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Death Valley Double Cross (Desert Justice,…
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Death Valley Double Cross (Desert Justice, 3) (edition 2022)

by Dana Mentink (Author)

Series: Desert Justice (3)

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1791,237,506 (4.89)None
A killer seeking revenge will stop at nothing to get it... Pilar Jefferson is shocked to learn that her supposedly deceased father is alive and has been in prison--and now his ruthless former partner is after her. Fleeing on her wedding day was the best way to protect her loved ones. But now with her mother held for ransom and her ex-fiancé, Austin Duke, stumbling back into her life, can she keep everyone safe--and escape an assassin?… (more)
Member:Harley0326
Title:Death Valley Double Cross (Desert Justice, 3)
Authors:Dana Mentink (Author)
Info:Love Inspired Suspense (2022), Edition: Original, 224 pages
Collections:Your library
Rating:*****
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Death Valley Double Cross by Dana Mentink

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Showing 1-5 of 9 (next | show all)
Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense always provides intriguing inspirational tales with plenty of romance and suspense, such as the Desert Justice series by Dana Mentink, of which “Death Valley Double Cross” is book three. Each of these stories can technically be standalones, but I would recommend reading them chronologically in order to follow the characters and avoid spoilers. The Duke clan never fails to be entertaining while simultaneously imparting life lessons discovered through their own experiences. To that end, Biblical principles gently undergird the narrative, demonstrating rather than merely telling.

“Death Valley Double Cross” certainly proves to be an apt title several times over as the storyline develops, which makes it all the more interesting. Surprises abound! The crux of the story, however, rests in the character interactions and true-to-life dysfunctional relationships that add tension while also opening the door for the potential of grace. Pilar Jefferson made an impossible decision six months ago, leaving her fiancée at the altar, and her personal life has imploded with revelations from the past, a past that now threatens her life. The jilted Austin Duke finds himself unwittingly drawn back into Pilar’s life, and they both slowly realize their own weaknesses. This is one of the book’s central messages: learning to recognize one’s own flaws and continually working with God to overcome them. As Austin acknowledges, “Humility was a hard lesson, but for some reason he knew he was a better man for trying to learn it.” Mentink reminds readers that pride includes trying to shoulder burdens on one’s own and not asking for help when it’s necessary. Of course, the first and best resource we have is the Lord!

That our God is a God of the unexpected becomes evident as the plot unfolds. Who would have guessed that redemption and new life could be found in Death Valley? It reminds me of the Easter story, of Jesus’ death and resurrection ushering in redemption and eternal life for those who truly commit their lives to Him. As Pilar realizes, “Commitment was more than love, it was trust and endurance and forbearance and humility and God’s grace.” It is not easy, but it is absolutely worth it!

For anyone who wonders how God can take something tragic and use it for our good and His glory, “Death Valley Double Cross” presents a beautiful fictional exploration of this topic. Also, dog enthusiasts will enjoy the four canines featured in the story, all of whom live to tell the tale (a must for dog lovers such as myself).

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. ( )
  Stardust_Fiddle | Apr 13, 2022 |
What I think you should know:
Death Valley Double Cross by Dana Mentink is the third book in the Desert Justice series. While this book could be read as a standalone I recommend reading the prior books in the series as this book does give spoilers and updates on the characters that were featured. This book features Austin Duke, who was jilted at the altar and his former fiancé.

What I think about this book:
I can’t get enough of Furnace Falls, while it may be a small town, it is anything but sleepy! I LOVE his family’s fierce protection of him when Pilar returns. If there weren’t enough things to love about Austin when you add in his ragtag group of dogs, he will quickly become a favorite. Pilar was such a sweet character, I can’t imagine finding out that I had been lied to most of my life and was now on the run for my life. Mentink did a great job of allowing both Austin and Pilar to move past pain of the past and grow as people and in their faith. This was a really interesting, fast paced story with lots of twists and turns! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own ( )
  DonnaC83 | Apr 9, 2022 |
This is a quick suspenseful romance. You will not want to put this book down until you have found out what happened to Pilar’s mother and the money. There are many twists and turns. I love all of the dogs that Austin has. I recommend reading the books that come before this one so you know who the secondary characters are, plus the others are wonderful stories also. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )
  Virginia51 | Apr 7, 2022 |
Continuing the saga of residents of Death Valley, Death Valley Double Cross examines the lives of Pilar Jefferson and Austin Duke. This fifth installment fulfills my expectations for a Christian story including danger and intrigue.

Pilar left Austin before their wedding day for his safety, but a chance encounter brings the two back together. I loved how the author continues stories that started in earlier books. Truly, Dana Mentink does an excellent job of world-building.

While you could read this book on its own, I definitely recommend reading the stories in order so you experience the full realm of this series. So if you enjoy books filled with Christian values including forgiveness and Christlike love, check out this book and the entire series for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )
  PattiP1992 | Apr 4, 2022 |
“Sorry is what you say when you break somebody’s coffee cup or lose your temper. Doesn’t seem like enough for betraying someone and humiliating them in front of everyone they love.”

Austin Duke, delivering a senior rescue pet, is suddenly thrown together with his ex-fiancé Pilar Jefferson. Together, they race to protect Pilar and unravel the mystery surrounding her family.

Dana Mentink skillfully brings the dry, hot Death Valley to life with her evocative word pictures. In this third Death Valley novel, Death Valley Double Cross, one can almost see the delicate desert blooms, feel the heat, and be exhausted by jaunts into the rocky cliffs. Any dog lovers need to beware: these four critters of Austin’s will steal your heart, just as they do Pilar’s. And the emotional wringer Mentink will put one through as we see Pilar’s reasoning for her actions, then Austin’s reasoning. Plus, the emotions of running for one’s life. Those who have tight-knit families or wish for one will love the extended Duke clan and their protectiveness for one of their own. I loved the spiritual journey of discovery that we see in both Pilar and Austin as the novel progresses. And, like the great writer she is, Mentink throws in some twists and curves that keep you guessing and readjusting your theories as you go. Bravo!!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“How much of my life is an out-and-out lie?”

Noise and fear were related.

“No one understood the cost of her decision to run away...especially not Austin.”

The notion was tantalizing, that forgiveness could be handed out so graciously, like letting go of a heavyweight by simply relaxing your grip.

“No point in considering the ‘could haves.’ That’s one thing I’ve learned through all this physical therapy after I got shot. Work with what you have at the moment instead of what might have been.”

Humility would bring him grace. ( )
  Becky_L | Apr 2, 2022 |
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A killer seeking revenge will stop at nothing to get it... Pilar Jefferson is shocked to learn that her supposedly deceased father is alive and has been in prison--and now his ruthless former partner is after her. Fleeing on her wedding day was the best way to protect her loved ones. But now with her mother held for ransom and her ex-fiancé, Austin Duke, stumbling back into her life, can she keep everyone safe--and escape an assassin?

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