What if a single letter could change everything you thought you knew about yourself?
Sadie Miles has built a life she can be proud of in Nashville, raising her best friend’s young son and pushing through every struggle that comes her way. But when an unsigned letter arrives at her door, she’s faced with a ignore the letter and continue as is or take a risk to uncover the truth about her past—a truth she’s been chasing her entire life.
Following the letter’s cryptic instructions, Sadie finds herself aboard a luxury yacht, sailing down the eastern seaboard with strangers who share only one common claim the fortune that awaits at the journey’s end. As the waves churn, so does the tension and when tragedy strikes, it becomes clear that someone will do anything to ensure they’re the last one standing.
Amidst the growing threat, Sadie’s only possible ally is the enigmatic lawyer, Liam Forrester—a man whose loyalties are as uncertain as the stormy seas around them, and who is as much of an unknown as the rest.
With Sadie on course to be the next victim, she must navigate treacherous waters both literally and figuratively. Can she survive until the end of the journey, or will she become another casualty of the deadly undertow of deceit and danger?
Buckle up for a suspenseful, slow-burn thriller that escalates to a heart-pounding conclusion—where every choice could be your last.
D.L. Wood is a USA TODAY bestselling author of thrilling suspense laced with romance and faith. Her books have won multiple awards (2016 Illumination Book Awards Gold Medal for best Christian Fiction Ebook; 2019 Illumination Book Awards Gold Medal for best General Christian Fiction) and her novel Unintended Target was selected as the May 2019 American Christian Fiction Writers Book Club book. She is an Amazon bestselling author of Christian Mystery & Suspense and millions of pages of her books have been read through Kindle Unlimited. D.L. writes CleanCaptivatingFiction™- fiction that entertains and uplifts. In her novels she tries to give readers the same thing that she wants: a "can't-put-it-down-stay-up-till-3am" character-driven story, full of heart, believability and adrenaline. D.L. lives in North Alabama, where, if she's not writing, you'll probably catch her curled up with a cup of Earl Grey (light milk, one sugar) and her Westies - Frodo and Dobby - bingeing on the latest BBC mystery series. You can stay apprised of D.L.'s releases and promotions (including free and discounted books) by subscribing to her newsletter on her website at dlwoodonline.com.
Wow! Another excellent suspense thriller by D.L. Wood. I never know going into one of her books what to expect, except that it is going to be action packed and amazing. The Choice was definitely no exception. This book hooked me from the opening page and never let up. The characters immediately made impressions on me - from the main character Sadie and friend to Kyle, to Liam and all the Marlow family. And the thought of what people to do for $90 million dollars was a fun concept to think about.
Setting is always important in books and j enjoyed both Nashville as well as the setting on the yacht. Wood clearly did her research on this book and it felt very authentic. I liked the scenes as well of the places Sadie visited when the yacht docked.
My favorite thing, of course, with suspense thrillers is to try to figure out whodunnit as well as whydunnit. As far as who, I had no idea and any inklings I had turned out to be way off. I did have some inkling on the why and was happy to say I at least was on the right path. All that to say, I was very satisfied with the ending and all the red herrings.
I also appreciated all the faith elements DL Wood weaved into The Choice. They always feel so natural and also encouraging.
All in all, this was an easy 5 star rating to give. As always, looking forward to her next wonderful book!
I received this book courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review.
The characters were so well described and the storyline developed, I wanted to sit and visit these characters all in one sitting! Inspirational. Faith based. A must read. Thank you D. L. Wood
I was hooked from page one. This riveting suspense novel kept me guessing until the end! Living a quiet life raising her best friend's son, Sadie Miles has faced many struggles. Until the day her mom died, Sadie hung onto the hope of discovering who her father was. But it wasn't meant to be. So, she accepted it and moved on. Until a letter arrives at her doorstep one day, and she has to make a decision that could change her life. One choice and she is suddenly thrust into fast-paced action and intrigue way beyond her wildest dreams. Questionable characters and tense dialogue will keep you up wayyyy past bedtime. A definite must-read for 2024!
My thanks to the author for gifting me with an ARC.
The suspense and writing style of D.L. Wood is absolutely AMAZING! She draws her readers in within the first few pages of the book with relatable characters, and non-stop action! You definitely will not get bored reading The Choice! I would have finished it the first day, but my husband didn't want me staying up the entire night to finish it!
The Choice is an exciting murder/mystery about a young woman Sadie who finds out who her father is which puts her into a very life-threatening situation. This story is a page turner with some interesting twists and an interesting revelation as to the cause of who was behind the deaths and life-threatening situations. I really appreciated the references to the Bible and the clean plot.
Wow! What a ride! I loved the storyline of this book. So many twists and turns! There were some very creepy parts but it is clean and not graphic. This is a well written Christian romantic suspense book with great characters, good pacing, and a style I really enjoy reading. I highly recommend it.
What a ride! Seriously! This book has suspense, romance, a smart, likable, faith-filled main character, life-changing decisions and implications, and an unidentifiable villain. I LOVED this book and had a hard time putting it down. I think everyone will enjoy this!
The Choice really delivered on suspense and kept me hooked from start to finish! D.L. Wood has a great knack for weaving thrillers that pull readers in and don’t let go. Another favorite!
When I discovered D. L. Wood a few years back, I was so excited to find an author that writes suspenseful thrillers with jaw dropping moments and Christian themes. The Choice is an edge of your seat thriller which primarily takes place on a super yacht. While I can’t really go into any details about what happens in this story because of spoilers, I will say it is full of twists and turns I didn’t see coming and some very tense, scary moments! I felt for Sadie and the choice she had to make- see what I did there? I can’t imagine how scary it would have been to be in her shoes! I basically accused all of the people while trying to figure out just who the bad guy was and why he/she was doing what they were doing. If you’re looking for a thriller that will keep you guessing give The Choice by D. L. Wood a try!
What a fun twisty suspenseful ride! This was a great suspense novel with just a touch of romance by D.L. Wood. Though predominantly told in the 3rd person narrative from Sadie's perspective, there are chapters interspersed told in 1st person, but you don't know whose. When Sadie receives a letter that offers to provide an answer to the biggest question she's had her entire life, she has the choice to remain in the safe little world she's built for herself, or to take a risk and learn the missing pieces of her history. Throughout the story she has a series of choices - one of which is always the safer option. And the reader is left questioning - what would I do in this scenario? Would I stay safe in the world I know? Or would I want to know where I came from? When Sadie makes her choice, she has no idea how things will actually play out.
This book had a lot of twists and turns. There was definitely a whodunit factor and every time I started to suspect someone, the author would show why that person couldn't be the villain. I was guessing the entire time and even towards the end, when I was certain there could be no more twists, there was still one more twist. There was a tiny hint of romance included for those who prefer romance with their suspense, but for people like me who prefer the suspense to the romance, the romance was miniscule enough. There was also an underlying faith thread. I enjoyed how Sadie relied on God and how her morning devotions and prayer life kept her grounded. But her faith was not an overwhelming part of the story and wasn't shoved down anyone's throat. All in all this was an excellent twisty mystery that I would easily recommend to fans of inspirational or clean suspense. Special thanks to the author for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
This book is actually beyond 5 stars. It is an incredible book that grabs you right from the beginning. A nail biter for sure. Sadie receives a note under her door stating they know who she is. If she wants to know about herself she needs to open the note. Sadie never knew her father and her mother took the information to her grave. Curiosity had her open the note. It is an incredible ride going forward. Murder, kidnaps, and more await you when you read this book. Definitely a roller coaster. Very surprised ending. This is a definite MUST READ! Thank you DL Wood for inviting me to be on your ARC team. I look forward to many more opportunities.
What a rush! From start to finish this is excellent reading!
I knew going in what to expect. I’ve read the earlier books in the series so I was certain I was going to have a knot in my stomach and my heart in my throat as I traveled the path D.L. crafted in The Choice.
And what a choice it turned out to be for Sadie! I thought I’d figured out the culprit and ended up being so wrong. Tons of suspects, kind of like Knives Out, but so much better.
I also knew this would end up being a marathon read. Lots of clues and characters to follow. Lots of twists and turns to keep track of. And no way to put the book down until I knew how it ended!
This is a masterclass in suspense. I don’t know how she does it, but I’m certainly glad she does!
My thanks to the author for an advance copy. My review has not been solicited and I’m so excited to highly recommend this one!
If you like fast paced, suspense packed, surprise filled novels, this book is for you. There are so many questions waiting to be answered from the opening chapter such that I really can’t talk about the story without giving things away—and you don’t want that! I can say, the suspense is page turning, the surprises frequent.
I can also say the characters are endearing (well, the main ones are) and include a 10 year old child. The author keeps us in suspense as to who the good guys are until well into the novel, an interesting technique.
The main character has wondered her entire life about those aspects of her childhood her mother refused to tell her about. When she is left a cryptic note giving her a choice for more information— or not—, she discovers that one choice can lead to many others, and not all of them desirable or anticipated. The story develops with what I can only say often feels like an Agatha Christie novel—or maybe a page taken from Clue.
All in all a good read, and one worth the time spent doing. The book is not just about a good story, however; it is interwoven with life lessons about choices we make and the ripple effects therefrom, forgiveness and compassion being among them. Definitely recommend.
I read The Choice by D. L. Wood in anticipation of her attendance at the 2025 Turning A New Page Book Festival in Perry, Georgia two weeks ago. This romantic suspense poses the question — if you could find out the answers you crave about the past, what would you do? Main character, Sadie Miles, has always wanted to know the identity of her father. Her mother would never tell her, believing that the truth was worse than not knowing. But faced with answers to long-held questions, Sadie takes a chance. The result puts her in the crosshairs of a killer. Wood puts Sadie in a lot of dangerous situations! And kept her off-balance. As a reader, I felt as lost as she, though I did have glimpses into the mind of the bad guy. But my guesses were wrong! I never saw the ending coming. This novel is definitely a twisting reading ride. The book is faith-based and clean — no worries over content. If you are a fan of this genre, then I recommend you check this one out. The book is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone.
Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(I purchased the ebook from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
“We always have a choice.” Is all the money in the world worth it? Those words and thought ring in my ears as I turn the pages of this fast paced thriller. Murder. Deceit. Greed. Kidnapping. Sadie’s life is turned upside down when she receives a letter giving her instructions on her next move. Boy is she in for the ride of her life, literally, when she gets in the car to go to her next destination. Her life holds many secrets that will unfold and she is going to have to try and make it out alive as each secret unfolds. Mrs. Wood does a phenomenal job of helping the reader get to know each character and keep us guessing to the very end of this whodunit story. This is one of those books that you are on the edge of your seat and your mouth is dropping through each chapter you read. Mrs. Woods writes in a way that makes you think this is your culprit, but you get to the end and never ever guessed it. This is a true talent of a gifted suspense writer. I highly recommend this book and ALL D L Wood books because she keeps the surprise and anticipation alive in a true suspenseful read.
3.5 stars "I can choose to keep living my life the way it is, not knowing those answers, or I can open the letter - " Choices. Life-changing, perhaps? The one that Sadie Miles is about to make could be the best or the worst decision of her life.
Living from paycheck to paycheck, Sadie had just about figured out how to make ends meet, even while assuming guardianship of her best friend's son. When a cryptic message on the outside of an envelope is slipped under the door of her duplex, rabid curiosity prompts Sadie to follow the enclosed directions and literally set sail towards an unknown future. Her dilemma? Even if she finds the answers to a multitude of questions, will she still be alive when she arrives at her final destination? Someone aboard the luxury yacht is playing a deadly game of elimination.
Don't be surprised if you catch yourself holding your breath through-out this entire voyage, thank goodness for a bit of hopeful romance! . . . or should you even trust him?
I know who you are. If you want to know too, open me. Be outside your house at 7 am.
Sadie Miles is a waitress, making just enough money for the two of them. That is, herself and Matty, her ward. She has carried one wish all her life - to find out who her father is and meet him. Her mother, who was wonderful, has passed away, leaving Sadie without the information she desires. A strange note takes her into a world of luxury, deviousness and murder. Will she even survive to return to Matty?
This book is not to be missed! It will surely grab your attention and not let go. Plenty of suspense, mystery and even murder will keep you guessing right up till the unexpected end. An early copy was received through Silverglass Press and BookFunnel. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.
This was another fantastic suspense from author D.L. Wood. She never fails to surprise me. Several twists completely shocked me. I can always count on her to keep me guessing!
I really liked Sadie. I'm not sure if I would have been as brave as her in that situation, but I truly admired her determination to seek answers. I worried about her, though—a lot.
The suspense and danger kept ramping up the further into the book I got, and so did my anxiety. I didn’t know who to trust. I didn’t even know if there was anyone I could trust. I think I suspected almost everyone at one point or another. I was completely shocked by the reveal.
If you’re looking for a high-stakes, fast-paced mystery that will keep you guessing, I highly, highly recommend The Choice. I loved it!
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
I thoroughly enjoyed this thrilling page-turner of a novel. I could not stop reading, wanting to make my way through the unexpected twists and turns until I reached the stunning conclusion. The plot and conflict enhanced the slow-building tension, and the characters seemed to leap to life from the pages. It’s uncanny how Wood was able to look into the mind of a killer and portray the thoughts that could possibly occupy his or her mind. I appreciated the focus on God and His protection and was encouraged by the spiritual truths placed throughout the story. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys inspirational suspense, and I am looking forward to reading Wood’s next book! I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book for the author. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sadie embarks on a harrowing journey when she agrees to meet her father - a man she wondered about but never knew for her whole life, because her mother refused to give her any info on him. When she agrees to travels to meet him, she is thrust into a dangerous situation and has to choose if the perils of staying the course are worth the financial rewards she will be eligible for. D.L. Wood weaves this story expertly, taking us on the roller coaster of adventure right along with Sadie. It's an exciting, hard-to-put-down book that will have you rooting for the good guys...if you can figure out who they are! Definitely a must-read for fans of the great suspense stories D.L. Wood writes.
Good golly this book has owned me and consumed me all day. I only put it down when I had no choice (pun intended).
Some choices are life-changing as these characters will learn. This cast of characters just flabbergasted me. I do not even have the words. The mystery and suspense were out of this world with twisty thrills around every corner. The author worked a faith element into this story with finesse by reminding us of our Creator.
I am still shaking my head in wonder and awe, and I need a nap. D. L. Wood's writing style is addicting and gripping. This book is worthy of 20 stars. It is that good.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Excellent book filled with excitement and suspense.
Someone wants Sadie dead. Several people have a motive. Which one is planning her demise? Who can she trust except the Lord?
This book is well-written with a very unusual plot with a lot of twists. The descriptions of scenery are vivid and realistic. It is extremely suspenseful and keeps you rapidly turning the pages. Very hard to put down. Christian aspects such as prayer, trust in God, and scripture reading are displayed.
Quote: “Her hope was in a God who was always faithful. It didn’t mean things would always be easy, but it did mean she would never have to face the hard things by herself.”
I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.
The Choice by D.L. Wood is a twisted tale of risk versus reward that will keep readers guessing until the last pages. Sadie is a very ordinary and relatable character who is plunged into very larger than life circumstances. This story offers a slow build of tension as a risky life and death game is played that could change Sadie’s life in more ways than one! I loved the concept of this story. It had a very Lord of the Flies or Dangerous Game type quality to it. As a reader I did not know who I could trust in this story! The conclusion was tense and answered all of my questions, but I won’t be giving spoilers! If you like slow burn suspense with high stakes then you should give this one a try!
I have loved the Deadly Decisions series and am sad to see it end. The Choice is probably the strongest installment yet, though I've enjoyed all of them. At times, I would have liked more showing and less telling, and it has some point-of-view breaks (characters knowing things about others they can't know), but the non-stop twists, high-stakes, and fast pace hooked me from the start. D.L. Wood keep me guessing until the end. While I figured out the motive, I was way off on the culprit. In the Deadly Decisions series, Wood expertly trapped her protagonists (and readers) in isolated settings, ratcheting the tension. I recommend this series to anyone looking for edge-of-the seat suspense that doesn't include crude language, sex, or gore.
Ms. Wood has done it again. It was amazing from the beginning to the end. A cryptic message that leaves Sadie wondering what to do. Kyle tells her that it’s her decision, but he will be watching. The man responsible Liam is a lawyer. She’s has responsibilities. She’s lucky to have a great neighbor who looks out for her and Marty. My heart was bounding to see where it was going, and I loved it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves thriller, loves suspense, and great characters.
Buy the book so you can see what happens. I fully voluntarily accepted a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own. I have read many other books by Ms. Wood. I will be buying a copy to pass out.
This is an excellent book in my opinion. It kept my interest from the start and I didn't want to stop reading it until the end. I enjoyed seeing the difference between a worldly outlook and a Christian outlook concerning riches. We all have choices to make in our daily lives and how we deal with life does make a difference in the level of true happiness we achieve. I recommend this book to all readers because it is entertaining, had some twists and turns involved, and a surprise towards the end. I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my true opinion. I had never read this author before and intend to read more of her books.
Sadie is faced with an interesting situation. She never knew who her father was, but all of that changes when she is located and taken to meet her ruthless half siblings upon the reading of her father’s will. This book was suspenseful with threats to Sadie and murder occurring on a superyacht. Who actually perpetrated the crimes was a surprise and one that I am sure you will want to read to see if you can figure it out.
I highly recommend this book. It is the second in the Deadly Decisions Collection but can be read as a standalone. I was given a complimentary copy of the book. A positive review was not required, and all opinions are my own.