Carrie Stuart Parks

What drew me in most was how naturally I could see myself in these characters … their struggles, their choices, their prayers. From the first moments, their faith felt familiar, like echoes of my own walk with Christ. This wasn’t a story I observed at a distance; it was one I stepped into, because the faith within it was lived with honesty and strength.

The beauty of Escaping the Wilderness rests in how faith breathes through every page. The characters prayed with urgency, trusted with show more conviction, and leaned on Christ in ways that reminded me what true courage looks like. Their faith was their lifeline. Listening left me both gripped by the suspense and gently called back to deeper trust in the Lord.

Carrie Stuart Parks’ writing and Samantha Desz’s narration came together in a way that felt like a rare gift. The story was strong, the voice was steady, and the pairing was seamless … the kind of audiobook I want more of. I finished with a quiet prayer of thanks for stories this rich in both craft and faith, brought to life with narration that made every moment ring true.

For me, this was more than suspense; it was a reminder of the God who meets us in every trial, holding us fast when the wilderness closes in.

Perfect for listeners longing for high-quality Christian suspense where faith is lived out courageously.

I received a digital audio ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the great writing, engaging narration, and the story’s wonderful content, ensuring transparency and reliability. show less

Woman in Shadow kept me guessing! This twisting romantic suspense had it all — a mysterious disappearance, earthquakes, dramatic rescues, and dangers around every turn. But the best thing about the novel is the main character, Darby Graham. Most of the story is told through Darby’s first person voice. I loved her perspective on the goings on, complete with wit to lighten all the bad things happening. Darby is a forensic linguist — a fascinating occupation — who has been trying to show more overcome her past and past mistakes. Sent to the remote Idaho ranch, she is tasked with determining why odd and dangerous things seem to be occurring. She gets much more than she expects when the danger ratchets up putting her in harms way. I like that Parks created a vulnerable, yet resourceful character in Darby. Her faith has faltered along the way, but she learns to rely on God, as well as her own instincts. There is also a great love interest for Darby that will have you cheering them on. As I stated, I did not solve this whodunit — to my delight I was completely surprised! Although there is a reference to an organization first mentioned in Relative Silence, Woman in Shadow is a standalone. Good news for all those who want to dive into this book right away. And I highly recommend you do!

Highly recommended.

Audience: adults.

(I received an ebook version from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) show less

In Woman In Shadow, author Carrie Stuart Parks transports the reader to the remote town of Targhee Falls, Idaho, for an intriguing suspense tale that will keep the reader guessing and turning the pages.

The story centers around Darby Graham, a forensic linguist, who has been sent on an undercover assignment at Mule Deer Ranch, a primitive facility in Targhee Falls, Idaho, to test her progress towards getting back to wholeness after being on a long disability stay at Clan Firinn, a privately show more owned and funded facility located outside of Pullman, Washington, that specializes in offering hope and rehabilitation to law enforcement and first responders suffering from PTSD and other disorders arising from their work. Darby is being sent to Mule Deer Ranch at the request of the ranch owner, Roy Zaring, after a series of incidents that has left him concerned. Darby is to just observe and advise Roy on her findings, and let the authorities take over. But when more incidents begin to occur after her arrival, Darby finds herself teaming up with Sheriff's Deputy Bram White to not only get to the bottom of the incidents at the ranch, but also to find the serial arsonist who has been setting buildings on fire throughout town, and sending taunting letters to the Sheriff after each fire. Can Darby and Bram find out who is trying to run the ranch out of business, while hunting down the serial arsonist, or are both interconnected?

Author Carrie Stuart Parks weaves a fast-paced and suspenseful tale written in alternating first (Darby) and third person narrative (Bram) that follows Darby and Bram as their investigation into the incidents at the ranch and the fires throughout town reveals an interconnection that has a threat of danger around every corner, and where everyone is considered a suspect.

The reader is easily drawn into this well written story with its richly descriptive plot and setting. It is filled with enough family drama and secrets, motives, possible suspects, action, a touch of unexpected romance, and intriguing twists and turns that definitely keeps the reader guessing until the surprising conclusion.

This was a really interesting story to read! The author does a wonderful job of providing enough clues to engage the reader, and I found myself so caught up on trying to figure out who is behind all the incidents at the ranch, and who the serial arsonist could be. I loved how Darby used her expertise as a forensic linguist to put all the pieces of the puzzle together, I was absolutely stunned by the conclusion! I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I also loved reading about Darby and Bram's backstory, both are broken people who have to overcome their traumatic pasts and learn to move forward out of the shadows.

Woman In Shadow will definitely take suspense readers on one heck of a thrilling roller coaster ride.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.

https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2021/07/woman-in-shadow-by-carrie-stu... show less

Evelyn McTavish is an accomplished but struggling artist and she seems to have a hard time realizing her self-worth. "Tavish" has apparently had a weight problem in the past so she has a poor self-image of herself, her relationship with her mother is very strained, and she has just buried her fiance when this book begins. Suddenly, she finds herself caretaker to a dog whose owner has been murdered and running from the person who probably killed him. As the story continues, Tavish and FBI show more Special Agent Sawyer Price work together to find answers as more murders are committed, art work is stolen and art forgeries are discovered. Along the way, Tavish has her car stolen, she becomes a walking target, and she finds her sanity being questioned. Who is behind this and why is she the target? Sawyer seems to want to protect her but are his motives honest and pure? Perhaps the only positive outcome from all of her problems is that Evelyn Yvonne McTavish finally begins a relationship with the Heavenly Father that her late beloved grandmother had encouraged her to find.
I must admit that I don't often read stories set in New Mexico so I enjoyed the references to Albuquerque and the use of Native American artifacts in the plot. I also enjoyed the unending suspense and trying to guess just what was coming next. Fragments of Fear is filled with non-stop action and danger and I can see why other readers are so eager to Parks's books. This was my first time to read a book by Carrie Stuart Parks but it won't be my last!
I voluntarily received an Advance Reader's Copy from Thomas Nelson as part of JustRead Publicity Tours but I was not required to write a positive review. show less