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The Ones We Trust
According to RT Book Reviews, "an emotionally moving, captivating story that is the perfect book club pick."
When former DC journalist Abigail Wolff attempts to rehabilitate her career, she finds herself at the heart of a US army cover-up involving the death of a soldier in Afghanistan -- with unspeakable emotional consequences for one family. As the story of what happened comes to light, Abigail will do anything to write it.
The more evidence she stumbles upon in the case, the fewer people it seems she can trust, including her own father, a retired army general. And she certainly never expected to fall in love with the slain soldier's brother, Gabe, a bitter man struggling to hold his family together. The investigation eventually leads her to an impossible choice, one of unrelenting sacrifice to protect those she loves.
Beyond the buried truths and betrayals, questions of family loyalty and redemption, Abigail's search is, most of all, a desperate grasp at carrying on and coping -- and seeking hope in the impossible.
When former DC journalist Abigail Wolff attempts to rehabilitate her career, she finds herself at the heart of a US army cover-up involving the death of a soldier in Afghanistan -- with unspeakable emotional consequences for one family. As the story of what happened comes to light, Abigail will do anything to write it.
The more evidence she stumbles upon in the case, the fewer people it seems she can trust, including her own father, a retired army general. And she certainly never expected to fall in love with the slain soldier's brother, Gabe, a bitter man struggling to hold his family together. The investigation eventually leads her to an impossible choice, one of unrelenting sacrifice to protect those she loves.
Beyond the buried truths and betrayals, questions of family loyalty and redemption, Abigail's search is, most of all, a desperate grasp at carrying on and coping -- and seeking hope in the impossible.
304 pages, Paperback
First published July 28, 2015
404 people are currently reading
4986 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Belle
19 books5,198 followersKimberly Belle is the USA Today and internationally bestselling author with over one million copies sold worldwide, with titles including The Paris Widow, The Marriage Lie, a Goodreads Choice Awards semifinalist for Best Mystery & Thriller, and the co-authored #1 Audible Original, Young Rich Widows. Kimberly’s novels have been optioned for film and television and selected by LibraryReads and Amazon & Apple Books Editors as Best Books of the Month, and the International Thriller Writers as nominee for best book of the year. She divides her time between Atlanta and Amsterdam.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
September 16, 2015
★★★½
The Ones We Trust is a contemporary mystery/mild thriller novel written by author Kimberly Belle. This is the first book I have read by this author and I liked it overall. The pacing was slower than I would have liked, which unfortunately did affect how consistently engaged I felt, but the content was good and kept me guessing...I changed my mind several times about who was trustworthy and who wasn't. I felt a connection with the female lead: Abigail, and found myself strongly empathizing with her emotions related to numerous events. Ms. Belle's many nods to the subject of military-related PTSD were admirable. This concern is close to my heart and I always respect an author who spreads realistic awareness.♥
If you follow Kimberly Belle's work, or if you just enjoy a variety of mystery/mild thrillers, then check out The Ones We Trust!
My favorite quote:
"Words are as deadly as warfare.
The Ones We Trust is a contemporary mystery/mild thriller novel written by author Kimberly Belle. This is the first book I have read by this author and I liked it overall. The pacing was slower than I would have liked, which unfortunately did affect how consistently engaged I felt, but the content was good and kept me guessing...I changed my mind several times about who was trustworthy and who wasn't. I felt a connection with the female lead: Abigail, and found myself strongly empathizing with her emotions related to numerous events. Ms. Belle's many nods to the subject of military-related PTSD were admirable. This concern is close to my heart and I always respect an author who spreads realistic awareness.♥
If you follow Kimberly Belle's work, or if you just enjoy a variety of mystery/mild thrillers, then check out The Ones We Trust!
My favorite quote:
"Words are as deadly as warfare.
November 2, 2022
Top 50 Books of 2015. "Best Contemporary Conspiracy Suspense of 2015."
Kimberly Belle returns following her strong debut, The Last Breath, landing on My Top 30 Books of 2014, with a riveting suspense THE ONES WE TRUST, a thought-provoking, and complex portrayal of grief, guilt, fear, tragedy, and trust, while exploring the loyalties of family.
Trust is an ongoing theme, throughout the novel, questioning whether the truth is enough to overcome betrayal, and how deep loyalty and trust run, even in the closest of families. In addition, to figuring out who to trust, the characters will need to trust themselves, to overcome their fears and doubts.
Abigail Wolff, a driven former DC journalist with a firm belief that public enlightenment is the cornerstone of democracy, and that it is not just her job but her duty to see and report the truth. However, presently she is gun shy, second-guessing herself, and lacking self-confidence in her journalistic abilities, after resigning from a successful position three years earlier after she was blindsided when delivering a story to the world — ending with a horrible tragedy.
After breaking a high profile story, two weeks later, her career ended. When the truth is at the expense of others, what then? Devastated, shouldering the blame, and guilt-ridden, she gives up her position, talent, and passion for a regular job. Now she works for a health company as a website content curator—not a lot of risks involved with boring seniors and their issues. She is no longer uncovering misdeeds and corruption, interviewing celebrities, or tracking down terrorists.
Abigail can no longer be the one to write about secrets. "Secrets are a sneaky little seed. You can hide them, you can bury them, and you can disguise them, and cover them up. But then, just when you think your secret has rotted away and decayed into nothing, it stirs back to life. She has learned her lesson. The truth always comes out eventually."
However, two events bring out the journalist instinct once again. A twelve-year-old Ben delivers some information questioning the story, which sent her running for cover three years before. Now she feels obligated to help. While the subplot was not center stage in the novel, it has a strong presence in the background. (Very intriguing; could almost be another book).
Next, while she is remodeling her house, doing most of the work herself, to keep her mind occupied, prompting her to visit the local remodeling home improvement store, Handyman Market. Shocked, she runs into Gabe, working at the store. She had interviewed Gabe’s older brother Zach (People’s Sexiest Man Alive, the Hollywood golden boy), who chucked his big-screen career to die in a war that, on the day he enlisted, fifty-seven percent of Americans considered a mistake.
Gabe, not so famous, the one who had a meltdown the day of his brother’s funeral. Just as good-looking, with a rough and tough exterior, a Harvard graduate, with a successful financial career, now working in a home improvement store, while he deals with the aftermath of his brother’s death. Needless to say, his personality- as far as the media was concerned is hostile at best. He is the gatekeeper for the family as the media scrambles for interviews with his mother or his brother, Nick, who was only a few feet away when the three bullets tore through Zach’s skull. Nick is also left unstable with PTSD, living in a remote cabin in the woods. His family blames the US Army for the death of his brother, and they want answers. Gabe feels if he can determine who is to blame, he can deal with it and move on.
After purchasing half the store, she begins thinking about Gabe and his family. Soon thereafter, an envelope appears on her doorstep. It holds evidence of a US army cover-up involving a soldier in Afghanistan—Zach! She is shocked and realizes this is not the transcript the media received. This one contains evidence, implicating wrongdoing. She now has to decide if she wants to get involved after she had resigned herself never to become personally involved in a high-profile case, which may cause harm to the future of others when the truth comes to light. Now, Gabe’s mom, Jean, requests Abigail to write their story, but fear holds her back. She is afraid of making the same mistakes.
Abigail is intrigued and soon finds herself wearing her investigative hat. Gabe and his mother have a pending lawsuit against the US army, and here she is with possible evidence. She is torn between not getting involved and doing the right thing in turning it over to them.
After meeting the mother, Jean , which she loved, she and Gabe become engrossed in finding the killer. To further complicate matters, her father is a retired army general. Gabe is bitter, trying to defend his family, and mistrusts Abigail’s motives, as well as her father and godfather, Chris, also with the army.
When her father warns her to leave it alone, she wonders what he is hiding. Someone starts following her, and the more evidence she stumbles upon, the fewer people it seems she can trust, especially her father.
The deeper they become involved in the mystery, she finds herself falling in love with Gabe and wants to protect him and his fragile family. Will she have to turn her back on her own family to protect her new love? Will she have to choose? Who is behind the killing of Gabe’s brother? Who is trying to reopen the case? How is her dad connected?
Wow, a lot of depth here! Master storyteller, Kimberly Belle grabs you from the first page to the last with an intense page-turner. A suspenseful, and emotional saga of two (really three) families, with twists and turns at every corner. In addition to the riveting and complex main plot with solider, Gabe, his family, Abigail, and her father, there is also the mysterious sub-plot ongoing in the background connecting with the present-day main plot in ways you do not see coming—scandalous surprises, keeping you guessing until the end, mixed with humor.
With excellent character and crafty plot development, and superb writing, Belle creates highly emotional tensions between Abigail and Gabe.
Both have been burned and afraid to trust. Likable characters with some heavy burdens to shoulder, guilt, and betrayal, as well as feeling responsible. At the beginning of the book, Gabe is defensive and slowly, as the book moves on, he becomes accepting and able to open his heart. Gabe is a complex character; having been betrayed, and traumatized, harder for him to trust.
There is a strong sense of words, as relates to war. How they are crafted and can harm, as related to a bullet and the havoc it caused these families. Some intense dynamics between a strong father and driven daughter, when nothing is as it appears, causing misjudgments, and ongoing doubts. Sacrifices are made to protect others with good intentions.
As Belle expressed, sometimes, to receive trust, we must be willing to take our leap of faith and give it in return. Each character has to take a leap of faith, reacting differently. One is restricted by loyalty and the secrets they are protecting. Tom, the father demands something he was not willing to give. Gabe invites Abigail into his intimate family circle.
In addition to Kimberly’s smooth writing style, I also appreciated her well-written Reader’s Guide. (Wish more authors would take the time to do so.) After an author spends so much time, talent, passion, and effort into the writing of a novel-- as a reader, I enjoy lingering, and reflecting; on the meaning, message, and inspiration behind the novel. In addition to enhancing the reader’s overall experience, it also helps with the writing of reviews, while providing a wonderful guide for book clubs and further discussions.
What can I say, two winners in a row! THE ONE WE TRUST not only tackles highly charged topics, with strong, driven characters; also serves as a life lesson for us all—we all tiptoe around the word TRUST in our daily lives (involving hope, faith, or confidence, and belief in the integrity, ability or character of a person or thing). Sometimes a scary thing to rely on something we cannot see. Highly Recommend!
The Marriage Lie , coming Dec 27, 2016! A deliciously twisty domestic mystery suspense.
JDCMustReadBooks
A special thank you to Harlequin MIRA and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly Belle returns following her strong debut, The Last Breath, landing on My Top 30 Books of 2014, with a riveting suspense THE ONES WE TRUST, a thought-provoking, and complex portrayal of grief, guilt, fear, tragedy, and trust, while exploring the loyalties of family.
Trust is an ongoing theme, throughout the novel, questioning whether the truth is enough to overcome betrayal, and how deep loyalty and trust run, even in the closest of families. In addition, to figuring out who to trust, the characters will need to trust themselves, to overcome their fears and doubts.
Abigail Wolff, a driven former DC journalist with a firm belief that public enlightenment is the cornerstone of democracy, and that it is not just her job but her duty to see and report the truth. However, presently she is gun shy, second-guessing herself, and lacking self-confidence in her journalistic abilities, after resigning from a successful position three years earlier after she was blindsided when delivering a story to the world — ending with a horrible tragedy.
After breaking a high profile story, two weeks later, her career ended. When the truth is at the expense of others, what then? Devastated, shouldering the blame, and guilt-ridden, she gives up her position, talent, and passion for a regular job. Now she works for a health company as a website content curator—not a lot of risks involved with boring seniors and their issues. She is no longer uncovering misdeeds and corruption, interviewing celebrities, or tracking down terrorists.
Abigail can no longer be the one to write about secrets. "Secrets are a sneaky little seed. You can hide them, you can bury them, and you can disguise them, and cover them up. But then, just when you think your secret has rotted away and decayed into nothing, it stirs back to life. She has learned her lesson. The truth always comes out eventually."
However, two events bring out the journalist instinct once again. A twelve-year-old Ben delivers some information questioning the story, which sent her running for cover three years before. Now she feels obligated to help. While the subplot was not center stage in the novel, it has a strong presence in the background. (Very intriguing; could almost be another book).
Next, while she is remodeling her house, doing most of the work herself, to keep her mind occupied, prompting her to visit the local remodeling home improvement store, Handyman Market. Shocked, she runs into Gabe, working at the store. She had interviewed Gabe’s older brother Zach (People’s Sexiest Man Alive, the Hollywood golden boy), who chucked his big-screen career to die in a war that, on the day he enlisted, fifty-seven percent of Americans considered a mistake.
Gabe, not so famous, the one who had a meltdown the day of his brother’s funeral. Just as good-looking, with a rough and tough exterior, a Harvard graduate, with a successful financial career, now working in a home improvement store, while he deals with the aftermath of his brother’s death. Needless to say, his personality- as far as the media was concerned is hostile at best. He is the gatekeeper for the family as the media scrambles for interviews with his mother or his brother, Nick, who was only a few feet away when the three bullets tore through Zach’s skull. Nick is also left unstable with PTSD, living in a remote cabin in the woods. His family blames the US Army for the death of his brother, and they want answers. Gabe feels if he can determine who is to blame, he can deal with it and move on.
After purchasing half the store, she begins thinking about Gabe and his family. Soon thereafter, an envelope appears on her doorstep. It holds evidence of a US army cover-up involving a soldier in Afghanistan—Zach! She is shocked and realizes this is not the transcript the media received. This one contains evidence, implicating wrongdoing. She now has to decide if she wants to get involved after she had resigned herself never to become personally involved in a high-profile case, which may cause harm to the future of others when the truth comes to light. Now, Gabe’s mom, Jean, requests Abigail to write their story, but fear holds her back. She is afraid of making the same mistakes.
Abigail is intrigued and soon finds herself wearing her investigative hat. Gabe and his mother have a pending lawsuit against the US army, and here she is with possible evidence. She is torn between not getting involved and doing the right thing in turning it over to them.
After meeting the mother, Jean , which she loved, she and Gabe become engrossed in finding the killer. To further complicate matters, her father is a retired army general. Gabe is bitter, trying to defend his family, and mistrusts Abigail’s motives, as well as her father and godfather, Chris, also with the army.
When her father warns her to leave it alone, she wonders what he is hiding. Someone starts following her, and the more evidence she stumbles upon, the fewer people it seems she can trust, especially her father.
The deeper they become involved in the mystery, she finds herself falling in love with Gabe and wants to protect him and his fragile family. Will she have to turn her back on her own family to protect her new love? Will she have to choose? Who is behind the killing of Gabe’s brother? Who is trying to reopen the case? How is her dad connected?
Wow, a lot of depth here! Master storyteller, Kimberly Belle grabs you from the first page to the last with an intense page-turner. A suspenseful, and emotional saga of two (really three) families, with twists and turns at every corner. In addition to the riveting and complex main plot with solider, Gabe, his family, Abigail, and her father, there is also the mysterious sub-plot ongoing in the background connecting with the present-day main plot in ways you do not see coming—scandalous surprises, keeping you guessing until the end, mixed with humor.
With excellent character and crafty plot development, and superb writing, Belle creates highly emotional tensions between Abigail and Gabe.
Both have been burned and afraid to trust. Likable characters with some heavy burdens to shoulder, guilt, and betrayal, as well as feeling responsible. At the beginning of the book, Gabe is defensive and slowly, as the book moves on, he becomes accepting and able to open his heart. Gabe is a complex character; having been betrayed, and traumatized, harder for him to trust.
There is a strong sense of words, as relates to war. How they are crafted and can harm, as related to a bullet and the havoc it caused these families. Some intense dynamics between a strong father and driven daughter, when nothing is as it appears, causing misjudgments, and ongoing doubts. Sacrifices are made to protect others with good intentions.
As Belle expressed, sometimes, to receive trust, we must be willing to take our leap of faith and give it in return. Each character has to take a leap of faith, reacting differently. One is restricted by loyalty and the secrets they are protecting. Tom, the father demands something he was not willing to give. Gabe invites Abigail into his intimate family circle.
In addition to Kimberly’s smooth writing style, I also appreciated her well-written Reader’s Guide. (Wish more authors would take the time to do so.) After an author spends so much time, talent, passion, and effort into the writing of a novel-- as a reader, I enjoy lingering, and reflecting; on the meaning, message, and inspiration behind the novel. In addition to enhancing the reader’s overall experience, it also helps with the writing of reviews, while providing a wonderful guide for book clubs and further discussions.
What can I say, two winners in a row! THE ONE WE TRUST not only tackles highly charged topics, with strong, driven characters; also serves as a life lesson for us all—we all tiptoe around the word TRUST in our daily lives (involving hope, faith, or confidence, and belief in the integrity, ability or character of a person or thing). Sometimes a scary thing to rely on something we cannot see. Highly Recommend!
The Marriage Lie , coming Dec 27, 2016! A deliciously twisty domestic mystery suspense.
JDCMustReadBooks
A special thank you to Harlequin MIRA and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2015
Wow, I read this book in less than 24 hours! I am fully prepared for a book hangover after this treat. This was the first book I have read by Kimberly Belle, but now I have to read her other novel, The Last Breath, asap. I have read other reviewers saying this book is A Few Good Men meets Scandal, and I have to agree. Belle writes in an easy-to-read style, and her character development full of depth led me to fall for Abigail and Gabe. I would love to see a sequel with these two! ;) I also adored the themes of this book, trust and honor. I was left guessing and intrigued the whole ride getting to the end. Beautifully written! Fantastic military mystery! I wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone who loves women's fiction with a great mystery built in.
*I won a copy of this book in a giveaway sponsored by the author. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
*I won a copy of this book in a giveaway sponsored by the author. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 6, 2019
A good story, not many twists or any heart stopping moments. There were two story lines going simultaneously and I was trying to figure out the reason for that. Loyalty, trust, and honor were being tested in this book. It was a quick, pretty even-keeled read. I liked the mystery unfolded and my attention was captured the whole time.
February 24, 2018
Not much on thrillers and mysteries but found this a good read. Perhaps, you will too . . . thanks to the author for her writing techniques.
March 28, 2019
This was ok. Idk. Got some reason I just didt connect with the storyline.
June 2, 2016
The Ones We Trust is the second novel by Kimberly Belle. Having read her first novel, The Last Breath. and enjoying it so much, I couldn't wait to read her latest novel which did not disappoint. Talk about a well-written story with in-depth characters that are strong, intelligent, and very likeable. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged, wanting to know more of who, what and why. It was pretty easy for me to figure out who the culprit was but that didn't stop me from continuing to read as Belle weaves a terrific story that's full of suspense and romance. I love when authors weave two different storylines, both well-written, easy to follow, and totally engaging without taking or overpowering one another, as Belle has done here. The Ones We Trust is another novel of Belle's that I highly recommend as it's worth taking the time to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2016
This is my honest and unsolicited review:
Kimberly Belle has a real talent for drawing you into her stories quickly and deftly. As a journalist, Abigail Wolff found out the hard way that sometimes telling a story can have unexpected and tragic consequences. She is determined to make things right. Her latest endeavor is to right a wrong involving a soldier and uncover the truth about how he died in Afghanistan. In her search for answers she uncovers clues that there may have been a cover up. What follows is a real test of truth and trust that will even involve her family. Who can she trust?
This was a very enjoyable book. I like Kimberly's style of writing stories about love, forgiveness and redemption.
Kimberly Belle has a real talent for drawing you into her stories quickly and deftly. As a journalist, Abigail Wolff found out the hard way that sometimes telling a story can have unexpected and tragic consequences. She is determined to make things right. Her latest endeavor is to right a wrong involving a soldier and uncover the truth about how he died in Afghanistan. In her search for answers she uncovers clues that there may have been a cover up. What follows is a real test of truth and trust that will even involve her family. Who can she trust?
This was a very enjoyable book. I like Kimberly's style of writing stories about love, forgiveness and redemption.
May 21, 2020
Maybe I’ve just read some really great books lately that made The Ones We Trust seem disjointed and boring, but I could not finish it. I didn’t care about the characters or even how the multiple mysteries would turn out, despite their high stakes. This was particularly disappointing, since I very much enjoyed Belle’s latest novel, Dear Wife.
May 5, 2021
1.5 stars
eh..i just couldn't get into this one. I basically skim read it.
I felt lukewarm about the protagonist Abigail.
One of the reasons I've previously liked this writers books is the twists/surprises. But for me, the ones in this book were obvious & I easily guessed them early on.
eh..i just couldn't get into this one. I basically skim read it.
I felt lukewarm about the protagonist Abigail.
One of the reasons I've previously liked this writers books is the twists/surprises. But for me, the ones in this book were obvious & I easily guessed them early on.
July 31, 2015
A little mystery, heartbreak, family drama & love all rolled up into one. Very good read!
April 18, 2022
Abigail Wolff wants to revive her career. She is a former DC journalist and stumbles upon an US army cover-up involving the death of a soldier in Afghanistan. As she starts gathering evidence, she realizes her own father, a retired general might know more than he is willing or can share.
She meets the soldier’s brother Gabe, who is battling his own demons. He is hesitant for his mother wanting Abigail to find out more and write “his story”.
This novel kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what “evidence” would come out and who was really involved in the death. I was an army brat and wife and know that the military cannot disclose everything. Was it possible he was hit by friendly fire? Did he take his own life? Do we find out if the death was a cover up? Sometimes not knowing the truth is better than knowing the truth or vice versa depending on the outcome. This novel manages every emotion.
She meets the soldier’s brother Gabe, who is battling his own demons. He is hesitant for his mother wanting Abigail to find out more and write “his story”.
This novel kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what “evidence” would come out and who was really involved in the death. I was an army brat and wife and know that the military cannot disclose everything. Was it possible he was hit by friendly fire? Did he take his own life? Do we find out if the death was a cover up? Sometimes not knowing the truth is better than knowing the truth or vice versa depending on the outcome. This novel manages every emotion.
February 19, 2023
I wanted to like this book more than I did. There were obviously emotions I didn’t quite catch because I was confused about a major plot point. I finally understood that it was as I thought it was, but having to reread it and consider it interfered with the flow of the story and threw me off. I don’t know if it is my inability to comprehend or if the writing was as obscure on this one aspect as it appeared to be to me. I’ve not had this happen often, and never with this author.
April 3, 2020
Great story of a reporter looking for redemption. A family asking her to check into a military cover up a story that even she didn’t know where it was going. Sometimes digging deeper takes you in a direction you don’t want to go
March 7, 2022
I was a little disappointed in this one. I've loved every other Kimberly Belle book that I've read, but this one just wasn't the best. The chapters all just kind of flowed together and never really left me guessing or wanting more. I felt like towards the end the story just kept jumping around because a few times I was confused on what was going on. Haha. It was an easy read though, but definitely not one of my favorites by her.
October 10, 2022
even though i knew the ending, i figured it out early, it was still good
August 6, 2015
Originally posted at The Bookaholic Cat
Three years ago, journalist Abigail Wolf wrote a story uncovering a deep secret; unfortunately her story had dire repercussions for one of the persons involved. Those repercussions marked Abigail’s life with guilt and led her to abandon her career. Now she works as a website content curator for a health company, writing about interesting things for seniors, a safe work that wouldn’t hurt anyone.
Abigail misses her old days of investigating leads and uncovering secrets, but after what happened with her last story she can stomach making the same mistake twice, because she knows words can be deadly; but when a confidential military report is left at her doorstep Abigail knows she needs to do something. The report clearly shows a military cover-up involving the death of a soldier in Afghanistan. Abigail knew the soldier; she interviewed him before his deployment. Zack Armstrong was a famous actor who decided to join the military, months later after his deployment he died in crossfire in Afghanistan. She knows his family are suing the military and accusing them of a cover-up and now she has the documents that proved them right. Although she doesn’t write or report anymore, Abigail is a fervent believer in the truth and she knows Zach’s family deserve to know the truth.
Abigail also receives an unexpected visit; somebody that has information about the story that ended her career, something that she overlooked and now feel responsible to investigate.
The meeting with Zach’s family doesn’t go too well. Zach’s brother, Gabe doesn’t want to know anything about her and doesn’t trust her. His mom, Jean, is an extraordinary woman, but asks of Abigail something she doesn’t know she can do, write Zach’s story. It’s not only that she quit her job three years ago; it’s also that somehow, her father, a decorated retired army general is also involved in the cover-up.
Even though Gabe doesn’t want to know anything about reporters, he knows he needs Abigail to uncover the truth. But not always the truth is what you expected it to be and some secrets are better left buried.
Abigail is a character that is easy to like and to connect with. I really admired her strength and her idealism. She believes people need to know the truth, but she also knows the power words have. I understood why she felt responsible for what happened due to her last story and why she was afraid of writing again. I really liked that despite her misgivings she knew what she had to do and did it.
To like Gabe you have to understand him. He is full of anger for what happened to Zach and for the cover-up. Despite this, he is a good person that always put family first. One thing I really liked about him was that he was honest and asked for forgiveness when he was in the wrong. I also liked that everything he did he did it to protect his family.
Since their first encounter there is a clear chemistry between Gabe and Abigail, but because of trust issues it takes a while for them to be together. I really liked that they become friends before anything else happened between them.
The secondary characters add complexity to the story. I really liked Gabe’s mom, Jane and Abigail’s father. They both did their best to protect their kids, even if they have to hurt themselves in the process.
The story has many twists and turns that will keep you reading wanting to know what is coming next and even though I guessed what they were going to discover pretty early on, I just couldn’t put the book down. Belle also throws some curveballs that surprised me and if there is something I like is when an author surprises me.
Kimberly Belle knows how to tell a highly charged emotional story and how to keep her readers glued to the pages. The Ones We Trust was my first book written by her, but I’m sure it won’t be my last.
I recommend The Ones We Trust to fiction fans or to anyone who want to read an engaging story about redemption, forgiveness and healing.
Three years ago, journalist Abigail Wolf wrote a story uncovering a deep secret; unfortunately her story had dire repercussions for one of the persons involved. Those repercussions marked Abigail’s life with guilt and led her to abandon her career. Now she works as a website content curator for a health company, writing about interesting things for seniors, a safe work that wouldn’t hurt anyone.
Abigail misses her old days of investigating leads and uncovering secrets, but after what happened with her last story she can stomach making the same mistake twice, because she knows words can be deadly; but when a confidential military report is left at her doorstep Abigail knows she needs to do something. The report clearly shows a military cover-up involving the death of a soldier in Afghanistan. Abigail knew the soldier; she interviewed him before his deployment. Zack Armstrong was a famous actor who decided to join the military, months later after his deployment he died in crossfire in Afghanistan. She knows his family are suing the military and accusing them of a cover-up and now she has the documents that proved them right. Although she doesn’t write or report anymore, Abigail is a fervent believer in the truth and she knows Zach’s family deserve to know the truth.
Abigail also receives an unexpected visit; somebody that has information about the story that ended her career, something that she overlooked and now feel responsible to investigate.
The meeting with Zach’s family doesn’t go too well. Zach’s brother, Gabe doesn’t want to know anything about her and doesn’t trust her. His mom, Jean, is an extraordinary woman, but asks of Abigail something she doesn’t know she can do, write Zach’s story. It’s not only that she quit her job three years ago; it’s also that somehow, her father, a decorated retired army general is also involved in the cover-up.
Even though Gabe doesn’t want to know anything about reporters, he knows he needs Abigail to uncover the truth. But not always the truth is what you expected it to be and some secrets are better left buried.
Abigail is a character that is easy to like and to connect with. I really admired her strength and her idealism. She believes people need to know the truth, but she also knows the power words have. I understood why she felt responsible for what happened due to her last story and why she was afraid of writing again. I really liked that despite her misgivings she knew what she had to do and did it.
To like Gabe you have to understand him. He is full of anger for what happened to Zach and for the cover-up. Despite this, he is a good person that always put family first. One thing I really liked about him was that he was honest and asked for forgiveness when he was in the wrong. I also liked that everything he did he did it to protect his family.
Since their first encounter there is a clear chemistry between Gabe and Abigail, but because of trust issues it takes a while for them to be together. I really liked that they become friends before anything else happened between them.
The secondary characters add complexity to the story. I really liked Gabe’s mom, Jane and Abigail’s father. They both did their best to protect their kids, even if they have to hurt themselves in the process.
The story has many twists and turns that will keep you reading wanting to know what is coming next and even though I guessed what they were going to discover pretty early on, I just couldn’t put the book down. Belle also throws some curveballs that surprised me and if there is something I like is when an author surprises me.
Kimberly Belle knows how to tell a highly charged emotional story and how to keep her readers glued to the pages. The Ones We Trust was my first book written by her, but I’m sure it won’t be my last.
I recommend The Ones We Trust to fiction fans or to anyone who want to read an engaging story about redemption, forgiveness and healing.
August 11, 2015
Review Originally Posted: Traveling With T
*Less suspense, more focus on the family relationships in Belle's sophomore book*
This book was sent to Traveling With T for review consideration.
The Ones We Trust
Summary from Goodreads:
When former DC journalist Abigail Wolff attempts to rehabilitate her career, she finds herself at the heart of a US army cover-up involving the death of a soldier in Afghanistan — with unspeakable emotional consequences for one family. As the story of what happened comes to light, Abigail will do anything to write it.
The more evidence she stumbles upon in the case, the fewer people it seems she can trust, including her own father, a retired army general. And she certainly never expected to fall in love with the slain soldier’s brother, Gabe, a bitter man struggling to hold his family together. The investigation eventually leads her to an impossible choice, one of unrelenting sacrifice to protect those she loves.
Beyond the buried truths and betrayals, questions of family loyalty and redemption, Abigail’s search is, most of all, a desperate grasp at carrying on and coping — and seeking hope in the impossible.
Traveling With T’s Thoughts:
I read Kimberly’s debut, THE LAST BREATH, last year and enjoyed it very much! So, I was excited to read THE ONES WE TRUST.
When I first started THE ONES WE TRUST, it was different than what I thought it would be. It was showing the reader why Abigail is not a reporter anymore and took a sideline story (one that I was unsure how was going to loop back to the main story) and just kind of started talking.
So, ok. Kimberly is setting the scene. I get it. I get it. Keep on reading. And then boom- all of a sudden I know exactly how she is going to loop her side story to her main story. Got it. Have hope the linking will be a good thing.
And… it is and it isn’t. If you LOVED The Last Breath- dug the whole suspense vibe and think you are totally going to get that in The Ones We Trust- you’re not. There are suspenseful moments, there are secrets- but mainly this story is about trust. And finding out what happens you can’t trust the ones that you thought you could. It’s a bit heavier at times than her previous book, more thoughtful-perhaps.
This book is enjoyable. There are many great moments. It even has the potential to make you feel as if you are riding a roller-coaster of emotions. However, and this may just be me, I prefer THE LAST BREATH. I dug that suspense-y vibe that Kimberly did so great in her previous book.
Bottom line: It’s a “like” not “LOVE” book for me.
*This book was sent to Traveling With T for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.
Happy Reading and Bookishly Yours,
T @ Traveling With T
*Less suspense, more focus on the family relationships in Belle's sophomore book*
This book was sent to Traveling With T for review consideration.
The Ones We Trust
Summary from Goodreads:
When former DC journalist Abigail Wolff attempts to rehabilitate her career, she finds herself at the heart of a US army cover-up involving the death of a soldier in Afghanistan — with unspeakable emotional consequences for one family. As the story of what happened comes to light, Abigail will do anything to write it.
The more evidence she stumbles upon in the case, the fewer people it seems she can trust, including her own father, a retired army general. And she certainly never expected to fall in love with the slain soldier’s brother, Gabe, a bitter man struggling to hold his family together. The investigation eventually leads her to an impossible choice, one of unrelenting sacrifice to protect those she loves.
Beyond the buried truths and betrayals, questions of family loyalty and redemption, Abigail’s search is, most of all, a desperate grasp at carrying on and coping — and seeking hope in the impossible.
Traveling With T’s Thoughts:
I read Kimberly’s debut, THE LAST BREATH, last year and enjoyed it very much! So, I was excited to read THE ONES WE TRUST.
When I first started THE ONES WE TRUST, it was different than what I thought it would be. It was showing the reader why Abigail is not a reporter anymore and took a sideline story (one that I was unsure how was going to loop back to the main story) and just kind of started talking.
So, ok. Kimberly is setting the scene. I get it. I get it. Keep on reading. And then boom- all of a sudden I know exactly how she is going to loop her side story to her main story. Got it. Have hope the linking will be a good thing.
And… it is and it isn’t. If you LOVED The Last Breath- dug the whole suspense vibe and think you are totally going to get that in The Ones We Trust- you’re not. There are suspenseful moments, there are secrets- but mainly this story is about trust. And finding out what happens you can’t trust the ones that you thought you could. It’s a bit heavier at times than her previous book, more thoughtful-perhaps.
This book is enjoyable. There are many great moments. It even has the potential to make you feel as if you are riding a roller-coaster of emotions. However, and this may just be me, I prefer THE LAST BREATH. I dug that suspense-y vibe that Kimberly did so great in her previous book.
Bottom line: It’s a “like” not “LOVE” book for me.
*This book was sent to Traveling With T for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.
Happy Reading and Bookishly Yours,
T @ Traveling With T
October 25, 2019
Now I’ve read all of Kimberly Belle��s books and have enjoyed them immensely. This one did not disappoint. It was her second one and I think she grows as a writer with each book she writes, but it was still very good. Now I have to wait for her to write another one!
July 29, 2015
You know what this book feels like? An episode of Scandal!! The great thing about this book is that at 288 pages, it's the perfect length to cover so much material. My copy also came with a Reader's Guide at the end, which I always appreciate because sometimes I think about parts of the book a little differently once I go through that. It's always a nice added bonus.
The story centers around Abigail, who was a fantastic journalist who ended up giving the excitement up after a pretty great story led to tragic consequences. She questions her judgement, and in fear, retreats to a boring world of content curator for a website designed around senior citizens. Though she has retreated, there are people who try to lure her back. One being the son of someone involved in the story that stunted her exciting career- he wants to know what really happened to his mother and provides Abigail with interesting information. More pressing is Gabe. Gabe lost his famous brother in Afghanistan and he believes there is something far more sinister at play with his brother's death than what the Army reported to them. With Abigail's ties to the Army, specifically the unit Gabe's brother was in, Gabe (who hates journalists and was none too pleased to find out Abigail was one) decides Abigail is going to get the answers him and his family need.
Unfortunately, when the mystery is uncovered, it's not at all what they wanted. Though it can be argued if any outcome would have been sufficient for them, but the outcome here is far more tragic than they could have imagined. It also answers so many questions at the same time.
The characters are so great, the relationships are true and realistic, and I really loved watching it all grow together. Because while we have Abigail trying to figure it all out, we also see the beginning of a relationship between Abigail and Gabe and it's so great. I so highly recommend this one. It's not too much thriller, it's not too much romance, it's the perfect blend of it all and I thoroughly enjoyed this!
The story centers around Abigail, who was a fantastic journalist who ended up giving the excitement up after a pretty great story led to tragic consequences. She questions her judgement, and in fear, retreats to a boring world of content curator for a website designed around senior citizens. Though she has retreated, there are people who try to lure her back. One being the son of someone involved in the story that stunted her exciting career- he wants to know what really happened to his mother and provides Abigail with interesting information. More pressing is Gabe. Gabe lost his famous brother in Afghanistan and he believes there is something far more sinister at play with his brother's death than what the Army reported to them. With Abigail's ties to the Army, specifically the unit Gabe's brother was in, Gabe (who hates journalists and was none too pleased to find out Abigail was one) decides Abigail is going to get the answers him and his family need.
Unfortunately, when the mystery is uncovered, it's not at all what they wanted. Though it can be argued if any outcome would have been sufficient for them, but the outcome here is far more tragic than they could have imagined. It also answers so many questions at the same time.
The characters are so great, the relationships are true and realistic, and I really loved watching it all grow together. Because while we have Abigail trying to figure it all out, we also see the beginning of a relationship between Abigail and Gabe and it's so great. I so highly recommend this one. It's not too much thriller, it's not too much romance, it's the perfect blend of it all and I thoroughly enjoyed this!
June 7, 2015
The Ones We Trust by author Kimberly Belle is the first book that I have read by her. I love this genre and could not pass up this book. I was pulled in from the very beginning and and I simply could not put it down. The Ones We Trust was full of mystery, action and suspense.
Former DC journalist Abigail Wolff delves into an investigation of US army cover-up involving the death of a soldier in Afghanistan. There are many twits, turns and lies that she will uncover. But who can she trust? Will she uncover the truth?
Abigail starts to fall in love with the slain soldiers bother of all people. But I found them to be a wonderful match. I loved how Abigail refused to give up until the truth is uncovered.
This was an very enjoyable story that kept my attention and was plotted very well. I highly recommend this wonderful book!
ARC given via NetGalley
Former DC journalist Abigail Wolff delves into an investigation of US army cover-up involving the death of a soldier in Afghanistan. There are many twits, turns and lies that she will uncover. But who can she trust? Will she uncover the truth?
Abigail starts to fall in love with the slain soldiers bother of all people. But I found them to be a wonderful match. I loved how Abigail refused to give up until the truth is uncovered.
This was an very enjoyable story that kept my attention and was plotted very well. I highly recommend this wonderful book!
ARC given via NetGalley
August 20, 2015
A Few Good Men meets Scandal in this intense drama about a military family who is seeking the truth about the death of their beloved son and brother, killed during war. Moving, poignant and intense, The Ones We Trust gave me a book hangover.
Read more and enter to win a copy of this book (ends 8/31/15) at my blog, Mom's Small Victories.
Read more and enter to win a copy of this book (ends 8/31/15) at my blog, Mom's Small Victories.
August 21, 2015
4.5 stars
I love when thrillers are actually thrillers...when they leave you almost stunned and thinking about them after you turned the last page! The Ones We Trust is one of those reads...not predictable, full of emotion and characters that are so engaging. I cannot wait to read more by Belle!!! 4.5 stars
I love when thrillers are actually thrillers...when they leave you almost stunned and thinking about them after you turned the last page! The Ones We Trust is one of those reads...not predictable, full of emotion and characters that are so engaging. I cannot wait to read more by Belle!!! 4.5 stars
August 21, 2025
Another book that grabbed a hold of me and wouldn't let go. Abigail has some THINGS going on in her life. Gabe is a bit of a mess, too. If you like deeply emotional reads with a mystery, this is the book for you.
April 3, 2017
This is a powerful story. It takes my breath away even now as I write this review. How does a mother recover from the loss of one of her three sons when the death may have involved his brother? How do you recover and revive a relationship when trust has been questioned? This is an emotional, heart rending story. It is definitely worth reading.
August 2, 2019
Abigail Wolf is the daughter and niece of army colonels, retired investigator and single woman. When she’s suspicious of a cover up she decides this could be her come back story! Two brothers are deployed and one died in the line of fire, heroism or a cover up? What I enjoyed most about the story is how the relationship between Abigail and Gabe develops, it’s a thriller with a bit of romance.
Read
August 26, 2017Just finished this book. Held me in suspense so much that I had to finish it in one day. Normally I can put a book down and pick it up the next day. Not this one only breaks were for coffee and bathroom.
December 25, 2020
Enjoyed this book more than I thought I would, even though it’s taken forever to finish.
September 18, 2025
Another good Belle
November 10, 2025
A simply written mystery. Nothing that gives it that wow factor. There were two story lines in this story, to which I still don’t understand why there was two. Not my favorite of Belle’s, but it kept me entertained.
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