Rating is 4.5 stars
My Comments
Wow, this is definitely another gripping book from the same author who became a favorite of mine after reading Submerged!! Darcy St. James has just reported for work on this cruise ship headed to Russia when her friend and boss, Abby, goes missing. Darcy has no idea what shes in for, but she knows something is terribly wrong and will stop at NOTHING to find out what happened to Abby.
Gage McKenna has also taken a job aboard the cruise ship not knowing Darcys involvement. He cant get her out of his mind so when he discovers this he decides to stay as distant from her as possible. She reminds him way too much of his ex with Darcys ambition and secretive manner. However, Gage cant help but feel protective of Darcy despite his hesitancy to be around her. Will he be able to help her find the truth in time or will she go too far with her sleuthing tactics in learning about what happened to Abby?
On the one hand, I really couldnt believe how foolish Darcy is as she pursues this investigation in finding Abby. She doesnt just ask questions, she takes constant risks, shes way too revealing in her intentions, she puts her own life in jeopardy, she refuses to back down, she faces her ultimate fear in order not to get fired, and she has no fear in snooping. On the other hand, I wish I had a friend like her who is diligent, faithful, and relentless in making sure Abby is found and wanting her to know Christ before she dies. She puts Abbys needs ahead of her own the entire book making each excursion off the boat even more adventurous and questioning passengers/crew members on the boat (or ship if you will). The story takes place on and off the ship.
There are several misunderstandings between Gage and Darcy which makes for great romantic tension in the story, but I was more interested in them getting along and working together which gradually happens. Gage is convinced that Darcy resembles his ex in character, which helps him guard his heart, but he does realize that this assumption is false. Darcy is only interested in finding her friend and thats the only reason she is so secretive. As foolish as I thought her to be, she considers Gage and his family company in every risk she takes. Shes willing to take the fall to keep his professional reputation intact.
My two favorite things about this story: you have to love the McKenna family! They stick together, depend on one another, trust each other, and support one another in everything. The McKenna family is not limited to the 5 siblings either, this also includes their significant others. They are easy to make friends with; they run their company with integrity, loyalty, and safety; they work hard but they also know how to enjoy themselves; they communicate and work together very well during an investigation; and they are real with one another. Also, this book goes into the very relevant issue of trafficking. Its a real problem and one that should be dealt with swiftly and compassionately. It was a pleasure to see how the McKenna family deals with this and in protecting Darcy.
Another element to this book (and series) that means a lot to me was the main characters love for God. Darcy and Gage have both experienced a death in their past; Darcys childhood friend and Gages infant son; and they have opposite reactions to God in this heartbreaking experience. Darcy regrets not being able to save her friend as she cries out to God for help and peace while Gage resents God for not miraculously saving his son. Darcy prays throughout the story (for herself, for Abby and for Gage) and Gage goes through a night of complete boredom that leads him to reading the Bible. There are a few scenes in the story where prayer is described and Gage learns a lot more than he bargained for while reading Genesis. I love the sensitivity and faith written with these characters and their compassion for one another as they learn about the trafficking, their search for Abby, and their determination to bring justice to this case.
This is such a great book and one I highly recommend! Im pretty sure I know which characters will be written about in Book 4, but well find out summer 2014.
I want to thank the author and publisher for the review copy provided. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
My Comments
Wow, this is definitely another gripping book from the same author who became a favorite of mine after reading Submerged!! Darcy St. James has just reported for work on this cruise ship headed to Russia when her friend and boss, Abby, goes missing. Darcy has no idea what shes in for, but she knows something is terribly wrong and will stop at NOTHING to find out what happened to Abby.
Gage McKenna has also taken a job aboard the cruise ship not knowing Darcys involvement. He cant get her out of his mind so when he discovers this he decides to stay as distant from her as possible. She reminds him way too much of his ex with Darcys ambition and secretive manner. However, Gage cant help but feel protective of Darcy despite his hesitancy to be around her. Will he be able to help her find the truth in time or will she go too far with her sleuthing tactics in learning about what happened to Abby?
On the one hand, I really couldnt believe how foolish Darcy is as she pursues this investigation in finding Abby. She doesnt just ask questions, she takes constant risks, shes way too revealing in her intentions, she puts her own life in jeopardy, she refuses to back down, she faces her ultimate fear in order not to get fired, and she has no fear in snooping. On the other hand, I wish I had a friend like her who is diligent, faithful, and relentless in making sure Abby is found and wanting her to know Christ before she dies. She puts Abbys needs ahead of her own the entire book making each excursion off the boat even more adventurous and questioning passengers/crew members on the boat (or ship if you will). The story takes place on and off the ship.
There are several misunderstandings between Gage and Darcy which makes for great romantic tension in the story, but I was more interested in them getting along and working together which gradually happens. Gage is convinced that Darcy resembles his ex in character, which helps him guard his heart, but he does realize that this assumption is false. Darcy is only interested in finding her friend and thats the only reason she is so secretive. As foolish as I thought her to be, she considers Gage and his family company in every risk she takes. Shes willing to take the fall to keep his professional reputation intact.
My two favorite things about this story: you have to love the McKenna family! They stick together, depend on one another, trust each other, and support one another in everything. The McKenna family is not limited to the 5 siblings either, this also includes their significant others. They are easy to make friends with; they run their company with integrity, loyalty, and safety; they work hard but they also know how to enjoy themselves; they communicate and work together very well during an investigation; and they are real with one another. Also, this book goes into the very relevant issue of trafficking. Its a real problem and one that should be dealt with swiftly and compassionately. It was a pleasure to see how the McKenna family deals with this and in protecting Darcy.
Another element to this book (and series) that means a lot to me was the main characters love for God. Darcy and Gage have both experienced a death in their past; Darcys childhood friend and Gages infant son; and they have opposite reactions to God in this heartbreaking experience. Darcy regrets not being able to save her friend as she cries out to God for help and peace while Gage resents God for not miraculously saving his son. Darcy prays throughout the story (for herself, for Abby and for Gage) and Gage goes through a night of complete boredom that leads him to reading the Bible. There are a few scenes in the story where prayer is described and Gage learns a lot more than he bargained for while reading Genesis. I love the sensitivity and faith written with these characters and their compassion for one another as they learn about the trafficking, their search for Abby, and their determination to bring justice to this case.
This is such a great book and one I highly recommend! Im pretty sure I know which characters will be written about in Book 4, but well find out summer 2014.
I want to thank the author and publisher for the review copy provided. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
