🔥 🏞️ 🚒 “Blue Ridge Mountain Escape” (2023) 🚒 🏞️ 🔥 – Book Review

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Blue Ridge Mountain Escape by Loretta Eidson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Blue Ridge Mountain Escape
Series: Mountain Rescue
Author: Loretta Eidson
Publisher: Love Inspired / Inspirational Mountain Rescue Collection
Release Date: June 27, 2023
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

The firefighter rescued her once…  

But can they outrun the dangers? 

A peaceful vacation is what Haley Gordon needs to put her troubles behind her. Instead, she finds herself fighting for her life against a raging forest fire. Forest Service firefighter Kendall Simpson vows to protect Haley—although he has questions about her story. But with the firestorm out of control and news of escaped convicts on the mountain, can Haley and Kendall trust each other enough to survive?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

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My Review

Thank you in advance to the author, Loretta Eidson, for providing a complimentary review copy JustRead Publicity Tours as well as her launch team. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.

I have LONG since loved a good romantic suspense story, and preferably clean ones. Back between 2000-2005, I would get the monthly Intrigue shipments from Harlequin. And, just yesterday (6/23) at a library bag sale ($5/bag), I picked up a few Intrigue books. I also got some of the Romantic Suspense line.

However, I walked away with eight (8) of the Love Inspired Suspense books from years June 2013-February 2023. [I also got quite a few more books as well.]

This is Eidson’s second book, and the second one I’ve read. This, like Pursued in the Wilderness, is a standalone read.

As of note, when it comes to books about forest fires, I’m squeamish. The last summer I lived in California (1985), I remember being in a pool and seeing a wildfire in the mountains.

Naturally, stories that feature wildfires can be a bit triggering and upsetting to those who’ve witnessed them or survived them.

That said …

Eidson is very careful to keep loss of life and property damage to a minimum. Instead, she focuses on the characters and how they rely on each other and God to get through the situation.

She introduces us to:

🪥 Haley – dental hygienist, recently fired from her job, taking vacation in mountains

🚒 Kendall – Forestry Service Firefighter

🚨 Blake – Haley’s cousin, prison escapee

🚓 J.R – prison guard, helped the three men escape

🚨 Connor – escapee

🚨 Mac – escapee

This begins with Haley arriving at the cabin having decided to take her vacation after a friend gets sick. One huge reason is one we all can relate to – not getting her deposit back.

It isn’t long until her vacation is interrupted by her cousin, two escapees, and a prison guard. They’re looking to hide out until they can get someone to meet them. That is until a fire breaks out (the origins are never found out) and Kendall is there to evacuate them.

Haley is left behind and Kendall rescues her.

At first, he believes she was helping the four (4) men, but learns she wasn’t. He has to get her to safety though. There are two concerns they’re both facing – the escapees and the fire’s unpredictable pattern. Despite the situation, Haley is instantly drawn to Kendall.

As any suspense novel goes – the main characters are constantly in danger, more so when the escapees catch up to them. Kendall isn’t concerned with capturing them, but getting everyone out alive.

Blake sees Kendall’s interest in Haley and warns the firefighter to stay away from her, yet Kendall can’t stop the attraction or concern.

At times the group is at odds with each other and it seems like Kendall and Haley are one step from losing their lives to the group; other times they work in unison to stay ahead of the fire.

Haley is in constant prayer for God to delivery them to safety and even inspires some in the group to have faith.

As most books of the line are, this draws the reader right in and keeps the reader’s attention with the fast-paced action, drama, and even peril. This was definitely a “day read” for me. It was intense and descriptive, so much so I did feel some anxiety as they were escaping the fire along with running into a few bears and wildlife along the way. (I think I counted three total bears).

The teamwork between Kendall, Haley, and the fugitives was definitely inspiring; then again, one doesn’t escape from prison to just give up during a fire.

Most of the characters were realistic, especially Kendall. His motive for becoming a forestry firefighter was based on his family’s experience. Whereas his father had been traumatized by the fire they went through, Kendall was inspired to help people. This caused a rift between the two men.

Blake seemed like he had some good traits but caught up in a bad situation. As far as J.R, Mac, and Connor – there wasn’t enough development of them for me to decide one way or another. Perhaps knowing what they had been sent to prison for might’ve helped to get to know them, and see their motivations.

Haley was, on one hand, one of the sweetest people; yet, her concern for the fugitives and constant positivity did seem slightly unrealistic. More so after she was shot. Then again, it’s hard to dislike a sweet character. So, I was definitely conflicted when it came to her.

As this is from the Love Inspired Suspense line, there will be references to God and prayer. Given the situation, this is natural for the character(s). Haley does seem more religious than the others though.

I’m definitely interested to see what Eidson comes up with next. Fans of the genre will definitely want to check this out.

 

RATING:

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/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)

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About the Author

Loretta Eidson is an award-winning author who loves writing romantic suspense. Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency is her agent. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Faith Hope, & Love Christian Writers, Sisters in Crime, Heart of Christian Writers Network, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and attends the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference.

She loves chocolate, caramel, and coffee. Loretta lives in North Mississippi close to her family. 

Connect with Loretta by visiting lorettaeidson.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

 

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 20, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 27, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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