The Stronghold

GIVEAWAY

CARTER, LISA
THE STRONGHOLD

A killer stalks his prey by the light of the super moon.

Tribal cop Pilar To-Clanny has seen plenty of danger while working on the Apache reservation. Drug violence, kidnappings and revenge killings are commonplace along the border between Mexico and the U.S But this time, innocent teenage girls are disappearing -- and there is something very familiar in these crimes, something that Pilar knows all too well and would rather forget.

When the slayer crosses borders and claims victims from the Apache reservations in Arizona and New Mexico. Pilar must work with FBI special agent Alex Torres, who represents another part of her past she would rather forget. Forced to overcome their turbulent history. Pilar and Alex risk everything as the killer's murderous tactics become more systematic, more horrific, and much more personal.

My Review:

Definitely on the edgy side. The Stronghold has a Criminal Minds kind of vibe though it stops shy of being as graphic. Yes, this story covers difficult subject matter -- serial killings, human trafficking and the violent history between the Apache nation and Mexico -- so it is a hard read at times. One that haunted me when I put it down. But there is also such healing and hope and the inspirational message comes across with startling clarity.

Carter has created beautifully flawed characters. They are by no means perfect and their raw and honest reactions are proof of that. Alex is a Christian but that doesn't mean he reacts in a Christ-like manner all the time. He's a work in progress as we all are. Watching him fight against his natural reactions as he struggles to apply his faith in different situations was inspiring.

By contrast, Pilar is haunted by her past -- angry, hurting, she's a survivor but it's taken its toll. She fights against the notion of a loving God with all the fury of her bottled up rage. A stunning portrayal of God meeting us right where we are.

Alex and Pilar have a past which the author reveals by slow degrees through flashbacks. You might say the romance is as mysterious and the suspense! Both are mesmerizing. My heart was racing the whole read! I figured out some pieces of the puzzle fairly easily; others simply floored me. I love a suspense that keeps me on my toes.

A stunning, thought-provoking romantic suspense that testifies of the relentless love God has for all of us.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  The Stronghold please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday June 12 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!