Christian Romantic Suspense: For three years, Kati Walsh has hunkered down at a new place of worship to dab at church-inflicted wounds. Her one outreach is to her kickboxing friends at the gym, but she’s been praying for God to stir her heart again. But she’s not sure that the new assistant pastor and his friend Reece Jernigan are what she asked for—because Assistant Pastor Josh Corbin plans to … to win the hearts of the north-side neighborhood, mostly described as “the hood.”
When Josh plans a prayer walk in the neighborhood, both the congregation and the police are wary, but Josh insists that prayer works. He believes in spiritual warfare—prayer, praise, and the Word of God. Reece, on the other hand, has been on the streets before, and his weapon of choice is a 9mm Glock. Two close friends with differing perspectives and both with an eye on Kati. But they’re not the only ones—the gang leader from the north side has taken an unexpected interest in Kati, too.
Reviewer Lin Sollecchio: “I LOVED this story. The struggle within us that goes on when Satan attacks and tries to rob us of our faith and our ability to fight evil is very compelling. As a reader, I had a few ‘aha’ moments of clarity and frequently thought ‘Yes!’ … I was also teary eyed a lot… I love your ministry through your writing.”
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4.5 star.
Challenging read which raises many questions about what it means to be out among the hurting. Loved the focus on prayer and spiritual warfare.
I’ve read two other books by this author. This is a huge improvement in terms of writing and cover. Keep writing!
For those who like their books grittier and full of the pain of real life.
This is the First book in The Spiritual Warfare Series. However it can be read as a standalone. I loved this book and it’s characters. It delves deep into spiritual warfare which a lot of Christians do not understand. It lets us know that there can be a price to pay when we get down to business fighting the spirits of darkness and evil. Josh is a new Assistant Pastor in town along with his friend Reese who have decided to take on the neighborhood and win them to Christ. Kati becomes involved and also in danger. This really kept me turning pages and I wouldn’t put it down until the end. If you like this kind of book be sure to get a copy. You won’t be sorry. I highly recommend it.
I found this to be very enjoyable and intriguing book. The characters are quite believable and very interesting. The story moves along well and keeps the reader engaged. I enjoyed the Christian aspect to this book; spiritual warfare is certainly real and something we fight regularly.
The narrative was done really well.
I received a free copy of this audiobook and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Warrior is Linda Rodante’s latest offering in the romantic suspense Dangerous series. As soon as I heard that a new one was coming out, I jumped at the chance to review it because I really enjoyed the previous book Pursued. Rodante writes compelling characters and heart-in-your-throat suspense with a solid message. Sign me up.
One of the things I enjoy most about Rodante’s books (at least the two I’ve read lol) is that the title has more than one application to the story. In this case, “Warrior” is the one of the nicknames that Reece gives to Kati Walsh from the moment she captivates him in the kickboxing ring. For her part, Kati holds her pain close and it’s only as she begins to open up to Joshua Corbin, the new assistant pastor at her church (and Reece’s best friend), that we get to see exactly what she’s overcome. And it’s then that Reece’s nickname for her – Warrior – feels even more poignant.
But there’s another, even more powerful, meaning to the title. Josh and Reece both challenge Kati’s church in many ways, and particularly in the area of the power of prayer. The events that unfold in this trio’s lives – as well as the life of their church – challenge all of us to take more prayer seriously, to see it for what it is: a weapon against the spiritual forces of evil that we and those around us battle every day.
We’ve all lived so long with Satan’s attacks that we no longer see them as such. We possess weapons of divine power that can demolish strongholds, and yet we don’t use them. Prayer, praise, God’s word. The name of Jesus. Weapons. He’s calling us our of our comfort zones, out of our safe zones, and asking if we are willing to take up the fight for our families, our neighbors, and for Him.
I also really appreciated the way Rodante elevated the discussion about stereotypes we tend to apply to socio-economic status, backgrounds, neighborhoods, intentions – all even without realizing it. Especially, I think, in ‘church work’. Through some of the events and discussions that play out in this story, the author helped me sit back and reflect on ways I can be more aware of – and avoid – this mindset in the future.
Bottom Line: Warrior by Linda Rodante is moving and inspiring. Four people (three main characters and a fourth supporting player) who, at the outset, could not appear more different from each other, yet in the heart are more alike than they realize. The suspense is well-done, with scenes that will have you holding your breath until the danger has passed (for now), and the characters are vividly drawn. While it does contain two elements that I typically avoid in books (a love triangle and more than a few ‘preachy’ moments), in this context both work to deepen the story and leave an impression on your heart.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
I wish I could give 10 stars!
Inspirational and thought-provoking! The story grabs your attention from page one. I stayed up during the night captivated by the story line and characters’ personal challenges. Their spiritual battles were relatable and tugged at my heart. I couldn’t wait to finish and yet I didn’t want it to end.
“Don’t let Jesus’ sacrifice be for nothing. A God who loves you unconditionally, who accepts you just as you are, is waiting for you. Step out of your comfort zone and away from your fear, and step into the abundant life awaiting you.”
Spiritual warfare at it’s best. Linda Rodante weaves a believable story that’s compelling and realistic. The characters are well developed and likeable. I highly recommend it.
“We’ve all lived so long with Satan’s attacks that we no longer see them as such. We possess weapons of divine power that can demolish strongholds, and yet we don’t use them. Prayer, praise, God’s word. The name of Jesus. Weapons. He’s calling us our of our comfort zones, out of our safe zones, and asking if we are willing to take up the fight for our families, our neighbors, and for Him.”~ Josh
“Your prayers move mountains. Your prayers put the devil to flight. Don’t go saying you “only pray”, Warrior. Your prayers are weapons. Use them.” ~Reece
This was a powerful book for me to read! The characters ministered to me and stirred my heart to a deeper relationship with Christ Jesus and to use the weapon of prayer more often. No longer will I doubt my prayers are effective or have no meaning after reading this! I may not be someone who physically invades the enemies territory like Josh & Reece did, but I can still invade his territory in prayer. I can go to my “prayer closet” and intercede for my loved ones, my church family, and those who aren’t part of God’s kingdom and fight for them. The author stirred those smoldering embers in my heart to be a warrior for Christ in my prayers. I love it!!
Talking about the characters, I loved each one. Josh is the new assistant Pastor and has a heart for God and the people he’s been called to minister to. He challenges them in ways that make them examine their own lives and calling. He leads them by example on what it really means to serve Christ; it’s not in sitting in the pew each Sunday, but compelling them to do their part in the kingdom of God. Whatever that may mean to each person, whether it’s in prayer, or worshiping in praise, or physically going out to reach their neighbors and lost loved ones. Or any combination of things, he encourages them that God has already given them weapons of spiritual warfare to use.
“I’m calling out to dry bones today. You’ve been sitting in these pews long enough. You know there’s more. You’ve asked and payed for more. God has heard your cry. I call out to the dry bones today. Come alive. God wants an army. Come alive!”~Josh
Reece is his best friend and right-hand man. He has a rough past, one he’s not proud of but he knows God has set him free of. Josh has been one to encourage him and help him grow in Christ. The book refers to them as a David and Johnathan relationship and I can see that clearly in them. He also has a real heart for people, especially those in gangs and shackled to things nobody should have to be. He has street smarts and helps balance Josh and vise versa. You really know he’s grown quickly spiritually the more you learn about him in the story. Kati is a woman after my own heart! Seeing her growth and overcoming her past encouraged me. God made beauty from the ashes of her life just as He did mine. Our pasts don’t define us, God’s working in them and making us new is what does. Kati was reminded over and over again that she is a new creation and God views her as a warrior for Him; priceless and His child.
Spiritually moving and deeply compelling, Rodante challenges each one of us to a higher calling in Christ through the imperfect people portrayed in her characters lives! Action packed pages will have your heart in your throat and a simmering of romance will stir your emotions. My prayer is that you are challenged through this book like I was. God didn’t leave us defenseless, He gave us powerful weapons to use against the enemies attacks! Like Josh said, COME ALIVE, use those weapons and see if God doesn’t move in your life and those around you!!
*I was provided with a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a review. All opinions are my own. *