Never Let Go

I think I have found another go-to romantic suspense author! Elizabeth Goddard was new-to-me before I picked up Never Let Go, book 1 in the Uncommon Justice series, but I am excited to find more great reads from her. This book kept me guessing until the end, not an easy feat since I am a voracious reader of this genre. It really is hard to surprise me. But the twists and turns of this novel really kept me on my toes. If you love a suspenseful book, this one is for you.

Main character Willow has a very unusual job — forensic genealogist. I had never heard of this, but I was intrigued. Usually Willow finds lost heirs or missing branches of a family tree, but after the death of her business partner/grandfather, she is determined to solve show more a cold case child abduction he committed to. Joining her in the investigation is ex-boyfriend and ex-FBI agent Austin. Austin harbors secrets of his own past that have kept the two apart. The two battle increasing danger and their attraction. I loved these characters — so very real in their flaws and struggles. I also loved the setting of Never Let Go. The rough Wyoming backcountry was skillfully used to ratchet up the dangerous situations the two found themselves in. The mystery of the missing child was complex and involved much more than first meets the eye. I was never sure who to trust or the motives behind the crime(s). Trust and forgiveness were two themes that ran throughout the book and impacted more than the two main characters.

I really enjoyed this fast-paced novel and am excited to see where Goddard takes the rest of this series. If you like romantic suspense, this one will be a treat.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thankst to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) show less

I received this book as an advanced copy from the author. I really wanted to give the book 5 stars but the beginning was a little difficult for me. At the beginning of the story when Austin and Willow first come back together the author lets you know what each of them is thinking or feeling about the other through their thoughts. It isn't that I thought that was a bad thing I only felt that the amount of time that it was done and also the times the thoughts were projected into the story were awkward. After that I felt the story really picked up and was an awesome page-turner. The suspense was enough to keep me wanting to on edge and always guessing what would happen next. Although I did finally figure out how everything was connected it show more wasn't until the very end so I would have to give this book 5 stars for its suspense and the ability to keep you guessing. I was glad to see that there might be a sequel to this story. I would definitely look forward to reading it. Overall and excellent read once you get started and an excellent ending. Great Job. show less

Uncommon Justice Book # 1

The story premise is very intriguing it brings together Forensic genealogist Willow Anderson with Ex-FBI agent Austin McKade on a quest for answers regarding a baby’s abduction more than twenty years ago. The story is set against the stunning backdrop of Bridger-Teton National Forest region of Wyoming.

I am not a huge fan of romance but when suspense is thrown into a plot layered with twists hard to see coming it makes for a pretty good read. Well romance…the chemistry between Austin and Willow is hot and cold I really wanted to slap them to make a decision but again this is a necessity to show us how vulnerable relationships can be and how our past can interfere with our decisions to move forward. I like the show more way the author weaves in the backstory of her protagonists as the story progresses. It is also interesting to watch Willow and Austin piece together the decades of mystery behind this kidnapping. Following these two has kept me on the edge trying to see who was behind. Well it is a well-kept secret that is divulged only in the last pages. This is a story well done from its riveting opening to the satisfying conclusion…..

This fast-paced and emotional page-turner is my first experience reading Elizabeth Goddard and it will not be my last.

I received a copy of this book from Revell for my thoughts show less

This is the first book I have read by Elizabeth Goddard and I have found another favorite romantic suspense author. Elizabeth Goddard combines fast-paced and action-filled plot with relatable and angst-filled characters. The plot has many layers and surprises that you won't be able to guess who the villain is and the motive until the very end! There are themes of forgiveness, grace, and acceptance of God's mercy infused into the main characters' development. If you are a fan of romantic suspense, you will not want to miss this one.

Willow, our heroine, is determined, feisty, resourceful, and compassionate as a forensic genealogist. She is unfortunately blindsided when family tragedy strikes and gets involved in a case of trying to find a show more baby who was taken 21 years ago. Austin, her ex-boyfriend, is strong, loyal, and intelligent but lives in a world of regrets and guilt. He's now a private investigator who gets involved in Willow's case due to her grandfather's request. These two work so well together, despite their differences and tumultuous past, and I can't wait to see more of them as the series unfolds. I'm hoping the next book will be about Heath, Austin's oldest brother, since he had a large role in this particular story.

I was given a copy of this book by Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own. show less

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 show more 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. show less

First, I want to say how grateful I am that this book finally made its way back to me. I was thrilled to receive it and be able to read it after thinking it had gotten lost en-route somewhere. It was also a pleasure to read a fellow Texan's work!

This story is a delightful new take on the idea of finding your past/roots/history. I had never really considered using genealogy as a way of finding a missing person. While I can honestly say it was a topic I am unfamiliar with, I found it an interesting story line. There was just the right blend of intrigue, suspense, drama, whodunit, and romance to keep the action going and the pages turning. The author does an excellent job of painting word pictures of the landscape and area in which the show more story takes place, making the reader want to take off and explore the majesty that must surely be in the Teton Mountain area. The main characters were believable and relatable to everyday life. Most of us have experienced the sudden loss and despair of losing someone we love, be it in death or in a broken relationship. All of us have a past - not just a historical one, but a familial one - and sometimes I think we forget that not only do our life experiences bring us together or tear us apart, but also our DNA. The story explores how we can't choose who our family is, and how it is sometimes difficult to reconcile everything in our minds and come up with a definition of self. Facing and coming to terms with all these complicated, as the author wrote, "threads" can be a hard task. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series. show less

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 show more 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. show less