As a forensic genealogist, Willow Anderson is following in her late grandfather’s footsteps in her quest for answers about a baby abducted from the hospital more than twenty years ago. The case may be cold, but things are about to heat up when someone makes an attempt on her life to keep her from discovering the truth.Ex-FBI agent–and Willow’s ex-flame–Austin McKade readily offers his help to … his help to protect the woman he never should have let get away. Together they’ll follow where the clues lead them, even if it means Austin must face the past he’s spent much of his life trying to forget. And even if it puts Willow’s tender heart at risk.
In this fast-paced and emotional page-turner, bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard keeps the stakes high, the romantic tension sparking, and the outcome uncertain until the very end.
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If I’m being honest, even though I believed it would still be interesting, I thought I had this book all figured out before I even picked it up. I couldn’t have been more wrong! Elizabeth Goddard has written a must-read for suspense fans!
One thing I really liked about the character development was that Willow and Austin already had a complicated relationship with baggage prior to the start of this book. It drives me nuts when I read a book and the main character meets the detective on their case and suddenly BAM they’re in love. To a certain extent I can understand it’s part of the genre, but when characters are able to have more depth and history than is maintained in the pages I’m instantly more likely to enjoy it.
This is one of those books that can easily keep you up past your bedtime from “Just-one-more-chapter” Syndrome. With short chapters and a fast-paced storyline this isn’t a difficult book to finish in one sitting (time permitting of course 😉 ).
This was my first time reading a book by Elizabeth Goddard but I’m sure it won’t be my last! I’m already anxiously awaiting the next book to arrive in the series!
*I received a copy of this book through JustRead Publicity Tours. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
This wonderful book has so many elements of mystery, suspense, and emotions that I was totally captivated by it. Once I started it I couldn’t put it down. The author gives a rich backstory, an incredible setting, complex characters with real issues, romantic tension, twists and turns, faith, and a delicious tale where characters find things more complicated than they ever imagined. This is a book I would recommend to anyone who love suspense.
**I received this book from the author via the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Such twists and turns with so much suspense that made me want to keep looking over my shoulder! There is definite tension between Willow and Austin with their past, but they have no choice but to stick together now! I loved the lurking danger and constant page turning in this story. A good book is one that makes me think hard about who the culprit is! This is a good book!! This author did well with the cold case theme and with the sparks and snappy dialogue between the characters. Great secondary characters that I hope to see in the future!
I got the book from the publisher but was not required to leave a review.
Romantic suspense is a genre that I read widely in, so when I read that Elizabeth Goddard was moving into a full-length romantic suspense novel from her shorter Love Inspired Suspense novels, I was intrigued. The novel, Never Let Go, does start out a little slow. Goddard spends a little too much time explaining Willow’s and Austin’s backstory right up front, even though she hints at a mystery to Austin’s backstory. The backstory for Austin wasn’t that big of a deal for me. I have seen it before. The idea of a stolen baby and trying to find it again was a neat mystery element, but it didn’t seem to be the main point of the story’s progression until about fifty percent into the novel. Then I started to read a random person’s point of view belonging to Charlie, a girl, lost in the woods, hiding from her killer. Austin and Willow didn’t appear to be any different than any other hero and heroines from previous romantic suspense novels. Overall, Never Let Go by Elizabeth Goddard is a mediocre romantic suspense novel that really didn’t have me grasping for attention and clinging to the pages. I wished for more in depth of a tragic backstory for the hero. Fans of romantic suspense might enjoy the novel, but it fell short for me.
I received a complimentary copy of Never Let Go by Elizabeth Goddard from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
4.5 Stars
Never Let Go, by Elizabeth Goddard, is a fast-paced reading adventure! This first book in the Uncommon Justice series offers a thrilling mix of mystery, suspense, action, faith, and romance. From start to finish, this novel is truly entertaining and utterly intriguing.
Descriptive and real, the mountainous Wyoming setting enriches the plot and contributes to the authentic feel of the story. The vibrant characters also make this book special. They are relatable, likable, smart, and interesting. The engrossing plot of the novel is thoughtfully detailed and thoroughly engaging wrapping the reader in the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of the characters themselves. Like fallen leaves on a rugged trail, the themes of adversity, faith, perseverance, and restoration add depth and beauty to a riveting story that uplifts while it also entertains.
Never Let Go offers more than a story of romance and suspense. It also shines with an emphasis on honesty, forgiveness, and second chances. As the characters grapple with difficult and dangerous events, they also search for wholeness, purpose, and meaning within their mistakes and choices. Their faith and trust grows stronger as they discover that true security is found in the promises of God and in the love and support of friends and family.
With its integral setting, perceptive characters, and gripping plot, Never Let Go easily held my attention page after page. Ms. Goddard is a talented author with a genuine gift for compelling story-telling. Never Let Go is a book I can easily recommend to all readers who enjoy clean, suspenseful, romantic fiction, and I am eagerly looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.
This is the way to start a new series. This book was awesome. I loved finding out what a forensic genealogist does. This has a lot of suspense and romance. I did not want to put the book down. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Good suspense but the romance was not balanced. I have mixed emotions about this story. The prologue was riveting but I could not connect to Willow and Austin’s romance. Since romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres, I was really looking forward to reading this one. The cover is awesome, the story premise is very intriguing, and I loved the introduction of forensic genealogy which I didn’t even know was an actual career. About half way through the suspense picked up so Willow and Austin spent more time trying to solve the mystery instead of thinking about their relationship. That was when I got pulled in the story. Full review is at my website. 3 1/2 stars.
I received this book complimentary as a participant of the Revell Blog Tour. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed her are my own.
Never Let Go drew me right in and kept me turning pages. I was intrigued by the fact that the heroine, Willow Anderson, was a forensic genealogist. It was interesting to learn more about what that involved and how she used her knowledge to help solve cases. Elizabeth Goddard is talented at creating engaging and multi-layered characters. Willow Anderson and Austin McKade are easy to visualize and come to life on the page. A stellar cast of supporting characters added to the story.
With a compelling and complex plot, and lot of adventure and suspense, and a dash of romance, Goddard’s new series is off to a great start. I enjoyed the underlying messages of faith, courage, and forgiveness that added depth to the story. There were a couple of places I felt could have been a bit more tightly written, and at times I was a bit confused by some of the characters, but I felt the author did a great job of unfolding the story layer by layer and keeping the action coming. I would recommend this book and author to those who enjoy romantic suspense.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review, and all opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this story! It had some familiar themes, but as the story progressed, all kinds of unexpected twists occurred. After a while, I was as perplexed as the main characters with all the disconnected events. I read long into the night, eager to see how thing would turn out! The ending was suspenseful, unpredictable, and ultimately satisfying. I really appreciated that the main characters had depth and acknowledged the wounds they needed to heal from. They still trusted in God to help them, they didn’t give up on each other, and they pushed through their past failures to right the wrongs, and then they found hope for the future. It was a wonderful read!
Interesting storyline work some twists and turns, light romance and engaging characters. I enjoyed it.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias.
In her first foray from the shorter, category fiction, Elizabeth Goddard gives readers a book with enough twists and turns to rival the Wyoming mountain roads.
From the prologue to the almost immediate danger Willow finds herself in, I was caught up in this story. What really happened to Willow’s grandfather? Between Austin and Willow? To the baby? So many unanswered questions!
Admittedly, there was more introspection—especially on Austin’s part—than I usually like in my romantic suspense leads. Seriously, there came a pint where I was like, “Suck it up and tell her already.” However, it does give readers insight into the dynamic between Austin and Willow.
I have always appreciated the fact that Goddard pays attention for some lesser featured law enforcement. Never Let Go is no exception with a forensic genealogist and a former member of a child abduction response team. Lots of suspects, intense action, and well-developed secondary characters (fingers crossed that Charlie gets some cameos in the upcoming books in the series!) point to success for this series.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This is the first book by Elizabeth Goddard I’ve read and what a great one! I’m glad to know it’s a series, so there will be more. This first book gets your attention from the beginning with a story of a baby being kidnapped from its mother’s room in the hospital. It then jumps to the present with the main character of Willow, dealing with personal tragedy and the reappearance of her ex, Austin. He also happens to help her in the case that involves the kidnapping from the beginning. This book has a little of everything and keeps attention throughout to figure out the mystery. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Readers are in for a treat with the newest book from Elizabeth Goddard. It is a fast paced action packed story that will have you on the edge of your seat. I love a good book that has intrigue, well developed characters and a bit of romance mixed in and this book delivers it all. From the beginning you easily connect with Willow. She is a smart person who helps her grandfather run Anderson Consulting. I was fascinated by the work she does as a Forensic Genealogist. Tragedy strikes and Willow loses everything in her life including a very special person. Willow is determined to finish a job that was started before tragedy happened.
Austin is a man that is straight forward and has regrets about the way he and Willow parted ways sometime ago. They have teamed up now to finish a case that has been on the books for awhile. The case itself has its own mystery that will place them in danger. A mother who’s baby girl was abducted years ago is desperate to find her daughter before she dies. Willow and Austin have no idea where their investigation will take them, but be prepared for a bumpy ride as suddenly their lives are in danger. Why does someone want to stop Willow and Austin from finding out what happened to the baby? Is it possible that the baby survived and now is in danger themselves?
I loved the intrigue in the book and how the readers are left guessing to the very end in this intense thriller. Elizabeth Goddard writes a story that takes you to the edge of danger with twist, romance and a mystery many years in the making. The tension throughout the book is written perfectly with questions of who can be trusted and why is this young woman who was abducted so important to many people.? The ending is exceptional and will show how secrets and deception can cause tragedy . I highly recommend this book to everyone looking for a book filled with twists, and writing at its best.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
People tend to look for a needle in a haystack, when all they need is one good thread.
Willow is a forensic genealogist who takes on her late grandfather’s last case. A case that is so different from what they normal work. A case involving an abducted baby 21 years ago. A case that became a cold case for the FBI. A case that will bring Willow to reconnect with her ex flame Austin.
Austin is a former FBI agent that J.T. called in to possible help before his untimely death. Who hears of a fire that puts Willow in the hospital. He rushes to her side, realizing he needs to keep her safe.
Can they solve this case in time? Who is putting threats on Willow’s life? Who wants them to stop searching? Will Willow and Austin fall into the spiderweb of past feelings for each other?
Never Let Go is a contemporary suspense that will sink its hooks into you. It will leave you reeling from all the intensity and twists that Elizabeth Goddard spins into this story! Never Let Go, grabs you from the first page and keeps you wanting more right until the very end.
Never Let Go was a simply fantastic read. It hooked me early on with a compelling mystery and characters I adored. You can’t help but love Austin & Willow and root for them to solve the case and find their way back to each other. The mystery had several twists and turns that kept the story moving and kept me enthralled. I finished this book in a day because I simply couldn’t put it down, except when you know life interrupted as it tends to do with a 3 and 5 year old. Conclusion was great and I am eagerly anticipating book number #2 with Heath!
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
Never Let Go is really different than the usual romantic suspense novels that I have read. I really enjoyed the story. I was fascinated with Willow’s work as a forensic genealogist. The story is action packed and moves at a great pace. I enjoyed trying to solve the mystery. I’m looking forward to reading more from Elizabeth Goddard.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
The first page and the first paragraph grabbed my attention. I couldn’t wait to read the whole story and find the outcome. From a stolen child to long hidden secrets, this story kept me guessing until the end. Powerful, full of mystery and action. Great story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required.
“God, please hide me tonight. Hide me in the shadow of your wings”…Forensic genealogist, Willow Anderson is following in her late grandfather’s footsteps after he dies leaving her in charge of the business. He was on a cold case of a child that went missing 20 years ago from a hospital. With this child’s dying mom asking for help, she’s struggling with what to do next. In walks her ex-FBI boyfriend Austin after she’s almost killed. Their relationship is a struggle even today, but they need each other to figure out why she is being targeted. As the danger increases so does the suspense. I did struggle with the back-and-forth in their relationship… A lot of trust issues, but it led to a deeper relationship with God, The book really took off half way through with so many twists and turns. I’m looking forward to more from Goddard. It’s a great beginning to her new series with a roller coaster ride of mystery and romance. I was provided a free copy of this book through the publisher and NetGalley. I love this author’s Love Inspired Suspense books and decided to giver her new full length series a chance and I loved it. I am providing an honest review and I honestly loved it!
Never Let Go begins the exciting new series by Elizabeth Goddard, Uncommon Justice. I found this suspense filled tale to be quite the page turner. I never knew what was going to happen next with Willow and Austin. It is action packed with unpredictable scenes.
I am giving Never Let Go a well deserved five plus stars. I can not wait to get my hands on the second installment from the Uncommon Justice series. I highly recommend this one.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Her grandfather has died and going thru his papers, and he still had one case he was working on. A missing child twenty one years ago, the mother never gave up hope, and wanted to see her in the last few months she had. Yes, her grandfather raised her, and trained her, but she felt she lacked the skills he had, it would be better to sell, He had called Austin in to help with the case.
It’s an FBI.cold case and thought he could get information. Also, grandfather still felt like Austin and her should be together. Arson was listed as the cause the house she shared with him was quickly destroyed. Someone is desparate to destroy everything and everybody so the case will once again be a cold case. They work together, danger at every turn to keep readers interested to the last page. Very well done as all of her books are.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion by Net Galley and Revell.