🏔️🏕️🔥 “Pursued in the Wilderness” (Mountain Rescue) (2022) 🔥🏕️🏔️ – Book Review
MY REVIEW
Language: English
ISBN: 1335426183
ISBN-13: 978-1335426185
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“Her baby's life…
depends on one man and his K-9
The murder of her ex-husband at a remote cabin and the discovery that the killers want to take her about-to-be-born baby sends Brooke Chandler running into the Tennessee mountains. She stumbles into the campsite of K-9 handler Trent Williston and his search-and-rescue dog, Rex. Trent vows to get Brooke and her baby to safety. But with the killers on their heels, the impending birth of Brooke’s baby and the threats of the wilderness, they must first survive…”
Thank you in advance to the author, Loretta Eidson, for providing a complimentary review copy through her launch team. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
While Eidson has written other books, this is her LOVE INSPIRED debut. And what a debut it is! As of note – I don’t know if this book is a series, but it really works well as a standalone.
Those who have followed my blog, or KNOW my reading preferences – they know I tend towards Romantic Suspense. So, it’s a no-brainer that I’d want to read this.
And, let’s face it – the cover is intense, isn’t it? Something about a campfire set against lightning in the sky that draws one right to it.
And, the story is JUST as dramatic. To be honest – this drew me right in, and didn’t let me out until it was over. I read it in THREE (3) hours.
That said …
There are only two main characters, and one “problem” character:
🧸 Brooke
🚓 Trent
🎲 Nick
🐕 Rex (K-9 dog)
While there are bad guys – the POV only switches between Brooke and Trent.
There are going to be “dark” themes of gambling addiction, repercussions of gambling addiction, mention of selling a baby on the black market, and kidnapping. Readers should take caution when reading this if they are sensitive to the themes. They are not the entire focus of the story, but do provide background to the characters’ motivations.
Eidson wastes no time in getting the story rolling.
Nick Chandler has asked his wife to come out to a cabin in the wilderness, something she doesn’t want to do for two reasons:
#1 – She had a bad time in the wilderness when she was younger and doesn’t like the wilderness anymore as a result.
#2 – She is 38 weeks pregnant, and shouldn’t be driving out there. [This is definitely more of a #1 for me. Sorry, pregnant, no-go, Nick].
With that – she demands he sign the divorce papers. Of course, she finds out the extent of his gambling debt which causes her unborn son to become a commodity. [Note – it is never revealed why he called her out there to begin with].
She isn’t there long when Nick is killed by the men wanting their money – of course, they figure taking the baby will do.
Trent is a K-9 handler, on leave after a devastating accident that left a pregnant mother and newborn baby dead. He has vows to NEVER deliver another baby (note – never say “NEVER”).
Brooke runs into Trent, who isn’t sure whether or not to believe her story. She is jittery around Rex as she doesn’t like animals. It isn’t until Trent overhears the plans the men have for her and her baby that he decides to protect her at all costs and get her to the ranger station. Another reason? He doesn’t want to have to deliver the baby after what he experienced.
After a rough introduction, Rex continually tries to console Brooke. She’s shocked to learn he can pick up on the hormonal changes.
The two find an abandoned cabin to seek refuge in. She tells Trent the realities of her marriage – first in love, wanted kids, gambling addiction came into it, Nick’s personality changes. Trent tells her that he was ALMOST married, but the intended woman couldn’t handle his job.
It isn’t too long until the bad guys catch up to them.
As they hike towards the ranger station, Brooke finds herself comparing Nick and Trent.
After Brooke tells him of her wilderness experience, he confesses the reason he’s out there – the accident.
His nightmare and hers come true around the 49% mark when her water breaks, causing them to shelter in place until she gives birth. And, there’s also a storm they’re seeking shelter from.
Despite his reservations – Trent does, SAFELY, deliver the baby. She names the boy Josiah. And, Trent ends up doing something I absolutely adored – taking pictures for her. I could definitely agree she wasn’t wrong for falling in love with him so soon after Nick’s murder.
Of course, being post-partum doesn’t help the situation and she is emotional as they head for safety, even being shot at by the bad guys. She is also struggling to keep the pace they’ve set. But, she also knows there is no choice.
It is clear – if they survive this, she wants Trent in her life. The problem? He and Rex are a package deal, then again so is she and the baby. Staying alive to make it happen takes not only stamina but their courage – and faith in God.
This is a fast-paced, edge-of-seat, dramatic, non-stop intense, must-read-until-the-end ride through the mountains. The vivid and realistic details made me feel like I was right there. And, as of note – summer storms in the desert are the WORST: unpredictable, devastating, and unforgiving.
Also, it was interesting that two sets of hikers didn’t report their location – probably were afraid of what Brooke was running from. At least both of their parents thought to follow up on their disappearances.
Fans of romantic suspense won’t want to miss this LI/LIS debut author and novel. She can count me in to read her next one!
Since it is under the LOVE INSPIRED/LOVE INSPIRED SUSPENSE banner, it will have some elements of the Christian faith. These are NOT preachy in tone and mild compared to other Christian fiction books.
BLOG REVIEW NOTE: I went with Amazon’s publishing information as well as the LI/LIS notes.
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html;update https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Loretta Eidson is an award-winning author born and raised in the South. She lives with her husband, Kenneth, in North Mississippi and enjoys family time with her four children and thirteen grandchildren. Her love of reading began at a young age when she discovered Phyllis Whitney's mystery novels. Loretta believes in the power of prayer and loves putting her characters in situations where they must trust God to pull them through. Visit Loretta on her website at https://www.lorettaeidson.com.
You can find her on the following social media accounts:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorettaeidsonauthor
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lorettaeidson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lorettajeidson
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Thank you for this thorough review! I can’t wait for my print copy!
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