About the Book
Book: Justice Delayed
Author: Sarah Hamaker
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release date: May 15, 2024
Journalist Brogan Gilmore had been a rising star when an unethical shortcut on a story leads to his fall from grace. A chance encounter with convicted murderer Melender Harman a few months after her release from prison provides Brogan with a chance for career redemption—if he can land an interview with her.
After serving her 17-year sentence, Melender has one objective: To uncover the truth about what happened to her cousin the night the toddler disappeared. When Brogan pursues her for an exclusive story, she reluctantly agrees if he’ll help her reexamine the original investigation into Jesse’s presumed kidnapping and murder.
While re-investigating the case, Brogan struggles to keep his objectivity as he begins to believe Melender is innocent of the crime—and starts to envision a possible future together. Then a shocking discovery throws their relationship—and investigation—into turmoil.
As Brogan and Melender come closer to solving what happened to Jesse, will their budding relationship survive the truth?
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About the Author
An award-winning and best-selling author of inspirational romantic suspense, Sarah Hamaker loves writing books “where the hero and heroine fall in love while running for their lives.” She’s an AWSA certified writer and speaker coach, and podcaster of “The Romantic Side of Suspense.” Sarah lives in Virginia with her husband, four children and three cats.
More from Sarah
When Stories Teach Us Valuable Lessons
As a rather shy child, books became both my friends and teachers. While I had a few close friends, I spent hours of my childhood and teen years reading a plethora of books. I visited far away places and long ago times. I met famous people and viewed historical events. I solved my share of mysteries and wept with the characters over losses. I fell in love with heroes and rooted for heroines to save the day.
Researchers have discovered that literary fiction can improve your capacity to understand what others are thinking and feeling. Literary fiction also teaches us about social behavior, including how to view the world through other people’s eyes. In other words, reading fiction helps us develop empathy as well as allows us to experience the ups and downs of someone else’s life and thus become more able to handle similar situations in our own lives.
While I didn’t set out to write Justice Delayed with this research in mind, early reviews of the book have touched on that theme. For example, one reader said, “One of my favorite quotes is when [Melender, my heroine] defends her action of true forgiveness to [Brogan, my hero], ‘It was for my good and His eternal glory that I went to prison for a crime I didn’t commit. That didn’t mean I gave up trying to find justice in this world-it meant I didn’t despair when justice didn’t come.’ Wow! What a lesson in forgiveness and letting go of bitterness which in turn provided a peace that cannot be matched. She never allowed bitterness to take hold of her heart.”
Another reviewer said this: “Greed, politics and outright evil are a part of story, but the truth and goodness shine through it all as the walls start crumbling down, and you learn what truly happened that night. This was one of the best inspirational suspense books that I have read in quite some time. It left an impression on me, even if the message came from a fictional character.”
And another pointed this out: “Not only did Melender teach those around her how to forgive, but Melender taught me that lesson at well.”
While I had written Justice Delayed five years ago, I recently finished reading the late Tim Keller’s last book, Forgive, which touched on themes I explore in my book. Today, we so often ignore forgiveness as being too hard, too messy to offer and much too difficult to receive. Melender’s story is one example of how you can extend forgiveness even when it’s not been requested and to live a life of forgiveness in extremely arduous circumstances. Keller’s book has challenged me in many ways to forgive more without strings attached.
What have you learned from a book recently?
MY REVIEW
The beginning of the story sent shivers down my spine. The murder of a child is not easy to read about. When the author introduces Melender I had mixed feelings at first. Being convicted of the murder did raise questions for me. Her life behind bars must have been pure torture. It has been said that if you have been convicted of killing a child, you probably need to watch your back in prison at all times.
Melender is now trying to put the pieces back together of her life while determined to prove her innocence. I started to see a softer and vulnerable side to Melender as she spent every day working hard and never giving up. Her faith is what has gotten her through all those years behind bars. Without her sweet great grandmother I don’t think she would be as strong as she is.
Brogan sure has messed up his career as a journalist. Now that he has been given a second chance he intends to be honest and above board with his writing. His encounter with Melender opens the door for them both to learn to trust and see justice served. The author does a good job of slowly building their relationship while keeping the focus on clearing Melender’s name. With twists, secrets and danger the author had me glued to the book. Oh I had my suspicions about who was guilty, but I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next in this edge of your seat story.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Blog Stops
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 4
Inspired by Fiction, September 4
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 5
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 6
Texas Book-aholic, September 7
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 8
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 9
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 10
For Him and My Family, September 11
lakesidelivingsite, September 12
Holly’s Book Corner, September 13
Pause for Tales, September 14
Cover Lover Book Review, September 15
Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, September 15
Lights in a Dark World, September 16
Stories By Gina, September 17 (Author Interview)
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Sarah is giving away the grand prize package of a $75 Amazon Gift Card, a print copy of Justice Delayed, and the following Justice Delayed-themed swag: Canvas Tote, Notebook and pen, Drink Coaster, Bookmark, and Sticker!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5431
A cursed widower forsakes his faith to ensure his hope. 
Author Annie Weber is known for her bold and uncompromising approach to sharing God’s Word. She lives with a keen awareness of how the Truth of Scripture has led her to put her faith in Christ. Annie is a wellness enthusiast, adventure seeker, wife to Bryan, and mom to Lucy, Luke, Lily, & Levi. She enjoys beach time, fitness, photography, snorkeling, hosting parties, making people laugh, and exercising her social skills.
When a lighthouse keeper’s daughter finds a mysterious sailor with amnesia, the secrets she uncovers may change her life forever.
