Casey Crawford knows how the town of Freedom, Colorado feels about her and her family. She’s heard the whispers and knows they have no more use for her than they have for AC in December.
So, when she gets trapped in a chalet in the woods with the object of her secret crush and he shows interest in her, she knows it can’t lead to happily-ever-after. He’ll eventually see that the Crawfords are nothing but trouble, and if she doesn’t get him killed first, she’ll ruin his reputation.
Gage Buchanan has had his share of trouble, and isn’t looking for more, but when he offers Casey a ride home from work, someone starts shooting at them. He can’t leave a damsel in distress to her own devices, and the more time they spend together the more she finds her way into the cracks in the wall he’s built up around his heart.
He knows she deserves better than him, but if she keeps turning those trusting blue eyes his way, he won’t be able to keep himself from wishing they could be more than friends. In order for that to happen, he has to keep her alive and figure out why someone wants her dead. He plans to do just that. There are forces at work he can't control, but God can, if he'll turn to Him.
Return to Freedom, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters of the Heroes of Freedom Ridge in this Christian Christmas romance.
Elle E. Kay is an Angel Award-winning Christian fiction author known for her gripping suspense and engaging romance novels. She lives on a hobby farm in Central Pennsylvania with her husband, three dogs, and a variety of farm animals. A devoted follower of Christ, Elle is actively involved in her church's youth ministry and shares her love of Jesus through music.
Her writing journey began with non-fiction, poetry, and children's books before she made her Christian fiction debut in 2016. Since then, she has written 24 novels in the genre.
Elle is the author of the Endless Mountain and Pennsylvania Parks series, both romantic suspense collections set in Pennsylvania’s scenic Appalachians.
In addition to her solo projects, she has contributed to several multi-author series, including the Lawkeeper series (three contemporary and four historical novellas), Blushing Brides (two novels), Heroes of Freedom Ridge (three novels), and Christmas in Redemption Ridge (two novels). In October 2024, she contributed Midnight Offensive to the Silent Night anthology, part of the Winter Shivers collection.
Her stories seamlessly weave faith, suspense, and romance, offering readers thrilling narratives grounded in Christian values.
For updates on her latest works and upcoming releases, visit her website at elleekay.com.
Casey and Gage were believable and likable characters. I found them very engaging. The plot was realistic and enjoying. They were dealing with real life issues and scenarios. Casey had a father in prison and yet was constantly having to "suffer" for his crimes by some in the community whispering about her. She didn't do anything wrong but was being judge as if she did. For this reason, she wanted to leave town after she had made something of her life. Gage wanted to serve foreign missions - a life he'd felt drawn to - but felt familial pressure to stay and run the family business. Could there be other options? Their deep attraction to each other complicates things in both their lives! However, when Casey begins to be targeted by a madman, Gage steps up and won't let her down until he is caught. There is a lot of action towards the end of the book that is very enjoyable! I found the themes and lessons learned in this story to be great! A well written book!
I loved the possibilities this book presented. Loved how the author didn’t use a lot of foul language to make characters seem tough…. A good writer shouldn’t have to do that and this author didn’t.
I loved how scripture was used as an ‘example’. By that I mean it was used to enforce choices. This excerpt in the story explains it much better than me…. “Yes, the Lord had forgiven him, as had his friend, but maybe the consequences of his actions would linger for good. He remembered how David, in the Old Testament, had whole-heartedly turned to God and regretted his sin, but God let him suffer many of the consequences of his sinful choices. Maybe that was the position he was in now. God forgave him and cherished him as a dear son, but he wouldn’t remove the trouble.” It shows we have to own our choices and unfortunately there usually is collateral damage with bad choices. This book shows that.
I loved how good overcomes evil…. how when things looked impossible that the characters knew whatever the outcome, God was in control.
So you can see there was a lot I loved but there was a lot of frustration for me also. It almost was like this was meant to be a romantic suspense but then a romance seems impossible under the circumstances. How does someone seek a love connection when bullets are flying around at them or when family members have suddenly gone missing? I doubt many people would be thinking about falling in love under those circumstances. It was like the love angle was more important than the danger, but then the danger was ignored to fit the love in the story.
The whole legal process was unbelievable. A person is being stalked, shot at and had been left threatening notes and CDs. Why would the police be unable to intervene? There was proof and witnesses. It was like law enforcement just didn’t want to be involved. It also seemed like at least one detective needed to be reprimanded at a minimum, if not demoted. He allowed personal feelings stand in the way of investigating a likely kidnapping …. They didn’t even try to connect the puzzle pieces which would have been easy to do. It seemed obvious Casey’s brakes had been tampered with when she almost went over that cliff. It seemed the authorities didn’t want to know or even try to find the culprit. Did they also want her dead?
Why didn’t law officials file a missing person report when the mother disappeared? The minimum wait period had more than been met.
I needed more depth into the crime that was the catalyst of this book. How old were the victims and how did the crimes come about? How long did the dad spend in prison and did he ever have a ‘look in the mirror’ moment? Was Casey’s dad the true culprit and why didn’t her mother believe it? I kept thinking there was something fishy about her dad’s detective partner and other officials when they seemingly refused to protect Casey or care about her death threats.
And last, how could a hospital worker be kidnapped at knifepoint and walk though main passages at the hospital? And why would Casey even cooperate? Either her mom was already dead or would be when the kidnapper took her to be with the mother. The perfect time to capture the kidnapper was while at the hospital, cause havoc and make sure he didn’t get away…. Then force him to talk.
Speaking of the kidnapper, what happened to him? All we know is he was captured… of course, not by law enforcement, they had nothing to do with the whole situation.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a great story which had lots of drama and suspense. I loved the main characters Casey Crawford and Gage Buchanan. This is a multi author series and some of the characters mentioned in this story have been in other books. I was able to enjoy the story without reading all of the previous stories in the series. I have read a handful of them. I think that you would get more out of this series if they are read in order since there is a lot of references to previous situations.
Casey Crawford wants to leave Freedom, Colorado since something that her father did many years before continues to impact the people of the town and their view of her and her mother. Her dad who had been a police officer in town went to prison for his actions. Casey doesn't have any close friends in Freedom and doesn't realize that she is well liked by many in the community. After working very hard she has become a PA. When someone starts to threaten her- with entering her home while she is away, then damaging her car- she reports it to the police but due to the situation with her father- they are very slow looking into who is after her. She ends up turning to Gage Buchanan for help- he is the brother of her friend and she had a crush on him years before. He's a lot older than her but her feelings start to grown again as he steps in to protect her.
Gage Buchanan has a past that he regrets. He sees people around him getting married and knows there aren't a lot of women in Freedom his age. Situations with his sister keep sending Casey into his path. He knows he's a lot older than her so he doesn't want to pursue anything. When someone damages her car causing an accident- he offers to drive her home. When someone starts shooting at him and Casey, he knows he has to protect her to save both of their lives.
Casey and Gage both have decisions to make about their futures. The plans they make will probably take them far away from one another. Will they give one another a chance at love or follow the plans they have made.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I had never heard of this author before picking up this book, but based on the burb, I expected this to be a sweet, clean and wholesome, Christian romance.
Casey Crawford knows how the town of Freedom, Colorado feels about her and her family. She’s heard the whispers and knows they have no more use for her than they have for AC in December.
So, when she gets trapped in a chalet in the woods with the object of her secret crush and he shows interest in her, she knows it can’t lead to happily-ever-after. He’ll eventually see that the Crawfords are nothing but trouble, and if she doesn’t get him killed first, she’ll ruin his reputation.
Gage Buchanan has had his share of trouble, and isn’t looking for more, but when he offers Casey a ride home from work, someone starts shooting at them. He can’t leave a damsel in distress to her own devices, and the more time they spend together the more she finds her way into the cracks in the wall he’s built up around his heart.
He knows she deserves better than him, but if she keeps turning those trusting blue eyes his way, he won’t be able to keep himself from wishing they could be more than friends. In order for that to happen, he has to keep her alive and figure out why someone wants her dead. He plans to do just that, but there are forces at work he can't control, but God can, if he'll turn to Him.
This was really hit and miss for me. It read almost like a romantic suspense novel, yet it was not at all believeable. I believe that romance books should not be realistic, that is part of the charm of reading a romance, but in the case of a romantic suspense book, some parts should be based in fact, such as how a detective operates, how the law works, police procedure and so on, which this book was lacking.
We had missing people and law officials refusing to lodge a report, detectives ignoring an attempted kidnapping, and someone being harrassed and stalked, with witnesses, and the police unable to do anything. Just too far fetched.
Thank you to #booksprout for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.
Another enjoyable read in the Freedom Ridge Series.
I enjoyed Gage's character (strong protector type), and Casey's determination, how they were both wanting to be honest and not run into a relationship that couldn't last. The scriptural basis to their decisions was neat, and it was great to have a book including the notion of being called to go by God and going. The faith element of the story was uplifting - how they put God at the forefront of their lives, at the centre of their decisions even if they didn't understand (or at least they learnt this if didn't always apply it!) and that God is able to heal our pasts and give a Godly perspective for the things that we have a worldly / human perception of.
There's a suspense element to the story which draws them together but is quite fast paced. This doesn't detract from this part of the story but it is kind of like an action movie scene, enjoyable & sufficiently action packed that you don't feel the need to dissect it even if some of it seems a tad unrealistic.
A clean read (no blushing required, physical aspects of the relationship are left to marriage, no swearing, nothing crude/rude). A standalone story with recurring characters from the Heroes of Freedom Ridge Series, you don't need to read them in order or have read any of the other books to enjoy this one. All the authors in this multi-author series are well worth reading!
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of the book
Casey Crawford knows how the town of Freedom, Colorado feels about her and her family. She’s heard the whispers and knows they have no more use for her than they have for AC in December. So, when she gets trapped in a chalet in the woods with the object of her secret crush and he shows interest in her, she knows it can’t lead to happily-ever-after. He’ll eventually see that the Crawfords are nothing but trouble, and if she doesn’t get him killed first, she’ll ruin his reputation. Gage Buchanan has had his share of trouble, and isn’t looking for more, but when he offers Casey a ride home from work, someone starts shooting at them. He can’t leave a damsel in distress to her own devices, and the more time they spend together the more she finds her way into the cracks in the wall he’s built up around his heart. He knows she deserves better than him, but if she keeps turning those trusting blue eyes his way, he won’t be able to keep himself from wishing they could be more than friends. In order for that to happen, he has to keep her alive and figure out why someone wants her dead. He plans to do just that, but there are forces at work he can’t control, but God can, if he’ll turn to Him.this was a quick read for me that had me staying up too late reading to see what happened next.i received an advanced copy of the book from the author so these are my thoughts on the book.
Part of the multi-author Heroes of Freedom Ridge series, Inspired by the Hero is a fast paced, enjoyable story. There is history (baggage) between Gage and Casey, and they struggle to come to terms with who each other is now, not who they were. Second chances can be tough, but the faith message woven through the story reminds the characters and readers that God is with us and can help us make the right decision. The author has obviously done her homework on what it takes to be a Physician’s Assistant, and I liked learning about the topic. There were a few times the story line was rushed or glossed over something, but not enough to distract this reader. This might be a nit, but there were two female characters whose name began with C, and I initially had trouble keeping them separated. This author does a great job of writing suspense, and the end was especially exciting.
Casey adored her father but his actions disgraced the family as well as the police uniform he wore. Ever since the scandal she has lived with the whispers behind her back but she has worked hard to make something of herself. Gage is no secret to the whispers and still feels the shame for his past actions but he knows he has been forgiven and he is making a good life in Freedom, Colorado. Their story is full of action and suspense and it kept me on the edge of my seat as I read. I am still angry at the way Casey and her mother were treated by the local law enforcement after her father’s disgrace; they were innocent. There’s no excuse for the police’s lackluster response to the serious crime that Casey and her mom suffered. Readers who want their books to end HEA will not be disappointed. I received an ARC and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.
This is the story of Casey and Gage. It also has Gage's sister Carly as a major character in the story. Carly has a medical issue and Casey is a certafied PA. Gage isn't a major fan of her care at first, as she isn't an actual Dr. So that is a fun start to their story! Gage is also 10 year older, so he thinks she would never be interested in him. The story has some suspense as Casey is being stalked and Gage ends up trying to protect her. With out giving away the whole story, Gaage, Casey and Carly are all involved. It is so good and how Casey proves how good she is at her job through several incidents. This was an engaging book with great characters, it goes fast, but is clean and no cliff hangers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Casey has finally completed her education and is working as a PA. Her father was arrested when she was 15 and she feels betrayed by him. (Cop gone bad.) She and her mom have lived through this with the people in town always whispering behind their backs. Her desire is to leave town and start over where no one knows about her father.
Gage is the CEO of his father's company. He is a military veteran and did not want to take over his dad's company. He feels called into foreign missions.
Gage and Casey meet when Gage's sister has health problems. He thinks she's too young and inexperienced. When he discovers that Casey has a stalker, he tries to protect her.
A great narration of a great Christian romance with significant suspense. I love the way Elles Christian faith shines out through her characters. We are reminded in this story that if we are in the centre of Gods will then things will turn out for the best. His plans and timing are always perfect. Both narrators expertly draw you into the story and the plot is so realistic you are drawn alongside the Cassidy, Gage and Carly the questions they have about their futures-employment and romance are easy to relate to, the challenge being do we seek Gods guidance before making decisions? A great story to listen to. I was gifted a copy of this audiobook from Elle. These thoughts are all my own
This faith filled romance had suspense, danger and lots of good guys. Gage seems to be looking for something in his life, he has served in the military, he is on the Search and Rescue team, he is currently the CEO of the company, Freedom Mountaineering, founded by his father but he needs more. Carly is ready for a new start, a move to a new location, a new job until her mother goes missing and she needs help. The characters were interesting, the romance was sweet and the ending was very special.
Gage and Casey are attracted to each other, but she’s dealing with threats that end up affecting him and his sister Carly and as he keeps bringing up there is an age gap. There was plenty of suspense as they keep trying to stay one step ahead of the danger and deal with his father and sister’s health issues. But there was too much back and forth where they kiss and then push each other away. I didn’t like that he kept thinking if they were meant to be she would adapt her dreams for him. The path he chose is not one I could have followed.
This book had it all, great characters, romance, suspense, and it was in one of my favorite series, The Heroes of Freedom Ridge. What I especially liked was the character's faith and letting God lead their way, and helping them decide their future. It was interesting to learn about Carly and her dad and how Casey was able to help them. I liked Gage and how he found everything he was looking for and so much more. This story was so good that I could not put it down. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
This was unique in that there was all kinds of suspense along with romance. Mixed in with what to do with their lives, where they would live and whether there was even a “them” at all -made the ending pretty obscure until the end actually came. I liked seeing the characters grow, especially when considering how they thought others saw them, verses the way people really saw them. Sometimes we can’t see past our own pain to see reality of others grace toward us.
I had a BETA copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Casey Crawford, local Physician’s Assistant, is looking to leave Freedom Ridge because of her father’s crimes. Gage Buchanan, CEO of his father’s company, would rather be on the mission field. When Casey starts being threatened, Gage helps her and keeps her safe. The plot includes issues of self-worth, finding God’s plan in your life, and forming attachments. A heartwarming book well worth the read.
I love this series! So, so good! Casey and Gage's story is amazing. I love the faith based story and how Casey and Gage both wanted to follow what God wanted them to do. I was glad that Casey mentioned that she wasn't following what God wanted for her and then she worked to correct the path. Great story. Love the action and suspense too.
I received an advanced copy of this book, however, I am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.
Another wonderful addition to the Freedom Ridge series. Casey is tired of hiding from the whispers and rumors surrounding her family in Freedom Ridge. Her mother wants to still live there but she cannot stay. She plans to leave the first chance she gets. Casey is friends with Gage’s sister and when he offers to give her a ride home they find themselves under fire. Someone has targeted Casey but who and why? Will Gage be able to keep her safe?
Another great Freedom Ridge story. Casey and Gage seem worlds apart. She wants nothing more than to leave Freedom Ridge for Denver. Gage feels God’s call for foreign missionary work but is reluctant to leave Freedom Ridge. Their worlds collide when Casey’s life is threatened. Wonderful characters that draw you into their lives. Loved how they both eventually put their faith in God’s plan for their lives. I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
There’s so much going on in this book-feelings of betrayal and being judged, age gap, danger and more danger, the past being revisited, medical issues, following God’s will and two hearts wanting to love and be loved. There were so many storylines swirling and intertwined to get to the HEA it was a little overwhelming. It was good to see several of our friends from Freedom Ridge with the focus being on the resort for this book. Heat level:clean.
Casey has had a crash on Gage for years however she has never acted on it due to her age and the fact that he is her friend's older brother. When trouble finds her, he is there it helps her figure out who is after her and why. When his sister and her both go missing, he is determined to find them before it is too late.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a well written romantic suspense story with strong characters in Casey and Gage. The author does a terrific job developing their story and pulled me in with all the action, danger and suspense. Add in the romance and love and the forgiveness from God and she delivers an interesting story. Great read!!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
This is the fourth book I've read written by Elle E. Kay; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is part of the Heroes of Freedom Ridge Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Casey & Gage; she knows how the people of Freedom feel about her and her family so when they get stuck in the woods together will things change.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a new author to me , and I am so glad to have picked up this book. This is a wonderful Christian book that delivers. The storyline well written with many interlacing storyline that take the characters into dangerous situations. However, by relying on God, Faith, and each other they survive to get to theor HEA. Plan on going back to read the previous books in the series. Well done.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really liked how Casey had overcome the stigma her father had caused in their town. Casey had worked as a barista to become a PA for cardiology. She was friends with Gage, owner of a wilderness company in Freedom. Casey also treated Carley, Gage’s sister for her fainting spells. Casey was receiving threats from a person who wanted to kill her. So much more, just enjoy finding out how Gage and Casey find their happy place.
Cassey is tired of being whispered of because of what her father did. She wants to leave for the city where nobody knows her and start from scratch. Gage has lots of doubts about what way to follow, but he knows that by being faithful he will choose wisely. A book full of mystery, intrigue, suspense, and nice characters. I enjoyed reading it, in spite of being a bit slow in some parts. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
WOW. Elle E. Kay packed a lot in this story. Yes, there is romance, but there is also feelings of guilt, bullying, romance, evil and twists and turns. Casey Crawford is both right and wrong about how the people in town see her. I always enjoy visiting Freedom and this visit did not disappoint.
This was a beautiful and exciting book. I live in a protected community, on a farm. To live where people hurt others saddens my heart. The characters in this book were quite precious and made the book better. Loving the Lord and living for Him is not easy, but definitely a blessing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Can a blizzard be a blessing? Great romance with the hints of suspense and mystery. Would Casey take a chance on the “man who took charge, but listened to her needs”? I’ve really enjoyed a personal touch to this story with the Personal Testimony of the author. I received an ARC of this book for review. I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.
What a great installment to this series. There is danger, romance, and faith in God that everything will work out in the end. I can imagine the setup of Freedom Ridge and I can visually picture where each place would be. I enjoy the way this author tells the story and how my attention is kept throughout the whole story.