Investigative journalist, Trina Vaughn, wakes in a hospital with a bullet wound and no memory of the attack—or why her partner has vanished without a trace. When her home is broken into and a second attempt is made on her life, she’s forced to rely on the last man she ever expected to trust.
Martin “Kage” Kincade, an ex-con turned pastor, knows about violence. He also knows redemption is hard-won and easily questioned. Especially when the woman he’s protecting doesn’t know whether to fear him—or believe in him.
As danger closes in, Trina and Kage must unravel a deadly conspiracy that stretches from a shattered memory to a small-town garden center hiding more than flowers. With a suspicious detective watching their every move, and a killer growing bolder by the day, trust becomes a lifeline neither of them can afford to cut.
In a town built on secrets, surviving means breaking silence—and confronting the truth behind The Sixth Commandment.
Perfect for fans of romantic suspense, found family, and heroes with battle scars and open Bibles.
Charlene Amsden grew up among the logging camps and mining towns of Northern Idaho. She's been in bar fights, traveled back and forth across the United States in an 18-wheeler, and taught school in a paved desert and on a beach where the teachers proclaimed 'shoes optional'.
Thanks to a misguided prayer while sitting at the feet of a gifted storyteller when she was just six years old, Charlene has enjoyed an interesting life. She asked that she too would have interesting stories to tell.
Like the time that she climbed a tree with five of her friends and the tree bent double. Her friends jumped. Charlene ... didn't. The tree catapulted her within chain-length of the neighborhood attack dog - Thor, the Dog of Thunder. Later, Charlene's grandmother was heard to say, "I swear, I ought to just kill her myself and get it over with." Because, even then, this wasn't the first story.
Blessed with her very own, "You've Got Mail" romance, Charlene currently lives in the Pacific Northwest with the love of her life. When not writing, she is likely, reading, sewing, taking photographs, and/or drinking coffee with friends.
💗📓Kage: The 6th Commandment - four and a half stars📓💗
”She was his. He was hers.”
This book has everything good. Strong faith, found family, and an actual smart female protagonist, (and ofc romance). I was absolutely all over this book. These characters are brought to life and are really portrayed as real people. They learn through mistakes, communication well, and never let the other feel down for too long. Genuinely people you would love to meet. It’s written with heart.
”I never said I didn't believe in God." Her voice grew quieter. "I said it didn't feel like God believed in me."
Tropes 📓ex con turned pastor x journalist 💕he falls first 📓clean 💕found family
”Above them, the stars blinked gently in the dark like they knew something she didn't. Maybe they did.”
Trina can’t remember anything about the day she was shot. She was there shooting media footage for a banquet but her investigation journalist side aches and she follows an alarmed looking waiter to a room screaming “employees only”. Kage, an ex-con turned pastor, is cleaning up one of his favorite childhood parks with his brothers from another mother, Striker and Gideon. Kage spots something worth handing over the police even through the town’s detective is too eager to throw him back in for one wrong move. Once he obtains such item, he notices that’s not the only thing down there. Trina wants to catch whoever is behind her shooting and her camera man missing but with her memory jumping over that day and the police believing it was just a mugging, it feels hopeless. She prompted to call the only person who offended their honest help and believes her, that it wasn’t just random, Kage.
”Kage. Her heart exploded in her chest.”
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you*
The series is a new inspirational based romantic suspense of imperfect people, saved by grace, and making amends for wrongs they have committed in their lives. Sometimes, you have to pay for your crime to see the light and find forgiveness and second chances. The characters are human, they make mistakes, they pay the price, and by God’s forgiveness, they accept Him and change their life. The story is not preachy; it is a beautiful telling of salvation through faith.
Katrina ‘Trina’ Vaughn moved to Cedar Haven to begin a new life. Her life in Florida as an investigative reporter placed her in the crosshairs of drug cartels—and in turn, made it a risk for her aging parents. So, now in her new town, she is covering events, like the Cedar Haven Garden Center event with her videographer, Terrance ‘Deck’ Decker. Who would know that what should have been a boring event would end with gunshots, death, and now, Trina is in danger.
Martin ‘Kage’ Kincaid spent seven years in prison for his role in cage fighting that brought not only fighters into Cedar Haven, but the underworld and gangs, too. In prison, Kage found Jesus and became a new man, changing his life and looking to Christ. He even went to seminary so that when he was released, he could help others find Christ. He works in children's ministries, aids with senior days at the grocery store, and plans to work cleaning up parks and playgrounds.
The story begins with Kage, Striker, and Gideon spending hours cleaning up trash and debris in what had been a park. It is only the beginning, because there are used needles, etc., that they will have to handle later. Near a fence, he will notice a bright red purse over the embankment and decide to retrieve it—but when he gets down there, he finds a woman, and she is bleeding but alive. The story becomes a battlefield of good, bad, and evil. Learning the woman will live but has lost some of her memory is only part of it—when he home is broken into while she is in it, she escapes, but she needs somewhere safe to go. Turning to Kage is the first step in trust and friendship, but that doesn’t mean things are safe.
I love a mystery that keeps me guessing and the pages turning, and this one did just that. Some of it was being in the right place at the wrong time. There is bitterness between a town detective and several men he went to school with, and not letting go of his anger. It is a woman who must stay ahead of a killer or killers, and trying to remember what happened and why. And just maybe, it will be a clean love story in the works.
Kage: 6th Commandment is the stunning beginning of a Christian, romantic suspense series. I love these flawed but redeemable characters. Trina, a former investigative reporter, awakes in the hospital with a bullet wound and amnesia. Kage, en ex-con turned pastor, discovers Trina's broken body in a ravine and gets help for her. Detective Hollbeck, bitter since high school, is determined to prove Kage is responsible for the crime. Detective Hollbeck's personal vendetta blinds him to several "facts" in the case. There are excellent conversations about faith and redemption as Trina, Kage, and the True North Brotherhood fight for justice and their lives. The suspense kept me from accomplishing anything else until I had finished the book! You do not want to miss this well written book if you enjoy Christian romantic suspense. I am eager for book two!
This was my first Christian suspense. The story was solid and the faith journey was believable, which is so important! And the motorcycle-riding alpha hero with a tender heart will make you swoon. If you like Christian suspense, definitely pick this one up.
Kage: The 6th Commandment is the first book in Amsden’s new romantic suspense series. Kage is a felon who has done his time. Likewise for his friend Striker. Along with Delores and Gideon, the four of them share Striker’s grandfather’s mansion, and they are trying to do good in the world and share the Good News of Jesus.
I loved the found-family aspect of this novel. Usually found-family stories don’t work for me, because they don’t seem real, but these guys pray for one another, eat supper together, and have each other’s back … as well as teach each other about their cooking skills.
Trina is a television reporter. She’s a loner, and she bases her self worth on what she does, not who she is as a beloved creation of God. If anyone needs a found family, it’s Trina.
Sparks fly between Trina and one of the ex-cons. Can she truly trust an ex-con? Can the reader? I wasn’t so sure. (I can’t say how the relationship turned out … you know, spoilers.)
Trina’s cameraman goes missing, and the police think she has something to do with it, and if not her, then the group of felons she hangs out with.
There are clues and false suspects. I was trying hard to solve the murder before Trina did (or before she got murdered herself!). I failed, LOL, but it was really fun playing armchair detective.
I took off half a star because the beginning felt awkward. But then about 15 percent in, I couldn’t put it down and stayed up too late to finish reading.
The ending is satisfying, but there’s one small plot thread left dangling which I suspect will start off the next book … we’ll see.
Trina has recently moved to Cedar Haven as a reporter. She ends up in a bad situation when she decides to do some investigative reporting that gets her injured. Kage, a pastor who was in prison, finds her at the bottom of a ravine. Detective Hollbeck, who has it in for Kage, is on the case. He wants to prove that Kage was the person who did this. Can Trina trust Kage?Can Kage and his friends find out who tried to kill Trina? Can they keep her and themselves safe?
This was an amazing suspense novel that I didn’t want to put down. The characters were great. I love the Christian background and how a person can change by following God. It kept me on my toes trying to figure out who it was and wanting to change Hollbeck’s attitude. You could see it was more personal for him and he wasn’t taking things seriously. A definite must read. If I could give this more than 5 stars, I would.
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.
I have been looking forward to reading this, and I was not disappointed. I love the hero because he is so honest and open. He knows he can't hide his past, in fact, he's here to redeem it and repair the damage his choices brought to his town. But small towns have long memories. It's a good thing he's humble and relies on God for direction. Trina doesn't know who to trust or believe. Is Kage a good guy or a con artist? Why is someone trying to kill her? After three attacks, why don't the police believe her? This story has mystery, action, suspense, humor and romance. There are good conversations between the characters about faith, values, decision making, and things that matter. I like Dolores, the housekeeper, and a woman of wisdom, and look forward to hearing more from her in future books. This is a clean romance, a HEA and a standalone. But there will be additional stories about the True North Brotherhood coming in the future and I look forward to reading each one. I recommend this book.
Kage led an underground fight club through high school. He was sent to prison for 7 years. He found Christ is prison and now he is back to make a difference in his hometown. He works with at risk teens and helps the elderly and various other things around town. He and his friend, Striker, also take in ex-cons and give them a job in their bike shop. Kage, Striker and their friend, Gideon, are cleaning up a park when they find a young lady left for dead. They call the police. Detective Holbeck shows up. He grew up with Kage and Striker, but hates them for their criminal background. He is just looking for an excuse to put them back in jail. Kage feels lead to help Trina, the young reporter who was left for dead. Trina finds it hard to trust anyone. Holbeck is a police officer, but she knows enough to know that he's trying to create a story. Kage is an ex-con. Who should she trust? Very well written.
From the first chapter, Kage: The 6th Commandment had me hooked. Charlene Amsden delivers a suspenseful ride with a hero I couldn’t help but root for—a reformed criminal turned Harley-riding preacher. Kage’s journey is steeped in grit and grace, and the fact that his closest friends are also former criminals adds depth and authenticity to the story’s theme of redemption.
Trina Vaughn, the hard-charging investigative reporter, is a standout. Her strength and vulnerability balance beautifully, and her dynamic with Kage kept me turning pages. The romance is sweet, clean, and emotionally satisfying—just the right touch amid the danger and intrigue.
Amsden ties up all the loose ends with skill, leaving me eager for the next installment in the True North Brotherhood series.
If you love romantic suspense with found family, battle-scarred heroes, and faith woven into the story, this one’s a must-read.
This was a really good Christian romantic suspense. Kage is an ex-con turned pastor and he stumbles upon Trina, an investigative reporter, who was shot and lost her memory of the events. He feels called by God to protect her and she ends up spending time with him, his two housemates, and their former DEA agent “stand in mother.” This book has faith, found family, redemption, suspense, romance, and more. I laughed with their teasing banter, I cringed and tensed and my heart raced during the suspense. Our resident detective has history with the ex-cons that colors his judgement and that lends another interesting angle. I’m curious see where else this series will go. This is a just kisses romance, intimacy level 1. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
I received an eARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Kage: The 6th Commandment (True North Brotherhood Book 1) by Charlene Amsden is Christian fiction with a twist. I found this first book for me to read by this author to be entertaining and enlightening. Kage is an ex-con who came to know the Lord while in prison. Now he is a pastor and owner of a bike shop. I was intrigued by his acts of kindness and generosity that he now does because he is saved, not to be saved. Definitely showing what being a follower of Jesus looks like in practice.
Trina Vaughn is a journalist that has a murderer after her. Kage found her left for dead at the beginning but from there the danger escalates. An exciting Christian story from beginning to end. I look forward to more from this author. Perhaps some of Kage’s friends will receive their own stories next, I hope so.
I loved this clean inspirational romantic suspense. The characters are wonderful and the action is non stop making it hard to quit reading. I have read a lot of stories by this author that are laugh out loud funny so I was pleasantly surprised at how serious and captivating this story was. It is the first of a new series and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Kage, an ex-con turned pastor, and Trinia, an investigative reporter, become romantically involved after Kage finds her shot and near death at the bottom of a ravine and saves her. Trinia has amnesia of the incident due to a concussion and Kage offers her protection and helps find who is trying to kill her and to recover her memory. I highly recommend this book for those who like romantic suspense at the highest level. This is my voluntary and honest review.
I have read several of Charlene Amsden's books as she is a humorous writer. This book, per her description, is "grittier" and she is correct. Writing a new genre, she has really upped her game! It is an edge-of-your-seat kind of story, yet it is "clean" and full of faith, and a lot of suspense. If those things pique your interest, you will not be disappointed. I am now hoping for and anxiously awaiting her next book! I was provided with and advance reader copy of this book, and my review is voluntarily given honestly and happily.
Wow - after surviving a gunshot and multiple concussions, the hits keep coming for Trina. And Kage - he's such an amazing man! After doing time for being a kid and doing what kids will do, he's come out and dedicated himself to bettering his hometown and following the Lord and teaching others about Him. This book was hilarious at times, had me on the edge of my seat most of the time, and seeing what found family can be. I loved, loved, loved this book!
Kage: The 6th Commandment: True North Brotherhood is an amazing book. It is a clean read. Love how the author place passages from the Bible in the book. One of my favorite quotes is “ I’m a pastor. Not perfect.” It’s her first romantic suspense book & she knocked it right out of the park. You will be at the edge of your seat. Absolutely love all the characters too. You can feel each one. Well done Charlene 🫶🏻
This is the first Christian romance book I’ve read but I have to say without all of the graphic language, sex, and violence to distract from the story, it’s a very satisfying read. I found it inspiring, suspenseful, and romantic. I have read it five times since I downloaded it. Unfortunately, I was told that it won’t be a series which is a shame. It would be interesting to see if the other characters meet someone like Kage did. Great read!!!
Trina’s life is in danger and the only person that believes her is Kage, an ex-con and now a pastor. Can they find the truth about her attacker without being in danger again? A clean Christian romance full of faith, danger and finally real love.
I love a good romantic, inspirational suspense and this one did not disappoint. Kage and Trina’s story has it all, romance, suspense, forgiveness, second chances. I am looking forward to the next book!
Love this book, so much so that I finished it in a little less than 3 days. I liked the way the author was able to quote religious passages for the characters. Hope there is another Kage book in the future!
New to me author....really great read. Kage was an awesome hero of the story. I just loved everything about him and his persona, and his buddies. Trina was almost as likable, and the two of them together were great.
Awesome plot, and plenty of suspense. Looking forward to more in this series
Kage lives with 2 other buddies, all ex-cons, living in a mansion that one of them inherited. He turned his heart and soul over to the Lord while in prison and is now a preacher in his own rights. Trina is an investigative reporter, and she is covering an event with her partner when they see something strange and follow this person. When Trina wakes up, she has temporary amnesia. This book is NOT like most books that have a character with amnesia. This one is filled with excitement from the word “go” and I cannot encourage everyone enough to get it and read it! It was so good I stayed up all hours of the night to finish reading the book. It’s very unique and so well written!! I just loved the whole premise of the book and I think all Christian readers and even nonbelievers will all agree that this book is a fantastic read! 🙏📕♥️