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The December Target
Coming Soon!
510 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2026
About the author
Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
14 books500 followersKristen Hogrefe Parnell writes suspenseful fiction from a faith perspective for women and young adults. Her own suspense story involved waiting on God into her thirties to meet her husband, and she desires to keep embracing God’s plan for her life when it’s not what she expects. Kristen’s books have won the Selah Award and the Grace Award, among others. An educator at heart, she also teaches English online and enjoys being a podcast guest. Kristen lives in Florida with her husband and young son. Visit her online at kristenhogrefeparnell.com
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
All three novellas are set right around Christmas time, all have a definite element of danger and plenty of suspense and all include complicated relationships that need to be healed. All are page turners and include faith as a foundation for hope for the characters. I think all were expertly plotted and provided some whip-smart surprises along my reading journey.
Silent Fight-Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
This is a fast-paced and relevant story of a couple whose marriage is in trouble at the same time that they are in danger. Nadine Rivas has lost her voice, and that is a tragedy for her since she is a concert vocalist. Her husband Dante got a promotion to the executive branch of his biotech company about the same time as Nadine found herself without the ability to perform. This scenario sets them up for some rough times in their marriage, but Nadine is encouraged by her Christian friend to seek a resolution and to try to stay together. Trying to pour love into a relationship that is dying was frustrating for Nadine, but then the marriage has to be put on the back burner when their lives are endangered. The company Dante works for may not be all it seems and therein lies the danger. The action is fast and non-stop as the two of them face one challenge after another, some physical, some mental and always a call to turn to God for help. This is a novella with a firm foundation of faith, a believable story about a struggling couple after life handed them lemons, and it includes compelling characters for whom I really wanted to see a happy ending, if that was even possible. The suspense parts of the book are intense and come along when least expected, so I loved that it kept me guessing as well as cheering for the character.
The Light of Christmas by Lisa Phillips
Heidi travels across the country from New Hampshire to Oregon to investigate her own mother’s murder. The new town sheriff, Beau Mitchell, is determined to prove that he is not corrupt as his predecessors were and that he can keep the town law-abiding and safe. Even before she arrives, Heidi is attacked and the attacks continue once she is in town. The sheriff vows to find out who is threatening her and promises to help her investigate her mom’s murder. The characters are dynamic and relatable and the plot is moderately paced. It took me several chapters to get invested in the story but once I did, I wanted to continue to follow the clues and find the killer as much as Heidi and Beau did. The story is a compelling one of an orphan daughter trying to find justice for her mom while also being attracted to the local sheriff. With a few fake trails and a town filled with possible suspects, this book was an edgy and satisfying romantic suspense with the Christmas theme a hopeful part of the background.
The Ice List by Sara Davison
Dale Torrrens is an extraordinary bodyguard who had his heart torn apart and has vowed never to trust another woman again. Unfortunately, his new assignment is Makenna Belmont, the heiress who broke him. Now, instead of seeking the revenge he wants so badly, Dale is contracted to keep her safe. The action begins quickly with an adrenaline rush during a car chase with guns firing as Dale and Makenna flee a so-called safe house. Dale is a reluctant bodyguard but Makenna definitely needs the best her money can buy since she is on a “kill-on-sight” list from a criminal mastermind. Th plot is cleverly written, intriguing and fast-paced, with danger lurking and then suddenly appearing at the most unexpected moments. I spent most of my time trying to figure out how Dale was going to actually protect Makenna when just the sight of her made his blood boil. There is a lot of drama built into the storyline and the realistically portrayed and well-rounded characters kept the tension going throughout the story. This was a blockbuster of a romantic suspense for me, although I was dubious about romance being part of the picture after Dale’s vow to avoid any kind of romantic entanglements ever again. The relationships in the story are worth the read and the danger inherent in every page made it a fantastic head-spinning story with captivating insight into the personalities of the multi-layered characters.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from one of the authors. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Silent Fight-Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
This is a fast-paced and relevant story of a couple whose marriage is in trouble at the same time that they are in danger. Nadine Rivas has lost her voice, and that is a tragedy for her since she is a concert vocalist. Her husband Dante got a promotion to the executive branch of his biotech company about the same time as Nadine found herself without the ability to perform. This scenario sets them up for some rough times in their marriage, but Nadine is encouraged by her Christian friend to seek a resolution and to try to stay together. Trying to pour love into a relationship that is dying was frustrating for Nadine, but then the marriage has to be put on the back burner when their lives are endangered. The company Dante works for may not be all it seems and therein lies the danger. The action is fast and non-stop as the two of them face one challenge after another, some physical, some mental and always a call to turn to God for help. This is a novella with a firm foundation of faith, a believable story about a struggling couple after life handed them lemons, and it includes compelling characters for whom I really wanted to see a happy ending, if that was even possible. The suspense parts of the book are intense and come along when least expected, so I loved that it kept me guessing as well as cheering for the character.
The Light of Christmas by Lisa Phillips
Heidi travels across the country from New Hampshire to Oregon to investigate her own mother’s murder. The new town sheriff, Beau Mitchell, is determined to prove that he is not corrupt as his predecessors were and that he can keep the town law-abiding and safe. Even before she arrives, Heidi is attacked and the attacks continue once she is in town. The sheriff vows to find out who is threatening her and promises to help her investigate her mom’s murder. The characters are dynamic and relatable and the plot is moderately paced. It took me several chapters to get invested in the story but once I did, I wanted to continue to follow the clues and find the killer as much as Heidi and Beau did. The story is a compelling one of an orphan daughter trying to find justice for her mom while also being attracted to the local sheriff. With a few fake trails and a town filled with possible suspects, this book was an edgy and satisfying romantic suspense with the Christmas theme a hopeful part of the background.
The Ice List by Sara Davison
Dale Torrrens is an extraordinary bodyguard who had his heart torn apart and has vowed never to trust another woman again. Unfortunately, his new assignment is Makenna Belmont, the heiress who broke him. Now, instead of seeking the revenge he wants so badly, Dale is contracted to keep her safe. The action begins quickly with an adrenaline rush during a car chase with guns firing as Dale and Makenna flee a so-called safe house. Dale is a reluctant bodyguard but Makenna definitely needs the best her money can buy since she is on a “kill-on-sight” list from a criminal mastermind. Th plot is cleverly written, intriguing and fast-paced, with danger lurking and then suddenly appearing at the most unexpected moments. I spent most of my time trying to figure out how Dale was going to actually protect Makenna when just the sight of her made his blood boil. There is a lot of drama built into the storyline and the realistically portrayed and well-rounded characters kept the tension going throughout the story. This was a blockbuster of a romantic suspense for me, although I was dubious about romance being part of the picture after Dale’s vow to avoid any kind of romantic entanglements ever again. The relationships in the story are worth the read and the danger inherent in every page made it a fantastic head-spinning story with captivating insight into the personalities of the multi-layered characters.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from one of the authors. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The December Target is an amazing anthology written by authors Kristen Hogrefe Parnell, Lisa Phillips and Sara Davison. These skillfully talented authors have each spun a tale of woe, danger, love and hope. Each of these stories had many interwoven threads of faith and just about as many seeds of doubt. Parnell wrote "Silent Fight", a compelling story that questioned whether a love held on pause could ever be put back on the right tracks once again. While danger erupted, the faith of Dante and Nadine increased to serve the point it's a necessity to choose to love every single day. Author Lisa Phillips penned "The Light of Christmas", which spun a tale of hope while solving an old murder case. Podcaster, Heidi Walters, had a significant loss as a four-month-old baby because of the murder of her mother. Throughout this story, danger, fear and lies stalked Heidi as both she and acting sheriff Beau Mitchell, search for clues. Together, they take on the mission to solve an ancient murder mystery and attempt to track down clues and find the whole truth. "The Ice List", written by Sara Davison, excelled in painting a portrait of anger, devastation and loss. Yet, as the proverbial tables were turned, unexpected understanding began to emerge as clues. Dale Torrens realized, too late, that love and truth should be mutually exclusive. Truthfully he realized too late that he hadn't offered anything near that after being left at the altar on his wedding day. Makenna, Dale's ex-fiancee, became his charge to protect. As a few small discussions occurred, the truth of equally shared pain and loss became harder to ignore. Davison masterfully drew sketches with words as each scene emerged from the pages. I loved the compilation of these three stories and gave this book 5 out of 5 stars as I just couldn't put it down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What an amazing anthology set of Christian romantic suspense reads set at Christmastime.
Silent Fight by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell is about a couple whose marriage is crumbling. Nadine and Dante also are facing personal threats, but from whom, why, and which one of them are being targeted? I enjoyed how Nadine and Dante start off as an unsaved couple but come to know the Lord personally. This story, although suspenseful at times, is about second chances and fighting for your marriage.
Light of Christmas by Lisa Phillips is a fast-paced read with suspense and action. Heidi, a podcaster, returns to Rend to solve the mystery of who murdered her mother when Heidi was only a baby. From cut brake lights to attempts on her life, it's clear someone doesn't want Heidi to discover the truth. This was a great thriller. I enjoyed Beau and Heidi's story and how things turned out for Beau.
The Ice List by Sara Davison is a fast-paced read with tension, faith, danger, and action. Dale and MaKenna's story drew me straight in from the beginning and has some surprises. Three years after Dale's fiancée left him at the altar, he takes an assignment to protect a client. Imagine his surprise when he finds out that the client is his ex-fiancée, Makenna. She is equally surprised that Dale is her bodyguard. While on the run from the bad guys, can Dale and Makenna resolve the issues between them and can Dale forgive Makenna once she tells him the truth?
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Silent Fight by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell is about a couple whose marriage is crumbling. Nadine and Dante also are facing personal threats, but from whom, why, and which one of them are being targeted? I enjoyed how Nadine and Dante start off as an unsaved couple but come to know the Lord personally. This story, although suspenseful at times, is about second chances and fighting for your marriage.
Light of Christmas by Lisa Phillips is a fast-paced read with suspense and action. Heidi, a podcaster, returns to Rend to solve the mystery of who murdered her mother when Heidi was only a baby. From cut brake lights to attempts on her life, it's clear someone doesn't want Heidi to discover the truth. This was a great thriller. I enjoyed Beau and Heidi's story and how things turned out for Beau.
The Ice List by Sara Davison is a fast-paced read with tension, faith, danger, and action. Dale and MaKenna's story drew me straight in from the beginning and has some surprises. Three years after Dale's fiancée left him at the altar, he takes an assignment to protect a client. Imagine his surprise when he finds out that the client is his ex-fiancée, Makenna. She is equally surprised that Dale is her bodyguard. While on the run from the bad guys, can Dale and Makenna resolve the issues between them and can Dale forgive Makenna once she tells him the truth?
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 24, 2026
I couldn't let release day pass without sharing my thoughts on the two stories I've finished in The December Target!
The Ice List by Sara Davison | 5+ Stars
Oh, how I LOVED this one!!! ❤️ Sara had my heart pounding with the suspense, and I was completely caught up in the romance and everything unfolding.
What delighted me even more was the incredible Christian content! Prayer, memorizing and reciting Scripture, dependence on the Lord, and a clear presentation of salvation and redemption through the precious blood of Jesus Christ. THIS is what I love finding in clearly Christian fiction!
Silent Fight by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell | 5 Stars
A struggling marriage, the importance of faithful friendships, and the tremendous difference it makes when we seek God's wisdom and listen to people who will encourage us to follow His ways.
I especially appreciated the connection to Ecclesiastes 4:12 and the threefold cord as a picture of marriage with the Lord at its center. There was plenty of suspense, but the emphasis on seeking godly counsel and protecting a marriage gave this story additional meaning for me.
And yes, I still have Lisa Phillips's story to read! 😂 I wanted to celebrate the release of this anthology today, so I'm sharing my enthusiastic five-star assessment of the two stories I've completed. I'll update my review after reading Lisa's contribution!
I received an advance review copy. I also pre-ordered this book. All opinions are my own.
The Ice List by Sara Davison | 5+ Stars
Oh, how I LOVED this one!!! ❤️ Sara had my heart pounding with the suspense, and I was completely caught up in the romance and everything unfolding.
What delighted me even more was the incredible Christian content! Prayer, memorizing and reciting Scripture, dependence on the Lord, and a clear presentation of salvation and redemption through the precious blood of Jesus Christ. THIS is what I love finding in clearly Christian fiction!
Silent Fight by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell | 5 Stars
A struggling marriage, the importance of faithful friendships, and the tremendous difference it makes when we seek God's wisdom and listen to people who will encourage us to follow His ways.
I especially appreciated the connection to Ecclesiastes 4:12 and the threefold cord as a picture of marriage with the Lord at its center. There was plenty of suspense, but the emphasis on seeking godly counsel and protecting a marriage gave this story additional meaning for me.
And yes, I still have Lisa Phillips's story to read! 😂 I wanted to celebrate the release of this anthology today, so I'm sharing my enthusiastic five-star assessment of the two stories I've completed. I'll update my review after reading Lisa's contribution!
I received an advance review copy. I also pre-ordered this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Are you ready for three fast paced stories that will keep you glued to the pages late into the night? This one will, starting with the first story about a failing marriage. Nadine is struggling with her marriage and the fact that she was attacked at home and now her career maybe over for good. Dante, her husband has been flirting with danger, until that danger sends him to the hospital. Can they repair their marriage while healing from their injuries or will this tear them completely apart? The second story is one that I have been waiting for about Beau Mitchell, who was in bad shape from a previous story. He is now the new sheriff in a town that he is trying to clean up from the previous administration. Heidi Walters has come into town after buying a house and is planning on solving a cold case. One that nobody wants solved, especially the killer. Can she stay alive long enough to solve it and will Beau finally have some hope for the future? The final story has Dale being assigned to protect the woman who walked away on their wedding day, three years earlier. Can Makenna and Dale put aside their past while fleeing from people intent on harming her? Will she be able to live long enough to explain why she left him at the alter? I received a complimentary copy of this anthology , but was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are what I thought of the stories.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This review is for Sara Davison's contribution to this anthology, The Ice List. When Dale is left at the altar by a runaway bride, he spends the next 3 years trying to move on. When he is pulled from vacation to take on bodyguard duty for a client, there is no one he expects to see less than his ex. With a forced proximity trope amidst a suspenseful situation as they try to stay one step ahead of the bad guys, this book had all of the right pieces for a romantic suspense novel. As both Dale and Makenna have both turned to God during the time of their separation and hurt, the faith thread in this story was solid, without being preachy. Both main characters are reliant on God to help them through the situation they find themselves in, both physically and emotionally. The suspense element tied up with a couple of chapters to go, leaving room for the author to tie up the romance element, which she does quite nicely. And leaves the door open for a second book with these characters. This story was thoroughly enjoyable and I can easily recommend to fans of romantic suspense stories. Special thanks to the author for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
October 23, 2026
These three fast paced suspenseful stories were really good. I loved that each one was around Christmas time as well because that is my favorite time of the year. All three stories include Christmas danger, lots of suspense, complicated relationships, unexpected twists, and faith-filled hope!
Silent Fight by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
A struggling marriage faces even greater challenges when danger strikes. With nonstop action, compelling characters, and faith at the center, this story kept me guessing and cheering for a happy ending!
The Light of Christmas by Lisa Phillips
Heidi investigates her mother’s murder while facing threats and unexpected attraction to the local sheriff. With plenty of suspects, twists, and romantic suspense, this story delivers a satisfying mystery with a hopeful Christmas feel.
The Ice List by Sara Davison
A bodyguard must protect the woman who broke his heart. Packed with intense action, dangerous surprises, and complicated emotions, this fast-paced story kept me turning pages!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from one of the authors. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Silent Fight by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
A struggling marriage faces even greater challenges when danger strikes. With nonstop action, compelling characters, and faith at the center, this story kept me guessing and cheering for a happy ending!
The Light of Christmas by Lisa Phillips
Heidi investigates her mother’s murder while facing threats and unexpected attraction to the local sheriff. With plenty of suspects, twists, and romantic suspense, this story delivers a satisfying mystery with a hopeful Christmas feel.
The Ice List by Sara Davison
A bodyguard must protect the woman who broke his heart. Packed with intense action, dangerous surprises, and complicated emotions, this fast-paced story kept me turning pages!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from one of the authors. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Three novellas set at Christmas. They're all fast paced action stories with a criminal element to them.
In Silent Flight, a vocal career crumbles when a private music studio is sabotaged. Then the husband appears to be the center of an attack at his biotech firm. Can they find their way out of trouble and learn to love each other again and trust God in it all?
In The Light of Christmas, a small town sheriff is trying to clean up the mess left by the previous law enforcement and restore trust in the law. A podcaster comes to town with an agenda to solve a cold case, but ends up on the receiving end of attacks, break-ins, missing information. Can the two work together to solve the crimes, and restore peace and trust in God?
In The Ice List, Dale, a bodyguard buy profession, has been dealing with the after effects of being left at the alter. He gets sucked into not taking a vacation and working instead, becoming even more grumpy when his assignment is to protect the woman who had dumped him at the alter. If they can survive being on a gang's hit list, will they be able to work out the issues between them and become at least friends?
An enjoyable read. All opinions are my own.
In Silent Flight, a vocal career crumbles when a private music studio is sabotaged. Then the husband appears to be the center of an attack at his biotech firm. Can they find their way out of trouble and learn to love each other again and trust God in it all?
In The Light of Christmas, a small town sheriff is trying to clean up the mess left by the previous law enforcement and restore trust in the law. A podcaster comes to town with an agenda to solve a cold case, but ends up on the receiving end of attacks, break-ins, missing information. Can the two work together to solve the crimes, and restore peace and trust in God?
In The Ice List, Dale, a bodyguard buy profession, has been dealing with the after effects of being left at the alter. He gets sucked into not taking a vacation and working instead, becoming even more grumpy when his assignment is to protect the woman who had dumped him at the alter. If they can survive being on a gang's hit list, will they be able to work out the issues between them and become at least friends?
An enjoyable read. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kristen Hogrefe Parnell's story is a fantastic start that kicks off with great action and really picks up around the halfway mark, making it impossible to put down.
Lisa Phillips's story delivers an atmospheric, guessing-game mystery with wonderful characters like Heidi and Beau, where the setting and the old cold case make it feel like stepping back in time.
Sara Davison's story keeps the momentum going without letting up! It is packed with action and danger, featuring fantastic characters in Dale and McKenna that keep you guessing until the very end.
Every single story delivers compelling characters, gripping suspense, and fantastic pacing. A must-read Christmas suspense!
Lisa Phillips's story delivers an atmospheric, guessing-game mystery with wonderful characters like Heidi and Beau, where the setting and the old cold case make it feel like stepping back in time.
Sara Davison's story keeps the momentum going without letting up! It is packed with action and danger, featuring fantastic characters in Dale and McKenna that keep you guessing until the very end.
Every single story delivers compelling characters, gripping suspense, and fantastic pacing. A must-read Christmas suspense!
November 4, 2026
This is the second and final book in the A Thrill Before Christmas series.
I have read books by Sara and Lisa before and Kristen is a new to me author.
All these stories are all set right around Christmas time. All of them have danger and suspense and are fast paced reads that keep you on the edge of your seat and up late at night to see what happens next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book which I received from one of the authors. The review expressed here is my honest opinion.
I have read books by Sara and Lisa before and Kristen is a new to me author.
All these stories are all set right around Christmas time. All of them have danger and suspense and are fast paced reads that keep you on the edge of your seat and up late at night to see what happens next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book which I received from one of the authors. The review expressed here is my honest opinion.
October 26, 2026
Three fast-paced stories from three different authors. Two were new to me. One, Sara Davison, is one of my favorite authors. All three were full of suspense, danger, struggling relationships and faith. I can see more stories coming from each author to follow up on their tale.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from one of the authors. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from one of the authors. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
November 2, 2026
Three mysteries with excellent characters
These were great stories. Every one of them had a great storyline and wonderful characters. I was very excited to read Lisa Phillips’ story because I just got done reading the story that was right before this one. All three of these authors are phenomenal writers and I have enjoyed every book I have read from them. This book is definitely worth reading.
These were great stories. Every one of them had a great storyline and wonderful characters. I was very excited to read Lisa Phillips’ story because I just got done reading the story that was right before this one. All three of these authors are phenomenal writers and I have enjoyed every book I have read from them. This book is definitely worth reading.
October 27, 2026
I love anthologies!
I enjoyed the three different stories. I enjoyed the faith, the danger, the romance, the twists and turns and the realistic characters battling the same doubts we all have. Definitely worth the read!
I enjoyed the three different stories. I enjoyed the faith, the danger, the romance, the twists and turns and the realistic characters battling the same doubts we all have. Definitely worth the read!
November 7, 2026
So good!
I enjoyed all three of these stories immensely! Honestly, I have never read a book by any of these three authors that I haven't loved, and these books didn't disappoint!
I enjoyed all three of these stories immensely! Honestly, I have never read a book by any of these three authors that I haven't loved, and these books didn't disappoint!
October 31, 2026
Anthology
Three books in one, in this case, was a good idea. Except that Lisa Phillips book was waaaayy too short, like a novelette or something. The three stories all 8nvolved a bit of intrigue and suspense with romance mixed in. Just the way I like it. If you like anthologies, suspense, some danger, and romance, be sure to try this one.
Three books in one, in this case, was a good idea. Except that Lisa Phillips book was waaaayy too short, like a novelette or something. The three stories all 8nvolved a bit of intrigue and suspense with romance mixed in. Just the way I like it. If you like anthologies, suspense, some danger, and romance, be sure to try this one.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews