Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 80 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.
Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.
Well, I devoured this book as soon as I had gotten it. Kenna is in Wisconsin tracking down a serial kidnapper who had stolen little girls over many years. The case allows her to find some answers to give to a former acquaintance who has been looking for a family member. When Kenna's new friend and landlord is accused of killing a pastor, she starts investigating to prove her friend's innocence. Jax shows up to bring back a person who has been following Kenna around. Long Road Home had multiple layers to this thriller, interesting new characters, twists and turns, serial killers, and surprises. It was a delight that the author added Jax's point of view in Long Road Home just for readers to see things from his perspective, and the growing romance between Jax and Kenna is great. Kenna does have some fears about losing people she cares about. I'm looking forward to the next installment in this series. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Long Road Home, written by Lisa Phillips, felt intense through her words and focus of the storyline. Her words and the intensity of the story left me ready for action. Once again, Kenna has a fight worth fighting for. However, this time, in her fight for justice she has an all-encompassing faith on her side and in her heart. She has the one thing that separates her from being a vigilante, because this time, she has a truth she is learning to input into her everyday actions. She has God in her actions, in her heart and in her mind. As a friend at Forrest Crosby’s side, Kenna walks through a trial with her to weed the bad seeds out from all the good woven into Door County, Washington. Phillips used her words to weave intrigue, drama, faith, family, and the love of our Creator, into our broken lives. Kenna’s actions prove that fact over fiction rests in the faith in Someone bigger than us. A Father in Heaven who helps us when we can’t help ourselves. Throughout this story, the acts of terror are perpetrated by a person of means, a person who has shown that these incidents were not necessarily planned out thoughtfully. These incidents were perpetrated by someone who has the money to follow this desperation through. As injuries add up and more deaths occur, law enforcement is stretched thin to solve the case. Once Kenna’s boyfriend Jax, of the FBI, enters the scene the desperation escalates. Again, the excitement builds and Kenna dares to end the reign of terror for this town before an innocent woman winds up in prison. It is through Kenna’s determination, her experience, her love for others and in defense of the truth that she perseveres. In this story, it is also Kenna’s faith that causes her to solve the case and call-in favors from friends. As Phillips always excels at heightening her readers’ expectations whenever Kenna is called upon to solve a case, her readers also expect thrilling storytelling, from beginning to end. I thoroughly loved this book and enjoyed a few laughs and in one instance tears as I read. Phillips truly exceeded all my expectations for this book, and I loved the fact that Kenna and Jax are getting closer story by story! I rated this book 5 out of 5 stars and with excitement and anxiety for the next release, I will be counting the days!! Thank you, Author Lisa Phillips for the opportunity to read this thrilling tale.
Long road home - brand of justice book 7 - lisa phillips
Serial kidnappers, case solving, adjusting to life after the mexico fiasco, secrets, Kenna and Jax figuring out how to be together, faith growing, and par for the course, a good many twists and turns :)
I have really enjoyed this whole series and Lisa certainly didn't disappoint on this one! Kenna will stop at nothing to do the right thing and at times that can be to her detriment but, that's the Kenna we have all come to know and love, delivering her own brand of justice. As she navigates her new found faith, relationship with Jax and finding herself back in harms way (again) buckle up, the twists and turns are frequent ;)
You'll want this in your tbr pile asap :)
Blurb: Kenna’s in the crosshairs of a serial murderer.
Or is she?
Does it count as avoiding Jax’s mother if Kenna spent the winter in Wisconsin on a case instead of visiting her sort-of-boyfriend in San Diego? Kenna is still wrestling with the question weeks later. She uncovers a cold case suspect and the answer to decades old questions, all with the help of her new trusty sidekick. What starts as a convenient place to park her RV out of the snow gifts Kenna with a new ally, and weeks spent in this northern peninsula community brings yet more friendships she isn’t expecting.
The truth will out if she has anything to do with it.
Kenna discovers the location of a mass grave site and is co-opted into helping the local sheriff with a covert mission. Everyone seems to have their own motive—even the guy she’s falling for. But when Jax’s boots hit the ground things immediately go sideways in more than one way. Loyalty could cost her the new friendship she’s found, but the course of justice never runs smoothly. Especially when there is more than one case at play here. Kenna leans hard on her new faith to answer this one.
Where did the setting take place? Door County, Wisconsin
2. What do potential readers need to know most about the main character?
Kenna Banbury spent her time tracking a serial kidnapper who had stolen girls between the ages of six and nine.
3. Which supporting character caught your interest the most?
Forrest Crosby, a few years older than Kenna, was a mystery writer. Her husband and son were tragically killed in an auto accident. She was currently researching a serial killer who was still at large.
4. What journey do(es) the main character(s) take?
For thirty years, eight young girls have been missing, and despite initial efforts, the leads have since dried up, leading to the cases being largely forgotten.
5. How is the writing style or quality of the writing?
Lisa Phillips’ writing style captivates the reader, infusing each page with an enthralling intensity that stimulates the senses throughout.
6. Is there humor in the book?
“Like that made him any less attractive?” Charlayne snorted into her bubbles. “Bad boys are hot.” Coming from a sixty-year-old woman, that was interesting.
7. For whom would you recommend this book?
I highly advocate “Long Road Home” to enthusiasts of romantic suspense.
8. Why did you give it the star rating you did?
“I rated ‘Long Road Home’ 4 stars out of 5 because I experienced a wide range of emotions right from the beginning.”
9. Is the title memorable and/or emotion-grabbing?
Truly, it evokes a deep sense of justice.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, the Libby app, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Kenna would always stand innocents and evil, regardless of danger to herself. Every case she takes turns into multiple cases as new information comes to light. Even though she prefers to work alone to keep those she cares about safe backup from locals always shows up when she needs help. After accepting Jesus Kenna is learning to trust and depend upon Him more, to let Him bring healing to the wounds in her life. She’s also opening her heart to Jax a little at a time, realizing he’s the type of man who will always support and protect her but not try to change who she is. The case that brought her to frozen northern Wisconsin in the dead of winter has led to multiple other cases. As they are all drawing to an end Kenna wonders if once they’re all closed she’ll be able to go home and get started with living her life. But, in truth, will Kenna ever be able to set aside the fight to help those who need justice? Are there more roads to travel in her future or will she truly be able to follow the road that leads to home?
This continuing series takes us deeper into the life of Kenna Banbury and her tight-knit circle. As the saga progresses, Kenna begins to make more connections. Those relationships go hand-in-hand with her embracing her faith. She’s growing as a Christian and as a person, and it’s a pleasure to watch. I’d been critical of her lack of faith and friendships in the earlier part of the series but continued on because of the compelling on-going mystery, and this progress is what I’ve been waiting for.
The mystery in this book builds on earlier books. She’s trying to find the body of a former agent’s sister, and she ends up embroiled in another dark situation. Cameos by a few of my favorites (Jax and Maizie) are welcome bits of brightness, though I missed Stairns and Ryson would love to see them more (or at all).
It took me. Long time to get into this book. So many characters, so many different directions the themes took, too little info early on. I liked it but found it hard to understand what all was going on until I was half way through. It has so many twists and turns I wasn’t sure who was supposed to be the bad guy since it seemed to change all the time. Possibly this was part of a series and without reading them in order I missed some history. If so this was not a stand alone book and that made it confusing. I liked the story and once I understood who the characters were, it was interesting.
It is never a surprise that any Brand of Justice story is excellent. Long Road Home finds Kenna in Wisconsin on the trail of missing young girls, including her friend’s sister. Jax joins her as they both assist US Marshals to get a high profile witness to Chicago. During her stay, Kenna helps an old friend of her father prove her innocence. There is so much electricity between Kenna and Jax in this story that it could light up a power grid. Top notch work and my new favorite in the Brand of Justice series.
I received an advanced reader copy from the author. Opinions are my own.
It's always an adventure with Kenna, she goes to Wisconsin to help a friend of her father's and winds up working several cases at once. I think if she sustains one more concussion she will end up with a brain injury. She's constantly being attacked either physically or in automobile accidents. The chemistry between her and Jax is great to watch as their relationship grows deeper. Her new found faith in God helps keep her grounded and of course Maisy is there to help behind the scenes. I think each book is better than the last one. Great character development.
A former FBI agent solves cases with her FBI boyfriend in Wisconsin.
Loved being with this author again. Jax and Kenna story was exciting from start to finish. This was a new series for me from Lisa.Kenna and Jax had many crimes to solve with Kenna ward Maizie. Jax love for Kenna continued to grow as they worked together. Both still have pasts to lay down before happily ever after comes. Looking forward to reading more in this series. Lisa does a great job keeping you in the store.
I have received an early copy of this book from the author. The book takes you on an adventure from the first chapter till the end. I love that Kenna has found her faith.Maizie is my favorite character I can’t wait to hear how she grows In her life. Jax and Kenna are one of my favorite couples there relationship is so sweet. Can’t wait for more of this series. I love Lisa Phillips writing I would I highly recommend this series
We find Kenna in a small town in Wisconsin in the midst of snowstorms, busy solving one crime after another. First a serial killer no one suspected--and she saves the last victim's life, barely! Each case solved seems to turn up another old case, and Kenna (who gets knocked out more than anyone) sees clues where no one else does. She's now thinking about retiring....but then Ramon shows up! Next book, please!
Full of action and plot twists. Love the story line and characters. Kenna and the family that she claimed as her own.... Kenna deserves a peaceful place to call home and she is getting closer with each small town.... But this trail provides her with new information about her mother... The question is whether it's a lie or the truth.... How much can Kenna take physically and mentally before she collapses?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is a thrilling book that takes a few turns to keep the reader in expectation for the next dangerous adventure to occur. Kenna is on the hunt for a serial kidnapper of young girls in a small town in Wisconsin. She then gets entangled in more of the town’s nefarious happenings when she is drawn in to help the sheriff’s department after one of the officers gets injured on the case she had been working. Will she get the killer before the killer gets to her?
I love this series! Lisa Phillips is fabulous! She has allowed me to become a part of Kenna's spiritual journey as well as watch her get through so much on her emotional journey. I've been bingeing these books. Each one is better than the last. I have such high hopes for Kenna and all the other characters. I now am down to just 2 more books in this series. DON'T MISS A SINGLE ONE! Thank you Lisa for using your God given talent so beautifully!
So many twist and turns through out from the 1st page to the last page. I so wish I had had the time to sit down and read it all at one time. I really thought I had a clue a couple times of the bad people but boy did I have it wrong. Great read. You will really really liked it.
Thank you Lisa Phillips! This series has been a nail bitter from the beginning. I have fallen in love with the characters and cheer them on every time. I read these books too quickly and anxiously wait for the next one to come out. Kenna is learning to lean on her Savior. Such a joy to watch her walk with the Lord unfold.
So many bad guys. Pro hit men and not so straight cops make it difficult to get a straight line to a conclusion. When you have to use retired marshals and past under cover FBI agents as your back up and not the good guys then you know it is not the usual who done it case. Waiting for the sequel.
One busy PI, so much going on she can't seem to handle it.
Now her friend is arrested and Kenna believes she is being set up. Kenna doesn't trust the sheriff and is working with them to find the culprits responsible for a rash of murders which seems to start to spring up. Jax in finally gets involved and things get rough. Really a page turner.
This book was just WOW!! I can't wait for the next in this series. I absolutely have loved every book in this series and all the books that Lisa Phillips has written. Thank you, Lisa, for another fantastic book.
Such a great story! Fast paced, but it didn’t get away from me. I especially love how the stories just flow from one book to the next with no only the cases, but the character development. Sorry, no spoilers here!
I love Kenna! She is the most dedicated crime solver out there. This series is so good that I think Lisa Phillips should keep it going for another 5 - 10 books…. Awesome work
This is another successful book by Lisa Phillips. Just as Kenna gets close to solving one mystery, another pops up. I could hardly put it down once I started reading it. Grab your copy today for another roller coaster ride.
I enjoyed Long Road Home the most out of the Kenna books so far. I feel like we get to see lots of the behind the scenes character development starting to show up, and it was great to see Kenna still being herself but with Jesus.
This was a great story! The growth in Kenna from book one to now is astounding and shows the power of Jesus. I really liked Kenna’s interactions with Jax and Maize and also with the side characters in the town. Can’t wait for the next installment!
So much going on Jenna had so many things happening and she was there for her friend who was falsely accused of murder. Enjoyed having her and Jax working together.
The plot could have been interesting BUT this book had the worst editing I have ever seen. It was also frequently nearly impossible to tell which character was speaking. The entire book felt disjointed.
Page after page, chapter after chapter, this story kept me riveted! Kenna is so brave, yet is only just learning to believe in God and herself. Giving up control is hard….Jax, wow!