I received this book as an Early Reviewer copy and finally had time to read it. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't what I got. I didn't expect the story to be so...religious. It's definitely not something I would typically read.

The lead character, Amanda, sure had a lot of drama in her life. It would have been nice to get a little bit of background information, or something like those "previously on [name of show]" recaps that you get with tv shows, so that we could understand what was happening in her life (for those of us who hadn't read the previous books in the series). Like other reviewers had mentioned the mystery is ok, but the book is just not my cup of tea. ( )

The mystery is good, but the religious overtones may be off-putting for some. As it is third in a series, more effort to give some background and context would be good for any new readers that wish to jump into the third book (and perhaps give added interest for going back into the earlier books as well). ( )

I got this book as an Early Reviewer copy and did not notice that it was the third book in the series. So I came into a bit disoriented. I also missed that it was inspirational fiction, not something I normally read. So with that said, the characters were OK and the story had some interesting points. I think if a person likes inspirational fiction they could enjoy this series if they start at the beginning. I found it a bit hard to get through but for the two reasons i mentioned above, I think it is only fair to give 3 stars since it was not a terrible read, just not my thing. ( )

A child dies in a bathroom accident ...but was it an accident or is there something more sinister leading to his untimely death?

The murder mystery itself unravels neatly but what's really at the forefront of this book is the insecurity children of alcoholic parents live with even as they reach the biological age of adulthood. They don't feel they deserve to be loved and yet they crave love and acceptance. The fortunate will find friends who can offer them safe haven when they are in need. They may not recognize kindred needy souls when they meet them because they are unable to admit to their own needy self.

Our sleuthing heroine, Amanda Bell Brown, is also devoutly religious and speaks with God on a regular basis, and at times, He's nice enough to speak with her in a small voice. She's convinced that the child's death was no accidental and starts to investigate. She's partnered with her husband, a suspended homicide detective, who has succumbed to alcoholism, and this book is as much about their relationship, the hurt, the anger, the mistrust, faith and the love, as it is about murder.

Lots of prayer and Bible references abound in this book, which made me feel a little guilty when I didn't recognize some of the stories quoted, reminding me that I haven't been to church in quite a while.

This book was a bit of an emotional roller-coaster and challenged what I thought I knew of adult children. I'm glad I read it and despite my feeling rather emotionally wrung out towards the end, I did enjoy it. ( )

I enjoyed it. I thought it was a diverting mystery, though there wasn't as much mystery as all sorts happening in Amanda's personal life. There were parts that were laugh out loud funny, and some that were tear-jerkingly sweet. It's a series I would pick up again. ( )