Gathering Shadows by Nancy Mehl

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Gathering Shadows
(Bethany House Publishers - May 6, 2014)
by
Nancy Mehl
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband Norman and their dog, Watson. She’s authored thirteen books and is currently at work on her newest series for Bethany House Publishing.

All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “It’s a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help."

She and her husband attend Believer’s Tabernacle in Wichita.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Wynter Evans is a promising young reporter for a television station in St. Louis, but even a bright future doesn't take away her pain over the disappearance of her brother nine years ago. So when she stumbles across a photograph of a boy with an eerie resemblance to him, she can't pass up the chance to track him down. With research for work as her cover, she sets out with one of the station's photogs for the place where the picture was taken: the town of Sanctuary.

Almost as soon as she arrives, she meets the town's handsome young mayor, Rueben King, and together they begin to uncover long held secrets that could tear the small town apart and change everything Wynter thought she knew about her life. As the truth of her family's past hides in the shadows, it's clear someone will stop at nothing to keep the answers she's searching for hidden forever--even if the cost is Wynter's very life.

My thoughts:

I was especially impressed by Nancy Mehl's previous "Road to Kingdom" series and I knew I couldn't turn down the chance to review this book.

I really enjoyed this book. It was GOOD! It included many of my favorite elements in a story - a multi-faceted mystery with moments of nail-biting suspense, a hint of romance, and a faith message that is seamlessly woven into the plot. It has enough of the Mennonite ways interspersed throughout to appeal to the bonnet-fiction lovers, but not so much that it would keep those who aren't fans of that genre away. Another plus - seeing Kim Vogel Sawyer's "feline foursome" (Sam, Clyde, Maizie, and Frances) pitter-patter their way through the pages of this book - with plenty of snuggles thrown in!

I think Nancy Mehl has another winner on her hands...Gathering Shadows is strong start to this series and I can't wait to see what comes next!

My sincerest thanks to CFBA and Bethany House Publishers for generously providing a copy for review.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Gathering Shadows, go HERE.