Review of "Ransomed Dreams" by Amy Wallace

Ransomed Dreams by Amy Wallace, book one in the Defenders of Hope Series

Description:

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?

What the Author Says About this book (good stuff!):

Out of the national tragedy of September 11, 2001 came a literal dream that wouldn’t let go. It included FBI characters and a deep desire to give tribute to the agents who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to see our country both protected and healed. This story also required me to walk through my greatest fear, that of losing my precious children. These two different plot lines converged to create my first novel, Ransomed Dreams.

As I began plotting this book, God brought into my path a federal agent who just happened to be married to a writer. Both Jack and his wife met with me and together we brainstormed a story originally titled The Journey. Through the initial writing and a few years of editing, one major theme rose to the top… forgiveness.

As I wrote about Gracie’s struggle to forgive the person who killed her family, I looked at the pictures of my children on my desk and wrestled with forgiving people in my past who nearly succeeded in destroying my family. But Steven’s battle with forgiving himself struck even closer to home. Growing up in an alcoholic family I learned early that type A behavior had its rewards. Now an adult, I see that the same behavior that helped me survive stands in opposition to trusting Christ and walking with Him at peace. Through writing Steven’s personal and professional struggles, God shined the light on my prideful living where I demanded perfection of myself and failed miserably. In God’s amazing grace, He also gave me a clear picture of the peace gained from setting others and myself free from the perfection treadmill.

Forgiveness is in no way an easy process. But my prayer for readers of Ransomed Dreams is that they will see the healing power of forgiveness played out in the pages of the book in a way that they can transfer to their own walk with the Lord.

My Review:

I think I found another favorite author!  A wonderful book with a great combination of suspense, romance, and heart.  Gracie Lang goes through a horrible tragedy, losing her husband and children in a deadly automobile accident.  I could not imagine going on with that kind of pain.  On top of that, she is still searching for answers of the identity of the drunk driver who killed them. She is convinced that she will be able to find him and that finding him will put the past to rest.

Gracie moves to a new home and begins a new life as a teacher. Meeting one of the fathers will end up changing her life. Steven is an FBI agent who is dealing with his own painful past.  He has been raising his son alone since his ex-wife abandoned them for alcohol years before.  What will happen when she suddenly shows up again wanting custody? 

As Steven and Gracie grow closer, they both have to learn to let go of the past. To forgive.

Forgiveness becomes a key theme in this wonderful book.  I enjoyed it very much and found the author had just the right mix of suspense with romance and important truths of God's unfailing love and his forgiveness in our lives. I picked up on Amy Wallace's profound authenticity in her writing and the heart for her characters. 

I highly recommend this author and this series!

Comments

[Amy Wallace]

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing Ransomed Dreams too! Your words about the heart and authenticity of this story make me smile. You've really blessed my day!