I wanted to give this book more stars and I wanted to like it more because I think it is good to support writers of clean romances. While this book was squeaky clean, there were so many problems with the story that I can't in good conscience give it more stars.Pros: Good, fast-paced interesting story line. The religious tone of the book wasn't overly preachy, but was incorporated seamlessly into the story. Believable, interesting characters. The romance was NOT centered solely on physical attraction and sex, but dealt with real relationships--weaknesses, strengths, and real conflict. I liked the last few scenes where the main character realizes that hatred toward his enemies is against God's commandments and could destroy those he loves. That was powerful and well-done. There was also excellent tension and conflict as the two main characters deal with their feelings toward one another but are in very different places regarding their religious leanings and faiths.Cons: Flat villains (not necessarily a bad thing as it is common for the genre). Plot lines that went all over the place and didn't resolve. For example, two secondary characters--a married, Christian couple, are clearly having problems in their marriage. They love one another deeply, but the wife feels neglected, while the husband justifies his excessive helping others because he thinks his wife is strong and doesn't need him. This situation is ultimately unresolved and the characters never discuss the situation--heading for a major meltdown. I felt frustrated at the lack of resolution. The author had two choices, she could have left this side-plot out of the book, or she could have carried the situation to its conclusion, which would have provided a strong sub-plot to the book.The modesty tangent was frustrating. In the book, one of the characters is nearly assaulted while exercising. Her love-interest saves her, but then accuses her of inviting the assault by her running attire. She argues with him but then days later concedes that she perhaps she should wear longer shorts and baggy t-shirts. There was another incident where other characters are at church and a child calls out an adult woman for wearing too tight clothes. I found myself scratching my head at these choices in the book. Is it appropriate for other women to bash each other on clothing choices? And there was such an element of judging that another woman might not be righteous if her clothing didn't meet the other character's idea of modesty. Don't get me wrong, I definitely believe in modesty, but I don't think it should be used as a yardstick to determine the righteousness or motives of other people. And I certainly don't think that women should be calling out other women on their clothing. The assault incident was also troubling. I'm fully aware of the problem that many people think that women's clothing invites men to assault them. I think that is wrong. It seemed like the author was trying to say something about that. But she seemed to completely change her stance when she had her character concede that she should wear longer shorts and a baggier t-shirt. Having lived in a place where women wore long black robes and veils over their faces and were still assaulted, this logic doesn't ring true to me. Perhaps this was an earlier book of the author and hopefully she is improving. I will probably try another book. I can recommend this book to people who don't care about plot continuity and don't want to think too deeply about what they are reading and want something clean and light.
I download a lot of samples via Amazon but don't often buy. The first chapter of this book was so interesting that I purchased it. The plot had potential but there were major weak points that made this book hard to finish. The romance was built on strong physical attraction between two FBI agents with perfect bodies, with two different world-views. The message came through , with the sister's failed marriage as proof, that you can disregard the Bible's instruction about marrying a nonbeliever - that you should just marry someone who makes you happy and will treat you right because its hard to tell if someone really is a Christian or not. But in the end he prays and discovers he was really a believer all along. To sum up why I didn't like this book: The characters did not have my respect (other than being American FBI agents). The lesson I learned was: "You can't judge a book by its first chapter!" I think I'll stick to finding new authors by reading free ebooks, then purchasing more once I know the style of the author. I do think that the plots of this author (all of her books have interesting & intense first chapters) have a unique niche in the Christian fiction genre.
What do You think about Fourth Of July (2014)?
I bought this one awhile ago and had plans to read it last summer, but didn't. I was online on the 4th of July and it showed up as being on sale and I remembered that I already had it. What better day to read it?Cami Checketts has a way of incorporating creepy/scary situations with real people and situations. My family had gone to a parade the night before I read this and I've never thought about what would happen if terrorists decided to attack parade floats. The aftermath of this particular situation was stunning, horrifying, and really scary. The fear I felt was real.I love the way the story goes back and forth between a few different people. I understood more of the characters and the plot that way--gaps were filled in and reasons uncovered. The characters were strong and resourceful, even in times of peril--or especially in those tough times. The way the story progressed and wrapped up is creative and satisfying and I really enjoyed it all. I always know what I'm getting with this author--a great, romantic suspence.Content: mild-moderate violence (not graphic); no language; clean romance (kissing), attempted attack; moderate religious elements.
—Katie Watkins
