About the Book
Book: Justice at Dawn
Author: Valerie Massey Goree
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
Release date: July 3, 2021
Former stunt double, KC Briggs wants to be an agent, but she also has an ulterior motive to be accepted by IRO—she wants access to their superior technology. Can she locate her quarry without Cooper finding out?
As Cooper shares the finer points of surveillance with KC, his waning faith is strengthened by her enthusiasm for the Lord and for the job. When the training exercise turns into a real abduction, will KC’s naivete lead to death or to a successful conclusion to the case?
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About the Author
After serving as missionaries in her home country of Zimbabwe and raising two children, Glenn and Valerie moved to Texas. She worked in the public school system for many years, focusing on students with special needs. Now retired, Valerie spends her time writing, and spoiling her grandchildren.
Check Valerie’s website to learn more about her books: www.valeriegoreeauthor.com
Valerie loves to hear from her readers.
More from Valerie
Justice at Dawn is the third novel in the Stolen Lives Trilogy. I knew I wanted to tell Cooper Callahan’s story after his brief appearance in Day of Reckoning, the second novel. How did he get his scar? Why was he one-track minded in his work? Why was he single?
It is always exciting to invent a backstory for a character. To uncover his fears, his shattered dreams, his greatest desire for the future, and discover how those events shaped his personality and his present life. Cooper takes his role as the chief training officer for the San Diego branch of the International Retrieval Organization very seriously. He tells the newest recruit, “It’s my job to ascertain your skills, and to determine whether or not you’ll make an effective agent.”
Of course I had to create a heroine worthy of Cooper’s attention. No petite, helpless, always concerned about her perfect makeup partner for Coop. My heroine in Justice at Dawn is anything but petite or helpless. In Kitty Claire Briggs’s own words, she is not a run-of-the-mill gal, and after describing her unique backstory, she says, “That’s why I grab life by it’s pointy little ears, and I intend to make the most of every opportunity.”
Indeed. How will Cooper react if he discovers the real reason KC wants to become an IRO agent? Will the skills she used in her former job as a stunt double and the fact she is a sharp-shooter play a part in her training?
Now, don’t get me wrong, KC is vulnerable and has issues from her past she has to conquer, but she is the perfect foil for Cooper. She absorbs his advice, but also uses her initiative and even challenges Cooper at times. He might be teaching her the finer points of becoming a successful agent, but she teaches him how to overcome his past baggage and to live life to its fullest.
MY REVIEW
I enjoyed parts of the story such as the details of being an IRO agent. It was interesting following KC as she learns the ins and outs of her job. I did think KC was a bit over confident in the job and at times she stepped over the line. It was weird to me to find out the real reason she wanted to be an IRO just to be able to have access to technology for a personal reason. This part of the story for me had holes in it. Why couldn’t she hire a private detective to get the answers she needed? Was it worth endangering her life and others just to find the answers that would give her peace about her past? I wished the author had used another way to get KC her answers without joining an organization that needed her full attention.
Cooper is still dealing with some past hurt and doesn’t respond well to KC talking about God or even mentioning the word forgiveness. I did like that KC didn’t push too much about God and it was nice that she invited Cooper to a sermon held at her parents home. The intimate setting may help Cooper open up a little and let God heal him. This part of the story was very good and the author uses prayers to show that KC has a heart for others. She is not shy about praying for and with Cooper.
The rest of the story desks with Sadie and her children being kidnapped. Although it was intriguing at times, there were moments that mistakes were made. Being a rookie in training I thought KC did things without confiding in Cooper. Their communication was off at times and I really believe the hostage situation dragged on too long. Now I did like seeing what people will do for revenge and this story is deep in revenge. There is such hatred towards Sadie that I wasn’t sure she would survive. I also wondered how Sadie was so easily captured and why she wasn’t more aware of her surroundings. The other question I have is why didn’t the authorities warn her about the people who were no longer in jail? Didn’t they realize that Sadie was still in danger from this family?
You may think I didn’t like the story but I actually did. Yes there are holes in the story that the author overlooked but in the midst of everything she delivers a good message of faith. She lets us see how witnessing to someone can make a difference. I applaud KC for not giving up on Cooper. I loved these two phrases that were used in the story; “Hate encourages people to make rash decisions.” Hurting people hurt.”
Those two statements are a great reminder that we need to continually ask God to help us with our attitude and to help us forgive. Overall the book was good but needed some clarification in sone of the plot line.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Blog Stops
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 12
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 13
Texas Book-aholic, August 14
Inklings and notions, August 15
deb’s Book Review, August 16
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 17
For Him and My Family, August 18
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 19
The Sacred Line, August 19
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 20
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 21
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 22
Batya’s Bits, August 23
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 24
Mary Hake, August 24
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 25
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Valerie is giving away the grand prize package of a Paperback or e-book copy of the book, adult coloring book and crayons, silver hoop earrings, and teal, rhinestone-studded cap!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/112df/justice-at-dawn-celebration-tour-giveaway
Thank you for the review.
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