Publisher's Weekly Review
Goddard (Don't Keep Silent) opens her Rocky Mountain Courage series with this thrilling romance set amid an investigation into a smuggling ring. Detective Jack Tanner reunites with former girlfriend Terra Connors, who works for the Montana Forest Service, when a body is found deep in the woods outside of Big Rapids, Mont. The dead person is Jim Raymond, a well-known local insurance salesman. While investigating Jim's death, Terra and Jack find an stolen cache of Native American artifacts in a remote cabin. Terra is certain that they have stumbled on a smuggling ring. When Terra returns to the cabin and someone sets it on fire with her inside, the investigation switches from potential theft to attempted murder, and they begin to suspect Jim might have been an unwitting accomplice to a sinister operation. As Jack and Terra close in on the smuggling ring--and learn just how lucrative smuggling Native American artifacts can be--they are no longer sure who in Big Rapids can be trusted. As more attempts on Terra's life are made, the possibility of losing each other forces Terra and Jack to admit their feelings and give their relationship a second chance. Though faith elements are subtle, this will be a great entry point for those new to Goddard's high-octane inspirationals. (Apr.)
Booklist Review
Goddard begins the Rocky Mountain Courage series with a bang. U.S. Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors has come home to Montana to be closer to her family. After a career in the FBI, sheriff's detective Jack Tanner has also returned to take care of the aunt who raised him. Years ago, Jack severed his relationship with Terra without an explanation. Now, a plane crash, a missing pilot, and a corpse mean that the two investigators have to work side by side. To bring the killer to justice, Jack and Terra will end up having to uncover family secrets and re-examine past tragedies while someone will do just about anything to stop them from finding out the truth. As several characters from her Uncommon Justice series make appearances, Goddard emphasizes action and suspense over romance as she starts out strong and builds steadily towards the dramatic conclusion. A good recommendation for fans of Irene Hannon and Lynette Eason.
