🏔️🌨️❄️ “Blizzard Refuge” (2022) ❄️🌨️🏔️ – Book Review
MY REVIEW
Language: English
ISBN: 1335426175
ISBN-13: 978-1335426178
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“Caught in a snowstorm…
and a killer’s crosshairs!
A blizzard traps federal witness Kiera Driscoll and her seven-month-old daughter in the mountains with little hope of survival. Until Nash Myers shows up. Nash insists on sheltering them and their US marshal escort at his family cabin. Trusting a stranger feels beyond risky, yet Kiera has no choice. She must protect her baby. But as the storm closes in, so do the threats to her life…”
Thank you in advance to the author, Cathy McDavid, for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
First of all – readers SHOULD BE STRONGLY ADVISED that there are SOME copies out there with printing errors. These are not “typos”, light print, or smaller print. It is a MAJOR ERROR that takes up 30+ pages of the book. In short – there are some copies with content that isn’t part of this book, and it will affect the story in a major way.
If you run across a copy – contact Harlequin or another copy. This is in no way the fault of the author – so PLEASE DO NOT REVIEW it based this error. Get a replacement copy.
That said …
I have read four of her “cowboy” romance novels from Harlequin’s Heartwarming line, and her previous “Mountain Rescue” release, Wildfire Threat.
As a fan of romantic-suspense and romance, I don’t mind genre-jumping with certain authors. One such is Irene Hannon who for the past few years has done a romance in spring, suspense in fall. And, like Hannon – McDavid does a WONDERFUL job between romance and romantic suspense. Another one is Tina Radcliffe.
Like McDavid’s previous Mountain Rescue novel, this too is a standalone read.
I have to admit, that living in the desert where temps reach 115° (or higher), covers that depict snow are VERY appealing. And, in a suspense – intense. That was a major draw to this book for me.
Another reason I HAD to read this – the plot. Anything to do with F.B.I, U.S Marshals, or law enforcement – I’m in.
But, this is a tad bit different in that there are three main characters – Kiera, Delana Gifford, and Nash for most of the book. Though the story is only told from Nash and Kiera’s POV.
McDavid starts off the intense and pulse-pounding read with a harrowing beginning with Gifford, a Deputy U.S. Marshal, driving Kiera and her daughter to a trial – in a blizzard.
They should stop because of the bad weather, but have to keep going due to the danger. Kiera is expected to testify in the trial of the man who killed her husband – a man who is part of a powerful syndicate.
Of course, the blizzard derails their plans and they end up in a not-too-serious wreck. That’s when Nash comes along.
Nash Myers who incidentally is a government employee as well – he is an inspector with the Department of Agriculture.
Gifford thinks they can wait until it passes – according to her weather app, it “soon”, according to Nash – another day or two. Gifford wants to wait there and call for emergency personnel. Given the stretched resources, and that it isn’t an emergency (as Nash is offering to help) – that isn’t an option either.
Gifford gives in, but doesn’t trust Nash (at this point I wasn’t trusting this woman). Nash is wondering if Kiera is a criminal or witness. Given that communications are down, the three will have to wait it out.
Keira can’t sleep and is rocking Heather in a rocking chair during the only “funny” moment in the book – Nash is trying to drag his Christmas tree in. The two talk over hot chocolate with Keira heading back to bed.
It is clear Nash doesn’t buy the cover story. And, it’s clear Gifford is hiding even more than her identity.
It isn’t long until Keira and Gifford have to tell Nash the truth about who they are.
Of course, a neighbor shows up (IYKYK) – and my senses tingled, especially after the encounter and a call from his mother.
And, despite the situation – Nash wants to be a part of Kiera and Heather’s life. He believes her being there is part of God’s plan. Though, getting through the blizzard will be the first challenge among many for them.
McDavid kept me reading until the very end with the perilous action, near-escapes, near-misses, and even a shootout during a snowmobile chase (I was in awe over this one).
Action and drama packed for certain.
This was, after the error – a non-stop, can’t put it down, kind of read. Definitely a “day” read for certain. The vivid and descriptive writing definitely kept me on the edge of my seat.
I dearly adored Nash’s commitment to Kiera and her baby, especially when there were times that Gifford kept seemingly wanting to put the baby at risk trying to “leave” the cabin. I did feel as though there were times Kiera was too dramatic about protecting Heather, but did understand her commitment to keeping the baby safe. There had been an alternative plan – which makes me wonder – what would’ve happened if … interesting if that had been explored.
This was definitely one of my favorite books by the author.
Despite being from the Love Inspired line, there are not many Christian references so it doesn’t feel like the author is proselytizing to anyone.
Those who enjoy a good suspense with a touch of romance is sure to enjoy this one.
I am eagerly awaiting her next “cowboy” read as well as her next “suspense” read.
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
Cathy McDavid is truly blessed to have been penning westerns and small-town stories for Harlequin since 2005. With over 55 titles in print and 1.6 million-plus books sold, Cathy is also a member of the prestigious Romance Writers of America’s Honor Roll. This “almost” Arizona native and mother of grown twins is married to her own real-life sweetheart. After leaving the corporate world seven years ago, she now spends her days penning stories about good-looking cowboys riding the range, busting broncs, and sweeping gals off their feet — oops, no. Make that winning the hearts of feisty, independent women who give the cowboys a run for their money. It a tough job, but she’s willing to make the sacrifice.
You can find her on the following social media accounts:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cathymcdavidbooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathymcdavidwriter/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CathyMcDavid
Website: http://cathymcdavid.com/
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