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Finding Sanctuary #3
Rising Darkness
Romantic Suspense to Keep Readers Guessing Until the Last Page
Sophie Wittenbauer left her strict Mennonite hometown under a cloud of shame and regret. After a rough childhood, her teenage poor choices harmed others, leaving her with no choice but to change her life. Her entry-level writing job at a newspaper puts her in the right place at the right time to overhear office gossip about a prisoner who has information on a decades-old unsolved crime. While the other reporters write off the tip as the ravings of an angry criminal, Sophie can't ignore it because she knows the name of this prisoner from her old life.
Upon learning from the man that one of the other suspects is hiding out in the Missouri town of Sanctuary, she takes on a false identity to investigate and meets the young pastor of a local church--the very man she'd loved as a troubled teenager. As she gets closer to finding the suspect, will the truth of her own past come out before she discovers the identity of the criminal--or the very person she's seeking puts a fatal stop to her investigation?
Sophie Wittenbauer left her strict Mennonite hometown under a cloud of shame and regret. After a rough childhood, her teenage poor choices harmed others, leaving her with no choice but to change her life. Her entry-level writing job at a newspaper puts her in the right place at the right time to overhear office gossip about a prisoner who has information on a decades-old unsolved crime. While the other reporters write off the tip as the ravings of an angry criminal, Sophie can't ignore it because she knows the name of this prisoner from her old life.
Upon learning from the man that one of the other suspects is hiding out in the Missouri town of Sanctuary, she takes on a false identity to investigate and meets the young pastor of a local church--the very man she'd loved as a troubled teenager. As she gets closer to finding the suspect, will the truth of her own past come out before she discovers the identity of the criminal--or the very person she's seeking puts a fatal stop to her investigation?
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 2015
87 people are currently reading
648 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Mehl
62 books1,450 followersNancy Mehl is the bestselling author of over 50 books. She’s won the Daphne Du Maurier Award, as well as an ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award and a Carol award. She was also a finalist for the prestigious Christy award. Her short story, Chasing Shadows, was in the USA Today bestselling Summer of Suspense anthology. Learn more about her at www.nancymehl.com and on her blog, the Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
July 29, 2021
I was in the mood for a bit of romantic suspense and I have in the past enjoyed Nancy Mehl's series as they are set with a Christian theme as in this case Sanctuary is a modern Mennonite town. The book starts with a robbery happening and six million dollars missing. We learn that one of the criminals who was never caught hightailed it to a small town called Sanctuary. A couple of years later, Tom Ford who was a mutual friend of Sophie's from her hometown Mennonite town contacts her where she is a reporter to tell his story in exchange for a lighter sentence. Sophie heads to the town under pretences and a false name - Emily and in the town, she learns more about the people and we see flashbacks of her life growing up. What happens though when Sophie's past clashes with the present when the guy she had a crush on Jonathon is now one of the Pastors in Sanctuary? As the book goes along, it looks like somebody knows what Sophie is up to and will go to lengths to keep his identity and secret safe and works to drive Sophie from town. Will Sophie pack up and leave Sanctuary or in a way has she finally found somewhere to call home and people who care and love her? Find out in this edgy CF Romantic Suspense "Rising Darkness" - Book #3 in the Finding Sanctuary series by Nancy Mehl.
November 19, 2015
Nancy Mehl has gifted us with another visit to Sanctuary Missouri, and a stay with Esther our beloved Mennonite friend.
This one will keep you page turning and on the edge of your seat, you won’t know where the danger is coming from, or who is the guilty party. There are a lot of surprises here, and things that appear one way, are soon looking like something else.
We reunite with several friends from previous visits to Sanctuary, and because we feel rather safe here, sometimes we become too complacent and don’t see some of the danger lurking.
Some people have changed their looks, including the main character, Emily, or Sophie, she is not that abused child that grew up Mennonite, and now feels God should have protected her.
Will she get the answers she seeks here, or will evil win and get away with the crimes they have committed? Come along for a good heart stopping read, which will keep you reading, until you have answers.
I received this book through Bethany House Review Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.
This one will keep you page turning and on the edge of your seat, you won’t know where the danger is coming from, or who is the guilty party. There are a lot of surprises here, and things that appear one way, are soon looking like something else.
We reunite with several friends from previous visits to Sanctuary, and because we feel rather safe here, sometimes we become too complacent and don’t see some of the danger lurking.
Some people have changed their looks, including the main character, Emily, or Sophie, she is not that abused child that grew up Mennonite, and now feels God should have protected her.
Will she get the answers she seeks here, or will evil win and get away with the crimes they have committed? Come along for a good heart stopping read, which will keep you reading, until you have answers.
I received this book through Bethany House Review Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.
December 29, 2019
not real impressed.....ok story
November 19, 2015
Nancy Mehl is a prolific writer. I have read and reviewed her last two three-book series – the Kingdom series and the Sanctuary series. While each novel is a stand alone book, it is more enjoyable to read them in the order in which they were written.
Kingdom and Sanctuary are two Mennonite communities that are a mixture of those of the Mennonite faith and those of other Christian denominations.
The author fleshes out the characters with descriptions, settings, and conversations that help the reader know just what a character’s role in the story really is.
In Rising Darkness we have the conclusion of the Sanctuary three-book series. Having read the Kingdom series, I soon realized that the female protagonist, Sophia, is an abused child/teen from a Mennonite home in Kingdom; and the male protagonist, Jonathan, is a former Kingdom Mennonite who has become a pastor in a church of a different denomination in the town of Sanctuary.
Sanctuary is a close knit community but one in which folks work well together even though they don’t share the same beliefs.
Sophia has come to Sanctuary in search of a story about a criminal and the stolen cash. This should be the making of her reporting career. She goes in as “Emily” to keep it “under cover.” During her search for the missing criminal who she believes may be in Sanctuary, she lies to the dear people in Sanctuary who befriend and aid her. Troubled by this deception, she still persists in her search. Then real trouble and threats begin.
Mehl writes a good suspense story that is clean, entertaining, and with characters you’d love to have as neighbors and perhaps some you wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley. Another good conclusion to a good series.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Kingdom and Sanctuary are two Mennonite communities that are a mixture of those of the Mennonite faith and those of other Christian denominations.
The author fleshes out the characters with descriptions, settings, and conversations that help the reader know just what a character’s role in the story really is.
In Rising Darkness we have the conclusion of the Sanctuary three-book series. Having read the Kingdom series, I soon realized that the female protagonist, Sophia, is an abused child/teen from a Mennonite home in Kingdom; and the male protagonist, Jonathan, is a former Kingdom Mennonite who has become a pastor in a church of a different denomination in the town of Sanctuary.
Sanctuary is a close knit community but one in which folks work well together even though they don’t share the same beliefs.
Sophia has come to Sanctuary in search of a story about a criminal and the stolen cash. This should be the making of her reporting career. She goes in as “Emily” to keep it “under cover.” During her search for the missing criminal who she believes may be in Sanctuary, she lies to the dear people in Sanctuary who befriend and aid her. Troubled by this deception, she still persists in her search. Then real trouble and threats begin.
Mehl writes a good suspense story that is clean, entertaining, and with characters you’d love to have as neighbors and perhaps some you wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley. Another good conclusion to a good series.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
December 1, 2015
From the opening pages I found this story interesting. The characters had a depth to them that made me not only enjoy them but relate to them. The story had several facets to it that kept my attention throughout.
I found Sophie was an extremely interesting character. The author revealed aspects abut her throughout the story. It kept me guessing what her secrets were. Jonathan was also interesting but didn't hold quite as many secrets. The author did a great job developing their relationship. At one point I was so caught up in their story I had forgotten Sophie's purpose for being in Sanctuary.
The story was very good and kept me guessing. I did have some of my suspicions confirmed but was blindsided by other aspects. That fact made this a very enjoyable story.
Even more than the story was the message. This story tells of God's forgiveness and how He can heal the dark places in our lives. It also wrestles with the struggle that many face in regards to the terrible things that "Christians" do to others. Where Sophie ends the story is a very realistic place. Another kudo to the author for keeping it real.
This book does appear to be part of a series, but I didn't feel lost. It did make me want to read other books in the series and by this author.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I found Sophie was an extremely interesting character. The author revealed aspects abut her throughout the story. It kept me guessing what her secrets were. Jonathan was also interesting but didn't hold quite as many secrets. The author did a great job developing their relationship. At one point I was so caught up in their story I had forgotten Sophie's purpose for being in Sanctuary.
The story was very good and kept me guessing. I did have some of my suspicions confirmed but was blindsided by other aspects. That fact made this a very enjoyable story.
Even more than the story was the message. This story tells of God's forgiveness and how He can heal the dark places in our lives. It also wrestles with the struggle that many face in regards to the terrible things that "Christians" do to others. Where Sophie ends the story is a very realistic place. Another kudo to the author for keeping it real.
This book does appear to be part of a series, but I didn't feel lost. It did make me want to read other books in the series and by this author.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
December 30, 2015
Most Relatable Romantic Suspense I've Read!!
I absolutely LOVE Nancy Mehl's romantic suspense stories. Rising Darkness, her latest, is no exception. While part three of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone.
"Why did I have to revisit my nightmares to achieve my dreams?" moans Sophie Bauer, AKA "Emily McClure." Fleeing the Mennonite town of Kingdom and an upbringing that was horrendous, "Emily" decides to locate armored car robber Terrance Chase. This will take her to another small mostly Mennonite town and could catapult her to fame, if "Emily" can scoop the story for her newspaper.
The town of Sanctuary is a mixed bag. Some people "Emily" meets prove to be a surprising blessing, while others just wear masks like "Emily." Will "Emily"/Sophie be able to unmask the truly dangerous persons, or will they put a tragic end to her masquerade first?
I love the way Nancy Mehl uses main characters that could be the average young man or woman. They don't possess any superpowers or special skills, although one possesses a great faith in God and one has many obstacles to overcome.
A wonderful story of anger towards God, God's presence amidst tragedy, His faithful love, forgiveness, and peace.
I gratefully received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely LOVE Nancy Mehl's romantic suspense stories. Rising Darkness, her latest, is no exception. While part three of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone.
"Why did I have to revisit my nightmares to achieve my dreams?" moans Sophie Bauer, AKA "Emily McClure." Fleeing the Mennonite town of Kingdom and an upbringing that was horrendous, "Emily" decides to locate armored car robber Terrance Chase. This will take her to another small mostly Mennonite town and could catapult her to fame, if "Emily" can scoop the story for her newspaper.
The town of Sanctuary is a mixed bag. Some people "Emily" meets prove to be a surprising blessing, while others just wear masks like "Emily." Will "Emily"/Sophie be able to unmask the truly dangerous persons, or will they put a tragic end to her masquerade first?
I love the way Nancy Mehl uses main characters that could be the average young man or woman. They don't possess any superpowers or special skills, although one possesses a great faith in God and one has many obstacles to overcome.
A wonderful story of anger towards God, God's presence amidst tragedy, His faithful love, forgiveness, and peace.
I gratefully received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2016
"Rising Darkness" by Nancy Mehl is a mystery and fiction but it has a spiritual lesson about how God leads us and how holding onto the past only hinders us from moving forward. I have all three books in the (Finding Sanctuary series) and this book is my favorite of the six ( yes I read the three books in the Road to Kingdom) that I have read!
This book has lots of twists this reader did not see coming! This book moved right along with no slow parts, like some books have to just fill up the pages to make it a longer book.
This book is about murder and a robbery, but this book is still a great book and yes it is a Christian book.
This books shows that our past doesn't always hinder our future if you only let forgiveness take place.
I recommend this book to all readers of the mystery, romance and Mennonite genres.
"Rising Darkness" by Nancy Mehl is the third book in the (Finding Sanctuary series) and is quite enjoyable without reading the other two in the series, but I recommend reading the other two as well. I only say this because an incident involving Sophie is mentioned in the book as well as other characters from the series. Even if you don't read the other two you can enjoy this book! You won't be wondering or at a loss because you didn't read the first two.
I really like the ending to "Rising Darkness".
I have given "Rising Darkness" five stars.
This book has lots of twists this reader did not see coming! This book moved right along with no slow parts, like some books have to just fill up the pages to make it a longer book.
This book is about murder and a robbery, but this book is still a great book and yes it is a Christian book.
This books shows that our past doesn't always hinder our future if you only let forgiveness take place.
I recommend this book to all readers of the mystery, romance and Mennonite genres.
"Rising Darkness" by Nancy Mehl is the third book in the (Finding Sanctuary series) and is quite enjoyable without reading the other two in the series, but I recommend reading the other two as well. I only say this because an incident involving Sophie is mentioned in the book as well as other characters from the series. Even if you don't read the other two you can enjoy this book! You won't be wondering or at a loss because you didn't read the first two.
I really like the ending to "Rising Darkness".
I have given "Rising Darkness" five stars.
July 2, 2020
This is an amazing read! Nancy Mehl has fast become one of my favorite authors. She has a way of creating the best suspense novels that keep you reading because you have to see if you figure out the whodunit before she gives it away at the end. Her writing style is excellent and I always feel like I'm right there inside the book with the characters. Plus the characters draw me in and I either love them or love to hate them.
Rising Darkness is book three in a series. Sophie ran away from an abusive and bad situation in the Mennonite town she grew up in. Now she's in Sanctuary, Missouri with an assumed name trying to solve a mystery without giving away who she really is. And then, of course, she runs into someone she knows. Not just someone she casually knows but the guys she's been in love with forever!
You're going to love this book. It's fast-paced and has plenty of characters to love and hate. I loved the whole series about Kingdom and where we met Sophie and Jonathan. Now I've loved this last novel in the Sanctuary series as well. Definitely read all six!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received Through Netgalley. 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
Rising Darkness is book three in a series. Sophie ran away from an abusive and bad situation in the Mennonite town she grew up in. Now she's in Sanctuary, Missouri with an assumed name trying to solve a mystery without giving away who she really is. And then, of course, she runs into someone she knows. Not just someone she casually knows but the guys she's been in love with forever!
You're going to love this book. It's fast-paced and has plenty of characters to love and hate. I loved the whole series about Kingdom and where we met Sophie and Jonathan. Now I've loved this last novel in the Sanctuary series as well. Definitely read all six!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received Through Netgalley. 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
September 25, 2020
Good Christian story. Sophie had a horrible childhood that caused her to lose faith in God. She thought she was not worth anything and no one would want her. Jonathan changed all that. He made her see that God is always there right beside us and loves us. Jesus paid the price for our mistakes. If we hold on to them, that is like saying Jesus did not do enough for me. It was a sweet romance between the two of them. Book definitely did not turn out like I thought. Chase turned out to be dead and it was Snake that had lived and was trying to find the money. Thanks to Clyde the cat for tangling up Snake so Jonathan and Sophie could tie him up. The six million dollars was never found. That would have been a cool part of the story if the town would have found it before they blew up the mine. But then again, maybe not. Their little town would not remain the quiet, peaceful place it was. People from all over would probably want to come see all about it.
July 6, 2017
Sophie Wittenbauer left the Mennonite enclave of Kingdom, KS, under a shroud of shame. Nine years later, she's still trying to bolster her self-esteem with New Age affirmations. She's come a long way from the frumpy, abused daughter of the town pariah. So why does it only take one step into another Mennonite town, Sanctuary, to undo all the work she's done?
Jonathon Weise left Kingdom shortly after Sophie. Disillusioned by the way she was treated and his inability to help her, he finds a new home as pastor of the Agape Fellowship church in Sanctuary. When a newcomer named Emily McClure comes to town to search her ancestry, he feels like he knows her from somewhere. The only other girl he ever knew with amber eyes was Sophie but this girl looks nothing like her - except for the eyes. Could he be seeing things?
On the trail of a killer, Sophie is looking for the break she needs to get off the wedding/obituary beat and into crime reporting for the St. Louis Herald. Can she keep herself and her heart safe when the killer finds her and she finds her first love living in Sanctuary?
Nancy Mehl's suspense never fails to grip. Rising Darkness is her third novel set in Sanctuary. Since I am Mennonite, I'm always jarred a little bit by her characterization of the Mennonites in Kingdom. The Mennonites I know are much more like those in Sanctuary - kind, giving, Christ-followers. I completely get why Sophie would turn away from the God that is worshipped in Kingdom - and why she would return to the God worshipped in Sanctuary.
If you love suspense, flawed, questioning characters and a light dose of romance, Rising Darkness is the book for you I've read all 3 books in the series but I don't think you have to in order to enjoy each one.
Jonathon Weise left Kingdom shortly after Sophie. Disillusioned by the way she was treated and his inability to help her, he finds a new home as pastor of the Agape Fellowship church in Sanctuary. When a newcomer named Emily McClure comes to town to search her ancestry, he feels like he knows her from somewhere. The only other girl he ever knew with amber eyes was Sophie but this girl looks nothing like her - except for the eyes. Could he be seeing things?
On the trail of a killer, Sophie is looking for the break she needs to get off the wedding/obituary beat and into crime reporting for the St. Louis Herald. Can she keep herself and her heart safe when the killer finds her and she finds her first love living in Sanctuary?
Nancy Mehl's suspense never fails to grip. Rising Darkness is her third novel set in Sanctuary. Since I am Mennonite, I'm always jarred a little bit by her characterization of the Mennonites in Kingdom. The Mennonites I know are much more like those in Sanctuary - kind, giving, Christ-followers. I completely get why Sophie would turn away from the God that is worshipped in Kingdom - and why she would return to the God worshipped in Sanctuary.
If you love suspense, flawed, questioning characters and a light dose of romance, Rising Darkness is the book for you I've read all 3 books in the series but I don't think you have to in order to enjoy each one.
January 25, 2019
Sophie leaving with shame, and a father’s words that she was thrash. Changing her name and wanting to prove himself worthy. She had the dream of being a crime reporter, and with no experience, she goes to the prison to follow up on letters he had written. Going back to her home town under false pretense, to learn more of the crime and hoping there was a story. Instead she find part of her that has been missing in her life. Johnathan is now a pastor, the quietness of the town. Does she get her story. With forgiveness and understanding of the people she has once again changed. Interesting series to read and enjoy .
January 3, 2026
Seek and Find
Sophie has been given fluff pieces for the paper for a while but her dream is to cover crimes. She comes across information that could give her the scoop of a lifetime. In order to track down the criminal she goes into the town of Sanctuary. This town has Mennonite roots and so does she. She has a history that has her thinking God abandoned her so she has chosen to abandon God. Shortly after her arrival she sees a man from her past. Will her search for the criminal help her find so much more? This is book three of the series but can stand alone. Nancy Mehl is one of my must buy authors. This did not disappoint. The whodunnit is jaw dropping!
Sophie has been given fluff pieces for the paper for a while but her dream is to cover crimes. She comes across information that could give her the scoop of a lifetime. In order to track down the criminal she goes into the town of Sanctuary. This town has Mennonite roots and so does she. She has a history that has her thinking God abandoned her so she has chosen to abandon God. Shortly after her arrival she sees a man from her past. Will her search for the criminal help her find so much more? This is book three of the series but can stand alone. Nancy Mehl is one of my must buy authors. This did not disappoint. The whodunnit is jaw dropping!
July 10, 2017
An interesting story. Sophie left her Mennonite hometown under a cloud of shame and regret. She has become a reporter. She goes to Sanctuary to find a murdered and thief. She assumes the name of Emily McClure so she can investigate. She is doing research but is being threatened. Who is trying to scare her? She runs into a young pastor who she realizes she knew from her hometown. Will she be able to conceal the truth from him? or will she convince him to help her find the man she is looking for? Will they survive the investigation? There are a few twists and turns.
April 28, 2020
Good suspenseful mystery romance book. Young, former Mennonite woman on a mission to find a criminal and better her position as a reporter might find more than she bargains for...she might just find friends, romance, and herself. I enjoyed this third book in the Finding Sanctuary series and will have to go back and read the other too. Mehl does a good job keeping a reader's interest from beginning of the book to the end. I listened to a library copy of the audiobook and Vanessa Daniels does a nice job narrating Sophie's story, which made for an entertaining listening experience.
December 29, 2015
Rising Darkness is one of those rare stories that served more as an eye opener than mere entertainment. The plot was surprisingly solid; the character development was great; more than anything, though, I found the protagonist’s story arc to be incredibly unique in comparison to other Christian novels and I was deeply encouraged and moved by it ― I really liked this story!
___________________________________________
WHAT I LIKED
+ The overall story line and approach is thought-provoking and heartfelt. This is a story that deals with dark themes and delves into complex issues in a surprisingly mundane way for a detective story. Even more, this is the type of story that leads the reader to consider their own personal struggles, misunderstandings, and doubts.
+ I was wholly enthralled in the various sides to the story and greatly enjoyed how they all resolve brilliantly in the end ― there were characters from the previous books in the series that were interlaced with Rising Darkness’ story line; there were no open endings or partial conclusions; more appealing to me, though, was Sophie’s internal conflict with God. Even now, I remember as I read this book in complete awe processing all of Sophie’s qualms and it wasn’t so much that I was dismayed or offended by Sophie’s increasing trepidations, rather I was comforted and relieved to know that – though fictional – the author wrote Sophie’s character arc with these hard questions and sentiments in mind:
► “If I don’t believe in You ― if I don’t hope You love me or that You want to help me ― I’ll never be disappointed again. I can make my own way. I don’t need You. I don’t need anyone.”
► “No. I told you, I don’t believe in God. I’ve rejected the idea of a God who allows children to be abused and abandoned. God never showed me any love. I prayed and prayed for help. None came. Now I trust myself. No one else.”
► “I’m not judging God by them. I’m judging God by God. I prayed and prayed for help. All I got back was silence. Explain that to me.”
And just as I found myself emotionally immersed in Sophie’s quandary and siding with her ultimate perspective on life Nancy Mehl shrewdly stepped in and kindly reminded my incorrigible heart that:
► “Whether our pain is caused by something we did, or something that was done to us, looking backward can keep us from moving forward.”
► “People need the gifts that have been hidden inside you. You’re important to the church. To the world. And to the people who love you. God has called you to touch lives. And you can’t fulfill that calling if you’re imprisoned in the past.”
► “You’ll never be whole until you can picture yourself through the eyes of your heavenly Father instead of through the eyes of imperfect people.”
I cannot even begin to express how much I truly appreciate Nancy Mehl’s courage to venture down these dark alleys. As much as it pains me to confess this, I admit that I have wrestled with these ebb of emotions in more ways than I can count ― it was just incredibly refreshing to read a book like this one to say the least; especially in the Christian genre where almost every protagonist is found perfect and flawless.
+ Nancy Mehl gave life to her characters! Each one is richly detailed and they meshed well together, even the antagonist. I should mention that this is a character-driven storyline thus most of the plot progressed in light of the character(s)’ motives and resolve.
THINGS THAT MADE ME GO HMMM. . .
- I both liked and disliked Sophie. On the one hand, she was perfectly flawed, complex and deeply emotional ― traits I fully engrossed in when it comes to fictional characters. On the other hand, she was overwhelmingly pessimist; granted, she carried herself as a realist, but at the same time this innate trait seemed overbearing and it consequently took some time for her character to grow on me. It wasn’t until Nancy Mehl began to peel back her layers that I came to fully acknowledge and appreciate her vantage point and who she was as a person. Be that as it may, she is truly a memorable character and one that will remain close to me; perhaps because I find a lot of her pessimistic views in myself?
- There isn’t much brilliant logic in the super-detective scheme of things. Most of the detective work is simply gathering information. Too, while the mysterious intrigue was not as gripping as I had hoped, the character driven side to the story more than compensated these minor setbacks.
AFTERTHOUGHTS:
Ultimately, I really enjoyed Rising Darkness though it may not have been the best mystery-thriller I’ve read. Also, despite the weighted topics at hand, Rising Darkness will make you appreciate the people God has intentionally placed in your life ― my favorite book in the series by far!
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May 3, 2021
Really great read. I met Ms. Mehl at a book signing and she graciously inscribed this book. Then I stuck it on a shelf and there it sat. I'm glad I finally read it. I enjoyed the flawed heroine, aren't we all, and the serene small town the story was set in. Good character development and plot line. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
August 8, 2023
One of the best murder mystery books I've ever read. My opinion stayed the same throughout the entirety of the trilogy. I could read these books over and over without getting bored. I felt like I was there the whole time. I did kind of miss the fact that the series isn't a continuation of the same girl from the first book; but it was amazing all the same.
April 22, 2020
Book three was amazing. There were several unexpected things that happened, and I did not figure out the ending! Much better than the second book, less predictable. Nancy Mehl is a great writer and I look forward to reading more by her.
April 13, 2021
Easy read and will not want to put it down. The second one in this series I have read and they have both been good. Mystery is great and also searching for God. We all must turn loose of our past and God puts people in our path to show us God’s love.
May 18, 2021
Great series
Can't wait to read more books by Nancy Mehl. Finding Kingdom series that kind of leads into Finding Sanctuary Series are both great suspenseful and spiritual. Highly recommend both series.
Can't wait to read more books by Nancy Mehl. Finding Kingdom series that kind of leads into Finding Sanctuary Series are both great suspenseful and spiritual. Highly recommend both series.
January 1, 2023
My last book of 2022!
Once again, I found the romance in this ridiculous. But I loved the mystery, and I loved seeing Zac again. I'm going to be sad to leave the town of Sanctuary and its residents behind.
Once again, I found the romance in this ridiculous. But I loved the mystery, and I loved seeing Zac again. I'm going to be sad to leave the town of Sanctuary and its residents behind.
January 26, 2019
Great read!
February 26, 2020
Interesting mystery. A good finale to the Sanctuary series but not my favorite read.
November 7, 2020
Last book in a wonderful series! Was great to see characters from some of Nancy's other book series come back to wrap up their stories in this final book.
January 12, 2021
Enjoyed this series!
January 16, 2021
Very good book !!
July 10, 2021
Nancy Mehl created another great series! I enjoyed books 1 & 3 more than I did 2. I love how she brings the characters to life. Looking forward to reading more of her books!
July 18, 2021
Great Conclusion
Nancy keeps you on the edge of your seat and some things you may never see until she brings them out. Great suspense.
Nancy keeps you on the edge of your seat and some things you may never see until she brings them out. Great suspense.
July 20, 2022
God has a plan!!
The intensity of this book was amazing! I hope that more will be added to this series!! Mystery, intrigue, and passion for Christ exploded in the pages.
The intensity of this book was amazing! I hope that more will be added to this series!! Mystery, intrigue, and passion for Christ exploded in the pages.
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