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Missteps #1
Misconceptions
It's mysterious. And she's too curious.In this pro-life Christian romantic suspense novel, it's the near future. Dominique, an investigative TV news reporter, is sent to solve the mystery of why the birthrate in the United States has dropped precipitously...everywhere except a few small pockets. Undercover at an Ohio hospital, she sidesteps oddly incompetent police and finds herself in a stew of kidnappings and murder threats.Her investigation takes a radical turn when she meets Dr. Joseph Armstrong. His attention makes her heart flutter, but his theory about the birthrate decline makes her heart stutter. It's too strange to even consider, but it's her only lead. Is it romance or a mismatch?Dominique follows the trail into the dangerous underworld of black-market adoptions as Joe and his family are unwittingly drawn into the web of deceit and murder. And when the truth comes out, more than just her story is on the line.
228 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2015
9 people are currently reading
1302 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 17, 2015
I am a suspense novel junkie. This novel did not disappoint and I honestly cannot wait for the next installment in this series! I was drawn in from the very beginning of the story with excellent imagery, a captivating story line and wonderful dialogue. I honestly could not put this down!
January 29, 2016
*** I did receive this book free from the publisher in return for giving an honest review***
This book follows an interesting premise, asking the question, "What would happen if...". But to end the question would give the plot away too soon. There are always consequences to our actions and (given a theistic point of view) the consequences are plausible (although dependent on the character of the deity). While the author did write a believable main character, the plot was fair, the pacing (suspense) was right, the main purpose for writing this book seems to be to tell people about Jesus. Now, I am a Jesus follower myself, and I happen to agree with the author and want to spread the word about him. But I wonder about those reading this book without knowing the main purpose.
This book follows an interesting premise, asking the question, "What would happen if...". But to end the question would give the plot away too soon. There are always consequences to our actions and (given a theistic point of view) the consequences are plausible (although dependent on the character of the deity). While the author did write a believable main character, the plot was fair, the pacing (suspense) was right, the main purpose for writing this book seems to be to tell people about Jesus. Now, I am a Jesus follower myself, and I happen to agree with the author and want to spread the word about him. But I wonder about those reading this book without knowing the main purpose.
March 6, 2016
Misconceptions kept me turning the page to see what was going to happen next! Fast paced, exciting, and Christ-centered, Colleen Scott did a wonderful job writing a novel with a message! I love how she graciously presented the message of God's love and forgiveness amidst an action packed adult suspense novel.
January 19, 2026
First off, let me just say I have a bone to pick with the author.
WHY WOULD YOU END IT LIKE THAT?! Now I have to wait... :'(
Second, wow- what a thrilling read! I have to admit that the first 40ish pages were a bit dry (well written, just slow moving) as they set the stage for our plot. But given how incredible the rest of the story was, it's so worth pushing through a slow start.
I've never heard of a concept like this one. Colleen Scott's story certainly doesn't fit into a genre box- there's a mix of thriller, romance, spirituality and mystery. Did I mention this is set in a futuristic world?
This story follows a journalist (Dominique), a businessman (Travis), and a police detective (Houston) who are all trying to thrive in a world where no one is getting pregnant.. except in Ohio.
An eccentric old man believes he knows the reason for this unexplained phenomenon, but it's so far fetched that Dominique would have to be crazy to pursue the story. Travis is in over his head as he fights to keep his business afloat and his family in the dark about their scary predicament. Houston is kept busy with the tragic murders of pregnant woman missing one thing: their baby.
It's so easy to get swept up into the world Colleen has created. I cried when her characters cried, laughed when they laughed, and sat stunned and shell shocked at the ending...
Speaking of, still sitting here. Still stunned. Still shell shocked.
Perhaps the author will give me a peek at the next book sooner than later. One can hope! :)
Pst- This book comes out on January 19th! Preorder it today so it can arrive and you can start reading as soon as legally possible. ;)
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
WHY WOULD YOU END IT LIKE THAT?! Now I have to wait... :'(
Second, wow- what a thrilling read! I have to admit that the first 40ish pages were a bit dry (well written, just slow moving) as they set the stage for our plot. But given how incredible the rest of the story was, it's so worth pushing through a slow start.
I've never heard of a concept like this one. Colleen Scott's story certainly doesn't fit into a genre box- there's a mix of thriller, romance, spirituality and mystery. Did I mention this is set in a futuristic world?
This story follows a journalist (Dominique), a businessman (Travis), and a police detective (Houston) who are all trying to thrive in a world where no one is getting pregnant.. except in Ohio.
An eccentric old man believes he knows the reason for this unexplained phenomenon, but it's so far fetched that Dominique would have to be crazy to pursue the story. Travis is in over his head as he fights to keep his business afloat and his family in the dark about their scary predicament. Houston is kept busy with the tragic murders of pregnant woman missing one thing: their baby.
It's so easy to get swept up into the world Colleen has created. I cried when her characters cried, laughed when they laughed, and sat stunned and shell shocked at the ending...
Speaking of, still sitting here. Still stunned. Still shell shocked.
Perhaps the author will give me a peek at the next book sooner than later. One can hope! :)
Pst- This book comes out on January 19th! Preorder it today so it can arrive and you can start reading as soon as legally possible. ;)
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2016
Colleen Scott’s debut novel Misconceptions had me talking to my family and friends. I got immediately involved in the lives of the characters and found myself wanting to either hug them and tell them it would be okay or smack them on the back of the head and tell them to come clean and fess up. Misconceptions brings up several issues that need to be dealt with in popular fiction. Scott deals with these issues carefully, but with a touch of realism that will resonate with readers.
January 28, 2016
In "Misconceptions" the first book in the "Missteps" series Colleen Scott weaves a futuristic thriller laced with romance that begins in southern Ohio where Dominique Sherwood an investigative reporter is working undercover in the local hospital to discover why the birthrate is growing when it has declined in other parts of the United States. With the help of Dr. Joseph (Joe) Armstrong, a man who makes her heart tingle she uncovers a link not only to Christian women, but to a plot to kidnap babies and sell them on the black- market.
Woven into a story of filled with lies, secrets, kidnappings and murder Dominique follows a deadly trail to the restaurant of a known gangster, putting her life on the line to try and reunite stolen babies with their mothers. Tension and suspense escalate when Joe's brother-in-law on the brink of bankruptcy makes a deal with Vinnie Fernandez that draws him into a web of deceit that collides with his faith, imperils his marriage and endangers his pregnant wife. The action never stops as Joe's family faces a confrontation with a criminal organization that leaves his father with a bullet in his chest; his brother-in-law Travis facing murder charges; and his sister struggling to reach a hospital before she gives birth. Woven into a story that's mesmerizing from beginning to end, the theme vibrates with strong messages about abortion, God's unconditional love, trusting Him, and forgiveness.
The characters are realistic, complex and unforgettable especially Dominique Sherwood who's haunted by a past abortion and her mother's unforgiving heart. A resourceful and clever young woman she hates the lies she tells Joe to keep her identity concealed from the hospital's acerbic Clinical Manager Penelope Nordstrom. A charming and kind doctor with a strong faith Joe Armstrong slowly breaks down Dominique's resistance until she not only begins to fall in love with him but to seek a relationship with the God she'd turned her back on because of guilt.
Of the other characters who add high-energy and passion to the drama Houston Armstrong is a diligent, honest police officer who learns to forgive; Travis Montgomery a man caught in the throes of debt and duped into making a bad choice; Samuel Armstrong an insightful, reformed drunk with a deep faith; and Vinnie Fernandez a ruthless, cold-hearted criminal.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Misconceptions" a Christian thriller with a shocking ending that I couldn't put down until finished. I rate it highly and will look for the next book in the series.
Woven into a story of filled with lies, secrets, kidnappings and murder Dominique follows a deadly trail to the restaurant of a known gangster, putting her life on the line to try and reunite stolen babies with their mothers. Tension and suspense escalate when Joe's brother-in-law on the brink of bankruptcy makes a deal with Vinnie Fernandez that draws him into a web of deceit that collides with his faith, imperils his marriage and endangers his pregnant wife. The action never stops as Joe's family faces a confrontation with a criminal organization that leaves his father with a bullet in his chest; his brother-in-law Travis facing murder charges; and his sister struggling to reach a hospital before she gives birth. Woven into a story that's mesmerizing from beginning to end, the theme vibrates with strong messages about abortion, God's unconditional love, trusting Him, and forgiveness.
The characters are realistic, complex and unforgettable especially Dominique Sherwood who's haunted by a past abortion and her mother's unforgiving heart. A resourceful and clever young woman she hates the lies she tells Joe to keep her identity concealed from the hospital's acerbic Clinical Manager Penelope Nordstrom. A charming and kind doctor with a strong faith Joe Armstrong slowly breaks down Dominique's resistance until she not only begins to fall in love with him but to seek a relationship with the God she'd turned her back on because of guilt.
Of the other characters who add high-energy and passion to the drama Houston Armstrong is a diligent, honest police officer who learns to forgive; Travis Montgomery a man caught in the throes of debt and duped into making a bad choice; Samuel Armstrong an insightful, reformed drunk with a deep faith; and Vinnie Fernandez a ruthless, cold-hearted criminal.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Misconceptions" a Christian thriller with a shocking ending that I couldn't put down until finished. I rate it highly and will look for the next book in the series.
April 3, 2021
Aspiring broadcast journalist Dominique Sherwood takes an undercover job as a social worker in the local hospital where the birthrate has exploded. .As her position becomes more tenuous with hospital officials, her association with Dr. Joe Armstrong, the intern in charge of the investigation leaves her head spinning. Can she continue to lie to him, and somehow pursue a relationship with the attractive doctor?
When Joe's brother-in-law, Travis, loses his toddler at the mall, Dominique goes along for the ride with her new associate. Could the toddler abduction have something to do with the growing trend of missing children in the area?
The novel continues to take unexpected twists and turns when Dominique faces off with notorious criminal Vinnie Fernandez who may play a larger role in the mystery of the town's spike in baby disappearances.
Without giving away any more than I should, I have to say out of all the suspense novels I've read over the last five years, this is right up there with award winning novelists.
They say that great books stay with you long after they are done. My take away with Misconceptions is simply this~ when it comes to women's rights, abortion and the right to life, who truly is in control?
With believable characters and a pulse pounding plotline, Colleen Scott delivers a suspense novel that is well worth the read.
When Joe's brother-in-law, Travis, loses his toddler at the mall, Dominique goes along for the ride with her new associate. Could the toddler abduction have something to do with the growing trend of missing children in the area?
The novel continues to take unexpected twists and turns when Dominique faces off with notorious criminal Vinnie Fernandez who may play a larger role in the mystery of the town's spike in baby disappearances.
Without giving away any more than I should, I have to say out of all the suspense novels I've read over the last five years, this is right up there with award winning novelists.
They say that great books stay with you long after they are done. My take away with Misconceptions is simply this~ when it comes to women's rights, abortion and the right to life, who truly is in control?
With believable characters and a pulse pounding plotline, Colleen Scott delivers a suspense novel that is well worth the read.
January 13, 2016
When reading a debut author, you never know what to expect, but I was definitely happy that I read this book. I would categorize this as a suspense with a bit of romance and a slight touch of speculative. The author’s voice was realistic and the faith message felt authentic to me.
The suspense plot was well paced and thought out. I also liked how the author used multiple points of view throughout the book as apposed to a traditional romance where it might just be the hero and heroine point of view. I think this added multiple dimensions to the plot.
The lead character, Dominique, is struggling with decisions she made in her past and how she can ever be loved by God because of them.
A few notes. This book has a prominent pro life message and the issue of abortion is tackled in a way that is unique. It also has a very strong faith message related to redemption and forgiveness. I must say that I really enjoyed the faith message and the author wove into the faith journeys of different characters.
The book ends on a semi-cliffhanger and sets up well for book 2.
The suspense plot was well paced and thought out. I also liked how the author used multiple points of view throughout the book as apposed to a traditional romance where it might just be the hero and heroine point of view. I think this added multiple dimensions to the plot.
The lead character, Dominique, is struggling with decisions she made in her past and how she can ever be loved by God because of them.
A few notes. This book has a prominent pro life message and the issue of abortion is tackled in a way that is unique. It also has a very strong faith message related to redemption and forgiveness. I must say that I really enjoyed the faith message and the author wove into the faith journeys of different characters.
The book ends on a semi-cliffhanger and sets up well for book 2.
January 20, 2016
A talented new author.
Three adult siblings take center stage in this near future Christian suspense.
Undercover as a social worker, Dominique Sherwood is actually a journalist assigned to find an explanation for a higher than average birth rate in an Ohio city. Before she even begins collecting information, she’s pulled into events surrounding the kidnapping of Dr. Armstrong’s young nephew.
Desperate to save his business and ashamed to admit his precarious finances – one member of the Armstrong family chooses the wrong path. Expecting a loan shark, he unwittingly pulls the rest of his family, and Dominique, into an underworld of kidnapping, murder, and the sale of infants.
Ms. Scott keeps the story moving with lots of action and suspense plus a little romance.
Three adult siblings take center stage in this near future Christian suspense.
Undercover as a social worker, Dominique Sherwood is actually a journalist assigned to find an explanation for a higher than average birth rate in an Ohio city. Before she even begins collecting information, she’s pulled into events surrounding the kidnapping of Dr. Armstrong’s young nephew.
Desperate to save his business and ashamed to admit his precarious finances – one member of the Armstrong family chooses the wrong path. Expecting a loan shark, he unwittingly pulls the rest of his family, and Dominique, into an underworld of kidnapping, murder, and the sale of infants.
Ms. Scott keeps the story moving with lots of action and suspense plus a little romance.
January 29, 2017
religous mystery thriller
I normally dont like religous based stories, but this was a page turning thriller. besides the story being well written, it reenforced my spiritual being.it was a great book. the only fact that was a typo. the pistol was a .357 not a.35. the ending was not quite what I expected and the actual solution was a complete s u rprise. read it yourself and enjoy.mp
I normally dont like religous based stories, but this was a page turning thriller. besides the story being well written, it reenforced my spiritual being.it was a great book. the only fact that was a typo. the pistol was a .357 not a.35. the ending was not quite what I expected and the actual solution was a complete s u rprise. read it yourself and enjoy.mp
September 5, 2016
Colleen Scott is a new author to me, but she will be one I follow from now on. Misconceptions was a fast paced and heart pounding Christian suspense novel. The plot was a really good one, one that was totally interesting and believable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series.
February 2, 2016
I have never read Christian suspense before, did not know it existed. Found it hard to put down. Nice debut!
November 26, 2017
Dominique Sherwood is an undercover investigative reporter researching black market adoption at Valley Memorial Hospital. When Dr. Joseph Armstrong’s family is unwittingly drawn into the web of murder and lies, he and Dominique must work together to unravel the mysterious dreams of an old man, and free family members from a deadly underworld syndicate before it’s too late.
The first in the Missteps Series, Misconceptions is a fast-paced suspense story that will keep you turning pages until the end. Filled with an array of characters, this debut novel is a multi-layered story of thrills, chills, and investigative skills. (Sorry, couldn’t help myself.)
Kudos to Colleen Scott! For me, Misconceptions is an out-of-the-box home run.
I received a copy of this book from the author. I wasn’t required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
The first in the Missteps Series, Misconceptions is a fast-paced suspense story that will keep you turning pages until the end. Filled with an array of characters, this debut novel is a multi-layered story of thrills, chills, and investigative skills. (Sorry, couldn’t help myself.)
Kudos to Colleen Scott! For me, Misconceptions is an out-of-the-box home run.
I received a copy of this book from the author. I wasn’t required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
July 21, 2017
Critical Prioriries
Colleen Scott did a masterful job with a difficult and controversial subject. The value of life and what the word "value" means. The suspense and intensity will keep you reading through some difficult moments and, perhaps, leave you with some important questions.
Colleen Scott did a masterful job with a difficult and controversial subject. The value of life and what the word "value" means. The suspense and intensity will keep you reading through some difficult moments and, perhaps, leave you with some important questions.
June 18, 2016
How far will one reporter go to discover the truth?
Dominique Sherwood is on assignment; posing undercover as a hospital social worker, she has been given the task of uncovering why national birth rates are uncharacteristically low in some areas, or in isolated cases, relatively high. While reviewing her first patient file, Dominique meets Dr. Joseph Armstrong, a kind and handsome young doctor whose family circle is about to break Dominique's case wide open.
Welcome to the world of heinous kidnappings, brutal murders, and black mark adoptions as Colleen Scott deftly turns one story into several, keeping her readers on the edge of their seat, as she manages to tie multiple loose ends together and infuse broken characters with everlasting grace. It's a nice debut and an author that deserves to be read again.
Dominique Sherwood is on assignment; posing undercover as a hospital social worker, she has been given the task of uncovering why national birth rates are uncharacteristically low in some areas, or in isolated cases, relatively high. While reviewing her first patient file, Dominique meets Dr. Joseph Armstrong, a kind and handsome young doctor whose family circle is about to break Dominique's case wide open.
Welcome to the world of heinous kidnappings, brutal murders, and black mark adoptions as Colleen Scott deftly turns one story into several, keeping her readers on the edge of their seat, as she manages to tie multiple loose ends together and infuse broken characters with everlasting grace. It's a nice debut and an author that deserves to be read again.
June 9, 2016
This was a fun thriller. So many twists and turns. Had me reading and flipping pages quickly to the end to see if they catch the bad guys!!!Colleen masterfully weaves a redemption story throughout the text. I loved it how those who were struggling with salvation found a way to come to terms and were saved!!!!! Look forward to her next novel!!!!
October 2, 2016
I am writing this review for Goodreads. This book was adequate. There were no plot surprises. I still enjoyed reading it but not enthusiastically. The author left a couple of plot items unfulfilled. She could have easily done this in the epilog.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews