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Danger in Destiny #1
Out of the Ashes
He thought it was just a structure fire.
As a firefighter, Bryce Keyes is no stranger when it comes to running into a burning building. What he didn't expect was coming face-to-face with the woman he loved years ago. Getting her out safely is one thing, but when it looks like she was the arsonist's target, Bryce realizes he can't just let her walk away again. Especially not while her life is in danger.
She's desperate to escape.
For Megan Bristow, returning to Destiny, Texas was about saying a final goodbye to a dysfunctional family and the memories she's tried hard to bury. She planned to go in, help her mother tie up loose ends, and get out again. When someone makes an attempt on her life, Megan realizes those loose ends are only the beginning of a tangled web, and she's been drawn right into the center of it.
They'll have to put the past behind them.
Only by working together will they be able to figure out who's hunting her and why - before it's too late.
As a firefighter, Bryce Keyes is no stranger when it comes to running into a burning building. What he didn't expect was coming face-to-face with the woman he loved years ago. Getting her out safely is one thing, but when it looks like she was the arsonist's target, Bryce realizes he can't just let her walk away again. Especially not while her life is in danger.
She's desperate to escape.
For Megan Bristow, returning to Destiny, Texas was about saying a final goodbye to a dysfunctional family and the memories she's tried hard to bury. She planned to go in, help her mother tie up loose ends, and get out again. When someone makes an attempt on her life, Megan realizes those loose ends are only the beginning of a tangled web, and she's been drawn right into the center of it.
They'll have to put the past behind them.
Only by working together will they be able to figure out who's hunting her and why - before it's too late.
Audible Audio
Published January 26, 2024
623 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Melanie D. Snitker
46 books294 followersMelanie D. Snitker is a USA Today bestselling author who writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense. She and her husband live in Texas with their two children. They share their home with three dogs and a variety of small animals. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys photography, reading, training her dog, playing computer games, and hanging out with family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
October 28, 2024
Great book!
The story was intriguing, kept me guessing, and was a total surprise at the end. Very sweet story of long-awaited love. I highly recommend this book.
The story was intriguing, kept me guessing, and was a total surprise at the end. Very sweet story of long-awaited love. I highly recommend this book.
September 18, 2024
A good suspenseful story with a second chance romance thrown. It was sad to see Megan’s dysfunctional family and how much she endured. Bryce is her hero for saving her life during the fire, but can she let go of the fears and pain of the past? Theirs is a sweet HEA.
February 14, 2024
Really good! I'll post my full review before Monday.
October 22, 2024
A nice for fall afternoon read
First book by this author. I didn't see the whodunit Culprit. This look for book 2 in this series. And an eye out for more by this author.
First book by this author. I didn't see the whodunit Culprit. This look for book 2 in this series. And an eye out for more by this author.
March 17, 2023
Loved it!
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
I liked that the imminent danger was in little spurts, so it wasn't overwhelming. It did make sense, though.
There were extreme emotional bits about abuse. While the discussions were short-lived, the effects were present throughout.
Of course, faith and love win and draw the main couple together.
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
I liked that the imminent danger was in little spurts, so it wasn't overwhelming. It did make sense, though.
There were extreme emotional bits about abuse. While the discussions were short-lived, the effects were present throughout.
Of course, faith and love win and draw the main couple together.
March 28, 2023
This is a story that features the profession of firefighting. I found it interesting to get a peek into what their lifestyle might be like. Their lives go from calm to immediate high adrenaline. Those that love them are also special people. Megan returns home after her father dies to find out that her own life is in danger, but she hasn't a clue why. Bryce is just as surprised when he rescues a woman from a burning hotel to find out it is his high school sweetheart. Megan is cautious at first. As she is more attracted to Bryce, she is conflicted because she promised herself never to stay in her hometown again. As the author unfolds the reasons throughout the book for Megan's angst, the real reason isn't revealed until the end. I thought I knew why Megan didn't want to stay, but the author didn't go that far. I was grateful for that. This book shows that gentle love and true concern can heal the deep wounds of the past. I received an advanced copy for my honest opinion of the book.
March 29, 2023
Bryce and Megan were high school sweethearts. Megan left town right after graduation, not even telling Bryce goodbye due to her abusive father, and she swore she would never again stay in her hometown. Nine years later, she comes back for her father’s funeral. When a fire is started outside her hotel room and she barely escapes, she finds herself face to face with Bryce, who became a fireman, and the fact that someone wants her dead. Attempt after attempt on her and her mother’s lives force Megan to stay in town longer than she anticipates, which also allows her and Bryce to reconnect. Why are Megan and her mother being targeted, and will Megan be able to move past the trauma she experienced as a child to explore where the rekindled relationship with Bryce may take her? Grab this book and find out! You definitely won’t regret it! I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys clean, contemporary love stories. An advance e-copy of this book was provided to me by the author. That in no way influenced my review.
March 23, 2024
"Seeing it before had been a physical reminder of all that her father had done throughout her childhood. Now, it was barely recognizable. A tear slid down her cheek and landed in the ashes."
Megan left town soon after graduating and never wanted to come back. But when her Dad passed away suddenly, she knows she can't leave her mom alone to pick up the pieces. Soon after she arrives, a fire burns part of her family home. Does she have a reason to be suspicious?
Bryce never wanted Megan to leave. But having her back is also hard. Especially since her stay is temporary.
As a firefighter, he starts to wonder if the fire was an accident. He can't leave her alone to face the tragedy. Will working together to solve the potential crime help Megan to remember what a great team they make?
This book definitely kept me guessing. I did not see the end coming. What a great way to start this romantic suspense series.
Megan left town soon after graduating and never wanted to come back. But when her Dad passed away suddenly, she knows she can't leave her mom alone to pick up the pieces. Soon after she arrives, a fire burns part of her family home. Does she have a reason to be suspicious?
Bryce never wanted Megan to leave. But having her back is also hard. Especially since her stay is temporary.
As a firefighter, he starts to wonder if the fire was an accident. He can't leave her alone to face the tragedy. Will working together to solve the potential crime help Megan to remember what a great team they make?
This book definitely kept me guessing. I did not see the end coming. What a great way to start this romantic suspense series.
May 8, 2024
Title: Out of the Ashes
Author: Melanie D. Snitker
Publisher: Dallionz Media, LLC
Series: Danger in Destiny Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Out of the Ashes" by Melanie D Snitker
My Thoughts:
"Out Of The Ashes" was the first in the series Danger in Destiny, which featured Megan and Bryce. They had once been boyfriend-girlfriends during high school, but something happened that caused Megan to leave the area after she turned 18 without telling anyone but her best friend, Paige.
Now, Megan returns due to her father's death. This intriguing and suspenseful story will keep readers turning the pages to see who and why someone is trying to hurt Megan.
Will Megan and Bryce be able to get back together after everything is sorted out about why she left town in the first place? You must pick up this good series to see how well this author reveals it all to the readers.
I recommend this novel as a good read.
October 3, 2023
My husband and I read this together while on a road trip. I had put the book down when we stopped for gas and then didn't pick it back up right away. We talked for a while and then he asked me if I'd read some more. When you husband enjoys a book like this as much as you do, you can't help but give it a five star rating.
I think what I liked most about this story was how we didn't figure out until the end, right before it was revealed, who the antagonist was. I also liked how some characters showed their faith in their day-to-day living. It's also good that the author showed some characters who attended a church but had no clue what it meant to have a relationship with Christ.
If you're looking for a clean, inspirational, suspense romance story, this could be a nice addition to your shelf. Personally, I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I think what I liked most about this story was how we didn't figure out until the end, right before it was revealed, who the antagonist was. I also liked how some characters showed their faith in their day-to-day living. It's also good that the author showed some characters who attended a church but had no clue what it meant to have a relationship with Christ.
If you're looking for a clean, inspirational, suspense romance story, this could be a nice addition to your shelf. Personally, I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
January 5, 2025
Great Christian Suspense Romance Book
This was a great story. It’s the beginning of a series. It is a clean, Christian suspense romance.
Megan returns home to Destiny for her father’s funeral. She hasn’t been back since she left. Her first night back her hotel catches on fire and her ex-boyfriend, Bryce, is the one to save her. She hasn’t been back a couple more incidents that happen. Who is trying to hurt her and why? Bryce is sticking close. Can they recapture what they had? Can they figure out who is trying to hurt her?
Though suspense novels are not usually what I read, Melanie does an amazing job of pulling you into the storyline. This was so good I had to read it until it was done. (Stayed up way too late, but it was worth it!} A definite must read. Looking forward to the rest of the books in the series.
This was a great story. It’s the beginning of a series. It is a clean, Christian suspense romance.
Megan returns home to Destiny for her father’s funeral. She hasn’t been back since she left. Her first night back her hotel catches on fire and her ex-boyfriend, Bryce, is the one to save her. She hasn’t been back a couple more incidents that happen. Who is trying to hurt her and why? Bryce is sticking close. Can they recapture what they had? Can they figure out who is trying to hurt her?
Though suspense novels are not usually what I read, Melanie does an amazing job of pulling you into the storyline. This was so good I had to read it until it was done. (Stayed up way too late, but it was worth it!} A definite must read. Looking forward to the rest of the books in the series.
November 24, 2024
This is was a charming romantic suspense Christian story. Bryce and Megan were sweethearts in high school, but after graduation she left town never looked back. Her home life was horrible--which no one knew about because her dad was very careful with his public image.
But her father has died, and she's home for his funeral to support her mother (even though the woman never supported Megan when she was growing up.) And that's when a lot of crazy stuff starts happening. And it appears to be targeted at Megan and her mom.
Megan and Bryce's (re)meet cute was so fun, and I love how supportive he and his family were of her. He's so swoony!
It's a Christian romance in the sense that the characters are Christians and are shown attending church, but it's not overtly so. Lovely story!
But her father has died, and she's home for his funeral to support her mother (even though the woman never supported Megan when she was growing up.) And that's when a lot of crazy stuff starts happening. And it appears to be targeted at Megan and her mom.
Megan and Bryce's (re)meet cute was so fun, and I love how supportive he and his family were of her. He's so swoony!
It's a Christian romance in the sense that the characters are Christians and are shown attending church, but it's not overtly so. Lovely story!
December 23, 2023
I enjoyed this second chance at love romantic suspense. Returning to town for her father’s funeral, Megan’s life is immediately endangered with a fire at the hotel. It soon becomes obvious that someone is trying to kill her. Bryce, her high school boyfriend, is the firefighter who rescues her from the burning hotel. Very quickly, both Bryce and Megan realize their feelings for each other never went away. Between eluding a would-be killer, navigating ghosts from the past and all the reasons Megan left Destiny in the first place, and trying to get answers to the mess her father left, this book is fast-paced and kept me captivated. I’m eager to read the next book in the series.
June 30, 2024
The Past hurts but the Future Heals
Megan's past was unbelievably cruel except for her time with Bryce and his family. Her mother just didn't have the guts to walk away even though her husband abused and cheated on her and thier daughter. Once the police, herself, and her mother found out who the man that tried to murder her was and who his mother was, the woman and her sons plans collapsed. With all things settled Megan could now live a real life. This book was as tense as could be with excitement and drama. You had to keep reading just to see what happened next. Excellence to compare with Cluve Cusslers adventures. Five Stars hands down.
Megan's past was unbelievably cruel except for her time with Bryce and his family. Her mother just didn't have the guts to walk away even though her husband abused and cheated on her and thier daughter. Once the police, herself, and her mother found out who the man that tried to murder her was and who his mother was, the woman and her sons plans collapsed. With all things settled Megan could now live a real life. This book was as tense as could be with excitement and drama. You had to keep reading just to see what happened next. Excellence to compare with Cluve Cusslers adventures. Five Stars hands down.
January 12, 2024
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I loved reading it and am looking forward to starting book 2 of the series!
The characters were developed nicely and were woven into an intricate blanket of their respective parts in the book. The history of the first two characters is done very well and the history gets further revealed throughout the book.
The suspense and intrigue felt very real and there were many surprises along the way.
The love and respect shown throughout this book will leave you with a lighter heart and enjoyment of an incredible mystery.
The characters were developed nicely and were woven into an intricate blanket of their respective parts in the book. The history of the first two characters is done very well and the history gets further revealed throughout the book.
The suspense and intrigue felt very real and there were many surprises along the way.
The love and respect shown throughout this book will leave you with a lighter heart and enjoyment of an incredible mystery.
January 19, 2025
Who knew that coming home for your father’s funeral could be so dangerous or bring you back in contact with your former love. As I expect from this author, we get romance, humor, danger, mystery and a few twists. Megan kept her father’s secret too well. When she fled town after high school, she broke not only her own heart, but that of firefighter, Bruce Keyes. Secrets have a way of coming out, and that is true in this book. Actually, they needed to come out so both Megan and Bruce could heal. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us next.
January 30, 2025
This is the first book in the Danger in Destiny (a town in USA) series by Melanie D Snitker. It’s Megan and Bryce’s story; a clean second chance Christian romantic suspense. Interesting and engaging characters. The baddies are ‘disguised’ until the end. Megan’s disturbing history of abuse, secrets, betrayal and deception colours her opinion of Destiny and her relationship with her mother. There’s arson, vandalism, blackmail, fear and danger.
I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written and well-narrated audiobook. Riveting. Highly recommend.
I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written and well-narrated audiobook. Riveting. Highly recommend.
August 15, 2025
A romantic suspense story that kept me listening. I loved listening to the audiobook. It’s just a total different experience when I get an audiobook.
From a burning building to relief. Uh-oh more things start happening and they have no idea who is doing it all. I was totally surprised in this book.
If you enjoy a story with a lot of suspense you will enjoy this one. I highly recommend.
I received this audiobook from the author but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
From a burning building to relief. Uh-oh more things start happening and they have no idea who is doing it all. I was totally surprised in this book.
If you enjoy a story with a lot of suspense you will enjoy this one. I highly recommend.
I received this audiobook from the author but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
August 18, 2025
Second chance romances are one of my all-time favourite tropes, and after enjoying all the stories from this author I've read so far, I'm happy to say this one was no exception. The chemistry between the two leads was very sweet and had emotional weight as they worked their way back to one another, and I loved their friendships with Paige and Gabe (really looking forward to reading their romance next by the way!) I also enjoyed how the suspense thread was written, with the reveal a complete surprise to me. Recommended!
September 24, 2025
A well written inspirational suspense that keeps you guessing til the end (best type), with a second chance romance thrown in.
Although I have no personal experience of the dysfunctional family Megan came from, it is all too common these days. I thought Melanie dealt with these issues with respect. Megan is typical of a lot of people in these situations afraid to tell others incase, they don’t believe her or they think less of her. God overruled and brought believers in who could help her, and in time instigated healing.
Although I have no personal experience of the dysfunctional family Megan came from, it is all too common these days. I thought Melanie dealt with these issues with respect. Megan is typical of a lot of people in these situations afraid to tell others incase, they don’t believe her or they think less of her. God overruled and brought believers in who could help her, and in time instigated healing.
March 28, 2023
This is a great read!
A romance with a little mystery and suspense.
The main character Megan resonates with me. A traumatic, abusive, hypocritical background. Sometimes very difficult choices have to be made in order to survive. Those around you refuse to believe the truth and that further makes you the bad guy.
I look forward to rest of this series.
I received an ARC. My opinions are my own.
A romance with a little mystery and suspense.
The main character Megan resonates with me. A traumatic, abusive, hypocritical background. Sometimes very difficult choices have to be made in order to survive. Those around you refuse to believe the truth and that further makes you the bad guy.
I look forward to rest of this series.
I received an ARC. My opinions are my own.
February 1, 2024
Another great book by Mel
Megan and Bryce were high school sweethearts but Megan suddenly left town without telling Bryce she was escaping an abusive home life. Years later, Megan returns to town for her dad's funeral and plans to leave again quickly when the funeral is over. While she is home, it appears someone wants to take her life. Bryce comes to the rescue several times. Will she leave town again to avoid the mayhem or will she be reunited with Bryce?
Megan and Bryce were high school sweethearts but Megan suddenly left town without telling Bryce she was escaping an abusive home life. Years later, Megan returns to town for her dad's funeral and plans to leave again quickly when the funeral is over. While she is home, it appears someone wants to take her life. Bryce comes to the rescue several times. Will she leave town again to avoid the mayhem or will she be reunited with Bryce?
February 24, 2025
Megan left Bryce behind nine years ago but now has come home for her fathers funeral only to find someone is trying to kill her.
Megan has come home after leaving nine years ago. She wants to see her father is buried and her mother settled. Only someone is trying to kill her and she is thankful Bryce is the fireman that saved her then stayed around while she tried to clean up the mess her father left. While doing all that she is targeted again.
Megan has come home after leaving nine years ago. She wants to see her father is buried and her mother settled. Only someone is trying to kill her and she is thankful Bryce is the fireman that saved her then stayed around while she tried to clean up the mess her father left. While doing all that she is targeted again.
June 1, 2025
Out of the Ashes
Megan returned to her home town for her father's funeral. She hated being there after the life her father had put her through. Within hours of being back home, her hotel was on fire and she couldn't get out. The fireman who rescued her just happened to be her high school boyfriend! Will she be able to make it through the funeral and get out of town or will het luck continue to spiral until she can't leave.
Megan returned to her home town for her father's funeral. She hated being there after the life her father had put her through. Within hours of being back home, her hotel was on fire and she couldn't get out. The fireman who rescued her just happened to be her high school boyfriend! Will she be able to make it through the funeral and get out of town or will het luck continue to spiral until she can't leave.
March 31, 2023
Mystery books are not my favorite type of books. With that being said I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The story flowed very smoothly and the characters were developed wonderfully. Once I picked up this book it just took a day to finish. I look forward to the next book in this series. Well done Melanie! I received an advanced copy. The opinions of this review are my own.
September 4, 2023
This one really hit the spot for me, so well written and such a wonderful Christian story where I could NOT figure out who the culprit was! And there's a sequel I have to check out...my first time reading Snitker's work and loved it.
**truly dislike the cover on this one, to me it doesn't capture the beautiful story within at all**
**truly dislike the cover on this one, to me it doesn't capture the beautiful story within at all**
February 9, 2024
A very enjoyable story. I will definitely read .more of Melanie Smokers books.
I would recommend this book. The story immediately pulls you in and keeps you reading to the end. The characters are well
developed. The story gave me the feeling that it was a real , that the events could really happen. Hmmm
I would recommend this book. The story immediately pulls you in and keeps you reading to the end. The characters are well
developed. The story gave me the feeling that it was a real , that the events could really happen. Hmmm
June 2, 2024
4/5 STARS! This is so good! Action packed, suspenseful, real & relatable characters, & the cutest love story. I absolutely adored this! The story is complex and deals with deep issues & I appreciated that. The faith portions are done so well & fit seamlessly into the story. I highly recommend!
I received a free audiobook in exchange for a honest review.
I received a free audiobook in exchange for a honest review.
August 17, 2024
Out of the Ashes
This is the story of a young woman who left her home to get away from her abusive father. In doing this she left behind her high school sweetheart. Returning for her father’s funeral she learns a lot more than she thought about her dad and what he had done to his wife before he died. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
This is the story of a young woman who left her home to get away from her abusive father. In doing this she left behind her high school sweetheart. Returning for her father’s funeral she learns a lot more than she thought about her dad and what he had done to his wife before he died. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
April 20, 2025
A firefighter hero
A good book to read. A firefighter dedicated to his job has some close calls on fires. The lady in the story has someone trying to kill her and has some close calls. Who would want to kill her? The firefighter saves her several times and helps her to find the answer.
A good book to read. A firefighter dedicated to his job has some close calls on fires. The lady in the story has someone trying to kill her and has some close calls. Who would want to kill her? The firefighter saves her several times and helps her to find the answer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews