Without Proof

Redemption's Edge #3

by Janet Sketchley

"Asking questions could cost your life."

Two years after the plane crash that killed her fiancé, Amy Silver has fallen for his best friend, artist Michael Stratton. When a local reporter claims the small aircraft may have been sabotaged, it reopens Amy's grief.

Anonymous warnings and threats are Amy's only proof that the tragedy was deliberate, and she has nowhere to turn. The authorities don't believe her, God is not an option, and Michael's protection is starting to feel like a cage.

How will Amy find the truth?

Michael's feisty great-aunt and the dead man's university-student sister are the other key players in this Christian romantic suspense set in Nova Scotia, Canada.

308 pages, ebook

First published November 10, 2015

About the author

Janet Sketchley is an Atlantic Canadian writer who likes her fiction with a splash of mystery or adventure and a dash of Christianity. Why leave faith out of our stories if it’s part of our lives? You can find Janet online at janetsketchley.ca.

Random facts: Janet's super-power is untangling yarn and Slinkies™; there are over 50 varieties of tea in her house; she's Canadian but she worked at the busiest McDonalds in London, England; she's taken basic fencing lessons; and she once rode an elephant.

Follow Janet on BookBub for sale alerts at bit.ly/JanetSketchleyBookBub or sign up for her author newsletter at bit.ly/JanetSketchleyNews. 

Reviews

[Paula Vince · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the final novel in a trilogy of riveting suspense stories which can each also be read alone. Amy Silver is the cousin of Carol in Secrets and Lies and the formidable Harry in Heaven's Prey. She was involved in a horrific light plane crash in which she was seriously injured, and her pilot fiance killed. Amy comes across with a very likeable combination of strength and frailty, especially since she needs to walk with the aid of a cane after a couple of years of intense physiotherapy.

Only now is she beginning to heal, but rumours are creeping in that sabotage may have been a factor in the plane crash. Initially tending to dismiss them, Amy is chilled by warnings from some anonymous contact to do just that. Now she's caught between the fear of what she may stir up if she asks further questions, and the strong desire to get to the bottom of her beloved Gilles' death, if there was foul play.

At the same time, the biological father who previously wanted nothing to do with her has made contact, asking to meet. Having grown up with the stigma of knowing that she was the result of a casual fling, Amy grapples with dread, curiosity and resentment. There are some really strong threads about dealing with her personal sense of lack of worth, resulting from her birth history, and forgiveness. This involves not just her father but Gilles' family, who are treating her coldly and making her wonder if there's some aspect about his death she's unaware of.

The twists and turns of the plot, and what lies hidden, really caught me by surprise, and there were several moments when my skin was prickling along with Amy's. You can't help wondering whether the loving family who have supported her back on her feet are quite as straightforward as they seem. There's Gilles' best friend Michael, the protective artist who Amy is secretly in love with, and his energetic Aunt Bay. There is also Gilles' sister, Uni student Emilie, who also has an obvious crush on Michael and wants Amy away.

Thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author knows how to write a good suspense story, and she didn't disappoint with this one. This is another edge of the seat read that kept me reading to see what could possibly happen next as Amy, the main character, trues to discover what really happened in the plane crash that she and her fiance were in. The story line kept me guessing and it has an ending that I didn't see coming. This is the third book in the Redemption Edge series. It can be read as a standalone, but I definitely recommend reading the first two books in the series which does give some background information on some of the characters in this book. I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review, and I certainly recommend it to the reader who enjoys a good combination of faith, romance and suspense.

[Deborah Piccurelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in Janet Sketchley’s Redemption’s Edge series and it’s another page-turner. I thoroughly enjoyed Without Proof, just as I did its two predecessors, Heaven’s Prey and Secrets and Lies. I guess you could say I have become a fan of this author’s work.
In Without Proof, Amy Silver had been in an airplane crash with her fiancé, Gilles Renaud, who died as a result. With no family around, Gilles’ best friend, Michael Stratton and his great Aung Bay had taken Amy in to nurse her back to health after the crash. She ended up staying and working for Michael in his art gallery.
When a reporter visits and raises the question that the crash was a sabotage instead of an accident, other little things begin happening. Amy receives text messages warning her not to ask questions, strange dolls are left on the doorstep, and Michael’s gallery is ransacked and his artwork destroyed. Who is responsible? Is it because they are getting close to knowing someone wanted Gilles dead?
Through it all, Amy discovers she is in love with Michael, but fears he will never see her in that light because of his loyalty to Gilles. But why does he act like he cares so much?
If you like romantic suspense, and especially the kind that is written by Janet Sketchley, you will enjoy this installment in the Redemption’s Edge series. I highly recommend it.

[Valerie Comer · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this final story in the Redemption's Edge series, the author takes us back to Nova Scotia where Amy Silver is still recovering from the plane crash that took the life of her fiancé, Gilles, two years earlier. With her mother passed away and her father estranged, Gilles best friend, Michael, and Michael's great-aunt Bay have taken Amy in during her own recovery. Amy manages Michael's art business and has begun to fall for him when someone tips her off that Gilles' death may not have been an accident. The suspense begins to ratchet as the readers join Amy in searching for clues and worrying about her safety. Who is friend and who is foe?

I'm not typically a reader of suspense, but I make an exception for Sketchley's work. I enjoy the Canadian settings and the well-rounded characters, whose lives I get drawn into.

Although this is the third book in the series, I would consider each of them a complete standalone as the links are loose and previous main characters play only minor roles.

If you enjoy romantic suspense with a decidedly Christian message, I urge you to give Without Proof a try. My guess is that you'll want to read the previous two, as well, once you're done.

I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review, which I've given.

[Debora Wilder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful romantic suspense novel.

I sympathized with Amy Silver from the moment I met her. She is such a well developed character carrying so much hurt and confusion. She has chronic pain to deal with on a daily basis. Along with that is heartache both from the accident she lost her fiancé in and from her childhood. She wants desperately to truly belong and know that she is loved for who she is. Part of what prevents this is her family background.

The first half of the book focuses mainly on this search while giving glimpses into the mystery that slowly builds. Then in the second half the suspense builds as does the danger that Amy and the two people she lives with are in. There are a number of twists about who can be trusted and who can’t.

The story really kept my interest throughout. I have never read anything by this author before. After reading this book I will be looking for her other stories.

I received a free eBook copy of this novel from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Mary Lehnertz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as a stand alone without reading book 1 and book 2. It was easy enough to follow. By the middle of the book, I was ready to finish it in one sitting. I love how the author intertwined questions that the main character had about God and becoming a Christian and what it takes to be a Christian.

[Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two years after her fiancé Gilles died beside her in the cockpit of the plane he crash-landed on a Nova Scotia highway, Amy Silver is getting back on her feet emotionally and physically. She has even taken off the gold chain that held Gilles’ engagement ring. Then comes the day reporter Troy Hicks makes an unwelcome appearance at the Stratton Art Gallery where Amy works.

He is full of questions. Despite that the police investigation concluded the crash was an accident, is Amy sure? He’s heard rumors of foul play. Will she help him dig deeper?

Troy’s snooping around followed by his article in the paper starts a series of events that make Amy more suspicious than ever that the plane malfunction of that awful day was no mishap after all. But should she try to prove it? At what price?

Gilles’ good friend, artist Michael Stratton now Amy’s boss at the gallery, begins acting strangely too—protective, even possessive. Trouble is, she has begun to fall for him. So what do his actions mean? They’re probably loyalty to Gilles, big-brotherly care, or even emotional instability—surely not a sign of the deepening relationship she hardly lets herself dream about.

In Without Proof, the final book in the three-book Redemption’s Edge romantic suspense series, author Janet Sketchley introduces threats, danger, and mystery into the homey tranquility of Stratton Gallery, the gallery / residence Amy, Aunt Bay, and Michael share. Soon the sinister lurks behind each phone call and text message.

We view unfolding events through Amy’s eyes and wonder, is art buyer Ross Zarin the considerate gentleman he appears to be? Why is Gilles’ sister Emilie so desperate to get Amy out of the way? Is Michael’s concern for her genuine or the first sign of a stalker-in-the-making?

Without Proof addresses many important themes including fear, forgiveness, and self-acceptance. Through the unflinching Christian faith of Aunt Bay, Amy faces her own feelings of unworthiness. Through the testimony of Ruth Warner (from book 1 of the series) Amy realizes she needs to forgive her absent father. There’s also the sweet, but never cloying, romantic side of the story that had me cheering for Amy from the first page.

Sketchley’s skillful way with words kept me spellbound until the story’s last action-packed scene. Though this book ends the series, let’s hope Sketchley has some more romantic suspense brewing in her Nova Scotia study!

I received Without Proof as a gift from the author for the purpose of writing a review.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was happy to have this author offer me a review copy of her newest book, as I had enjoyed reading and reviewing her other two novels in the Redemption's Edge series.

This novel is romantic suspense and the main character is related to the ones in the first two books. Janet has again come up with some great characters and an even better plot than the first two books. Authors often tend to get better with each novel that write, and Janet proves this true in this third novel she has written.

The suspense aspect is done very well. I wasn't sure for a lot of the book if the threatening texts Amy was getting was from friend or foe, nor could I figure out who the bad guys were. There were a couple of surprises, and especially one big one that I didn't see coming - that would be too big of a spoiler to give away, so that isn't happening.

I appreciate Christian authors who aren't afraid to put Christian content in their books, and this one had a lot. The issue was dealt with of God loving us even if we have done something bad, or we perceive we have done something bad because of our birth and upbringing. The message came through loud and clear that God loves all of us, and He doesn't view us as damaged good or beyond redemption no matter what we or our parents done. Often, a message like that can be gotten across better through a story, so kudos to the author for addressing such an important issue that is a problem for so many people.

And I even enjoyed the romantic aspect of the book. As a confirmed bachelor, I don't enjoy romance books; but I can handle it in a story where it isn't the main part of the story. I thought that part was also well done and was silently urging the male hero of the story to get a move on.

Janet can be proud of this third novel she has penned. It is a suspenseful story that also offers hope to those who struggle to believe God loves them. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and am glad I had the chance to read and review it.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without Proof is book three of a trilogy by Canadian author Janet Sketchley. Even though it is the third in the series, the author gives enough information so that the first two books are not necessary for the reader to easily follow and enjoy the storyline. This novel can stand on its own.

In Without Proof a young woman, Amy, is recovering from serious injuries she suffered in a plane crash two years before. Her fiancé, Gilles, did not survive it, so she is left alone and grieving. Her fiancé’s Aunt Bay takes her in, and his best friend, Michael, helps out however he can. Michael also has an art business, so Amy helps manage it while struggling with her memories, physical pain, and emotions, including her growing feelings for Michael.

Janet Sketchley’s writing style is easy to read and enjoy. She pulls the reader right into the story, meaning that once into the story the reader doesn’t want to leave until the end. In this novel, there is suspense and enough going on to keep the reader interested in trying to figure out who is doing what to whom. Someone leads Amy to believe the plane was sabotaged, and in trying to find out the truth Amy places herself in danger. There are threats, break-ins, mysterious people, and enough drama to keep the pages turning in anticipation. And, of course, there are surprises – events that occur to keep up the level of suspense.

God is front and center in Aunt Bay’s life, and yet Amy isn’t sure how God fits in her own life or even if He does. Without Proof is written without profanity, is not preachy or “religious” – although there is a hopeful message – and is a story that leaves the reader satisfied. In the back of the book, there are even discussion questions that are great for a study group or a book club.

Without Proof was a finalist is the Word Awards (Suspense Category).

[Mary Hosmar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third book of Janet Sketchley’s Redemption’s Edge series follows in the footsteps of the other two. Although some of the characters from the first two books, (Heaven’s Prey and Secretes and Lies) do appear in minor roles, the book can and does stand on its own.
Amy Silver has lost her fiancé, Gilles, and, after spending time in hospital, finds she has nowhere to go. Gilles’ best friend, Michael, and his aunt offer to provide her with a home and a job as Michael’s assistant. When a reporter interviews Amy and raises the question of possible sabotage causing the airplane crash which killed her fiancé, Amy is at first sceptical but as evidence, and opposition, mounts she becomes determined to follow the leads and get justice for herself and Gilles.
Ms. Sketchley has once again provided hours of suspenseful reading enjoyment. Her characters are plausible, exhibiting the same fears, frustrations and joys as are found in any suspenseful situation. She uses current news and world situations to enhance the story. (Sorry, I can’t say more than that without giving away too much of the plot).
Although it did take me a while to get into the story, I did enjoy it. I did wonder, at times, how one small group of people could experience that much turmoil over a short period of time, but then, I lead a quiet life.
As with the other two novels in the series, Ms. Sketchley does not shy away from her Christian beliefs but incorporates them into the story. This comes across in a relatively natural way without being too preachy.
This book is a good read, even if you haven’t read the first two.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without Proof: A Redemption's Edge Novel #3***** by Janet Sketchley
Nova Scotia, Canada...Amy Silver is trying to pick up her life after her fiance, Gilles Renaud's death in a tragic plane crash two years ago. Since the plane crash, Amy suffers chronic hip pain—a daily reminder of that tragic day. She now works with Gilles's best friend, artist Michael Stratton at the Stratton Art Gallery and his great-aunt Bay. After a local journalist, Troy Hicks, prints an article about the accident and claiming the plane may have been sabotaged, strange things start happening—anonymous warnings, threats and more. Who is threatening them and why? Will they find out before someone else gets hurt...or killed? And what of Amy and Michael, is there a future for them...together?

Without Proof is a romantic suspense that does just that, kept me in suspense. I loved Amy's character, she has had lots of heartache—in her childhood and recent past—and pain in her young life and I hoped she would finally find peace and love. Michael and Aunt Bay were other favorites in the story. As the story unfolds, the suspense builds, fear and danger follows Amy and Michael as they try to learn the truth of the plane crash. Forgiveness, faith and a growing love, unexpected twists and turns takes the story in a direction I had not anticipated with a surprising ending. This suspenseful story kept me reading and guessing what was coming next.

~I won an e-book copy from the author, this is my honest review~

[Bob Goodnough · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pushed all the right buttons to get me reading: cosy mystery; Christian; Canadian. Once I started, the suspense and deft pacing kept me going.
Amy Silver and her fiancé were in a plane crash that left him dead and her with a painful hip that is a constant reminder of what happened.
As it she needed reminders from her hip; the emotional wounds are far more painful and slow in healing. She has quit her bank job to live in the Nova Scotia home of her fiancé's best friend and his aunt. She finds the work in Michael's art studio a peaceful respite from the past (she looks after the business side). Michael's aunt is warm and understanding, someone she can talk to when life is more than she can handle alone.
Then a reporter hints that the plane crash may not have been an accident. Mysterious, sometimes threatening, phone calls and messages come on her phone. Her father, whom she has never met, and thought she never wanted to meet, now wants to meet her. She believes that God wants nothing to do with her. She is falling in love with Michael, but feels he is pushing her away. Can life get any more complicated?
It does, and the ending is hair-raising. Of course, everything comes out right, but in ways that I didn't see coming.
This book has it all, mystery, romance, a spiritual message woven in that is authentic without being preachy, all in a contemporary Canadian setting.
Available in e-pub or kindle format, from Kobo, Amazon and other e-book retailers.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without Proof, by Janet Sketchley, is the final book in the Redemption's Edge trilogy. While the novel can stand on its own, it offers tantalizing references to characters in her previous books, The novels are best read as a set: Heaven's Prey, Secrets and Lies and Without Proof. While Without Proof is full of suspense and danger, it is less intense than the other two. Janet weaves a love story throughout the book and describes it so well that as a reader, I could palpably feel the tension between the characters. Janet takes love stories to another level. Without Proof also presents some moral questions. Is it better to leave some issues in the past even if there is suspicion surrounding them? Is examining the past worth endangering the future? On the other hand, does revealing secrets and bringing them to light provide both healing and pave the way to new growth and understanding. Consider buying all three books for a Christmas gift or Without Proof if you have already gifted people with the other two.

[Sara Goff · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite Christian suspense novels is Heaven's Prey, book one in Sketchley's Redemption's Edge Series, so I actually worried that she might not be able to match the quality of writing, level of suspense, and complexity of themes in the remainder of her series. Without Proof certainly holds its own. Amy Silver, likable, bright, and determined, finds herself in a situation where she doesn't know where to turn, who to trust, and even how to feel, but she steadily follows the clues to her fiancé's suspicious death and begins to understand herself, her past, and what she wants out of life in the process.

Without Proof, like Sketchley's other novels, pushes its characters to breaking point before God's plan in their life is fully revealed to them. They may hit bottom, but they rise far above their fears, anger, and confusion in the end. I absolutely enjoyed the story, the twists and turns, the psychology, and finally, the message of endless love.

[Andrea Montack · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will give this book 2 1/2-3 stars

I am not sure what to think of this book. There are parts I really enjoyed,then there are portions that I believed the author could have done a better job with
I liked the innocence of the main character Amy, understood how she felt unworthy because of the situation surrounding her parents. However,I thought the lack of emotions from Michael didn't represent that of an artist. The real let down for me was the plot towards the end of the book.
I felt the writer got a little lazy and so the story fell apart a bit. I will read more by this author as I really enjoyed the first 3/4 of the book.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without Proof is a quick paced Romantic Suspense, This book gives you edge of the seat action with some romance.
The characters were well developed and I enjoyed their interaction.Besides the two main characters, I enjoyed Aunt B.
We see God's love and redemption throughout the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to more by this author.
An advance copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.

[Joyful · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without Proof is an awesome Christian suspense romance set in Nova Scotia, Canadai. The Maine characters are Amy, Michael, Emily, and Aunt Bay. This book is an edge of the seat page turner with so many twist, turns, and surprises. The ending is not anything that I could see coming. I highly recommend this book and author, Janer Sketchley. I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read and great ending to the series. Gripping story line. Loved the heroes and totally disliked the bad guys. Well written and grabbed my attention from the first paragraph. Highly recommend this super read. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Ophelia Sellers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without Proof

What a nail biter suspense story with plenty of romance to satisfy we romantics. Christian theme throughout story with strong characters and a great story line. I’ll definitely be looking for more books from this author.

[Denise Troutman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

A mystery that will be sure to be a page turner. Who is doing what and why? You won’t know until it is over. This is a great story!

[Mark-robyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Book Review

The characters were not developed enough with time to see real change in each to be believable. The story plot seemed stiff and too ‘sensational’. Not enough scene change. Everything took place at Michael’s house.