Never Let Go

Author: Elizabeth Goddard
Genre: Mystery/Suspense

As a forensic genealogist, Willow Anderson is following in her late grandfather's footsteps in her quest for answers about a baby abducted from the hospital more than twenty years ago. The case may be cold, but things are about to heat up when someone makes an attempt on her life to keep her from discovering the truth.

Ex-FBI agent--and Willow's ex-flame--Austin McKade readily offers his help to protect the woman he never should have let get away. Together they'll follow where the clues lead them, even if it means Austin must face the past he's spent much of his life trying to forget. And even if it puts Willow's tender heart at risk.

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Reviewer: Mindy Houng

This is the first book I have read by Elizabeth Goddard and I have found another favorite romantic suspense author. Elizabeth Goddard combines fast-paced and action-filled plot with relatable and angst-filled characters. The plot has many layers and surprises that you won't be able to guess who the villain is and the motive until the very end! There are themes of forgiveness, grace, and acceptance of God's mercy infused into the main characters' development. If you are a fan of romantic suspense, you will not want to miss this one.

Willow, our heroine, is determined, feisty, resourceful, and compassionate as a forensic genealogist. She is unfortunately blindsided when family tragedy strikes and gets involved in a case of trying to find a baby who was taken 21 years ago. Austin, her ex-boyfriend, is strong, loyal, and intelligent but lives in a world of regrets and guilt. He's now a private investigator who gets involved in Willow's case due to her grandfather's request. These two work so well together, despite their differences and tumultuous past, and I can't wait to see more of them as the series unfolds. I'm hoping the next book will be about Heath, Austin's oldest brother, since he had a large role in this particular story.

I was given a copy of this book by Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

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Reviewer: Camille Murray

I really enjoyed this book! I particularly enjoyed Austin's point of view, as he's dealing with the trauma in his past. He felt very relateable, even though he was terrified to open up about himself.

I enjoyed the depth of the mystery, and trying to get it figured out before the end. I did guess who the bad guy was, but wasn't sure of the connection until the end. I stayed up late to finish it.

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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Reviewer: Gee Dixon

Never Let Go is a novel full of suspense with a sincerity for a romance that never should have ended. I could not put the book down for long at all. It had a twist and turn of suspense throughout. I wanted to get to the end to see the outcome but when I got to the end I never wanted it to end. I am looking forward to Book 2 in the "Uncommon Justice" series.

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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Reviewer: Cortney Donelson

Never Let Go by Elizabeth Goddard is a twisting tale of romance, self-doubt, bravery, and mystery. Set in two different locations, the story is written in third person and follows multiple people on their harrowing journeys to truth and love. The two primary characters are a forensic genealogist, Willow, who struggles with loss and self-doubt and Austin, her old flame and a former FBI agent turned private investigator. Their relationship had ended on sour terms, but as the story begins, they are reunited during tumultuous circumstances. 

The book begins with a kidnapping, a death, a fire, and quite a mystery as Willow moves into the top position of her grandfather's forensic genealogy business. He had left behind one last cold case before passing away, and she realizes pursuing the answers to this crime committed twenty-one years ago is the only way to honor her grandfather and prove to herself she is as intuitive and skilled as he always believed her to be. The cold case becomes hot again when it's apparent someone out there does not want Willow to discover the truth. As Willow and Austin team up to pursue a missing person, it's obvious they still care deeply for each other, but neither will admit it as they desperately try to avoid getting hurt or hurting one another again.

Priorities, family, love, and self-discovery are major themes in this suspense-filled mystery that introduces many interesting characters to keep the reader guessing as to "who done it." While the number of characters and their intricate connections made it–at times–difficult to follow, the storyline was compelling and the love story was believable and endearing. I certainly recommend it, particularly for the suspenseful and surprising ending.

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

"People tend to look for a needle in a haystack . . . . . . . When all they need is one good thread . . "

Forensic genealogist Willow Anderson is used to looking for "needles" and "threads"; knowing that the most obscure detail could morph into the missing piece of a client's puzzle. But following the tragic death of her grandfather, the founding member of Anderson Consulting, Willow isn't sure that she wants to continue the legacy of excellence that J.T. began. Her heart wasn't in it, . . . . until someone tried to kill her and the former love of her life unknowingly responds to her grandfather's final request for help. 

"Willow and Austin McKade had already crashed and burned" . . .  or had they? Austin was confusing himself over the overwhelming sense that he needed to protect Willow. Off to an understandably rocky start, they cautiously agree to work J. T.'s final case; solving a twenty-one year old cold case; a baby's abduction. Shouldn't they just let it go?

Filled with acceleration, "Never Let Go" forces its characters to pull back the layers of their past, forcefully and courageously face the present, and allow themselves to embrace the future. It's a good thing that this book is the first in a series; there are secondary characters who have earned a story of their own!

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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