Susan F. (scoutmomskf) - , reviewed on 1/11/2023 + 2617 more book reviews

Terrific book that kept me so engrossed that I read it in one sitting. I ached for Josslyn, who had her entire life upended because of one anonymous note left on her mother's car. I felt her confusion at her mother's panic, her fear when they were shot at, and her desperate need to know the truth. When an armed assailant rammed their car over a guard rail, they were rescued by police sergeant Steve Beck.

While her mother was in the hospital, Steve was determined to keep Joss safe and discover why she was in danger. Matters become more complicated when her mother is murdered, and Joss finds that her mother is not really her mother. The discovery of an Amish child's dress and a faceless doll are their only clues.

I liked Joss. Because of her rootless childhood, she has great inner strength. Though unnerved by the attacks on her, she is determined to find out the truth. Steve's support means the world to her, and she finds herself leaning on him more than expected. I liked Steve, too. He's a good man with a calling to help people, driven by the ghosts of his past, and something about Joss makes that need even stronger.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Joss and Steve. His protectiveness was undeniable, though he tried to fight the feelings underlying it. When they were apart, he couldn't stop thinking about her or worrying about her safety. I loved how he always understood how she felt and knew what to say to help her. But as his feelings for her grew stronger, he believed he was too broken to be the right man for her. Joss also felt her feelings for Steve growing, but her pride wouldn't allow her to seem "needy" by showing how much he meant to her. I wanted to shake him at the end when he let his fears keep him away. Thank goodness he saw the light and knew what he had to do. I loved the sweetly awkward yet emotional scene when he picked her up at the hospital and took her home. It was topped only by the epilogue, which was fantastic.

The suspense was terrific and kept me turning the pages from start to finish. The frequent and escalating attacks on Joss showed how determined the bad guy was to keep his secret. As each thread unraveled, they came closer to finding out the truth of Joss's identity, and the danger came ever closer. Just when I thought it was all over, an unexpected twist again put Joss in the crosshairs. The resolution was a nail-biter with a very satisfying ending.

I'm looking forward to learning more about the Bender family, especially Micah and Isaiah.

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