Taken at Christmas

by Jodie Bailey

Keeping a little girl safe

means trusting no one…

When ex-deputy Mia Galloway is assaulted and threatened at her town’s Christmas parade, she’s convinced her adopted daughter is also in danger. Mia is rescued just in time by investigator Hayden McGrath, her late husband’s best friend, who vows to protect Mia and Ruthie. And the stakes only get higher when Ruthie’s birth mother is found murdered. Someone desperately wants this child, and they’ll stop at nothing to get her. With time running out, uncovering the truth is Hayden and Mia’s only hope of saving an innocent child…

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Trinity Investigative Team

Book 1: Taken at Christmas
Book 2: Protecting the Orphan

Genres: Romance, Mystery Thriller, Love Inspired Suspense, Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Love Inspired, Christmas

208 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2024

About the author

Jodie Bailey is the author of Quilted by Christmas, as well as two suspense novels, Freefall and Crossfire and a novella in Holiday Defenders. Her devotions have appeared in Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home and Sweet Freedom with a Slice of Peach Cobbler. She is also a contributor to PWOC International’s e100 Bible study for military wives. Her memberships include American Christian Fiction Writers.

When not at the keyboard, Jodie is a former middle school literature teacher and yearbook adviser who is convinced a camping trip to the beach with her family, a good cup of coffee, and a great book can cure all ills. Jodie lives in North Carolina with her husband, her daughter, and two dogs.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book to be triggering.

[N.Y. Dunlap · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taken at Christmas, has such a compelling and tense psychological aspect with Mia’s panic episodes. This horrible mental and emotional hindrance played into her ability to keep her daughter, Ruthie safe. As an ex soldier and cop, she had the makings to be a strong female lead, and even as she struggles with the untimely death of her husband, she still manages to be strong, even if she doesn’t know it. She’s proof that sometimes us women are too hard on ourselves.
Hayden was a tremendous support. I think mommy brains are different from soldier and cop brains, and he helped validate her feelings that she had every right too. When the unthinkable happened, the author’s writing style switched from action and amazingly descriptive car scenes to unimaginable pain. Super poetic and touching. Loved the talk with Noni. Ultimately, I recommend this story for fans of inspirational romance, suspense, mystery, and a good old fashioned whodunit.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

[Jesus Beach Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

An innocent child is at risk and it’s up to MIA and Hayden to keep her safe. Why would bad actors be after a child? And at Christmas?

Taken at Christmas is the first book in the Trinity Investigative Team series from Jodie Bailey. This has quickly become one of my favorites from Jodie. You will stay engaged from cover to cover.

I received an advanced reader’s copy from Harlequin/LIS and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Taken at Christmas" is a Christian romantic suspense. Mia has crippling panic attacks after responding to the scene of her own husband's murder. Hayden was Mia's husband's best friend, and Hayden and Mia had also worked together as deputies. They've grown close as they mourn her husband's death and now wonder if it's okay to even think about a relationship. They both supported each other and worked well together. The main characters were engaging and reacted realistically to events. The main suspense came from someone trying to kill Mia and someone trying to take her young, adopted daughter.

There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable romantic suspense.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book where you will say, one more chapter and will get to the end of it, and need another one, and then all of a sudden the book is done!!!

This was a fast paced suspense story. I was engaged with the characters and the story line.

I loved how Hayden was so supportive of Mia and Ruthie but that he had such a great support system as well.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never miss a new story from Jodie! She is one of my very favorite Love Inspired suspense authors and her stories always check all the boxes for me. This one had me pulled in very quickly, the mystery and the danger of this one were completely intriguing to me. I stayed up way late reading this one! (Starting it at midnight may not have been my smartest idea but I regret nothing!)

[DevotedToHope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gripped me from the first page, not just with suspense but with raw, messy emotion. Taken at Christmas is a perfect blend of thriller and heart, wrapped up in the kind of tense, thrilling, Christmas chaos that leaves you breathless. The thing is, Mia Galloway isn’t just dealing with someone wanting to harm her daughter, Ruthie—she’s fighting a silent battle inside her own head. The panic attacks she struggles with, lingering long after her husband's death, add a dimension to this story that’s rarely seen in thrillers. It’s not just about the danger outside—it’s about the fight to keep going, to keep functioning, even when your own mind feels like an enemy.

Mia’s not your typical damsel in distress. Sure, she’s tough—ex-soldier, former deputy—but it’s the way she tries to hold herself together despite the panic that truly shows her strength. And then there’s Hayden, her late husband’s best friend, who’s been a constant in Mia and Ruthie’s life. He’s steady, reliable—but there’s something else there, something more that neither of them is willing to admit, not yet. Their chemistry is just the right mix of tension and tenderness, especially as they navigate the emotional rubble of their shared past. It’s a tricky dance, balancing grief and new feelings, but Hayden is the rock Mia needs in the chaos of it all.

I loved how Bailey doesn’t shy away from the psychological weight Mia carries. The panic attacks weren’t just a plot device—they were part of who Mia was, influencing her decisions, her relationships, and ultimately her ability to protect Ruthie. Watching her push through those moments of fear was inspiring. And Hayden’s role in all of this? He protects them and he becomes Mia’s safe space, even when the world outside is trying to tear everything apart.

This story is about courage in the face of fear, faith in the middle of doubt, and healing in the midst of heartbreak. It’s about choosing to keep fighting for the things that matter, even when you don’t know how you’ll make it through. Jodie Bailey has a knack for crafting characters you can't help but invest in, and with Taken at Christmas, she introduces a heroine who instantly earns your support.

If you’re into stories that dig deep into the psychological and emotional side of suspense, Taken at Christmas will take you on a ride. It is a Christmas suspense story— a journey of strength, redemption, and the kind of love that holds on when everything else is falling apart. Grab your copy—you won’t be disappointed.

I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

[Lynn Spencer · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars I wavered a bit on how to rate this book. On the one hand, the mystery is quite well written and until I got to the ultimate resolution of the mystery, I was fairly engaged. However, the storyline is one that will be triggering for many readers and the ending is downright ridiculous.

Much of the story centers on the heroine, Mia Galloway. Mia served in the military and then came home to her small hometown near the Albemarle Sound in North Carolina. She served as a sheriff's deputy until her husband was murdered in a convenience store robbery. That event triggered the PTSD that ended her career in law enforcement, and which still shapes her life in many ways.

We learn early on in the book that when Mia was widowed, she and her late husband had recently adopted a baby girl (Ruthie) in an open adoption. Mia is clearly fond of Ruthie's biological mother, and I did appreciate how the author (mostly) handled the adoption plot points with sensitivity.

As the novel opens, Christmas is approaching, and Mia is planning another holiday with her daughter. At the town Christmas parade, Mia is attacked and from that point onward, it's clear someone is after her and Ruthie. Mia turns to her late husband's friend, Hayden McGrath, who has always helped and protected her and Ruthie. Hayden works as a private investigator and as things escalate, he takes Mia and Ruthie under his wing.

Things take a horrible turn when Ruthie's biological mother is found murdered, and the threats against Mia begin to escalate. On the one hand, I felt myself drawn into the mystery. However, this is also the point where I began to feel uneasy as a reader. Why Ruthie's birth mother? And as the resolution of the mystery started to become clearer, it just felt so unnecessary. The romance between Mia and Hayden made a certain sort of sense, but in the last quarter of the book, the pacing changed abruptly and just felt "off."

In the end, what started as a promisingly ominous thriller just didn't hit the mark for me. And it was a bit of a traumatic/triggery read besides.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me at the edge of my seat with the suspense but also falling in love with the romance! The perfect balance!

When Mia is attacked and it seems that Ruthie , her daughter, is also in trouble Hayden has to step in and keep them safe. Hayden is Ruthies godfather, and Mia's late husband best friend. When Keith was murdered years prior Hayden stepped it up making himself a large part of their life. But now, someone is after Mia and Ruthie, and if he's honest with himself they ARE his life. But both Mia and Hayden are still full of grief and guilt over the loss of Keith. And now Ruthie is being targeted as well and its hard to juggle all that is going on. How can you heal , at the same time you are fighting for your life?! Add in feelings for each other that they don't want to acknowledge they have and it's a confusing time. But most important of all is to find out who is targeting them. So they can not only be safe, but finally slow down and plan for a future. Maybe together?!

Sweet, sweet story. I think this is the first book I've read by Jodie, but it won't be my last, I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Rated: 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5!

I received a complimentary copy. The review reflects my own opinion.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that when I got to the end of it, I was happy to have read it but I really didn’t want the story to end because I got so caught up in the lives of the characters. Mia Galloway is a former police officer and a widow, raising a young child on her own and suffering from PTSD after the murder of her husband. Keith was killed during a robbery and the effect on Mia is both devastating and realistically portrayed. When investigator Hayden McGrath, Keith’s best friend for years, returns to town to re-open the investigation into Keith’s death, it is just as Mia has started receiving strange threats about Ruthie, her four year old. One threat after another occurs and Hayden takes on the responsibility of safeguarding Mia and Ruthie from the unknown danger. There are a lot of red herrings and twists in this story that kept me reading as fast as I could to find out why this young family was in so much danger. The plot is brilliantly written, with clever clues and page-turning action. I really loved the way the fast-moving story crackled with tension and the way the characters related to one another. With personable characters and a plot that grabbed me and wouldn’t let me go, this is definitely one of my favorite books this year.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as a winner of an online contest. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

[Carla Bruns · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mia Galloway is a widowed single mother to her adopted daughter Ruthie. When things start happening to her, it seems that not only is she the target but so is her four-year-old daughter. Even though she is a former military and deputy sheriff, she has to lean heavily on her best friend Hayden McGrath.

Hayden, the best friend to her late husband, Keith, and Ruthie's godfather, is a large part of their lives. Hayden, who also holds the same credentials as Mia, works as a private investigator and has the skills and resources to help. Being in such tight quarters during this ordeal has forced Mia and Hayden to evaluate their feelings for each other.

Mia has PTSD and suffers from panic attacks. Bailey either has experience in this area or researched because you can truly feel Mia's fear. Ruthie was a well-written four-year-old. She had temper tantrums and needed frequent reminders from Mia and Hayden about her behavior. It was nice that she was written as a real child and not a perfect angel.

Hayden's character was good. His entire life revolves around Mia and Ruthie, leaving him without one of his own. In some ways, Hayden's grief over Keith's death overshadowed Mia's. The author did a wonderful job of connecting his grief with the suspense and romance.

I had some issues with the suspense. The book was action-packed from beginning to end but there were no characters to hint at the perpetrator’s identity or to mislead and add intrigue. While a unique ending, it felt tacked on to the end of the romance making the suspense portion feel anticlimactic.

𝑻𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒕 𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒎𝒂𝒔 is well written and researched with enjoyable characters.

I received a copy of this book for review consideration from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This quick read is perfect for this time of year with a Christmas setting and a length that is manageable amid the holiday rush. Readers will be easily sucked into the story because who can't empathize with a mom whose child is threatened and in danger. Fortunately, Mia Galloway has a great support system in place, including her late husband's best friend and his coworkers at Trinity Investigations. Even with that, Mia continues to wrestle with PTSD following her husband's murder. The situation unfolding this holiday season is almost more than she can bear. The author does a wonderful job of demonstrating how Mia's relationship with Christ, while fraught with anger over her husband's death, is essential in aiding her to cope and to hang on to her sanity. The story is realistic and addresses mental health issues from trauma and unrealized expectations. Unfortunately, for the most part, it is actually something that one would not be surprised to see play out on the evening news.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Taken at Christmas from Love Inspired via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not believe I have ever flown through a book so quickly. I was hooked from the first chapter. The action was non-stop. The mystery was very well written and kept me on my toes as I tried to solve the mystery myself.

Mia's story will bring you to tears. Now she is in danger, which means her daughter is also in danger. All of this is only adding to her psychological stress and fears. Hayden McGrath is a great friend and has been there for her since the loss of her husband, who also happened to be Hayden's best friend. He promises to keep both of them safe until they can find the culprit while also fighting his growing feelings for his best friend.

It was a quick paced mystery set at Christmas. But it was also story of healing and admitting vulnerabilities while also letting go of guilt. This faith infused romantic mystery was gripping and left me wanting me more of the Trinity Investigative Team. I look forward to more installments in this series.

Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jodie Bailey knocked this one out of the park! Intense suspense and intrigue drew me in right away and didn't let go! Mia, a former soldier and cop, has been dealt a crippling blow when she lost her husband in a shooting. As a result, she deals with panic attacks while trying to raise her little girl, Ruthie. It's a daily struggle but with her best friend Hayden, a former cop turned investigator, she is working on building a new life. But suddenly the bottom drops out when she is supposed to meet a friend for lunch. Attacked and warned, Mia finds herself the target of a ruthless unknown. Can she and Hayden work together to find out who's behind the attack and subsequent threats? What will happen when Ruthie is threatened? You will definitely want to grab a copy of this Christmas mystery.

I was gifted a copy of this novel by the publisher through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked the way the author wrote their story.
It was hard hitting as well as sweet. Although Mia faced so much hardship,she always had Hayden by her side.He also realised that it was okay to fall apart and not try to put on a brave front every time.
The romance was very well done. The best way was described by Mia:

She could see it all now, stretched out like a string of Christmas lights. Each act of careful concern, of quiet listening, of fierce protectiveness, added a bulb in the strand that led from his heart to hers. The lights had been there all along, but that kiss had finally provided the electricity, giving power to a glorious riot of colors.

Also,how he finally accepted that it was okay to love her.

One person’s book being closed didn’t mean that all of the other books simply ended. God continued writing chapters. And maybe their chapters blended into a whole new book. Maybe there was a sequel.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taken at Christmas is written by Jodie Bailey. I am a huge fan of this author and was super excited to read this. This is book one in the Trinity Investigation Team series. Mia Galloway is a former deputy. She has adopted a little girl and finds herself being assaulted at a Christmas Parade. It becomes clear that someone is after her daughter. Enter investigator Hayden McGrath. He is her late husband's friend. He arrives right on time. Together they need to try and keep Ruthie safe.

Mia is dealing with some crippling panic attacks. She was one of the first to respond to the scene of her husband's murder. However, the mama bear in her is fierce. I loved seeing her grow throughout the book.

This book is packed full of action and suspense. The blend of suspense and romance is perfect.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5)Book 1, always a great time to jump on board. I waffled with the honest human issues and emotion that Mia was dealing with, then I realized, its because it was honest, even though this is fiction I had gotten use to people being super human with a little emotion. Taken at Christmas gives you the raw, gritty dealings of panic attacks, second guessing and then the steel slivers through all the while dealing with faith, being angry at what the Lord keeps dumping on you. Her husbands best friend is dealing with his own issues, guilt and feelings of failure. As they struggle to find out who is after her and her adopted daughter you go on the journey with them. Surprise perp which makes it all the better. I am really looking forward to this series. #TakenatChristmas #TrinityInvestigativeTeam #JodieBailey #Harlequin #LoveInspiredSuspense #NetGalley

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taken at Christmas by Jodie Bailey is the first book in the Trinity Investigative Team series. I found Taken at Christmas to be an emotional and suspenseful story. I thought the characters were realistic. Mia is a strong woman, but her husband’s death took a heavy toll on her. She has yet to recover and fears that something could happen to her daughter, Ruthie. Her fears are keeping her a prisoner. Hayden was Keith’s (Mia’s husband) best friend, and he is a constant in Mia and Ruthie’s life. You can tell that there is chemistry between Hayden and Mia, but it is something the pair are not acknowledging for varied reasons. There is tension between Mia and Hayden, but there is affection as well. Mia needs to get better, but it is hard to do when you are fighting for your life and trying to keep your child safe. Hayden struggles with feelings of guilt and grief over the death of his best friend. There is suspense, mystery, and a touch of romance. Taken at Christmas is an inspiring and suspenseful story about facing your fears, having faith despite doubts, having courage, finding a way forward, and opening your heart to love.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mia is a young widow with a little girl. The death of her husband sent her life spiralling and suffering from severe PTSD. If it wasn't for their mutual friend Hayden....
Hayden's sole focus since his friend's death has been Mia and his goddaughter. He's in town for work when her life derails again. Someone is after her and her daughter. Will he be able to keep them safe? Who is responsible for everything? How does everyone react when they realize their feelings have changed? When will they be able to close her husband's case?
This book is part of an interconnected series. There is a HEA of sorts but it has some loose threads that will hopefully be tied up before the series ends.
I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.

[Linda Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mia is assaulted at the Christmas parade and she is convinced someone is trying to kidnap her adopted daughter. Her deceased husbands best friend, Hayden, has been helping her since her husband was murdered in a robbery gone wrong. Mia, her husband, and Hayden were police officers. Mia and Hayden came upon the robbery where her husband was killed. They both are having difficulties forgetting that. As the story progresses, are more attempts to kill Mia and kidnap her daughter. Hayden will do anything to protect them both. This was a great mystery that I didn't figure out till the end of the book.

I was given this book by Love Inspired Suspense via Net/Galley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am learning that this author is becoming a master at writing exceptionally good faith based Christian suspense books that I love to read! Mia, an ex-deputy, is horrified to discover danger to herself and her young daughter at Christmastime. With the threat of murder, her late husband's best friend steps in to help keep them safe without destroying Christmas and all the traditions important to the little girl. The danger starts early and does not let up! Cana there possibly be a happy ending?
I appreciate being allowed to read this book, compliments of the editors. The views expressed are my own.

[Shelley Marushak Langelaar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taken at Christmas grabbed my interest in the beginning pages and held my interest throughout. It was heavy on the suspense and mystery and lighter on the romance. I am not complaining with the sentence previous to this one. I love a good mystery/suspense. I love it even more when I don’t have to read through swearing and highly sexual writings. The storyline was thought - provoking and it showed how ptsd can really affect not only the person that struggles with it but how it affects all those around them. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced peek at this book. Opinions are my own.

[Denise Schenk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mia Galloway and ex-deputy is threatened and so is her adopted daughter. She turns to Hayden McGrath her best friend for protection. Hayden was her dead husband's best friend and is always there for her. Ruthie’s birth mother is found dead, and the threats keep coming; so he moves her to his home. They are tracked to Hayden's home and almost kidnap Ruthie, so they are moved again.
They more time they spend together they realize that there is more to their relationship then friends. Ruthie is abducted and now the hunt is on.

[Vicki F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced, page turning action. Definitely kept me guessing as the plot twisted and thickened. Healing, faith, and trust in God woven into the story to show the characters reliance on God in the outcome.

Releases Nov.26th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Teresa Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

New chapters new life out of the ashes of pain.

Jodie Bailey this book. Taken at Christmas was a hard to put down book. Full of suspense, surprises, twists and turns. Faith over fear. Dealings with anxiety attacks, PTSD, a kidnapping and rescue. Seeing God's plan in it all at the end.
Looking forward to seeing that is next in this series.

[Ethelann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taken at Christmas was a totally exciting story. I can't wait for the next one in the series. With Mia and her adopted daughter being targeted. Someone wants her daughter. And wants to kill Mia. Hayden is determined to protect them both.
With all the exciting action going on, this book is a real page turner. And the ending blew me away. It was totally unexpected.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time is running out for Mia and Hayden….can they figure out what is going on before it is too late?
Suspense
Romance
Kidnapping
PTSD
Grief
Mental health issues
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taken at Christmas was the first book in a start of a new series. I absolutely loved it! It is a friends to more love story. I absolutely love those because their history is already established, making thr story feel more real! This book had me guessing story every turn. I look forward to reading more about the characters in the story!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A widow mom and her daughter's godfather team up to protect little Ruthie from whoever has targeted her unexpectedly. Mia's not about to let her daughter go without a good strong fight, though for awhile it looks like the bad guys are definitely starting this game ahead. Loved the friends-to-more angle of the romance.

[Dorel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book's storyline. I liked the action in this story. I liked the Christian ✝️ theme in this story. I liked the characters. PTSD is real I'm happy 😊 this story talked about this. I liked the ending.