Seeking Refuge

Faith in the Valley #2

by Ruby Mae O'Dell, Danielle Cress

Running for her life, Joyce Watson has a very short list of people she can trust-God and herself. Because she has discriminating evidence against him, her pursuer will go to extreme measures to silence her before it's turned over to authorities. Despite the nosy sheriff living on the property, hunkering down at an isolated guest ranch feels like the safest option. Drawn to the handsome sheriff, she struggles to keep her heart under lock and key. What if he's working for her enemy and plotting a way to capture her? Sheriff Isaac Sawyer can't help but feel suspicious of the newest lodger at the Cascade Valley Guest Ranch. It's clear she's hiding something, but what? Her bright, blue eyes are so full of fear, his heart longs to take care of her; but Joyce doesn't trust him. Can he win her trust before her fears become reality? Will he be able to protect her without risking his heart? Murder, secrets, and danger throw Isaac and Joyce together. They must learn to trust God and each other to overcome the dark clouds of peril circling around them. Will evil prevail, or will God pull them through and kindle a love both believe is impossible?

324 pages, Paperback

Published December 19, 2017

Reviews

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Faith in the Valley series by Ruby Mae O'Dell and I enjoyed it far more than Hidden Treasures! Love the way God is front and center in her novels!

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This faith-based story begins with Joyce Watson fleeing for her life. Joyce has evidence, in her possession that will definitely implicate and convict the one who is chasing her. And! The one who is chasing her, will stop at nothing to get what he or she wants.

Joyce discovers a place of refuge at The Cascade Valley Guest Ranch, owned by the Sawyer family. Sheriff Isaac Sawyer, knowing something is troubling Joyce, befriends her and tries to win her trust. With everything Joyce has been through, it's difficult for her to trust anyone.

This is a good fast-paced book that is hard to put down. We've been in a snowstorm and I've been reading while the snow falls. I liked Isaac Sawyer. I thought he was a great guy. He was patient, kind, tender and tall! Joyce was so full of courage, even though she didn't believe she was. She was tougher than she realized too. And! We have a romance. :)

I'd like to thank the author for e-mailing her book to me in exchange for an honest review! I liked it!

[Rebecca W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since the beginning moved really fast, I wish we had a bit more time to get to know the characters a little better before diving into everything. But it was an endearing story and I'm enjoying getting to know the Sawyer family. I'm excited to see what's to come for this abundantly faith-filled family!

[Elizabeth Dragina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars ~

Why? Oh why, oh why, oh why?

*cringe*

So. That was--I'm having trouble trying to find words describing my adventure inside this world. *glances away* It ..... just needed some more effort? Or something?

PROS ~

· THE SUSPENSION
· Ace .... the border collie
· The setting
· The big family....Haha....I love big families
· The message
· The beautiful words of encouragement
· The fact that O'Dell addressed an issue that most people avoid. 💔

CONS ~

· The romance....*cringe* It was just--needed help.
· The characters seemed shallow. And I really didn't connect to them. I loved Isaac in the first book, but his "tough and rumble" persona wasn't there this time, he was just a big softie always following this strange girl he was attracted to around. It was unrealistic.
· The relationships and development between characters was unrealistic.
· I knew who the bad guys were. . . .
· ALL the pet names #Itwassocringy
· The proposal & wedding was really, really cringy. *grimaces*
· ALSO WHAT WOMAN IN HER REAL BODY WOULD FIND THE STRENGTH TO GET MARRIED DIRECTLY AFTER SHE HAD A BABY??????!!!!!!! THAT'S RIGHT. NO WOMAN. GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.............!!!!

CONTENT ~

· Deaths. Dead bodies.
· Blood and fatal injuries.
· Sexual Content hinted at in a bad light. ((*spoiler* Sexual Trafficking Is Discussed))
· Abuse. Rape.. . . .not detailed.
· Threats to life. Etc.

Overall ~ I found the story very intriguing, with suspense piling on. But the romance was really unrealistic and shallow. *shrugs* The message was beautiful. 💖

**FTC DISCLOSURE** I received a complimentary copy in exchange for a review. I'm not affiliated with the author, nor do I rate/review biasedly. This review is only my opinion so please don't be offended. Thanks!

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, but the editing leaves a lot to be desired. Incorrect word using, spelling and punctuation errors, and the kindle formatting has a lot of run on words with no spaces and lines are really messed up.