My review of Ransomed Dreams by Amy Wallace...

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Chained To Yesterday

When tragedy struck and Gracie Lang lost everything, her faith crumbled, and nothing but the drive for justice propelled her forward. But after two years of dead-end searching, the truth Gracie seeks is the very thing her stalker will stop at nothing to hide.

Forgiveness Unlocks the Future

An FBI agent in the Crimes Against Children Unit, Steven Kessler spends his days rescuing other people’s children and nights caring for his son. He’s through with God, embittered by his ex-wife who abandoned them both, and definitely doesn’t expect what’s coming next.

The Past Is the Key

A plot to kidnap a British ambassador’s daughter dangerously intersects Steven and Gracie’s worlds–a collision that demands a decision. But are they willing to pay the high ransom required to redeem dreams and reignite hope?

My review:

Ransomed Dreams has a gut-wrenching beginning. I cried when Gracie's family was wiped out in a tragic car accident. In fact, I needed a breather from the story because it made me so sad. Then I picked up the story again and the action pulled me right back in. Gracie's quest to determine who killed her family intersected with Steven's case--the plot to kidnap the British ambassador's daughter. Several points of view showed a variety of perspectives, all of which increased the tension in the story because you knew what certain people were thinking. The "bad guys" were twisted, yet believable in their perspectives. The author did a great job creating further intrigue that way. And the romantic element between Gracie and Steve was delectable.

Steven's ex and the subplot involving his son really grabbed my heart and my attention. I felt the hopelessness that both Steven and Gracie experienced at times, ultimately resulting in them having to do some soul-searching in regards to their relationship with God and His will for their lives. The theme of forgiveness was also very well done and believable. The reader will wrestle the characters' pain right along with them. There are no quick fixes and this story doesn't offer any, but it does give you a glimpse into the pain and struggles of the characters, and it shows the tender love and firm grip that God had on their lives, and has on the lives of all of His children.


Ransomed Dreams was published by Waterbrook/Multnomah and released in April 2007.