Badge of Hope

Coastal Hope

by Jessica Ashley

Her past has come back to haunt her, and this jaded detective is her only hope.

Twelve years ago, Wrenley Bennett witnessed the brutal murder of her best friend. In her grief, she turned to faith to bring her through, and from that tragedy, Hope’s Second Chance was born. Now the women’s and children’s shelter has become a sanctuary for abuse victims all over the country.

Due to the evil he’s seen in the world, Detective Alaric Simmons has never been one for faith. But even he can’t deny the inexplicable pull he feels toward Wrenley Bennett, or the fact that he happens to be in the right place at the exact time someone tries to kidnap her.

As the danger escalates and Wrenley’s life once again hangs in the balance, this cynical cop finds himself grasping at his faith and praying that God will lead him to the answers he needs…before it’s too late.

*Note: This short novel was originally included in the Silent Night anthology. It is now available as a standalone eBook, audiobook, and paperback!

Genres: Christian Fiction

Unknown Binding

First published May 1, 2025

About the author

Jessica is an Army veteran who lives in Texas with the love of her life and their three children.

After spending nearly a decade writing spicy paranormal and fantasy romance as a USA Today bestselling author, she felt the desire to do something completely different.

She will still tell heartbreakingly beautiful stories with strong women and protective men, but this time they will also feature the joy of faith, and the importance of following God in whatever journey He sets you on.

Reviews

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Badge of Hope focuses on Alaric, a detective, protecting Wrenley from danger. This story has twists and turns and unexpected surprises. I enjoyed the characters, Alaric's journey to faith, the engaging storyline, and the faith thread.

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

An amazing Coastal Hope story from Jessica Ashley. Definitely worth a place on your summer/beach TBR List.

I received a reader’s copy from the author. Opinions are my own.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is a Christian romantic suspense book. The main characters are Alaric and Wrenley. Alaric is a dectective and Wrenley runs a woman’s and children’s shelter in honor of her best friend who was killed. Wrenley receives a threatening letter but isn’t worried but her assistant is. Alaric and Wrenley meet because of the letter so he starts investigating. Who is after her? When the answers they get point to something impossible what will they do? Will Alaric be able to keep Wrenley safe? I will say I was shocked by who was behind everything and I didn’t expect it. I loved watching Alaric and Wrenley together. Alaric struggled with his faith in God and doubted it a times. With God, Wrenley, and those close to him his eyes get open to realization that God is real and faith in Him means everything. With God all things are possible. Even when we question why and struggle God is there for us. He has a plan. I truly loved this book but I have loved every book I have read by this author.

[Mary Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in a single day because I found it so captivating. The characters were both believable and relatable, which made the story more engaging. The suspense was well-crafted, the love story was heartwarming, and the unexpected twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end. The narrative flowed smoothly and held my full attention throughout. I particularly appreciated the way faith was portrayed in the book; it was handled with sensitivity and depth. However, be prepared to experience a range of emotions, as the book evokes a wide spectrum of feelings, from tears to laughter and anger, depending on the situation. Definitely a great book when you need a distraction!

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrenley and Alaric are so good together. Jessica brings us a moving, emotional and suspenseful story.

Both seem more than they should and the scars are deep but together they are healing.
Full of suspense, danger and a believable romance that pulls at the heart strings.

Wrenley witnessed her best friend's murder, and Alaric a detective, had been involved in more than he wants to through his work.

Such a heart warming and vulnerable feel in this book that has the suspense and action to keep one involved. Extremely well done!!

[Megan Crofton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Jessica Ashley and it will definitely not be my last. I really enjoyed the fast-paced plot and the mystery and suspense. The faith elements were done so well and I loved her writing style.

Alaric and Wrenley were great. Their characters were well-developed and relatable. There romance was a sweet delight to read and I enjoyed their foundation of faith in their relationship. The back story for Wrenley was so intriguing and I really enjoyed that layer.

Seriously, the suspense during this story got me! It was so good. It was fast-paced and mysterious. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time! And the faith elements were well-done and balanced well in the story. The overall theme of faith in God and faith that He will provide in accordance with his will was well done. I definitely will be back for more and already started the first full-length book in the series!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clean christian romance. but as a law enforcement family, they really got quite a lot wrong on detective work works. so that was very frustrating to read. and then a lot of the times it felt like it was a traditional romance with christianity, smashed into it instead of integrated.
Left me feeling meh.

[Bonny McRoberts]

I have to say, I really hate the covers of Jessica Ashley’s books. The stories are wonderful! A mystery with a little romance and a bit of redemption. The heros and heroines find God in the midst of their struggles. They are so enjoyable and not at all spicy. So why the muscled guy cover? It’s giving the idea of a book that is not at all what these are.

[Tana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this mystery ... although I did figure out "who did it" long before it was revealed in the story. I liked the fact that the damsel in distress was not some ditz, but a real woman with real faith. The whole story was good and kept me reading to see what would happen next.

[Lissa Ruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Alaric & Wrenley's feisty, caring, intense, loving, swoony happily ever after!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Badge of Hope! Great read, good character and story line! Highly recommend reading.
I received an advance ebook and I am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this Romance Suspense with Alaric and Wrenley. Such suspense and danger. I would’ve never guessed who the killer was all that time during the book. Until the end I was on my toes.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.