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The Appalachian Foothills #1
Hijacked
Pilot Lannis Parker’s carefully constructed, sterile life is upended when her small plane is hijacked before dawn on a wintry Louisville morning. Her captor does more than force her to fly him to the Appalachian wilderness, though. He resurrects memories she’s tried to bury, memories of a brutal attack she’d survived four years earlier, an attack she didn’t report and tries to pretend didn’t happen.
Wounded, and losing strength by the minute, Ben Martin knows he has no choice but to commandeer a plane before he’s set upon by a ruthless band of drug dealers intent on wiping him out, along with the information he’s acquired. He’s horrified to discover the pilot is a woman—but once his plan is launched, there’s no turning back.
During a week in the wilderness, Lannis learns her hijacker is fair and honorable, compassionate and insightful—strange attributes for a criminal. And when he discovers her secret, he vows to be the friend she desperately needs but refuses to accept.
Will she come to terms with her past? And will he be part of her future?
Wounded, and losing strength by the minute, Ben Martin knows he has no choice but to commandeer a plane before he’s set upon by a ruthless band of drug dealers intent on wiping him out, along with the information he’s acquired. He’s horrified to discover the pilot is a woman—but once his plan is launched, there’s no turning back.
During a week in the wilderness, Lannis learns her hijacker is fair and honorable, compassionate and insightful—strange attributes for a criminal. And when he discovers her secret, he vows to be the friend she desperately needs but refuses to accept.
Will she come to terms with her past? And will he be part of her future?
252 pages, ebook
First published May 30, 2014
17 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Lynch
8 books37 followersLeslie Lynch gives voice to characters who struggle to find healing for their brokenness—and discover unconventional solutions to life’s unexpected twists.
Leslie lives near Louisville, Kentucky, with her husband and a rescued feral-turned-sweetheart cat. While not engaged in wrestling the beautiful and prolific greenery of their yard into submission, she flies light aircraft, loves the exuberant creativity and color of quilting and pottery…and, of course, writes.
You can find her at www.leslielynch.com, on Facebook at LeslieLynchWrites, on Pinterest as Leslie Lynch, and on Twitter @Leslie_Lynch_
Leslie lives near Louisville, Kentucky, with her husband and a rescued feral-turned-sweetheart cat. While not engaged in wrestling the beautiful and prolific greenery of their yard into submission, she flies light aircraft, loves the exuberant creativity and color of quilting and pottery…and, of course, writes.
You can find her at www.leslielynch.com, on Facebook at LeslieLynchWrites, on Pinterest as Leslie Lynch, and on Twitter @Leslie_Lynch_
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 31, 2014
There were only a few reviews when I purchased this book, and none of them said anything about it being Christian fiction, so it threw me a bit. Nothing against Christian fiction, but as an Atheist I generally tried to avoid it.
The first part of the book was pretty intense and it grabbed me right away. Lannis is getting ready to fly a plane and Ben kidnaps her and the plane and he takes her on the run for days.
Ben annoyed me throughout the entire book. He kidnaps Lannis, punches her in the face, continually threatens her and then is pissed when she doesn't trust him? WTH? At one point she gets his gun and I was hoping she'd shoot him! If he'd just been honest about being an undercover cop, things could have gone so much more smoothly. Then later, when he pops back up into Lannis' life he becomes even more insufferable. He's high-handed and smug and never really considers that a lot of her problems might be because HE KIDNAPPED HER! I'd think he'd be exhausted from being everyone's moral compass.
I liked Lannis in the first part, she was feisty and resourceful. But in the second part she just morphs into this pathetic mess that can't function without Ben telling her what to do. So much time was spent in her head, it really caused the book to drag.
I did like reading about the airplane stuff, that was well done.
The first part of the book was pretty intense and it grabbed me right away. Lannis is getting ready to fly a plane and Ben kidnaps her and the plane and he takes her on the run for days.
Ben annoyed me throughout the entire book. He kidnaps Lannis, punches her in the face, continually threatens her and then is pissed when she doesn't trust him? WTH? At one point she gets his gun and I was hoping she'd shoot him! If he'd just been honest about being an undercover cop, things could have gone so much more smoothly. Then later, when he pops back up into Lannis' life he becomes even more insufferable. He's high-handed and smug and never really considers that a lot of her problems might be because HE KIDNAPPED HER! I'd think he'd be exhausted from being everyone's moral compass.
I liked Lannis in the first part, she was feisty and resourceful. But in the second part she just morphs into this pathetic mess that can't function without Ben telling her what to do. So much time was spent in her head, it really caused the book to drag.
I did like reading about the airplane stuff, that was well done.
June 2, 2014
From the very first chapter, I was hooked on Hijacked! I don't think I've ever read a stronger first chapter--one that grabbed me by the throat and wouldn't let go. Throughout, the characters Lannis and Ben are complex: endearing yet never saccharine. The plot veers from heart-pounding action into tender introspection without missing a beat. In Hijacked, Leslie Lynch shows us how two very imperfect people brought together under perhaps some of the least romantic circumstances one could imagine could in fact find themselves while finding love in each other. I'm greatly looking forward to reading more from Leslie Lynch! Read Hijacked, and you will be, too!
September 2, 2016
This suspense novel written for a female audience moved me to tears at one point, and kept me reading far more than I really had time to do. Lannis is a strong main character, even as she deals with struggles against physical, psychological and spiritual odds. You'll find yourself rooting for her. Highly recommended.
February 6, 2017
I could not put this one down, what a great read. Set in Louisville, KY, a young female pilot gets ready for a flight, but its not what she expects. Enter Ben, her passenger and everything changes in a hurry. Lots of tense, suspense-filled moments, in flight and out. She has secrets, and so does he which makes for some humorous, and heartbreaking moments, adventure, and so much more.
From Amazon:
Book 1 of The Appalachian Foothills series
Pilot Lannis Parker’s carefully constructed, sterile life is upended when her small plane is hijacked before dawn on a wintry Louisville morning. Her captor does more than force her to fly him to the Appalachian wilderness, though. He resurrects memories she’s tried to bury, memories of a brutal attack she’d survived four years earlier, an attack she didn’t report and tries to pretend didn’t happen.
Wounded, and losing strength by the minute, Ben Martin knows he has no choice but to commandeer a plane before he’s set upon by a ruthless band of drug dealers intent on wiping him out, along with the information he’s acquired. He’s horrified to discover the pilot is a woman—but once his plan is launched, there’s no turning back.
During a week in the wilderness, Lannis learns her hijacker is fair and honorable, compassionate and insightful—strange attributes for a criminal. And when he discovers her secret, he vows to be the friend she desperately needs but refuses to accept.
Will she come to terms with her past? And will he be part of her future?
From Amazon:
Book 1 of The Appalachian Foothills series
Pilot Lannis Parker’s carefully constructed, sterile life is upended when her small plane is hijacked before dawn on a wintry Louisville morning. Her captor does more than force her to fly him to the Appalachian wilderness, though. He resurrects memories she’s tried to bury, memories of a brutal attack she’d survived four years earlier, an attack she didn’t report and tries to pretend didn’t happen.
Wounded, and losing strength by the minute, Ben Martin knows he has no choice but to commandeer a plane before he’s set upon by a ruthless band of drug dealers intent on wiping him out, along with the information he’s acquired. He’s horrified to discover the pilot is a woman—but once his plan is launched, there’s no turning back.
During a week in the wilderness, Lannis learns her hijacker is fair and honorable, compassionate and insightful—strange attributes for a criminal. And when he discovers her secret, he vows to be the friend she desperately needs but refuses to accept.
Will she come to terms with her past? And will he be part of her future?
January 10, 2016
I'd never read a book before from a Catholic viewpoint. Never thought they held strong enough convictions for that. The good news is, they don't - while 'inspirational', it was barely that.
Mostly it was a good book with some hard-hitting topics. Alcoholism. Rape. Forgiveness. Abandonment. Trust. Kidnapping. But it's done in a really good, really smooth way in this book.
Lannis is a pilot with some severe baggage. Having been victim of a brutal rape, she turned to alcoholism and shut herself off to everyone... until the day she met Ben. Ben - an undercover cop - hijacks her plane and engages in a week-long kidnapping to ensure his (and her) safety. But he feels responsible for her trauma from the events, and when he tries to check up on her, she's on a binger. Ben helps her to get the help, with out the book turning into a pity-party or tedious drag.
It's a really good read - the perfect mix of action and affection. The character development, the writing, the story... it was all very good. LONG - it took me forever to finish it - but very good.
Mostly it was a good book with some hard-hitting topics. Alcoholism. Rape. Forgiveness. Abandonment. Trust. Kidnapping. But it's done in a really good, really smooth way in this book.
Lannis is a pilot with some severe baggage. Having been victim of a brutal rape, she turned to alcoholism and shut herself off to everyone... until the day she met Ben. Ben - an undercover cop - hijacks her plane and engages in a week-long kidnapping to ensure his (and her) safety. But he feels responsible for her trauma from the events, and when he tries to check up on her, she's on a binger. Ben helps her to get the help, with out the book turning into a pity-party or tedious drag.
It's a really good read - the perfect mix of action and affection. The character development, the writing, the story... it was all very good. LONG - it took me forever to finish it - but very good.
August 1, 2014
Such a great story!!
Such a great story!!
Who knew you could read a romance without all the graphic and explicit sexual encounters and still enjoy the story. Leslie Lynch writes with such eloquence and grace that even the violent events were so real without terrorizing the reader. As a survivor myself she captured the inner struggle and dialogue that victims party offer and over in their heads. The trials of not letting that event define you as a person and the outside demons that try to help mask the pain. Ben and Lannis' relationship starts off so rocky but his character is so decent he always seems too good. I really enjoyed the Christian values Lynch uses to support Ben's moral convictions and to not take advantage of Lannis when a man of lesser character might have right from the beginning. Superb writing and storyline. I am so excited to find and read more of this refreshingly clean and yet great author's work.
Such a great story!!
Who knew you could read a romance without all the graphic and explicit sexual encounters and still enjoy the story. Leslie Lynch writes with such eloquence and grace that even the violent events were so real without terrorizing the reader. As a survivor myself she captured the inner struggle and dialogue that victims party offer and over in their heads. The trials of not letting that event define you as a person and the outside demons that try to help mask the pain. Ben and Lannis' relationship starts off so rocky but his character is so decent he always seems too good. I really enjoyed the Christian values Lynch uses to support Ben's moral convictions and to not take advantage of Lannis when a man of lesser character might have right from the beginning. Superb writing and storyline. I am so excited to find and read more of this refreshingly clean and yet great author's work.
December 9, 2015
I thought I knew at least a little of what to expect from a story with the title Hijacked, but boy was I surprised. Yes, a plane is hijacked, but very little of the story takes place on the hijacked plane. The rest, and the bigger story, is the relationship that develops as a result, starting on a wilderness adventure. That relationship is unsettling at times, and readers may question the motivation or good sense of one character or the other, but that kept me reading! Through two points of view, the author builds suspense and reveals layers of the main characters' personalities and histories. I admire the skillful writing as well as the engaging story, and I appreciate learning some interesting details about flying small planes.
March 5, 2015
An awesome book that starts with adventure and develops into a wonderful human interest romance. When Ben coerces Lannis to fly him out of Louisville her old terror kicks in and has her fighting him all the way; DEA agent Ben wants to relieve her fears but believes that any knowledge she has of him could endanger he life once she returns to Louisville. He has no idea of her background but who wouldn't be terrified even if the hijacker promised his victim that she will be returned unharmed. But the story doesn't end there. After his job is done, Ben reaches out to Lannis and guides who through some harsh realities that have kept her locked down for years.
I love these guys and can't wait to read Unholy Bonds!
I love these guys and can't wait to read Unholy Bonds!
July 13, 2014
This is a great read...suspenseful, interesting characters, enough detail to give a good sense of place. I look forward to more books in this series! (Full disclosure: I'm related to the author, but haha, I'm only saying it because I'm proud to be related to the person who wrote this!)
July 13, 2014
Excellent debut by Golden Heart finalist Leslie Lynch. A Civilian Air Patrol pilot herself, Lynch delivers a well-drawn protagonist in pilot Lannis Parker. A heart-warming story of redemption and healing.
September 6, 2014
Christian fiction at its best. Interesting characters and plot plus basic tenets that are blended into the story -- not beating one over the head. Adding author to those whose other works I will look for. Definitely recommended.
September 29, 2014
Wow what a great read!!
This is my first book by this author. I love the style. The storyline was awesome. I read it in three days. I loved the main characters. Great morals in the story. No sex. I have already purchased the next book in this series.
This is my first book by this author. I love the style. The storyline was awesome. I read it in three days. I loved the main characters. Great morals in the story. No sex. I have already purchased the next book in this series.
June 6, 2014
What a great debut! Leslie sure tooks some turns that I didn't see coming! Congratulations on your debut!
July 10, 2014
This is a story about healing and finding hope where none existed. I really enjoyed the character development and the twists and turns in the story. Watch out for this author!
October 29, 2014
A pretty decent book. Yes, it is a Christian based story. No, it wasn't the best writing in the world, but it held my attention and was thoroughly entertaining. I enjoyed it.
September 19, 2014
pretty interesting. small planes, Appalachians, suppressed rape, DEA undercover
October 20, 2014
This is a great book,it kept my interest all the way through.
November 10, 2014
3+ Stars
November 24, 2014
Hijacked review
Hijacked is the first book in the Appalachian Foothills series written by author Leslie Lynch. This book is well-written, but I expected more action and suspense.
Hijacked is the first book in the Appalachian Foothills series written by author Leslie Lynch. This book is well-written, but I expected more action and suspense.
December 7, 2019
I guess I should give this a one-star rating since I DNF'd it at 78%. But I honestly enjoyed Part 1 of the book so much that I really don't feel cheated by the fact that I couldn't quite make it through Part 2.
Hijacked, as you've likely figured out, is told in two parts that could have been two completely different books. Part 1 focuses on the abduction of Lannis. This half of the book is an exciting and riveting read. I love how a tormented Ben must walk a questionable line between good guy and bad guy in order to keep Lannis safe from the drug dealers chasing them. The biggest downfall to this section is the fact that if Ben had simply told Lannis he was an undercover agent, it would have saved both characters a lot of trouble. Lynch really needed to address this in order to maintain believability. Also, part 1 is resolved too...peacefully. I was expecting an exciting showdown between Ben, Lannis, and the bad guys, but it never happened, which felt a bit anticlimactic.
The second part of the novel focuses on Lannis's path to recovery after a traumatic rape has turned her toward alcohol. This part of the book is more low-key and sweet. I enjoyed Ben taking on the role of a supportive friend, and the slow, burgeoning feelings between him and Lannis. Lannis's spiritual journey was a little jarring since this wasn't labeled as a Christian book, but being a woman of faith myself, I was pleasantly surprised by this dynamic. The problem for me is this part of the book read more like a real-world contemporary romance, and I'm just not into contemporary at all. I thought I was picking up a romantic-suspense, but halfway through, the author pulled a bait-and-switch. The other problem is this section of the book drags on for too long. I tried to push toward the end, but last night when I realized I was still at 78% (when I thought I should be closer to 98%), I realized it was becoming too much effort to keep reading.
So 5 stars for part 1; 3 stars for part 2.
Overall I think Lynch is a talented author with lovely writing, and I'll definitely look into some of her other books.
Hijacked, as you've likely figured out, is told in two parts that could have been two completely different books. Part 1 focuses on the abduction of Lannis. This half of the book is an exciting and riveting read. I love how a tormented Ben must walk a questionable line between good guy and bad guy in order to keep Lannis safe from the drug dealers chasing them. The biggest downfall to this section is the fact that if Ben had simply told Lannis he was an undercover agent, it would have saved both characters a lot of trouble. Lynch really needed to address this in order to maintain believability. Also, part 1 is resolved too...peacefully. I was expecting an exciting showdown between Ben, Lannis, and the bad guys, but it never happened, which felt a bit anticlimactic.
The second part of the novel focuses on Lannis's path to recovery after a traumatic rape has turned her toward alcohol. This part of the book is more low-key and sweet. I enjoyed Ben taking on the role of a supportive friend, and the slow, burgeoning feelings between him and Lannis. Lannis's spiritual journey was a little jarring since this wasn't labeled as a Christian book, but being a woman of faith myself, I was pleasantly surprised by this dynamic. The problem for me is this part of the book read more like a real-world contemporary romance, and I'm just not into contemporary at all. I thought I was picking up a romantic-suspense, but halfway through, the author pulled a bait-and-switch. The other problem is this section of the book drags on for too long. I tried to push toward the end, but last night when I realized I was still at 78% (when I thought I should be closer to 98%), I realized it was becoming too much effort to keep reading.
So 5 stars for part 1; 3 stars for part 2.
Overall I think Lynch is a talented author with lovely writing, and I'll definitely look into some of her other books.
May 12, 2019
Deals with Life and a Delicate Topic
Loved, loved, loved this book! This was the first book I have read by this author. She handled the subject matter gracefully and delicately. She included strong characters (both male and female) described in detail that made them realistic and lifelike. Characters I enjoyed reading about and definitely want to know more about. So, I am moving on to Book 2.
Loved, loved, loved this book! This was the first book I have read by this author. She handled the subject matter gracefully and delicately. She included strong characters (both male and female) described in detail that made them realistic and lifelike. Characters I enjoyed reading about and definitely want to know more about. So, I am moving on to Book 2.
July 23, 2022
I've had this book in my Kindle library for a long time. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. Very suspenseful and well written, Ms. Lynch grapples some very difficult subjects without the graphic details that other authors include. This doesn't detract from the seriousness of the events. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
December 18, 2018
An unexpected pleasure to read a non sexual book
I found this book to be totally different than the normal novel written in today's mode....I was so pleased with the that I would recommend it to anyone....
I found this book to be totally different than the normal novel written in today's mode....I was so pleased with the that I would recommend it to anyone....
March 10, 2021
It wasn’t too bad...a shame because there was a plot and some action but spoiled with a lot of religious crap. The main guy was a tough cop but lost any interest because of his religious claptrap. I did finish it.
December 15, 2019
well done
Overall a well written book. There were a few editing errors. And it covered some very difficult subject material. I will definitely read this author again
Overall a well written book. There were a few editing errors. And it covered some very difficult subject material. I will definitely read this author again
July 27, 2015
I went into this thinking this would be a great romantic suspense and Part One (up to 40%) of the book set up a really good suspenseful plot. The writing was good, I'm enjoying the plot and then the story line totally switched to a Christian and AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) introspection by the heroine. The detailed introspection took up another 40% of the book. And then the last 15% to 20% wrapped up the relationship issues. I had this bait and switch feeling where the really good parts of the suspense were wrapped up without suspense and nothing was left but the heroine dealing with her past issues and inability to connect with people and God.
The two main characters were well developed with our hero, Ben, being a really great guy. Our heroine with the help of Ben shows a lot of personal growth. (Remember her personal growth is a very detailed 40% of the book.) You definitely know what makes her tick. All the other characters were just touched upon and not really given their own presence.
The two hot topics with readers seems to be religion and sex: This was a very clean book keeping to the Catholic, no sex before marriage theme with references and no details. In reference to religion, Part 1 had only vague references to religion, but Part 2 is very religious based as it deals with her inability to trust in God. Again, the writing is very good, but you have to want the introspection element as it is about 40% of the book.
For me, I was very disappointed as I wanted the suspense and in the end, it wasn't delivered. In fact I was so disappointed I almost dropped this to a 2 star review, but kept with 3 stars as the author is a good writer.
The two main characters were well developed with our hero, Ben, being a really great guy. Our heroine with the help of Ben shows a lot of personal growth. (Remember her personal growth is a very detailed 40% of the book.) You definitely know what makes her tick. All the other characters were just touched upon and not really given their own presence.
The two hot topics with readers seems to be religion and sex: This was a very clean book keeping to the Catholic, no sex before marriage theme with references and no details. In reference to religion, Part 1 had only vague references to religion, but Part 2 is very religious based as it deals with her inability to trust in God. Again, the writing is very good, but you have to want the introspection element as it is about 40% of the book.
For me, I was very disappointed as I wanted the suspense and in the end, it wasn't delivered. In fact I was so disappointed I almost dropped this to a 2 star review, but kept with 3 stars as the author is a good writer.
April 1, 2016
I have mixed feelings about this book.
This was Christian fiction but it contained a lot of frank talk about sex and rape that I am not accustomed to seeing in Christian fiction.
Also, the book was divided into two parts. Part one was very gripping but it ended with loose ends or else I would say it was almost a completely different book and a stand-alone book. A completely different tone and story. Lots of action and suspense and, well, cruelty (on one level), but not a satisfactory conclusion...because, of course, there was part two still to read. The premise of part one was pretty interesting but probably could have been undone with some honesty--although I do not think Lannister would have believed Jack/Ben.
Then, part two went on with the "getting over our pasts and coming to God" part of most Christian fiction. That felt very lengthy and almost like it was an entirely different book about different people. And not in a good way. It was interesting to a point despite the long windedness but not as enjoyable to read as part one.
Part one would probably get 4 stars but part two would be two stars because I did finish it (the minimum star rating for books I finish).
This was Christian fiction but it contained a lot of frank talk about sex and rape that I am not accustomed to seeing in Christian fiction.
Also, the book was divided into two parts. Part one was very gripping but it ended with loose ends or else I would say it was almost a completely different book and a stand-alone book. A completely different tone and story. Lots of action and suspense and, well, cruelty (on one level), but not a satisfactory conclusion...because, of course, there was part two still to read. The premise of part one was pretty interesting but probably could have been undone with some honesty--although I do not think Lannister would have believed Jack/Ben.
Then, part two went on with the "getting over our pasts and coming to God" part of most Christian fiction. That felt very lengthy and almost like it was an entirely different book about different people. And not in a good way. It was interesting to a point despite the long windedness but not as enjoyable to read as part one.
Part one would probably get 4 stars but part two would be two stars because I did finish it (the minimum star rating for books I finish).
August 4, 2014
I can't say I loved this book but can't say I hated it either. I can't really figure out what put me off of it.
The characters were developed nicely. The author took care to let you get to know them. She did not rely on sex scenes to carry the story. There was not a lot of drama,suspense.
It was a story of a damaged woman and an undercover detective. In running from a set up and for his life he takes Lannis hostage.
Suspense, right? Well, yeh, but was resolved within pages. Her alcoholism and escapism from what happened was believable and not rushed to be cured. That was the main gist of the story.
After all the build up to her nightmares it was resolved in a matter of20 pages. It just felt so rushed. Kind of like the author was getting close to her word count and just decided to finish it up quickly. A shame really because that knocked a lot off in stars for me.
Will be trying another book by this author.
The characters were developed nicely. The author took care to let you get to know them. She did not rely on sex scenes to carry the story. There was not a lot of drama,suspense.
It was a story of a damaged woman and an undercover detective. In running from a set up and for his life he takes Lannis hostage.
Suspense, right? Well, yeh, but was resolved within pages. Her alcoholism and escapism from what happened was believable and not rushed to be cured. That was the main gist of the story.
After all the build up to her nightmares it was resolved in a matter of20 pages. It just felt so rushed. Kind of like the author was getting close to her word count and just decided to finish it up quickly. A shame really because that knocked a lot off in stars for me.
Will be trying another book by this author.
August 10, 2014
Part I was masterful. Intense, page-turning, a tough heroine to boot. Wonderful, and I enjoyed every page. (5 stars) Part II went off the rails for me personally. It's all about expectations and I was NOT expecting it to veer into the Christian/God aspect. While I think the author handled it with a light, non-preachy touch, it still threw me. I also found Ben to be too perfect. I get that Lannis is a mess and he's the rock to hold her steady but he needed deeper flaws for this romance to really work. There wasn't a ton of external conflict in later scenes and the story lagged a bit. (2.5 stars)
Also, I found the author's choice to not include certain cuss words but then use others was odd and pulled me from the read.
Overall, strong writing and characters, and a well-researched story made it a pleasant (although somewhat unexpected) read.
Also, I found the author's choice to not include certain cuss words but then use others was odd and pulled me from the read.
Overall, strong writing and characters, and a well-researched story made it a pleasant (although somewhat unexpected) read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews