The Decision

by Christina Rost

Running from her grief, interior designer Ava Stewart makes a hasty decision to join a missionary group heading to Uganda. She’s in the country only a few days before tragedy strikes and a mistaken identity leaves her with an uncertain outcome. Special Operator Blake Martin is assigned to a humanitarian mission when he’s captured by a group of armed men. Wounded and miles away from his team, Blake’s brought to Ava, and she’s ordered to care for him. Thrown together in chaos, with the threat of danger pressing in from all sides, Ava and Blake are forced to rely on each other—and God—to escape. An undeniable bond is formed during their flight to safety, but opening their hearts to love carries its own risk. A risk they aren’t sure they’re willing to take. Now, miles apart and living separate lives, they need to decide if the connection they shared in the untamed, wilds of Uganda is strong enough to confront the future. A future where Ava’s fragile heart and Blake’s hazardous job collide, and only God knows the outcome.

Genres: Military Romance

378 pages, Paperback

Published May 30, 2023

About the author

Christina Rost is an award-winning author, a mother to three amazing children, and is married to her high school sweetheart.
After spending twenty-four years as an Air Force wife, her husband retired, and she took this opportunity to pursue writing full-time. While she currently lives in Oklahoma City, she’s lived all over the US, a few years in the UK, and loves to travel.
An avid reader, she can still remember the first box set of sweet romance stories her mother bought her as a young teen—The Canadian West Series by Janette Oke. Reading about the rugged landscape of the west and handsome Canadian Mounties, Christina daydreamed about writing her own love stories.
Writing inspirational romance has always been Christina’s passion, and she loves to craft relatable characters with redemptive qualities that reflect the importance of her faith.
In 2021, her novel Best Seller took first place at WriterCon in Oklahoma City and in 2022, the same story was a finalist for the ACFW Genesis Contest. She’s also won several awards in Flash Fiction and garnered a publishing contract by winning the GetPubbed contest for Scrivenings Press.
Her literary hero is Jane Austen, and, like Jane, she hopes her own contemporary romances can sweep her readers away for a swoon-worthy, enjoyable experience.
When she isn’t spending time with her family or writing, you’ll find Christina chatting with friends over creamy cups of seasonal coffee or perusing antique shops for tattered books and hidden treasures.

Reviews

[Beth Westcott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great characters and an action-filled plot make The Decision a romantic suspense worth reading. I can only imagine what it would be like to be captured and held prisoner in a foreign country by a group involved in drugs and human trafficking. Through it all, missionary volunteer Ava Stewart finds the strength and faith to endure. And the qualities he sees in Ava are what attracts military special operative Blake Martin to her. Yet, his commitment to his mission stands in the way of pursuing a relationship with her. There are a few places where flashbacks slow the forward progression of the plot and would have been better if the scenes were placed chronologically within the narrative. The court scene also left me confused, as the judge never declared the woman's sentence but stood and left the courtroom. Overall, an exciting and worthwhile read.

[Mary Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It hit all the right notes for me. Missionary work gone awry, an injured soldier, betrayal, and adoption. Lovely descriptions of the different settings and people's emotions. A plot that just wouldn't quit. Blake and Ava's love story was both heartaching and fulfilling. Looking forward to the next book by this author.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the very beginning. I kept putting myself in Ava's shoes and wondering if I could be as bold as she was. Although she had to "do what needed to be done", it still required incredible bravery. She is working through grief and decides to fulfill a mission to Uganda (wouldn't be my preferable choice but good for her!). Things unravel from there when tragedy strikes and she must care for a wounded soldier, Blake Martin, who has been captured. I can only imagine what that would be like in a foreign country with no knowledge of medicine and little supplies! Although they do survive and return to the states, it's not an easy escape. The months that follow are taxing, and they need to decide if they will follow their hearts or continue on alone. I can only say this novel is gripping and I couldn't read it fast enough! I look forward to the next book by this author. The characters and the situations were so realistic!

[S. R. Langstaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started reading this book I couldn’t set it down. I nearly lost track of time. It took me three days to finish the book. As someone with a packed schedules it’s hard to find the time but I couldn’t set it down.

It’s an amazing story filled with adventure and romance. A story about overcoming challenges and never losing faith. A deep bond is created throughout the book, a bond that most people go their whole life searching and hoping for.

The characters grab you, when they hurt, you hurt, when they’re struggling you feel it in your heart.

Christina Rost had me hanging on to every word , I can’t wait for you guys to get the opportunity to read this amazing book.

[Heather Licht · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautifully written story about faith, duty, and love. The love story was touching and I love that the author rounded it out by adding a little bit of suspense by giving us glimpse into Blake’s missions. I loved that all the loose ends were tied up and how we got to know what happened to some of the key characters from the beginning. I also enjoyed seeing how Ava and Blake’s family grew by the end of the book. This provided a powerful message about keeping your faith even in the absolute worst circumstances and it reinforces how God is always at work in our lives.

[Julie Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trying to escape her grief Ava goes on a mission trip to Uganda that has disastrous results. Locked away in a small village Ava has no hope of rescue. Blake is on a mission when he is captured and tortured then thrown into a room with Ava. As Ava nurses his wounds their bond strengthens. Are either of them ready for the feelings they develop while captive?

WOW! This one was good ya'll!!! It was exciting, dangerous, full of emotions and definitely full of romance. All of the things that make for a good story that kept me entertained and anxious to see what happened next. I highly recommend!

[Kristy Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Decision is a wonderful romantic adventure story I couldn’t put down. Military romance, love after loss, danger and adventure. This story has it all. And Rost does an excellent job telling it. How can Ava give her heart away again when she’s suffered so much loss? Especially when the one she wants to give it to has a job that puts his life in danger. A great Christian romance you don’t want to miss!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me turning the pages quickly! I am a mom of 4 and don’t have a lot of time to read so I choose my books carefully and this one was definitely worth the time! I loved that it was a mix of romance, military, and adventure! At some points I was crying, then laughing, then dying to know what was going to happen next! Not to mention that it was a clean romance but still had me swooning!

[Amy Anguish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has all. the. emotions. Seriously. As I was reading it, every time I thought, okay, I know where the author is going, she threw me a curve ball. But in a good way. Because I did not want to put this book down. Faith, redemption, forgiveness, grief, love, hope, everything. And an absolutely beautiful ending. A perfect start for this new author and I can't wait to read more by her.

[Kristi Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable debut novel from author Christina Rost. The Decision offered an unusual meet-up that easily hooks readers. They'll likely be drawn to the main couple's love for one another as well. No doubt Christina will build her audience, continue to grow as a writer, and offer stellar novels in the future that audiences will love.

[Karan Willbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from beginning to the end! Christina combines romance, adventure and suspense to create a story that you don’t want to end. I would love to read more about Brent and Jacob! I sure hope there are sequels in the works!

[Shelley White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake & Ava's romance takes you all over the world and the couple must overcome physical struggles as well as internal turmoil. I'm a sucker for a man in uniform. Rost explores the issues of civilian spouses and the demands of the military on families. Beautifully written with a happily ever after.

[Deborah Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story about love, faith, and the decisions that shape lives. How will an interior designer and a rugged military man deal with what is headed their way?

[Lori DeJong · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Decision, Christina Rost's debut novel, does not disappoint. The action starts on the first page and rarely lets you go. Ava's desire to escape her grief at home is evident from the outset, and Blake's desire to protect her is heartwarming. Ms. Rost paints vivid pictures of the setting in Uganda so you're right there with the characters. Even back on American soil, the settings and emotions are palpable. This is a story of healing, forgiveness, courage, and redemption. The Decision is a gripping and satisfying read you'll want to keep on your bookshelf to read again!

[Kimberly Stover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved getting to read about Ava and Blake! Such great characters and a great story that makes you feel all the feels. Definitely recommend!