and guessing at what might come next.

This is one of those novels that I could see myself reading again. I highly recommend you take the time and read it today! And then, of course, come back and let me know what you think.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Romance Suspense books are a great genre. I have grown to love to read this genre over the past couple of years. The Lost and Found by Jennifer Carr is the latest in this genre that I have read. It is Book 2 in the No Matter What series. I have read Book 1 in this series and was excited to read this book also!


WOW, this storyline really touched my heart. Mark and Jess Collins are starting life over in a new town and a new job for Mark. Mark's new job as county sheriff takes an odd turn of events when he discovers 2 homeless boys and their murdered mother. Jess is pregnant, yet Mark and Jess are trying to solve the mystery of the murder and the well being of the boys. Mark finds there is so much more to the Murder Mystery and begins to see dangers arise as he investigates further. The book really keeps the reader on the edge of their seat and I was drawn into the storyline from beginning to end! The story is about Trusting God, Faith, Family. The real message in this story is about adoption and I LOVE how the author wrote that topic into the book. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Romance with Suspense. WONDERFUL BOOK!

[Carol Keen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in a series, but this can stand alone. The author did a great job of filling in things at the start of the book. Otherwise, it connects just fine and we pick up with Mark, and his very happy life. Finally, he's got it all going well. His job is good, he's starting a new family, and things look like smooth "normal" sailing. Does that honestly ever really last? Not for Mark, because here comes trouble. Jess and Mark are helping with two little boys who need care, in addition to the fact that Jess is expecting a baby. With both of them having been FBI agents, they aren't stupid concerning dumb risks, but that isn't stopping things from happening. This story has romance, children, suspense, danger, faith, hope, love, and a full range of emotions as they deal with grief and loss from the past as well as trying to have a secure and healthy future. Over and over again their steps are guided by God, as they find themselves in places and situations they didn't anticipate.

I found this to be a very strong read and it passed my expectations that I had from the cover and description. Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my digital copy, and I have purchased a digital copy as well.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost and Found is the second installment from the No Matter What series by Jennifer Carr. I enjoyed the first book and enjoyed this one so much more. It was full of intrique, action, adventure, mystery, and suspense. I could not put it down. I loved the inclusion of faith within the pages that showed lessons to be learned, as well. I thought it was a great way to spend a rainy day.
I am giving The Lost and Found five stars. I highly reecommend it readers who love to read clean and Christian Suspense. I am hoping for a third addition from the No Matter What series to be released soon. I believe this one should not be missed.
I received a paperback copy of Jennifer Carr's The Lost and Found from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Jennifer Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

FROM THE AUTHOR:

Again, it's a strange feeling sitting here and writing a review for my own book but not as odd as giving myself 5 Stars.

When I finished the predecessor, No Matter What, I thought the story was done. I wrote the Bonus Epilogue, gave everyone their Happily Ever After, and tried to move on to my next book. But these characters kept calling me back to finish what I had started.

The Lost & Found tells the story of former FBI agent Mark Collins who has found a new purpose as the county Sheriff of Owenston, Kentucky. He's married to Jess and enjoying the prospect of becoming a father for a second time. Mark's life seems picture-perfect. But when a series of petty thefts turns into a murder investigation, Mark's peaceful life takes an unexpected turn.

As Mark delves into the case, he uncovers a heartbreaking truth - two young boys have lost their mother to domestic violence and are now alone in the world. Determined to seek justice for the victim and find a family for the boys, Mark's goals broaden beyond solving the crime.

Family is the theme of this book - and not in the traditional sense. We all come from somewhere and we all belong somewhere and sometimes those two places are completely different from one another. My hope is that the story speaks to you, gives you hope, and reminds you that you are never alone.

[Amy Pimperl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved reading this book! From the beginning I was drawn to the characters waiting to see what would happen next. It’s a wonderful Christian novel that will leave you wanting to know more about the sheriff and his wife, the case he is working on and what happens to the boys who lost their mother. There is So much I would like to share but I am afraid I will spoil the book for you! Go, order this book and see for yourself!

[A Windsor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the best combination of genres: it has romance, suspense, and Christian truth throughout, much like No Matter What. It was exciting, heart warming, and encouraging. You’ll love the characters, and you won’t want to put it down!
The author gave me an advanced copy in exchange for my unbiased review.

[Benjamin M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another outstanding work by this author. The first kept me reading from cover to cover; this one did the same. Twists and turns kept me trying to figure out what was going to happen next. Great representation of the work done by heroes who serve our children and families. Loved it. Recommend it to anyone who reads.

[Sonya H · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional book on real life issues, that grabs your attention and keeps you turning the pages. The author captures the heart of what it means to a community and how we each need one another. A heart touching story of love, and perseverance. Grab a copy and find a way to support children in need.