Saturday, December 10, 2022

About the Book

Book: Take My Hand

Author: Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: December 5, 2022

Don’t find us. We’ll find you.

Trauma therapist Kaley Colbert needs a vacation from her job, and a ski trip with her church singles’ group seems like the perfect way to unplug. But while in the mountains, she learns that her last client was murdered hours after their meeting, and she wonders if the notes she’s receiving from a possible stalker hold a more sinister warning.

On the trip, ex-boyfriend and entrepreneur Reef Mitchell wants to give their relationship another chance, but Kaley questions if his past and priorities could ever mesh with her life. When her client’s underworld connections catch up with her, she has no choice but trust Reef to help her stay alive, solve her client’s mystery, and bring the killers to justice.

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About the Author

Kristen Hogrefe Parnell writes suspenseful fiction from a faith perspective for women and young adults. Her own suspense story involved waiting on God into her thirties to meet her husband, and she desires to keep embracing God’s plan for her life when it’s not what she expects. Kristen’s books have won the Selah Award and the Award, among others. An educator at heart, she also teaches English online and enjoys being a podcast guest. Kristen lives in Florida with her husband and baby boy. Visit her online at KristenHogrefeParnell.com.

More from Kristen

Real-Life Inspiration for Fictional Suspense

Mark Twain said, “Write what you know.” I certainly took his advice with the setting of my romantic suspense novel, Take My Hand. Beech Mountain, North Carolina is part of my own story in a special way. While my husband James and I were dating, our church group planned a ski trip to Beech Mountain, much like the one Reef and Kaley embark on in my story. Born and raised in Florida, I had never seen fresh snow fall, let alone attempt to ski in it. Writing Kaley’s frustration with the learning curve is something I came by honestly.

James taught the other new skiers and me the basics, and I felt so special to be his girlfriend and have such a thoughtful date. Later, when my writing imagination kicked in, I began to wonder, “What if James and I hadn’t been dating but had broken up? How awkward would that experience have been?” Awkward on steroids. Then the suspense lover in me began to spin the story of Kaley and Reef as well as a celebrity villain that no one would suspect. And so, this story was born.

But my experience with Beech Mountain didn’t stop with a ski trip. After James and I had been dating for just over a year, he planned a surprise engagement trip to—you guessed it—Beech Mountain. Since my Sunshine State doesn’t offer fall foliage, James invited some friends and me on a fall hiking trip. Though I wondered if he might pop the big question, I wasn’t sure, and my best friend wasn’t budging with any clues. One of our late afternoon hikes took us to Wiseman’s View, a stunning overlook of the mountains and canyon below. I was cold, craving hot chocolate, and ready to head back to our cabin, but James wanted to show me one more vista and “get a picture.” With my best friend recording the moment, James dropped down on one knee, spoke the sweetest words, and asked me to marry him—to which I happily said yes!

Now, Beech Mountain is one of our favorite road trip destinations as a married couple. With the arrival of our baby boy this summer, we are anticipating future family trips which will no doubt provide new inspiration for writing material. I look forward to sharing more stories in this series that revolve around Beech Mountain and the friends who come together and grow in their faith as they face life’s dangers and adventures.

MY REVIEW

This has been a fun book to read with a mixture of suspense, faith and a little romance. Finally Kaley is taking a well deserved vacation. She is joining her church group to go skiing. It sounds like a lot of fun except for one tiny problem. Her ex-boyfriend will be on the trip as well. Little does she know that Reef will not be the problem on this trip.

Reef is excited to go skiing and hopes at some time to maybe be able to clear the air with Kaley. You can sense that he still has feelings for her so he needs to try his best to make amends so they can both enjoy the trip. I like how Reef doesn’t pressure Kaley at all and is a real gentleman around her.

Someone thinks Kaley is hiding information and is willing to do anything to get it. What was suppose to be a nice time with friends turn into danger as Kaley turns up missing. Reef is sure that something strange is going on and gets the others involved to help find her. I loved the suspense and how the group stepped up to find Kaley.

Kaley’s job may have put her in danger when she meets someone else’s client right before she leaves for vacation. What did this person tell Kaley that has put her on the radar with the mob? Why does a famous person who just won an Oscar kidnap Kaley her and fly her back to Florida? The author had me on the edge of my seat as the twists and surprises kept me guessing as what was to come next.

The story has a great message of faith and trusting Him when you are in trouble. The ending is adrenaline charged and full of surprises. I am hoping that the author is planning another book to follow up on these characters.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.