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Missing at Christmas

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A dangerous family legacy.
A race to save a baby in jeopardy.

When journalist Lexi McKenna receives a desperate call for help, she rushes to her sister’s home, only to find her sister dead and one of her twin nieces missing. With her past mafia ties resurfacing, Lexi must go on the run with agent Noah Thompson to protect herself from her father’s enemies. Although Lexi is the daughter of the mob boss who murdered Noah’s brother, Noah will do anything to take down her family—even work with her. As danger looms from all sides, they must find the abducted baby and dismantle a criminal empire before Lexi and her nieces end up as collateral damage.

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

205 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

16 people are currently reading
138 people want to read

About the author

Deena Alexander

41 books454 followers
Deena grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, where she met and married her high school sweetheart. She recently relocated to Florida with her husband, three kids, son-in-law, and four dogs. Now she enjoys long walks in nature all year long, despite the occasional alligator or snake she sometimes encounters. Deena's love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn't sleep through the night, and she now works full time as a writer and a freelance editor.

To learn more about Deena and her latest writing endeavors, visit her at www.deenaalexander.com and on facebook and twitter and don't forget to sign up for her newsletter.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for LORI CASWELL.
2,866 reviews326 followers
November 13, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts

The Jameson Investigations Series continues with Missing at Christmas. Several years ago, Lexi and her sister Gia walked out of their father’s home and left him and his crime family behind. They changed their names, moved around, “bouncing from place to place”, but her sister made a huge error, and by the time Gia calls Lexi, it is too late. She arrived at her sister’s and found her shot dead, and one of her twins missing. She has no idea who she can trust and who will help her find her other niece.

Enter Noah Thompson, an agent with Jameson Investigations. He convinces her to go on the run with him to keep her and her niece, Alyssa, safe while looking for her niece, Avery. He vows to protect her, but he has his own motives for wanting to work with her. Her father murdered his brother, and he will do anything to take that crime family down.

It will take courage and faith to face the danger in front of them as they try to find the infant that was abducted and to make the Cipriana crime family pay.

Hold on tight! This story has a rapid pace that doesn’t let up until we reach the final pages.

Lexi McKenna is on an emotional rollercoaster as Noah rushes to get her and her baby niece, Alyssa, to safety after a coldhearted meeting with her father, where gunshots rang out as she was leaving. She thinks she knows a safe haven, but it could also be a trap. Noah, a former NYPD officer, is a man on a mission, really two. One to get revenge for his brother’s death, and two to protect a woman he just met and her niece. Both, he is already developing feelings for. Throw in a good Montana snowstorm, and you have all the makings of an excellent romantic suspense novel.

Lexi is a fighter. She spent years protecting her sister all on her own, so it is hard for her to trust anyone. It’s not just Noah she needs to trust, either; it’s his boss, Zac Jameson, and his team. Mason, Chase, Caleb, Olivia, K9 Agent, Ranger, and Angela, who are all on board to help her. It’s overwhelming and true to real life; she struggled. Noah walked the fine line between being an agent and his personal feelings. We have met the team members in previous books, but you do not need to read other books in the series to escape into this one. I enjoy that they remain active and relevant as the series continues.

The weather played a huge part in this book; sometimes they had to hunker down and wait, and these characters, good guys and bad guys, are not patient. Ms. Alexander brings all the elements to life, making the reader feel they are part of the scene. You can feel the bitter cold and be blinded by the wind and snow. We can also feel the tension soaring in our bones, making this book impossible to put down.

All the books in the series have a strong faith theme, and the characters share a common bond. They have been through a lot in their lives and have leaned on God to get them through it. They share their traumatic events and see that they can lean on each other as well.

What I have found reading this series by Deena Alexander is that you need to plan before you begin reading, because once you start, you will not stop. Each chapter leads seamlessly into the next and the next until you find you have moved yourself to the very edge of your seat as you enter the final chapter. You will be able to finally take a breath when you reach the Epilogue, where any remaining questions are answered, and realize you can’t wait for the next book in the Jameson Investigations Series.

Courage. Danger. Faith. Deena Alexander delivers it all in this thrilling and chilly Inspirational Romantic Suspense novel. Tightly plotted and so well written, light romance, some humor, and inspiring messages of faith run through a story filled with non-stop action, drama, and suspense. Just like Exposing Lethal Secrets, which I read and reviewed in July, this one will have a place among my Best Reads of 2025. It is a must-read for fans of this genre.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author and Love Inspired Suspense for providing me with an ARC.
Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
308 reviews116 followers
December 13, 2025
This was a pretty good book. I have not read any others by Deena Alexander but I might have to seek some out. It's touted as being a "Love Inspired Suspense" book which is true. The cover caught my eye first and then the description sounded pretty good too. I wanted to read a Christmas themed book and I really enjoyed this one. It was a quick read. I gave it a 4 star rating. #DeenaAlexander #LoveInspiredSuspense
Profile Image for Carrie Schmidt.
Author 1 book507 followers
November 25, 2025
4.5 stars

I love any time spent with the Jameson Investigations team, even if it does mean that someone is need of protecting, and they definitely have their work cut out for them in Missing at Christmas. From the opening scenes, I knew this would be an intense ride, and I was right. When Lexi realized her father was a notorious crime boss who wanted her to take over his organization, she got out – and took her younger sister Gia with her. Cutting all ties and changing their names keeps them safe for a while, but Gia’s discontent eventually proves costly for the sisters as well as Gia’s twin babies. With her sister executed and one of the twins kidnapped, Lexi discovers that you never really leave a crime family… unless it’s in a body bag. To say I was glued to the pages would be an understatement. Danger at every turn – from the weather as well as the goons who are after them. Swoony romance. Gentle faith. And adorable babies… in death-defying gun battles and car chases. Not your typical aunt-nieces outing but definitely a riveting one to read about!

My heart went out to Lexi. I can’t imagine dealing with even one of the life-altering horrors she faces, much less all of them over the course of several hours. She is so fierce though, y’all. And brave. That quiet kind of courage that stands up to evil and swallows back the fear to do what needs to be done – even if that requires the ultimate sacrifice. Her love for her nieces tugged at my own auntie heart, and I hope I would protect my own nieces and nephews as fiercely and honorably as she does for Avery and Alyssa. Noah is steady and protective but I really liked how he respected Lexi’s strength and determination to rescue her missing niece rather than keeping her under lock and key the whole time. They made a great team, and I loved both of their personalities as well as how they perfectly complement each other. Lexi’s journalism career isn’t really mentioned a whole lot but honestly who has time to think about writing an article to expose your father when you’re running from whoever wants you dead? Noah and Lexi’s relationship goes from strangers to friends to ‘oh hello, that was a great kiss’ and falling in love pretty quickly, but it makes sense given all the life-or-death moments and intense emotions they’re living through together.

Bottom Line: Missing at Christmas is one wild, heart-tugging ride – equal parts danger, devotion, and Christmas spirit (with a few bullets and car chases and explosions thrown in for good measure). Deena Alexander knows how to balance high-stakes action and high-velocity tension with the kind of tender romance that makes you grin despite the constant threats to the characters’ safety. Lexi’s courage had me cheering, Noah’s protectiveness made me swoon, and those precious babies? Total scene-stealers. It’s fast-paced, faith-filled, and the perfect read for when you want a holiday story that’ll raise your pulse and warm your heart. Speaking of heartwarming… if you’ve been a fan of this series since the beginning, you’re going to love the epilogue!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Profile Image for Carla.
7,630 reviews179 followers
October 27, 2025
Missing at Christmas is the second book I've read by Deena Alexander and I know I will be looking for more. This is a Christian, Romantic Suspense story that kept me reading all day once I started. Lexi McKenna and her sister Gia ran from their home once they realized that their father was a despicable, mob boss. They were under the radar for years, but Gia wanted to return to New York. She met a man and they got engaged. He left her when he found out she was pregnant, with twins. Gia was desperate, she had no money, her rent was overdue and she couldn't buy food to feed the babies. She went to her father to ask for help and a few hours later, she was dead and one of her twins had been taken. When Lexi finds her, she also goes to her father for help finding Alyssa, but while she is at the house, shots are fired and she escapes with Avery and a note from his housekeeper. Lexi is now on the run again, but this time she has help. Agent Noah Thompson has been after her father for a few years, since he was responsible for the death of his brother. Noah will do anything to take down her family, even work with her. As danger looms from all sides, they must find the abducted baby and dismantle a criminal empire before Lexi and her nieces end up as collateral damage.

Lexi is a character that I loved to root for. She was tenacious, a mama bear even though they were her nieces not her daughters, smart, courageous, and a bit flawed. She has baggage that many people would not want to have anything to do with. She was willing to do whatever it took to find her missing niece, even if it cost her her life. Noah is an honorable character, who I wanted to get a happily ever after. He had a lot of tragedy in his background and carried a lot of grief and guilt on his shoulders. He didn't blame Lexi for her father's crimes, but he wasn't positive her could trust her 100% either. The team Noah works with is wonderful. They are his family and are always there for one another. This is a fast paced story, one with a lot of tension and mystery surrounding the disappearance of Alyssa and Gia's murder. The characters were well developed and ones that my heart broke for, more than once. I had some of it figured out before the reveal, but not all. I liked how this one ended, tying up all the loose ends. The faith in this story is integrated well and is subtle for those of you that are not fans of Christian Fiction. Overall, this was a wonderful story of forgiveness (self and others), dealing with grief, new beginnings, found family, romance and faith. I recommend this one to lovers of romantic suspense.
800 reviews16 followers
July 25, 2025
Lexi is caught in the cross hairs of her family's criminal enterprise. She also has the added responsibility of her infant twin nieces. Thankfully she meets Noah and his partners at Jameson who come alongside of her to fight against those trying to kill her. The surprises keep coming in this story as you root for Lexi and the girls!

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Connie Hill.
1,883 reviews47 followers
November 3, 2025
Missing at Christmas is written by Deena Alexander. This is part of the Jameson Investigations Series. I have not read all the books in the series, and I did not have any issues following along. I am a huge fan of this author. She always writes such realistic characters. In this story, we meet Lexi McKenna. She receives a call from her sister - and when she gets to her sister's house, she finds her sister murdered. There's a bigger problem - one of her nieces is missing.
That is when Lexi's past comes rearing to a head. Lexi's dad is a notorious mob boss. Her father wanted her to be his heir - but she wanted nothing to do with it. Lexi teams with Noah Thompson, a former NYPD cop, now works for Jameson Investigations. Unfortunately his brother was killed by Lexi's dad. The more they dig - the more they realize that this is about rival crime families.
I loved the heart pounding action and suspense in this book. The author grabs your attention the first few pages and will not let you go until the end of the story. The characters are flawed and have their inner struggles.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Great Escape Virtual Book Tours, for allowing me to read a copy of this story - all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Brittany selken.
752 reviews36 followers
October 28, 2025
Thank you so much NetGalley for letting me review this book

This was a cute hero save romance book in my opinion. I like how she stood up to him and told him that she not going to stand back and watch a family member go missing without trying to save them or help them out. I was shocked about who took the family member and I was even more shocked because from the very beginning she didn’t want anything to do with her father because of the business he was in. I’m glad they both found love in this story and can live happy together.
Profile Image for Karen Siddall.
Author 1 book114 followers
October 29, 2025
Just when you think it's safe and can relax, think again!

Missing at Christmas is the fourth book in author Deena Alexander's Jameson Investigations series for the Love Inspired Suspense line and another top-notch inspirational tale of romantic suspense. Freelance journalist Lexi McKenna had fled her childhood home, taking her younger sister, Gia, with her, when she'd discovered their father was the head of a New York criminal organization, intending never to return. However, as the pair constantly moved about, changing their names, staying out of their father's grasp, Gia began to feel differently, longing to return to the city, where she met and fell in love with a man from a rival crime family. When she realized she was pregnant, he left her without a word to continue on her own, with only her older sister for support. Someone else within the city's criminal organizations discovered her and her twin daughters' whereabouts and decided to use one of the babies as leverage against her father, killing Gia in the process. Now Lexi was determined to get the other child to safety and figure out who was behind the kidnapping and do all she could to get her little niece back in her arms.

Lexi, while one tough cookie, is still a loving and protective sister and aunt. She'd gotten the education and skills necessary to support herself and help out Gia and the new babies by working as a freelance journalist, but things were tight. After the death of her mother from cancer, losing Gia is an unimaginable loss.

Noah Thompson, a former NYPD cop, now works for Jameson Investigations and uses all their considerable resources to help Lexi on her mission, but even Jameson can't control the weather in Montana, where they end up looking for safety. He, too, has a vested interest in taking down the Cipriana crime family. His feelings are very close to the surface as he and Lexi bond over their shared goals.

As is a hallmark of this author's work, the story hits the ground running, and the action never lets up. Just when you think Lexi, Noah, and little Alyssa catch a break, think again. Both Noah and Lexi have developed their own faith-filled inner lives and share their deepest common beliefs and discover common ground. They work through their past traumas while trying to rescue Alyssa's twin sister, Avery, from the unknown kidnapper. The surprising resolution makes for a satisfying conclusion to the story.

I recommend MISSING AT CHRISTMAS to readers of fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat, faith-forward romantic suspense.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.
Profile Image for DevotedToHope.
659 reviews96 followers
November 18, 2025
There is a particular heaviness woven through these pages… the kind that makes the heart pause, breathe slower, and whisper a quiet prayer for the places in us that still ache. The story stirred thoughts I didn’t expect, especially about what it means to grow up with a parent whose choices carve wounds too deep for words. That is holy ground only the Lord can step into; only His love reaches the places a parent was meant to protect and didn’t.

As the danger unfolded, the emotional current underneath it all felt real… steady… human. The search, the fear, the fragile hope — it all carried the weight of lives shaped by pain and longing. One line stayed with me: “God, please, watch over them until I get there. Help me get them somewhere safe.” It felt like the kind of prayer that rises from sheer desperation, the kind that knows God hears even when the night feels tight around the edges.

Christmas settles over the story like winter light… not showy, not sentimental, but quiet. A reminder that the Lord draws close to broken stories and weary hearts. As I read, there were moments that made my heart return again to Scripture, grateful for the clarity and hope the Lord gives. Stories like this always remind me to keep my eyes on what God has revealed so tenderly in His Word, especially when themes of loss, longing, and eternity rise to the surface.

What lingered with me most was the ache of generational hurt and the gentle truth that healing is never rushed; it is walked, held, and shaped by the One who redeems every scar surrendered to Him. This story made me think about the quiet places where God still restores, still protects, still speaks light into the dark.

Perfect for readers who hold tightly to hope, who understand the weight of complicated family history, and who look for stories that stir thought, prayer, and a deeper leaning into the Lord’s steady presence.

I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
Profile Image for Ausjenny.
396 reviews
October 8, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley for my review copy.

This is the first book I have read by Deena Alexander and won't be the last. There is suspense right from the first sentence. Lexi McKenna is a journalist coming home when she feels she's being followed. She thinks through who it could be one of the people she did an exposé on? Or is it more sinister and related to her father a mafia boss. She left years ago with her younger sister and they have been basically in hiding. Her sister Gia wanted to come back to New York and Lexi hasn't felt good about it ever since.

On the way home she gets a call from Gia saying she thinks someone is outside. She arrives home to one howling baby Aylssa and her sister dead and the other twin, Avery missing. This where she meets our hero Noah Thompson who she engages to help protect her and Alyssa and find Avery.

This all happens right at the beginning of the story and then the story gets even more intense. Lexi is in danger as are the babies. It seems someone is out to get her and make sure she doesn't survive. They have a clue as to where to look for Avery and with the help of Noah's team set up a safe house. We then encounter blizzard like conditions and mountains and hitmen. Not sure what it is but adding the weather to contend with and the ice and snow always adds to the suspense.

This is the second book in the series, but you can read it as a standalone which I did. I didn't feel I was confused although already knowing a couple of the characters would have added to the overall read. The book kept me wanting to keep reading and find out who was behind everything and why. I also enjoyed the whole premise of children of a mob boss walking away into hiding to get away from the life. Both Lexi and Noah have issues with trust and allowing someone else to take control. Seeing how these issues were dealt with and overcome was good. The faith element had a lot to do with this.

I look forward to more books by this author. If you enjoy suspense give this book ago.
Profile Image for Shari Summers.
78 reviews5 followers
December 11, 2025
I’m a brand-new reader of Deena Alexander, and since I mainly read non-fiction, I only pick up fiction now and then for a little fun escape. Missing at Christmas absolutely delivered that escape. From the very first chapter, the story pulled me in and never let go.

The plot kicks off with journalist Lexi McKenna walking into a nightmare—her sister has been murdered, and one of her infant nieces is missing. Add in resurfacing mafia ties, a dangerous criminal empire, and the tension of teaming up with Agent Noah Thompson—whose brother was killed by Lexi’s mob-boss father, and you’ve got a story loaded with action, emotion, and high stakes.

Even though this book is part of a series, I jumped in without having read any of the previous entries and never felt confused or left behind. Alexander does a great job making the story stand on its own, while still creating a world that feels full and established.

There were a few twists that felt a little predictable, but honestly, it didn’t take away from the fun. The pacing stayed steady, the danger kept building, and I found myself fully invested in both the mystery and the characters all the way through.

If you're looking for a clean romantic suspense read with plenty of heart, this one is worth grabbing. I’ll definitely be picking up more from Deena Alexander in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley and Love Inspired Suspense for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

My rating system:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Absolutely loved it! I’d read it again… if my TBR pile weren’t already taller than me. Highly recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Really great read! Thoroughly enjoyed it and would happily recommend it to others.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Glad I read it! A solid read, and I might check out more from this author.
⭐️⭐️ – Just okay. Not terrible, but I kind of wish I’d picked something else.
⭐️ – Nope. Didn’t connect with it and wouldn’t recommend.
Profile Image for June Jacobs.
Author 50 books152 followers
October 17, 2025
Action-packed suspense, an assortment of unique characters, numerous villains, and an abundance of dangerous situations make this an exceptional read for fans of this genre . . .

The author has done an excellent job of building a tightly-woven plot from the ground up in this holiday-themed suspense thriller. The main character, Lexi McKenna, is a journalist who has been on the run from her father for years. She and her younger sister, Gia, went into hiding after the tragic death of their beloved mother fourteen years earlier. Gia is the mother to twin infant daughters, Alyssa and Avery, who is raising them along with help from her older sister.

Noah Thompson is dealing with his own demons—the death of two people to whom he was very close in the past few years. He works as a security specialist, PI, and bodyguard for Jameson Investigations; a firm which was introduced in a previous book by this author. Currently Noah is investigating the murder of his brother.

From the moment that Noah and Lexi meet, they are on a run for their lives while being pursued by numerous assailants. They face a lot of man-made danger along with natural danger caused by extreme winter weather.

The final chapters of the story are a fine example of some of the best writing I've ever read in this genre. The author consistently writes excellent plots, but this one was exceptional in the depth of the secrets and surprises hidden until the very end.

The story is completely clean in language and content. The faith thread is woven throughout the entire plot and creates a strong bond between the two main characters.

I received a copy of this book from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.

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Profile Image for Happily Ever After Romance.
880 reviews26 followers
October 31, 2025
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

Missing at Christmas is the fourth title in the Jameson Investigations series. Years ago, Lexi and her younger sister, Gia, fled from the control and the life of their mob boss father. Decisions were made that brought them back into the influence of their father’s world. When Lexi receives a desperate call from her sister, she races to her home only to find her sister has been killed, and one of her twin nieces is missing.

Noah has every reason to hate Lexi’s family; her father was directly responsible for Noah’s brother’s death, and he will do everything in his power to bring this crime family down. Yet, he also realized that Lexi is not responsible for her father’s actions, and finding her missing niece may also lead them to the way to dismantle her father’s organization for good.

Missing at Christmas by Deena Alexander is intense; there is no other way to describe this fast-paced Romantic Suspense story. Almost from the opening sentence until the final page, you will quickly be caught up in the desperate race to find a missing baby before the unthinkable happens to her. The attraction between Lexi and Noah builds throughout their story. I was constantly on edge while reading Missing at Christmas; it’s well-written, with so many emotions involved, and twists to the story that you may not see coming. Intense doesn’t begin to describe Lexi and Noah’s story. If that sounds like your kind of Romantic Suspense, then you’ll love this one.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review, giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Profile Image for Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy.
2,028 reviews65 followers
October 28, 2025
If you are looking for a book to sit down and relax while reading, you can forget about relaxing. This high stakes, emotional, action-packed mystery will suck you in.

Lexi and her sister escaped their mob boss father many years ago and never looked back. But the past has caught up to them. Lexi finds her sister's dead body in her house and one of Gia's twins is missing.

Noah Thompson has been watching and waiting for the opportunity take this mob family down. Instead he finds himself on the run with Lexi and her niece while also trying to find the missing niece. Neither one truly trusts the other, but Noah cannot sit back and let something happen to an innocent baby. Their survival will depend on taking the leap of faith and trusting each other.

Lexi was no wilting flower. I admired her tenacity. She believed in justice and had no desire to have any part of her father's criminal enterprise. She would give her own life for the safety of her twin nieces. Her faith has made her strong.

Noah was a good man who just wanted justice for his brother. Even though he did not fully trust Lexi at first, he put aside his feelings to help her.

There were some hair-raising, harrowing scenes such as snowmobiling at high rates at speed while bullets are flying and jumping on and off of a moving train. This author has done a superb job of not only making this book a suspense-filled masterpiece, but the twists kept coming right up until the end. The romance is part of the story as well, but the action, suspense and mystery are what kept my attention.

Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Christy.
1,275 reviews69 followers
October 18, 2025
Missing at Christmas by Deena Alexander is an exciting, page-turning Love Inspired Suspense! I always enjoy reading Alexander’s books and a Christmas setting…well, that’s just the icing on the cake!

Have you ever thought about kids born into a crime family? It’s not like they chose their parents. When they’re young, they probably have no idea that members of their family are criminals! That’s the case with Lexi and her sister Gia. They loved their dad and had fun with him when they were kids. However, as they got older, Lexi learned that she was supposed to “take the reins” one day. She took her sister and got them away, but eventually, things brought them back on their dad’s radar. That got Gia killed and one of Gia’s twins kidnapped, and this brought Noah into Lexi’s life. Noah has his own issues with Lexi’s family, but he doesn’t blame Lexi for her dad’s actions.

This story was so exciting and suspenseful! I loved the snowy Montana setting that they headed to from New York. Snow always makes things more treacherous! The author has so much talent when it comes to describing settings! I always feel like I’m right there in the book, and I felt that freezing cold air blowing in my face as Noah and Lexi were zipping through the snow on snowmobiles! The characters are well-written, and their emotions will really get to you! I loved this whole story, but I especially loved the epilogue of this one!

I highly recommend Missing at Christmas! It’s got so much suspense, great characters, events that you won’t see coming, and an inspirational message of putting your trust in God.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Sapphyria  .
2,260 reviews59 followers
November 10, 2025
Missing at Christmas is a page-turning romantic suspense. Lexi McKenna and her sister Gia have been hiding from the family business for years. A lapse in judgement brings their mafia ties back to the surface with the death of Gia and the kidnapping of one of her twin daughters. With nowhere to turn, she returns to the lion's den only to find herself quickly back on the run. Fortunately, agent Noah Thompson is there to protect her while also taking down her crime family.

The story is filled with twists, turns, and unexpected outcomes. Full of heart-pounding action, this book is hard to put down once you begin. The suspense permeates the pages as you follow Lexi, Noah, and Noah's team as they attempt to track down Lexi's missing niece and restore a semblance of normalcy to the lives of Lexi and her nieces.

The author is a favorite because she's so versatile. I love her cozies as much as I love her love inspired romantic suspense novels. Deena's writing style is smooth and conversational. Her characters are three-dimensional, interesting, and well-developed. The setting and world-building are done in such a way that I feel like I'm in the middle of the action with the characters.

Christmas in the Crosshairs drew me in and the story, characters, and descriptive elements kept me engaged. The wrap-up and writing style is what keeps me coming back for more by this author.
Profile Image for Debbie.
3,629 reviews86 followers
July 29, 2025
"Missing at Christmas" is a Christian romantic suspense. Lexi left her father when she learned he was a crime boss who wanted her to be his heir. But daddy still named her his heir in his will if she married one of his trusted men. When her sister is kill, one of her baby nieces is kidnapped, and her father's murdered, suddenly everyone wants her--either to marry her or to kill her. She just wants to save her nieces. Noah's brother died because of her father, but he admires Lexi's character and so offered to protect her as a bodyguard while his co-workers helped them find the missing baby.

The main characters were likable, courageous, and reacted realistically to events. I cared about what happened to them. Lexi and Noah worked well together after they realized they could trust each other. The high suspense came mainly from the potential danger to the nieces as well as the attacks on Lexi. Lexi and Noah were Christians and prayed to God for help. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable suspense.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Profile Image for Anna Fowler.
77 reviews3 followers
August 2, 2025
Simba gives this book 3 paws.

Leslie McKenna finds herself caught in a dangerous position between her father, head of a crime family, and those who want to end his life. As the heir, in her dad's twisted logic to his fortune, she has spent the majority of her life trying to get away from her father. When her sister is murdered and one of her twin nieces is kidnapped in one of the several twists of this book Lexie finds herself in danger. In steps Noah Thompson, a private investigator and security specialist along with his team, and they Become Lexie and Her twin nieces hope for protection and to find resolution.

Deena Alexander brings about many twists and turns to this story that keep the reader engaged and turning the pages til the end. Bringing in the faith of the two main characters, readers will see Gods hand and providence throughout. This was a book with just the right amount of suspense and romance mingled together. I enjoyed the book and many of the biblical truths found within the pages.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the Arc copy tonread and review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jessica.
2,209 reviews51 followers
November 21, 2025
Lexi received a surprise call from her sister needing help when the line goes dead and one of her nieces are missing. Knowing this has ties with her father and his business she is now on the run but also trying to find her missing niece with agent Noah Thompson. Noah already had his eye on the mob boss and those of close relation to who took the life of his brother so was surprised when he came across one of their daughters and seeing the other one on the run. Now not only will he want to take down the mob boss but also keep the daughter protected and find the missing niece.

There was just so much going on with this book from the beginning and it really did keep me hooked. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and following along what was going on there was just so much to keep track of. I like the connection that was brewing between the two I mean know I must have felt really conflicted knowing that Lexi is the daughter of the mob boss who killed his brother so there must be some kind of reservations there in getting close. Over all I was a fun ride I really enjoyed it and seeing how it concluded in the end.
1,622 reviews28 followers
October 19, 2025
Missing at Christmas by Deena Alexander
A dangerous family legacy.
A race to save a baby in jeopardy.
When journalist Lexi McKenna receives a desperate call for help, she rushes to her sister’s home, only to find her sister dead and one of her twin nieces missing. With her past mafia ties resurfacing, Lexi must go on the run with agent Noah Thompson to protect herself from her father’s enemies. Although Lexi is the daughter of the mob boss who murdered Noah’s brother, Noah will do anything to take down her family—even work with her. As danger looms from all sides, they must find the abducted baby and dismantle a criminal empire before Lexi and her nieces end up as collateral damage.
I recommend this book.
Missing at Christmas by Deena Alexander is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Deena Alexander.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.



Profile Image for Kelli.
604 reviews
October 28, 2025
WOW! Talk about edge-of-your seat suspense! This novel opens with reporter Lexi McKenna rushing to her sister's aid only to find that she is too late and that one of her twin nieces has been kidnapped. Agent Noah Thompson has had his eye on the McKenna sisters and when he arrives on the scene to find one dead and the other a target, he suddenly has to make a decision. Does he trust Lexi and protect her and her remaining niece, or does he continue to be suspicious of a traitorous family? Noah is seeking justice for his brother's murder; Lexi is trying to extricate herself from disastrous family connections. Can they work together to figure out who wants her dead and who is behind the murder? This novel has so many twists and turns and the suspense is so intriguing - the mafia involvement, devious characters, sinister undertones - and romantic tension! A definite must-read for 2025.

I was gifted a copy of this novel by the publisher through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Profile Image for The Chapter Belle.
52 reviews
October 20, 2025
Lexi’s father is a crime boss, and even though she and her sister Gia ran away from that life, it’s never stopped chasing them. When danger comes knocking, what follows is a whirlwind of murder, action, a missing baby, and a budding romance — all leading to a happily-ever-after ending.

This was my first Christian romance, and I did appreciate the faith aspect that was woven throughout the story, along with the lack of spice. That said, I’m just not an action-romance kind of reader — I struggle with the idea of falling in love while running for your life 😂

But if you enjoy fast-paced, suspenseful romances with strong faith themes and plenty of drama, you’ll want to add this one to your Christmas TBR! 🎄
Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
4,054 reviews83 followers
October 24, 2025
Missing at Christmas by Deena Alexander is a suspenseful holiday novel that features a high level of action. The narrative demonstrates effective writing and maintains a consistent pace throughout. Lexi and Noah are engaging main characters who face danger immediately after meeting. The plot is tightly crafted with unexpected twists and secrets. The theme of faith is consistently integrated throughout the narrative. The author's descriptions made the settings feel vivid and real. I especially enjoyed the epilogue which nicely wrapped up the story. Missing at Christmas is a suspenseful story with a slain sister, a taken twin, a dangerous dad, a protective private detective, a worrisome will, battling a blizzard, and finding a way forward.
Profile Image for Denise Schenk.
1,060 reviews14 followers
September 19, 2025
Lexi McKenna works as a journalist and when her sister calls about someone outside her house the night goes wrong. Lexi and her sister left her father's house years ago due to him being the crime boss and he has a husband picked out for Lexi. When she arrives at her sister's home, she finds her dead and one of the twins missing. Noah Thompson has been working for years to bring down Lexi's father and finds her at her coming out of her father's house.
Lexi decides to let Noah help her find the missing baby and find out who is after her and the twin she has in per procession.
Profile Image for Jennifer Edwards.
52 reviews
October 31, 2025
From the very first line of this book, I was immediately drawn into the action packed story of Gia and Lexi and the baby twin girls.

Finding out they was kin to a mob boss was icing on the cake!! I love how they are immediately thrown into the life of Noah and other agents from Jameson Investigations. How life went from 0-100 in a matter of moments. I was on my toes this whole book and couldn't put it down. I read the entire thing in one evening. I couldn't put it down.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes fast paced, action packed, but also beauty from ashes!!!!
Profile Image for Diane Higgins.
652 reviews12 followers
October 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this novella. It was a quick and easy read and had me hooked from the first page. This book read more like a full-length romantic suspense novel instead of a Love Inspired Suspense Novella. This is a good thing. I loved the characters and the chemistry between Lexi and Noah. There was a huge twist at the end. I highly recommend this book.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Nicole.
950 reviews
November 18, 2025
Missing at Christmas was another find from the local free library.

Fast paced and non stop action the whole time. This is a light and heavy read at the same time. The pacing is well done and the characters are likeable. A little corny in parts but all over feel good story. I wanted a bit more Christmas reference since it seemed to be Christmas centered but the very end managed to fit in some Christmas.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Johnston Cotton.
2,203 reviews38 followers
November 29, 2025
A fast paced read full of intrigue, danger, drama, action and suspense balanced out with heartfelt moments, romance and even humor. I wasn't sure about the mob thread in the storyline being of interest to me but it worked and I really enjoyed the story. The faith element is always a winner for me in these Love Inspired books. Loved the writing and characters. All the happenings in the story will hold your attention until the end. Very entertaining!
Profile Image for Vicki F.
428 reviews53 followers
August 26, 2025
Missing at Christmas by Deena Alexander is fast-paced and action-packed. Wonderful characters with Lexi and Noah. An unexpected plot twist changed the entire trajectory of the story. Loved this!

Releases Oct 28th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
154 reviews
September 27, 2025
Quick read because of the fast paced action and interesting plot. Well developed main characters and twists kept me up late reading. I felt empathy for Lexi from the beginning and an immediate like for Noah so I was very invested in the story.
"Why is easier to forgive others than to forgive yourself?" Lexi.

Highly reccommend.
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