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Escaping Illusions
All she wants is a new beginning, but it will come at a chilling cost.
Brook Morton doesn’t believe in happily ever after. Not after what she’s been through. Determined to protect her daughter and start a new life, she seeks refuge in the dead of winter in the small town of Vanishing Lakes.
But not everything is as it seems . . .
When Brook encounters an old friend’s brother, charismatic stage magician Max, at an isolated lake house, it complicates everything. Although she shared a special connection with him years ago, she can’t let that cloud her judgment. A man famous for deception is the last person she should trust. Especially with her heart.
When danger lurks where it’s least expected, no place—and no one—is safe.
Riveting clean romantic suspense by an award-winning author.
Escaping Illusions is the third book in the Frozen Footprints series but can be enjoyed as a standalone novel.
Brook Morton doesn’t believe in happily ever after. Not after what she’s been through. Determined to protect her daughter and start a new life, she seeks refuge in the dead of winter in the small town of Vanishing Lakes.
But not everything is as it seems . . .
When Brook encounters an old friend’s brother, charismatic stage magician Max, at an isolated lake house, it complicates everything. Although she shared a special connection with him years ago, she can’t let that cloud her judgment. A man famous for deception is the last person she should trust. Especially with her heart.
When danger lurks where it’s least expected, no place—and no one—is safe.
Riveting clean romantic suspense by an award-winning author.
Escaping Illusions is the third book in the Frozen Footprints series but can be enjoyed as a standalone novel.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2023
30 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Therese Heckenkamp
9 books223 followersBorn in Australia but raised in the USA as a homeschooled student, Therese Heckenkamp has been writing stories since before she could spell. At age 18, she completed the first draft of her first published novel. She is now the award-winning author of four Christian romance/suspense novels: Past Suspicion, Frozen Footprints, After the Thaw (a 2016 Readers' Favorite Bronze Medal Winner in Christian Fiction), and The Butterfly Recluse (her newest release).
Therese's books have reached #1 bestseller in various Amazon Kindle categories, including Religious Romance, Religious Mysteries, and Inspirational Religious Fiction.
A busy wife and mother of five, Therese fits in writing time whenever she can manage (and sometimes when she can't). A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, she looks forward to writing many more novels in the future.
Visit Therese online at ThereseHeckenkamp.com
Follow Therese on Facebook: www.facebook.com/therese.heckenkamp
Therese's books have reached #1 bestseller in various Amazon Kindle categories, including Religious Romance, Religious Mysteries, and Inspirational Religious Fiction.
A busy wife and mother of five, Therese fits in writing time whenever she can manage (and sometimes when she can't). A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, she looks forward to writing many more novels in the future.
Visit Therese online at ThereseHeckenkamp.com
Follow Therese on Facebook: www.facebook.com/therese.heckenkamp
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 29, 2023
Escaping Illusions is the third book in the Frozen Footprints series, but I agree that it could be read as a standalone novel.
I was very excited to read this book! I must admit that after reading about Brook in After the Thaw, I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to read a book about her as the main character. Yet, this book did not disappoint! Brook has grown into her confidence and role as a mother, but now she is in a horrid situation: her husband is abusive.
The story was a page-turner for sure, but it was also a little frightening to boot! I definitely had to strategically stop reading one night, so I wouldn’t have trouble falling asleep. Therese Heckenkamp never disappoints with the twists and turns and excitement of a thriller type mystery.
What I appreciate most of all (in addition to the great plots with hard-to-guess twists) is that this novel (like all the rest by Therese Heckenkamp) are clean. You don’t have to worry about needing to skip sections. It’s definitely an adult read for the mature content! But it’s a good read for an adult, one which somehow provides encouragement and brings a smile to your face as the story sweetly comes to a close.
I do highly recommend this book! Though, I would say, my strong suggestion would be to read the first two books in the series before coming to this one. They are well worth reading in order!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed are completely my own.**
I was very excited to read this book! I must admit that after reading about Brook in After the Thaw, I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to read a book about her as the main character. Yet, this book did not disappoint! Brook has grown into her confidence and role as a mother, but now she is in a horrid situation: her husband is abusive.
The story was a page-turner for sure, but it was also a little frightening to boot! I definitely had to strategically stop reading one night, so I wouldn’t have trouble falling asleep. Therese Heckenkamp never disappoints with the twists and turns and excitement of a thriller type mystery.
What I appreciate most of all (in addition to the great plots with hard-to-guess twists) is that this novel (like all the rest by Therese Heckenkamp) are clean. You don’t have to worry about needing to skip sections. It’s definitely an adult read for the mature content! But it’s a good read for an adult, one which somehow provides encouragement and brings a smile to your face as the story sweetly comes to a close.
I do highly recommend this book! Though, I would say, my strong suggestion would be to read the first two books in the series before coming to this one. They are well worth reading in order!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed are completely my own.**
October 19, 2023
Great ending to this series (frozen footsteps). Loosely tied to the first 2 it could be a stand-alone.
At 29 years of age Brook is in a dead end, abusive marriage. When her husband goes a bit too far, she takes her daughter and runs. But she is soon confronted by her brother-in-law screaming at her that she killed her husband. This happens early in the book, so not really giving anything away. The book progresses with her trying to protect her daughter and figuring out WHO did kill her husband. I didn’t know until it was revealed.
I received an ARC from BookSirens. This is my honest review.
At 29 years of age Brook is in a dead end, abusive marriage. When her husband goes a bit too far, she takes her daughter and runs. But she is soon confronted by her brother-in-law screaming at her that she killed her husband. This happens early in the book, so not really giving anything away. The book progresses with her trying to protect her daughter and figuring out WHO did kill her husband. I didn’t know until it was revealed.
I received an ARC from BookSirens. This is my honest review.
August 8, 2023
I read the first two books in the series about 3 1/2 years ago, so they weren't super fresh in my mind. The good news is that this book can be read on its own. Char, our main female character from the previous two books, is only a minor character in this book. Instead, this story is mainly about her friend Brook. You don't have to know the backstory from the previous two books for this one to make sense.
This book really drew me in. I was hooked almost from the first page. I wanted to know what was going to happen to Brook and her daughter, Ella. I wanted to know who was the killer. I wondered about a few characters, and I had it figured out about 75% of the way through the book, so that's not too bad.
In most cases, I would recommend reading the two previous books before reading the third book in the series. In this case, I feel like that depends on what you can handle in a book. All three are Christian suspense novels. There's no swearing or graphic sexual content in any of the novels. The only reason I might not recommend reading all three books in order is that the first one does get a bit graphic when it comes to violent content. As far as I can remember, it is only one scene, but the first book in general is a bit dark for a Christian novel. If you can't handle that, you may want to skip the first book.
While this book, like the previous two, is a Christian suspense novel, I didn't feel like religion was a huge part of the book. Yes, they pray, and there are times when they pray for safety, but for a good portion of the novel, it was easy to forget that it was a Christian suspense novel. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. It really depends on the reader.
I received an ARC of this through BookSirens, and I voluntarily left a review.
This book really drew me in. I was hooked almost from the first page. I wanted to know what was going to happen to Brook and her daughter, Ella. I wanted to know who was the killer. I wondered about a few characters, and I had it figured out about 75% of the way through the book, so that's not too bad.
In most cases, I would recommend reading the two previous books before reading the third book in the series. In this case, I feel like that depends on what you can handle in a book. All three are Christian suspense novels. There's no swearing or graphic sexual content in any of the novels. The only reason I might not recommend reading all three books in order is that the first one does get a bit graphic when it comes to violent content. As far as I can remember, it is only one scene, but the first book in general is a bit dark for a Christian novel. If you can't handle that, you may want to skip the first book.
While this book, like the previous two, is a Christian suspense novel, I didn't feel like religion was a huge part of the book. Yes, they pray, and there are times when they pray for safety, but for a good portion of the novel, it was easy to forget that it was a Christian suspense novel. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. It really depends on the reader.
I received an ARC of this through BookSirens, and I voluntarily left a review.
August 10, 2023
What an exciting ride! Escaping Illusions is a suspenseful, romantic story featuring relatable characters you will absolutely fall in love with. From page one, I was hooked. This story grips you right out of the gate and doesn’t let go until you reach the last page. Amidst the excitement, there was a great balance of humor and sigh-worthy sweetness.
I loved how strong Brook was, and I soon became very invested in her story. I really admired how she put her daughter's well-being first, all while making some tough decisions. Her mama bear instinct was spot-on! I also really appreciated how her daughter, Ella, was written. She was adorable but also acted like a typical kid, and she came to life on the page as much as the two leads.
I loved Max, especially how his lighthearted personality brought humor and charm to the story. But I also appreciated that he was realistic and flawed at times. He struggled with overcoming past mistakes and dealing with immense pressure due to his career in the spotlight. He wasn’t perfect and that made him more human. I also adored how great he was with Ella.
The romance between Brook & Max was a sweet slow burn and perfect for the situation. So happy these two got a second chance despite the odds against them, and I loved how they worked together to solve the mystery of who was trying to harm them. Throughout the romance and character development, there was lots of suspense and intrigue that kept me turning pages to see how it would all resolve. You should definitely add this book to your TBR if you're a fan of clean romantic suspense!
* Thank you to the author for the ARC of this story. I was not obligated to leave a review, and all thoughts are my own.
I loved how strong Brook was, and I soon became very invested in her story. I really admired how she put her daughter's well-being first, all while making some tough decisions. Her mama bear instinct was spot-on! I also really appreciated how her daughter, Ella, was written. She was adorable but also acted like a typical kid, and she came to life on the page as much as the two leads.
I loved Max, especially how his lighthearted personality brought humor and charm to the story. But I also appreciated that he was realistic and flawed at times. He struggled with overcoming past mistakes and dealing with immense pressure due to his career in the spotlight. He wasn’t perfect and that made him more human. I also adored how great he was with Ella.
The romance between Brook & Max was a sweet slow burn and perfect for the situation. So happy these two got a second chance despite the odds against them, and I loved how they worked together to solve the mystery of who was trying to harm them. Throughout the romance and character development, there was lots of suspense and intrigue that kept me turning pages to see how it would all resolve. You should definitely add this book to your TBR if you're a fan of clean romantic suspense!
* Thank you to the author for the ARC of this story. I was not obligated to leave a review, and all thoughts are my own.
August 14, 2023
The slow burn mystery by Therese Heckenkamp could be subtitled Escaping Maniacs because the illusions morph into a deadly reality for a wife fleeing an abusive marriage. Brook, a 29 year old mother of young Ella, narrates her terror when leaving her husband Connor, on a dark and snowy night. Unfortunately, she is apprehended by police, for her husband was murdered on the night she left her home. The plot thickens as she leaves town again after the funeral and does not let others know of her destination. A car follows her, a person stalks her, and a stranger breaks into the secluded house she has been given as a refuge. Multiple convoluted twists and turns overwhelm Brook's consciousness and her desperate need to protect her young, traumatized daughter. Overall, the pace is slow yet creepy, the writing style is direct, informal, and tinged with lyrical moments, when the icy setting takes center stage. Fans of cozy mysteries and romantic entanglements will enjoy this novel and will rout for Brook, as I did, when she confronts her demons.
August 18, 2023
This was a great read. I was given a free arc copy and this is my voluntary honest review. I downloaded the book to my kindle and started reading it while waiting for my pressure canner. I was drawn right into the story and didn't want to stop reading. I loved the plot twists and turns in this story, and will definitely be impatiently waiting for more of her books. I recommend this book.
August 28, 2023
I have been a fan of Heckenkamp's work for many years! I was so excited to read this novel in advance in exchange for an honest review!
I loved Brooke's character, and was happy the novel was written from her POV. From the very first chapter, the stakes were high, and I rooted for Brooke and her daughter Ella as they fled from Brooke's abusive husband in the middle of the night. Having known women throughout my life who have been victim's of domestic violence, I found Heckenkamp's portrayal of Brooke to be very spot on in a lot of ways. Brooke put her daughter first, with was very admirable. In addition, she focused on getting through the days just a moment at a time initially, which I also deemed to be a very accurate portrayal of a woman in her situation. Brooke's character developed throughout the novel as well. While she began her journey as a scared and desperate mother, she grew into a more confident woman by the end of the story.
Max's lovable character helped balance out the seriousness of the story. Max, the brother of Brooke's best friend, unexpectedly found himself helping Brooke after she got falsely accused of murdering her husband. While Max was a solid rock in a lot of ways for Brooke and Ella, he also brought comic relief and tenderness to the desperate situation. While I LOVED Max, Heckenkamp did a great job not painting him too perfectly as a cliche knight in shining armor. Max had his flaws as well, and was simultaneously on his own quest for clarity and grace in his life.
Lastly, the character of Ella was just a delight! As a mother myself, it was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time to see the mother-daughter relationship unfold as Brooke took steps to protect her daughter from the looming danger around them both. Ella's character brought humor and innocence to the very thrilling story, and kept it from becoming too heavy at times, when it otherwise could've been so. Brooke's little girl served as a reminder of just how intricate life as a single mother could be.
I just really loved this book! I am grateful that there are authors out there who can write clean novels with no gratuitous sex or violence. I am also grateful for authors who can bring readers a thrilling story with sweet romance intertwined. Heckenkamp shines at both.
I loved Brooke's character, and was happy the novel was written from her POV. From the very first chapter, the stakes were high, and I rooted for Brooke and her daughter Ella as they fled from Brooke's abusive husband in the middle of the night. Having known women throughout my life who have been victim's of domestic violence, I found Heckenkamp's portrayal of Brooke to be very spot on in a lot of ways. Brooke put her daughter first, with was very admirable. In addition, she focused on getting through the days just a moment at a time initially, which I also deemed to be a very accurate portrayal of a woman in her situation. Brooke's character developed throughout the novel as well. While she began her journey as a scared and desperate mother, she grew into a more confident woman by the end of the story.
Max's lovable character helped balance out the seriousness of the story. Max, the brother of Brooke's best friend, unexpectedly found himself helping Brooke after she got falsely accused of murdering her husband. While Max was a solid rock in a lot of ways for Brooke and Ella, he also brought comic relief and tenderness to the desperate situation. While I LOVED Max, Heckenkamp did a great job not painting him too perfectly as a cliche knight in shining armor. Max had his flaws as well, and was simultaneously on his own quest for clarity and grace in his life.
Lastly, the character of Ella was just a delight! As a mother myself, it was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time to see the mother-daughter relationship unfold as Brooke took steps to protect her daughter from the looming danger around them both. Ella's character brought humor and innocence to the very thrilling story, and kept it from becoming too heavy at times, when it otherwise could've been so. Brooke's little girl served as a reminder of just how intricate life as a single mother could be.
I just really loved this book! I am grateful that there are authors out there who can write clean novels with no gratuitous sex or violence. I am also grateful for authors who can bring readers a thrilling story with sweet romance intertwined. Heckenkamp shines at both.
September 2, 2023
What a compelling story! I was hooked from the first paragraph and on the edge of my seat. This was a high-stakes, tension-filled suspense novel that I couldn't put down. The mystery kept me guessing and reading as fast as I could while trying to figure out who the killer was.
My heart broke for the situation Brook and her daughter Ella were in. I was fully in their corner and rooting them on as they escaped that nightmare. I admired Brook's determination, strength, and resiliency. And I thought Ella was an adorable but realistically portrayed child.
Max didn't make the best first impression, but it didn't take long before my opinion changed, and I ended up really liking him. He brought a nice bit of humor and steadiness to a situation that really needed it. And I thought his job as a stage magician was really cool.
Even though I hadn't read the first two books, I didn't have any trouble following along. This book stands alone perfectly. I highly recommend it to fans of clean romantic suspense.
I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
My heart broke for the situation Brook and her daughter Ella were in. I was fully in their corner and rooting them on as they escaped that nightmare. I admired Brook's determination, strength, and resiliency. And I thought Ella was an adorable but realistically portrayed child.
Max didn't make the best first impression, but it didn't take long before my opinion changed, and I ended up really liking him. He brought a nice bit of humor and steadiness to a situation that really needed it. And I thought his job as a stage magician was really cool.
Even though I hadn't read the first two books, I didn't have any trouble following along. This book stands alone perfectly. I highly recommend it to fans of clean romantic suspense.
I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
August 26, 2023
"Escaping Illusions" had me at the first page. Domestic violence (without being too graphic), danger, murder, abound as Brook escapes her home in the middle of the night with her young daughter Ella, trying to keep them both safe. From the horror of waking to the pounding on her motel room door while on the run, to a stalker, murder, break-ins, and so much more! Plenty of twists kept me turning the pages. The characters were well defined. Ella was depicted as a normal child, and, though Max had a regretful past and made mistakes, he was making amends (so glad he and Brook get a second chance). His relationship and care for little Ella as well as her mother was heartwarming. I LOVED Frosty the bunny! LOL Ms. Heckenkamp did a phenomenal job in drawing the reader in with tension and suspense. I highly recommend this romantic suspense! I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
August 30, 2023
Escaping Illusions is a great Christian romantic suspense novel. Brook knows she can't stay with her husband Conner, not after his anger caused their young daughter to be hurt. So she does what she has to, flee in the middle of the night. When she is awoken the next morning by her BIL saying Conner is dead and he wants answers, she is left floored. Brook knows she needs a fresh start for both her and her daughter so she rents a cabin from her old college friend. There she reconnects with her friends brother, Max, who has his own skeletons in the closet. As Brook and Max start to grow closer, someone still believes Brook is behind Conner's death. Can Brook clear her name and make a new future for her and her daughter? Is Max the friend he claims to be? Who really killed Conner?
Great book with very realistic characters. Would recommend to anyone who loves a good who done it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great book with very realistic characters. Would recommend to anyone who loves a good who done it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 11, 2024
There are lots of twists and turns in this romantic suspense.
Brook has an abusive husband. He has never hurt their young daughter until he did and she was done. She escaped while he was sleeping only to find that he had been murdered after she left. Now, even though she has an alibi, she has to prove that she didn't do it and that he still isn't out to get her from the grave.
When she arrives at her friend's cabin, she thinks she has found safety. When she comes face to face with her friend's brother, Max, she isn't sure whether her heart is safe and whether or not she can trust herself around him.
I won't give away any more of the story but it is definitely worth reading. Just keep a flashlight nearby to illuminate the shadows in the corners of the room. This is a clean, Christian suspense filled with good content and there is a happy ending.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Brook has an abusive husband. He has never hurt their young daughter until he did and she was done. She escaped while he was sleeping only to find that he had been murdered after she left. Now, even though she has an alibi, she has to prove that she didn't do it and that he still isn't out to get her from the grave.
When she arrives at her friend's cabin, she thinks she has found safety. When she comes face to face with her friend's brother, Max, she isn't sure whether her heart is safe and whether or not she can trust herself around him.
I won't give away any more of the story but it is definitely worth reading. Just keep a flashlight nearby to illuminate the shadows in the corners of the room. This is a clean, Christian suspense filled with good content and there is a happy ending.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
August 25, 2023
Genre: Christian Fiction/ Mystery
# of Pages: 263
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
I honestly cannot believe how much I enjoyed this book. The synopsis doesn't reveal too much information so I was surprised when I read the first chapter. The romance subplot is honestly the cutest and I'm obsessed. The main characters are Christian and there will be moments where they pray but there is not much talk about their faith. When I tell you that this is a good book, I mean this is a GOOD book: the writing, the suspense, the romance, the sarcasm. I need to get the physical copy of this book ASAP
SMALL SPOILER WARNING:
Because the synopsis doesn't give too much information I didn't want to give anything away. So if you want to be surprised by what happens like I was, don't read this next section. I won't give away any big spoilers but I will say that there is a murder that takes place and the entire book you're trying to figure out who did it (or if the person is actually dead or not 👀 You gotta figure that out for yourself).
# of Pages: 263
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
I honestly cannot believe how much I enjoyed this book. The synopsis doesn't reveal too much information so I was surprised when I read the first chapter. The romance subplot is honestly the cutest and I'm obsessed. The main characters are Christian and there will be moments where they pray but there is not much talk about their faith. When I tell you that this is a good book, I mean this is a GOOD book: the writing, the suspense, the romance, the sarcasm. I need to get the physical copy of this book ASAP
SMALL SPOILER WARNING:
Because the synopsis doesn't give too much information I didn't want to give anything away. So if you want to be surprised by what happens like I was, don't read this next section. I won't give away any big spoilers but I will say that there is a murder that takes place and the entire book you're trying to figure out who did it (or if the person is actually dead or not 👀 You gotta figure that out for yourself).
September 5, 2023
Brook just needs a new beginning. She and her daughter, Ella, need a fresh start. Her friend, Charlotte, offers the use of a vacation home for the two of them where she ends up encountering Charlotte's brother, Max. Brook and Max have a past, but it is in the past. Now Brook's past life is coming back to haunt her, and there are some strange things going on that have her questioning what she thought she knew.
I flew through this book. I was rooting for Brook. This poor lady needed a break. The mystery was exciting and twisty. If you enjoy a clean suspense-filled mystery, you will enjoy this book. You will definitely need to find a comfy chair because you will not want to stop reading it once you start it.
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I flew through this book. I was rooting for Brook. This poor lady needed a break. The mystery was exciting and twisty. If you enjoy a clean suspense-filled mystery, you will enjoy this book. You will definitely need to find a comfy chair because you will not want to stop reading it once you start it.
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 31, 2024
Being Brave
Brook had endured years of ever worsening abuse from her husband to keep her family together but the night he hit Ella when she stepped in the way Brook knew she had to leave him. She never dreamed that decision would create a situation even more dangerous than Connor’s abuse. In the face of accusations and threats from Connor’s family after he was murdered Brook took Ella to the small town of Vanishing Lakes to find safety and peace. But the danger followed her. She was terrified when face to face with the real murderer and the likelihood to Ella would lose both parents. But she remembered that a friend had told her that being brave didn’t mean you weren’t scared. It meant that you keep going through it even though you’re scared. Even through the fear Brook knew that God’s protection was not an illusion.
Brook had endured years of ever worsening abuse from her husband to keep her family together but the night he hit Ella when she stepped in the way Brook knew she had to leave him. She never dreamed that decision would create a situation even more dangerous than Connor’s abuse. In the face of accusations and threats from Connor’s family after he was murdered Brook took Ella to the small town of Vanishing Lakes to find safety and peace. But the danger followed her. She was terrified when face to face with the real murderer and the likelihood to Ella would lose both parents. But she remembered that a friend had told her that being brave didn’t mean you weren’t scared. It meant that you keep going through it even though you’re scared. Even through the fear Brook knew that God’s protection was not an illusion.
August 21, 2023
Brook only wanted to escape her abusive husband, leaving in the middle of the night and driving to a random location. But when she is awakened by pounding on the motel door, her nightmare seems to be continuing. When a friend offers her a place to stay, Brook thinks she might just have a chance to gather her thoughts and make a plan for her and her daughter Ella’s future. But once again trouble seems to be finding her, and maybe even from someone she thought she could trust.
Therese Heckenkamp has once again produced a well written, suspenseful, and intense story. At times I was afraid to find out what was going to happen next and wanted to put a pause on my reading. However, needing to know what was going to happen kept me going and I was glad that I did.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Therese Heckenkamp has once again produced a well written, suspenseful, and intense story. At times I was afraid to find out what was going to happen next and wanted to put a pause on my reading. However, needing to know what was going to happen kept me going and I was glad that I did.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
November 22, 2023
I found Therese Heckenkamp on Book Sirens, and she is a new author for me. When I saw the cover and blurb about this book, I thought I would give it a try even though I never heard of the author. I didn't' even know if this book was a clean romance.
This book will keep you turning the pages!! I didn't want to stop, but being a wife and mom kept me from reading more each time! I enjoyed it because it is a clean romance story. Plus, the way the author told the story was very compelling. You will not be disappointed if you pick this up to read it.
I saw that this series can be read as stand-alone and I'll be getting the 1st 2 books so I can read them, and Therese will be an author that I will look out for now.
I received this arc and was not persuaded to leave a positive review.
This book will keep you turning the pages!! I didn't want to stop, but being a wife and mom kept me from reading more each time! I enjoyed it because it is a clean romance story. Plus, the way the author told the story was very compelling. You will not be disappointed if you pick this up to read it.
I saw that this series can be read as stand-alone and I'll be getting the 1st 2 books so I can read them, and Therese will be an author that I will look out for now.
I received this arc and was not persuaded to leave a positive review.
December 27, 2023
Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions and twisted situations.
Not strong language, intimacy, or gore details. With only some mention of violence.
Brook and her daughter, Ella run away. And someone kills her husband, Connor.
*A Stalker. *A killer. *More than one suspect. *Her husband's brother, Ian. *A magician, Max. *Her husband's friend, Dane. *Her in-laws.
*Friends or foes?
*Real or illusion?
Who killed her husband and why? Find out who, how, and why.
I confess I don't read this kind of suspense novel, so I take a risk with this one and enjoy it without skipping pages. And that is a good-to-go read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Not strong language, intimacy, or gore details. With only some mention of violence.
Brook and her daughter, Ella run away. And someone kills her husband, Connor.
*A Stalker. *A killer. *More than one suspect. *Her husband's brother, Ian. *A magician, Max. *Her husband's friend, Dane. *Her in-laws.
*Friends or foes?
*Real or illusion?
Who killed her husband and why? Find out who, how, and why.
I confess I don't read this kind of suspense novel, so I take a risk with this one and enjoy it without skipping pages. And that is a good-to-go read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 10, 2023
This book kept me guessing throughout. Brook took the brave decision to leave her abusive husband taking her daughter Ella with her. Throughout the story Brook suffers harassment, threats and strange incidents and continually second guesses herself and her trust in those around her especially her old friend Max. I loved the way Brook shielded Ella from all that was going on around them and always put her first while also relying on their strong faith. I loved the enigmatic Max with his kindness and great sense of fun. Lots of twists and turns, magic, obsession, humour, love and romance. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 2, 2023
Brook Morton becomes the main suspect in the murder of her husband Connor. Brook escapes an abusive marriage and takes her daughter Ella to the small town of Vanishing Lakes to start a new life. Brook meets her friend Max who offers his home to her and Ella. Brook and Max knew each other before and he chose to be a stage magician rather than have a romance with Brook. Brook and Max develop a romantic attraction for each other. Brook is being stalked by a stranger. Max protects Brook as she tries to get back to a normal life. I really enjoyed this wonderful Christian mystery suspense novel. I received this free e-book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 28, 2023
A great quick read that kept my interest and didn't lack in detail or feel rushed! This was my first book by this author so I was curious to see how the story would play out, but I am definitely impressed! I was hooked by the end of the first chapter, and it definitely kept my interest through the whole book! The characters weren't too simple or complex, and you could relate to them easily. And I loved that there was a smidgen of romance but it wasn't cheesy or too hallmark-y! The murder plot kept me guessing till the end! Definitely a great read for all!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 25, 2023
This book was really creepy and suspenseful. Brooke and her daughter Ella escape her abusive husband and later that night he's murdered in their home. His family are convinced she killed him and want to take Ella from Brooke. After moving away, she begins getting notes and other items seemingly from her dead abusive husband. I kept reading because I had to know who was terrorizing her. This was a quick, suspenseful read and I really enjoyed it. I received an ARC copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 9, 2023
Escaping Illusions is book 3 in the Frozen Footprints Series by Therese Heckenkamp. I thought that this inspirational-thriller was fantastic. For me, the characters are well written and I felt that the author moved the story perfectly. Brook is a very sympathetic main character and I was not sure who the murderer was until the end. Escaping Illusions is a great escape into reading enjoyment. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
August 24, 2023
Her husband is murdered — after she escapes from his abuse
She takes her daughter and goes to stay with a friend. And then her brother shows up - - -and they both stay in the house — on different floors. When she starts getting threatening messages she is scared. Totally loved this book - lots of suspense and romance. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
She takes her daughter and goes to stay with a friend. And then her brother shows up - - -and they both stay in the house — on different floors. When she starts getting threatening messages she is scared. Totally loved this book - lots of suspense and romance. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 27, 2023
She needs to get away after her world comes crashing down around, just when she gets the courage to leave and find a better life, everything gets turned upside down. When she gets to the remote cabin, she realizes that she is not alone. Can they co-habituate in the cabin are will one of them have to leave? When trouble follows her to the cabin will she realize that she is in danger before it is to late?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 23, 2023
This book was everything I hope for in a suspense/thriller read! I was hooked from the 1st chapter on! Brookes strength to protect her daughter Ella is amazing and sets the story! I was constantly second guessing who the killer was. I could not put this book down and finished in 1 day! Not realizing this was a 3rd in the series I’m definitely going back for books 1 and 2! I was sent this book as an ARC for an honest review!
October 3, 2023
This book had great attention to detail and story building. I really enjoyed the characters and their development throughout the book. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good romance. This story is a clean romance so if you’re looking for smut or spicy scenes this book doesn’t have them but I still recommend reading it. I will definitely be checking out more books by this author in the future! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 10, 2023
This was a good second chance romantic suspense. There was a murder mystery and an adorable little girl. I liked the magic aspect - that was fun. This is the first book I’ve read from this author. It was a nice, clean romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 5, 2023
Suspense, intrigue, mystery and so much more fill the pages and capture your attention from the first page. The story is well written, flows smoothly from page to page and keeps you turning the pages to see how it all turns out. The characters are realistic, easy to get to know and intriguing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 22, 2024
Great book...
Living in a bad relationship Brook Morton takes her daughter Ella and runs from her abusive husband. But that's where her troubles were just beginning. Escaping Illusions is a page turner that kept me intrigued until the end.
I highly recommend it!
I was given a copy of this book, and this is my own thoughts on Therese Heckenkamps novel.
Living in a bad relationship Brook Morton takes her daughter Ella and runs from her abusive husband. But that's where her troubles were just beginning. Escaping Illusions is a page turner that kept me intrigued until the end.
I highly recommend it!
I was given a copy of this book, and this is my own thoughts on Therese Heckenkamps novel.
December 7, 2024
Great suspense and characters
I'm so glad I got to read this story. I highly recommend it. Clean suspense,romance and great characters.
Don't miss it.
I'm so glad I got to read this story. I highly recommend it. Clean suspense,romance and great characters.
Don't miss it.
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