Grace Through Fire

by Jessica Berg

"Grace Through Fire is an exquisitely constructed, exciting, and entertaining family drama, with a subgenre of romantic suspense. A finely crafted, absorbing read." Chick Lit Café

"... an exciting inspirational story filled with suspense and romance that comes to a most satisfying conclusion." Lauren Elliott, USA Today Bestselling Author

During a buffalo photo shoot, wildlife photographer Nikki Lancaster snaps a picture of an odd man who later follows her to her car. She races away, only to have a vehicle run her off the road and leave the scene of the accident. When the first officer on the scene is DCI Agent Xavier Palinski, her ex-fiancé, Nikki figures things can’t get any worse.

She’s wrong.

Days later, Nikki discovers a dead body in that same area. After search teams find the bodies of three other women, Nikki suspects she hasn’t just photographed a crazy tourist. Instead, she’s captured a serial killer on film.

Chafing at the ridiculous safety measures forced on her by Xavier and her family, Nikki can’t escape the feeling that safety is an illusion. Eventually, the evil she encountered will not only haunt her dreams but will destroy her, her family, and any glimmers of a second chance at love.

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2023

About the author

I was born and raised a small-town girl with a penchant for wild imaginings and a love for the prairie. My passions are my family, my husband, and my four children. I take the advice to write what you know to heart, so my writing centers around the strong bonds of family and the land upon which they live.

Reviews

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace through Fire is a Christian suspense novel by Jessica Berg. I thought that this book was extremely interesting from beginning to end. I liked how the author wove background from the first book to bring new readers up to speed. The author would often give author notes at the end of certain chapters and I thought these in sites were fantastic. Nikki has a serial killer after her while her ex fiance, Xavier, is trying yo keep her safe. I thought this suspense story was outstanding. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikki Lancaster was in her element, alone out in the wilderness, capturing wildlife in theirs, it was all so perfect... until she realized she wasn't as alone as she thought. As she watched the man across the field from her she started to notice a few odd things about his behavior, things that made her question his motives for being out there. Then he noticed her and pursuit unfolded, one that quickly confirmed to Nikki that he was up to no good... and she just witnessed it, which also meant she just put an unwanted target on her back, and a serial killer on her trail!

Grace through Fire is a action packed little page-turner that will keep you on your toes the whole way through. Nikki witnesses something that wasn't meant to be seen by another soul and now she has a serial killer hot on her trail and he will stop at nothing to quiet her. Which brings her ex-fiancé back into her life, he wants to keep her safe and she wants to keep him at a distance for the sake of her heart. These two battle at every turn as Xavier tries to control her every move and she fights him every step of the way, she likes her freedom and being under his care threatens to take that away. It's the same reason they broke up, but maybe this time it will have a different effect, like reunite them?

Once again this author has given us a well written and captivating story to get completely lost in, the moment I cracked the cover I fell hostage to it's words, and being held captive never felt so right. As the story flowed the more addicted I became to the pages, so much so, I stayed up well past my bedtime to finish it... and it was totally worth the loss of sleep! Highly recommend this one, it's words are guaranteed to keep you enthralled from beginning to end!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Shebb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous addition to the Lancaster family tale overflowing with suspense.

I really enjoyed Corrie's story in "Amber Waves of Grace" several years ago, so was excited when I recently received an advance copy of Nikki's book, "Grace Through Fire".

I actually reread Corrie's book in preparation for reading this novel. Although this story could be read as a standalone, the history and intricate layers of family enriched the reading experience.

Since many years pass between the end of Book 1 and this book, and Nikki had grown into an independent adult, her character was new/fresh to me. I liked seeing her adventurous side, despite her doing some crazy things that lacked wisdom, and I enjoyed seeing her grow in confidence and her trust in God during the challenges she faced.

I also loved the prickly interactions she had with Xavier. 🤣 His grown-up version was certainly more appealing than his teenaged self, and the sparks that flew as they sparred with each other was entertaining to watch. Seeing the hurt and pain slowly crumble between then was icing on the cake.

Just like in Corrie's story, there's a mystery to be solved which directly affects Nikki. A rather grisly one too. 😳 Thankfully, we're saved from the macabre details, but there's enough information to paint a vivid image. I'm no Sherlock, but I think I did well following the bread crumbs!

If you enjoy some intrigue with your second-chance romance, give "Grace Through Fire" a go!

NB I received an ARC of this novel.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace through Fire by Jessica Berg is an intriguing romantic suspense. I had some trouble getting into the story in the beginning. Once the mystery started ramping up, I became engaged. Grace through Fire takes place several years after Amber Waves of Grace. Nikki is now an independent adult who enjoys adventure. Nikki finds herself in a sticky situation when she catches a killer in a photo. Nikki gets protection from her ex-fiancé, DCI Agent Xavier Palanski. Xavier has matured, but his feelings for Nikki have not changed. The sparks flew between this pair. Their sparring was charged with emotions. We get to catch up with Corrie and Aaron Tuttle. The mystery came to the forefront in the second half of the book. It is a gruesome mystery, and I am thankful we are spared the gory bits. There is enough detail that readers can envision the chilling scenes. The reveal answers all our questions. The misdirection was clever. I enjoyed solving the whodunit. The clues are there (if you pay attention to the details) to help readers solve the crime. Romance is at the forefront of this tale. We get the backstory on Nikki and Xavier relationship. They need to find a way to work together. It is obvious that the pair still have feelings for each other (and let us not forget their chemistry). However, they need to see if they can overcome their differences so they can have their happily ever after. Grace through Fire can be read as a standalone, but you will understand the characters better if you read Amber Waves of Grace first. Grace through Fire is a stimulating second chance romance with a fatal photo, a steadfast slayer, a resolute ex-suitor, an anxious sister, suspicious suspects, and a spirited photographer.

[Heather Barksdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Grace through Fire” is a sequel but can be read alone. This review was done as a standalone. The story introduces Nikki Lancaster, a young woman living in South Dakota aspiring to be professional photographer. While snapping pictures of a baby buffalo with his mother, Nikki notes a man out of place and acting oddly.

Overall, I enjoyed this story. It is touted as a contemporary romance and it does have that, but it is really a mystery at heart. The author does a great job in showing the two main settings in South Dakota including the more scenic areas and the small farm town. I actually used to live in North Dakota and the small town vibes and images of the farms felt really authentic and reminiscent of the author’s personal experience. Speaking of the author, this story has an unusual aspect which includes “author’s notes” at the end of each chapter. Find the full blog post at heatherlbarksdale.com

I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.

[Denise A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this book 4 1/2 stars if I could. I found this book to be well written and interesting. One thing different about this book is that after most of the chapters, there’s a note from the author. For the most part, I enjoyed the insight and the caramel roll recipe is excellent!! (Yes, it ties in to the story!) Once I was about 75% through the book and the action/suspence started intensifying, I did find them a little distracting. At that point I was “in the story” and didn’t want to come out into reality, I wanted to reach the conclusion. I think reading this series in order would be better as there are a few spoilers but each one is stand alone so either way will work. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and I loved the children and TT’s animals as well. Overall, I would recommend reading this book! :-)

I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Toni L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I’ve read this author so although this is book 2, I’m reviewing it as a standalone. The author was open at the start in suggesting you read book 1 (Amber Waves of Grace), not because the story Carrie’s over, but because of the involved family relationships that are included. However, I really enjoyed this story. I loved that the story built slowly with wonderful interaction between all of the characters. It was great to see a character with an TBI included and it was handled with compassion, empathy and respect. This is a clean romance and while Christian themes and God are a part of the book, at no time is it preachy. I really enjoyed this story and would be happy to read more from the author. The only thing I wasn’t fussed on was that at the end of each chapter the author included a comment or two of her personal thoughts. This gave it a bit of a book club vibe and really interrupted my flow and took me out of the story.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no slow start here; the story took off running from the first page. This romantic suspense begins with Nikki witnessing a crime. Xavier is investigating, and helping to provide protective security for her. Just one catch... they were engaged. Were. Now they're working together to solve a murder. I enjoyed the update of Corrie and Aaron, having read their story several years ago, as well as the rest of their family. I loved the author's comments at the end of each chapter; they provided additional context, and some were quite amusing. I still have not tried the cinnamon bun recipe; hope to get to it soon. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew being a wildlife photographer could lead to so much excitement?! Berg does an excellent job drawing you in with unforgettable characters, and a plot that moves along smoothly and keeps you hooked from cover to cover. You'll easily fall in love with Nikki as soon as you meet her, she's smart, passionate, and a little stubborn. While I won't give anything away, I was dying to see if Xavier and Nikki would end up as more than protector and protectee in the end (they had plenty of sparks between them, that's for sure)! If you're looking for a romantic suspense that will get your heart racing and sparks flying, you've found your next read!

[Sharon Strozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

suspenseful & romantic

Enjoyed the intrigue, and the ongoing suspense - keeping you guessing of who was the killer. The ongoing family bond between the Lancaster family - describing each individual’s personality, envisioning them in my mind.
Sorry to say, At some point, I had to just breeze past all the ‘Author’s Notes’ at the end of each chapter - to get through to the next ‘cliffhanger’.

[Jen B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this without having read the first in the series, but it works fine as a standalone. I am not a mystery reader, but thought that I would a romantic suspense with a heavy dose of mystery to see if that was still the case (it is) but I must say that this was very well written with well crafted characters. It has good pacing and was engaging.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kama.konda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a good mystery, and Berg did just that! I enjoyed the “author’s notes” along the way because I got to know her better plus many gave a shoutout to SoDak. I longed for more of a suspenseful ending, but overall, I found it an enjoyable read.

I received an advanced copy, and I wrote this review unprompted.

[Tianne Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a Christian book like none other I have read with author notes added it adds something more thought provoking to it. Take a suspense novel and put a twist of how I can explain this without spoilers happening. Jump in enjoy this novel.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allow two days for this fast-paced PG contemporary police procedural set mainly in June in South Dakota starting in Custer State Park and moving across the state to Sandy but do not read in public as chortles will ensue. I had an ARC via Bookfunnel and this is my voluntary review.

[Tammy Phelps · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fair story

I liked the fact that this was a clean romance without graphic or gratuitous sex. I thought the place was slow and was not overly fond of the author's side comments between every chapter. I did like the caramel roll recipe and can't wait to try it out.

[Paul or Bonnie Gallaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engulfing

I especially enjoyed the authors notes, the story keeps you thinking and engrossed in the characters and their connections to each other and their feelings of love and doubts about life and dreams of hope.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review of Grace Through Fire

I Really disliked the author’s note at end of each chapter. It totally interrupted the flow of the book. In fact, I didn’t finish the book because of it. I’ll go back and try to read it without reading notes at end of chapter.

[E.J. Colyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found all the authors notes at the end of each chapter did improve the story. In fact I found distracting to the point I stopped reading these notes. They did not enhance the story at all.

[Kathryn M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Berg a local author. Liked the story line using South Dakota as the location.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW! An amazing thriller, a serial killer, and so many twists and turns you never guess who it is. What a well written, well developed storyline with believable characters.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a few years since the first book. This can be a standalone but reading the first book is recommended. Nikki's photo session is interrupted by a person stepping out of the woods. How was she to know taking their picture would be dangerous. With women being found dead, and her a possible witness, loved ones react. Will she be a key to solving the case? What happens when the danger follows her? Can they solve the case in time? How does she handle dealing with her ex?.

I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.