How could a loving God hurt so many people?Paramedic Scott Wilson believes he can chase death away, but his spirit is shattered when people he loves are taken from him. As a paramedic, Scott sees every day the pain that people suffer, and he wants no part of a God that would allow bad things to happen to good people. As a result, he hides behind his work and addiction to ease the pain within his … addiction to ease the pain within his soul.
But once newspaper reporter Angela Mabry and her son, Max, move into town, Scott can’t help but notice the feisty redhead. Angela is determined to uncover the town’s seedy underbelly and reveal the strange coincidences of so many car accidents at one location.
When a prominent city official dies in a car wreck, Scott and Angela find themselves tangled in intrigue and deception. Together they search for the truth and discover that not all is what it seems.
Advance Praise of Alabama Days
Blockbuster action and a heartwarming story filled with characters who are realistic and well crafted. Recommend Daphne Self for a story that lasts beyond ‘The End.’
Lucy Thompson, author of Mail Order Surprise, A Cowboy’s Dare, and “Waltzing Matilda” of The Captive Brides Collection
Alabama Days carries the reader through intrigue, danger, and romance, with writing that sparkles, characters that come alive, and relationships that develop, both socially and spiritually. Who is to be trusted? What are the consequences of stealing? These mysteries will keep you in Alabama till all is resolved.
Eleanor Gustafson, author of An Unpresentable Glory and Dynamo
Daphne takes small-town intrigue, tosses in romance and a strong thread of redemption, and creates a story romantic suspense readers will thoroughly enjoy. A definite heart-warming—and pulse-pounding—read.
Susan L. Tuttle, author of At First Glance
A compelling story of small-town corruption and an unstoppable romance, Alabama Days entertains while also presenting readers with the hope of the Gospel.
Heather Norman Smith, author of Grace & Lavender and Where I Was Planted
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Alabama Days is a good book set in northern Alabama centered around a hospital and newspaper. The antagonists are very likeable characters. They are easy to imagine through the author’s descriptions. The location descriptions make me want to visit these locations, especially Dismal Canyon. There are several Bible verses included in this story. From the book: “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles — …They shall run and not be weary….”. I really enjoyed this story. I would recommend it for those that enjoy Christian inspirational fiction, suspense, romance, mystery and anyone that enjoys a good story. Those that are interested in learning about all the blessings of God will find some answers here.
This book was provided through Celebrate Lit, the publisher and the author for me to read. The opinions expressed are my own thoughts.
As I started reading this book, I found myself unable to put it down until I finished reading the last word. With two individuals whose lives shattered when people close to them died, they had to each search for a way to move forward. Angela relies on God, while Scott appears to be running from Him.
The suspense of this novel kept me on the edge as I read more and more. Rochelle, the granddaughter of Angela’s boss adds a lot to the story. She desires to be more than just a gopher at the newspaper, and Angela assists her with that goal. Furthermore, Scott’s grandmother and her best friend, the two “D’s” add character to the story as well.
So if you want a book to grab your attention and draw you to the power and grace of God, check out this book for yourself. I promise it delivers a powerful story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Angela Mabry has moved back to her small hometown with her young son. Wanting to get away from the big city and bad memories coming home seemed like the best thing to do. Angela is a reporter and has been hired at the small newspaper to cover whatever stories her boss gives her. However, Angela comes across some inconsistencies as she is researching a story. Something is not right and being a tenacious and a no nonsense woman, Angela does not back down.
Scott Wilson is a paramedic and he has seen his fair share of awful accidents. The beginning of this book gives quite a devastating scene that sets Scott down a path that is dark and he has many demons to fight as he turns from God to other ‘medications’. Angela becomes a friend to him and the spiritual part of this book develops organically as she tries to help Scott turn back to God. Many people blame God for devastating circumstances and I think this story does well in showing Scott’s mental and heart condition.
However, there is something sinister going on in the town that not only puts Angela and Scott in danger, but everyone that they care about as well. But one thing is for certain, they are bound and determined to uncover the truth.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
Scott is a paramedic. He saves lives. That’s what he does. But he’s also jaded. Life can be hard and cruel. Scott knows this. When he loses those close to him he becomes more cynical and is fully against God.
Enter newcomers to town. Angela and her son Max move into town and she’s a reporter intent on finding out the truth. So many accidents in one spot cannot be a coincidence. When Scott and Angela are brought together sparks fly and danger abounds.
This is a great suspense book. It’s also got some romance and of course some good lines on turning to God and changing our focus. Bad things can happen to good people.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. 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.
I just finished reading this book and I must take a minute to gather my thoughts. Wow. What a powerful story about redemption, forgiveness and trust. The main focus for me was Scott. He is a man who is dedicated to his job as a paramedic. He has seen some horrible things in his job but nothing prepared him for the tragedy he encounters. Losing his best friend and her child was very hard for him. I think that is the moment he starts to spiral out of control. The author does a great job of portraying Scott as a lost person who is angry at God. His drug addiction has gotten to the point where he can’t function without a pill to calm him. Added to his problem is his OCD. This man needed help and I couldn’t wait to see how the author would handle his character.
Angela was a great character and I loved her job as a reporter. The focus on her is about a mystery that she stumbles upon that involves suspicious accidents, records missing and danger lurking close to her. The investigation is intriguing and I loved how the author threw in twists that kept me guessing at what was going to happen next. The story is good and I loved the way it weaved faith among the characters. There is plenty of danger as she stumbles upon damaging evidence . Can Scott keep her safe?
Scott is my favorite character because he is relatable to many people. I have felt at times that God would never forgive me for the things I have done in my life. Scott feels like he is nothing but a drug addict who can’t be redeemed. I love that Angela never gives up sharing God with Scott. I cheered for her when she was determined to let Scott know that God loves Him and is waiting for him to ask for help. It is a real look at a person who struggles not only with addiction and anger but coming to realize that he is valuable. The ending is good and I was surprised at all the people who were involved in the investigation. I loved the scriptures used in the story and the message of forgiveness and redemption.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
How can a loving God allow bad things to happen? Why would He allow good people to suffer? These are the age-old questions that Scott Wilson finds himself asking as he drifts farther and farther away from God. Tragedy in his work as a paramedic has been a common occurrence but the death of a friend and her young son sends him over the edge and addiction becomes a crutch to ease his pain. It appears that his downward spiral will continue, until reporter Angela Mabry arrives in town and they are both drawn into danger and intrigue.
Along with Angela, there are other strong female characters who help Scott along his journey to faith and acceptance, and a little boy named Max to spur him on! This makes Alabama Days a heartwarming tale but suspense, adventure, and romance add to its enjoyment, making this a book that will appeal to all who enjoy Christian romantic suspense.
I received a copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.
Troubled, young paramedic Scott Wilson wants nothing to do with a God Who would take both his parents and his best friend. Newspaper reporter Angela Mabry has relocated to the town of Garrettville to get away from her hurtful past. But she moves right into Scott’s painful past, literally. As the two get to know each other, they are attracted, but Scott refuses to turn to Angela’s God. I loved following Scott and Angela as they grow and discuss God while fleeing from an enemy that gets bigger with time. I also loved Tom, the small-town newspaper editor, and the relationship he has with his granddaughter. Nana Debbie is a gem.
This is a suspense story of “eminent domain” gone terribly sideways, and a God-hater discovering that he has misinterpreted his need of the Almighty.
We know we’re in for real trouble when we read Angela’s statement, “Every town has secrets, and it’s my job to discover them.”
Nana Debbie and Angela are both so patient with Scott’s obstinate disbelief:
“God doesn’t demand our praise. He wants our love; and when you love with all your heart, you can’t help but praise, even through the bad times!”
I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher via Celebrate Lit. I am voluntarily leaving my thoughts, which are only my opinions.
A sweet story of redemption
My rating is 3.5 stars
Alabama Days is the first book I have read by Daphne Self. Intrigued by the premise, I decided to try it.
I liked Angela and her fortitude. She had been through tough times and came out victorious. Her son Max was super cute, too! I had mixed feelings about Scott, though. Especially after the accident, as he began to question everything he had believed. I am sure the author intended this and it was necessary for the story. He began to grow on me as the story continued – though he did appear to be a bit immature in some ways as well.
The story Angela and Rochelle were working to uncover and the ensuing suspense was interesting.
There are strong faith elements throughout the story with many strong Christian characters explaining their faith to Scott. He struggled to understand why a loving God would allow so many bad things to happen in the world. Most of the things shared were directly from the Bible and the steps to Scott accepting these truths were believable.
For the most part, I agreed with the spiritual statements that were made, however, it bothered me when I read “But it’s how we live our life that determines where we are in the eternal scheme of things.” in relation to our eternal destiny. Because the Bible is very clear that:
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
The way we live our lives does not determine our eternal destiny. There is but one way to ensure salvation and that is faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection for the forgiveness of our sins. Nothing more. Nothing less. And isn’t that a good thing for those of us who are still less than perfect! 🙂
Here are a few reasons I didn’t give the story a higher rating.
While parts of the story were well written and developed, others were not.
The motivation behind the animosity that Don, the police officer, had for Scott was never explained, nor was the reason Jonathan seemed to dislike him so much.
Some of the characters who were integral to the story were mentioned in passing and then not again until important revelations about them were made – and I had no idea who they were. Had I been reading a paper book, I would have been frustrated trying to figure out who they were. It was good I had my Kindle so I could do a search for their names!
I kinda “got” what the big cover-up was but it seemed like so many details were never explained.
Overall, this was an interesting story and I am not disappointed I read it. If you enjoy romantic suspense and don’t mind a bit of gore (Scott is a paramedic, after all!), consider reading Alabama Days.
Read my review of Alabama Days by Daphne Self at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
God is consistent, always there. He never breaks His promises.
This wonderful suspense is my introduction to this author, and I certainly will be looking for more. Scott, a paramedic, has a job that puts him in lives when people are the most needy. Unfortunately, when his best friend and her son are killed in a car accident, he becomes the one that is vulnerable. He has a long, hard road to travel to learn that God still cares, even when we hurt the most.
Angela Mabry, a widow with a young son, is the new investigative reporter for the Garrettville Gazette. Innocent investigation leads into a mystery, assault, kidnapping, fire and more. What is being covered up in this small town? Who can be trusted besides God?
This ARC was received through CelebrateLit. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
This novel was so good! I got sucked in right at the start. Not too many books keep up reading late at night but this one so did!
Angela and her young son Max move back to the small town she grew up in. She lands a job with their small town newspaper as a reporter. She immediately gets tangled up in a story that eventually leads to finding corruption in that small town. She meets paramedic Scott who has issues of his own to deal with. Accidents keep happening at a particular intersection in town that involves the occupants dying. The deaths seem to benefit the town and hospital in some ways.
I got involved with the characters and kept trying to look out for them. Some hospital employees, some newspaper employees and lots of quirky fun as well as the more serious side.
Murder, mayhem, drugs and who to trust. A very wild ride!
I got interested in reading this just from the title, Alabama Days, since I live in Alabama. This was a new author to me as well, but I’ve already ordered an older novel by her, Mississippi Nights, that I’m anxious to read. I highly recommend Alabama Days!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise.
Alabama Days is my first introduction to Daphne Self’s books. It will not be the last. I thought this love to read a well written mystery, suspense, action, danger, adventure and romance. The story is slightly predictable but still so very good to read. It, also, highlights on some real life issues that many readers would be able to connect with and relate to. I enjoyed getting to know Angela and Scott. I thought they had great chemistry right from the start. I was entertained from start to finish.
Alabama Days is getting four stars from me. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading romantic suspense. I look forward to reading more from A Southern Saga and Daphne Self. This one is definitely worth a read and should not be missed. I liked it.
I received Alabama Days from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Alabama Days by Daphne Self shows how even when we are afraid and face hard times, we don’t have to do it alone. This story of crime and corruption, love and redemption was one in which I was rooting for Scott and Angela to win. Angela was just what Scott needed to help him be free of his past regrets and Scott helps Angela to trust once again.
The town’s corruption that was part of Angela’s news story for the Garrettville Gazette was the interesting suspense element in the book. It kept me guessing throughout as to who was involved and how far it affected the town. I wasn’t sure who to trust, which created a sense of uncertain expectancy in the plot throughout.
It’s a great read with a satisfying ending. I was glad to see that Scott was able to let go of the past and see a promising future. I hope that there are more stories of the endearing characters who are part of Scott and Angela’s life.
Thank you to the author for a free copy of this book. I was not required to write this review. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
This is a book that once you start reading it you can’t put it down. It has just the right amount of suspense to keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Alabama Days, by Daphne Self, is a stand alone story in A Southern Saga series. Scott is a paramedic who was at the scene of an accident that took the life of one of his best friends and her young child. He has struggled with why God allows bad things to happen to good people since. He also struggles with an addiction and when given the opportunity to get more of the drug from a patient, he realizes the pills are not what they are suppose to be. But since he took them, he would face consequences if he reports it.
Angela, a reporter, has moved back to town with her young son and becomes fast friends with Scott’s mother and elderly friend. Working as a reporter she is sensing something is fishy with all the accidents that are happening at a certain area of town.
This is a really good Christian romantic suspense story that starts off running and just keeps going. I found myself wanting to keep reading to see what would happen next. This story is a great reminder of how important having faith is. I enjoyed the characters of Scott’s mom and her friend. They are so helpful and welcoming. I enjoyed the humor written into the story with the pets and their antics as well as the dialog between Angela and her car.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author though Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.