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By the River
It was supposed to be a relaxing early morning run, but the path along the river trail quickly turns into the scene of a nightmare for recent college graduate Kira Paxton. An unintended exploration of a secluded riverbank leads to a gruesome discovery that sets her on a collision course with danger: it is the body of a young woman. In shock, all Kira can manage to do is scream . . . From the moment Ford Kettering hears the cries for help along the trail, he is drawn irrevocably into a mystery in which he plays a shocking role. Ford, a local high school teacher, had a recent classroom clash with the victim—now, he’s a person of interest. As Ford and Kira bond over their shared ordeal, they work together to prove Ford’s innocence—and soon, their attraction is undeniable. But it seems that Kira’s nightmare is far from over. What begins as a series of close calls and acts of vandalism soon escalates, putting Kira’s own life in jeopardy. It appears that Kira saw something that day along the trail, something that has made her a target. With Ford’s help, she is determined to track down the killer—before she becomes the next victim.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2015
10 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 23, 2015
Kira is an independent woman. There are people she loves who are trying to look out for her, but encroaching upon her personal space. This becomes more evident the day she discovers a body at the river. From that moment her life becomes chaotic. Her father and brother try to talk her into giving up her condo, she has a PI tracking her movements, she is stalked by a killer, and she falls in love.
I enjoyed the characters in the book. Many of them are quirky and show their unique personalities. I loved the dog, Jasper. I would hate to have him living with me, but he adds a level of humor to the book. You have to read about Jasper to truly appreciate him in the story. His escapades bring Kira trouble and comfort.
This book is fun to read and left me wanting to find out who is really the bad guy. I knew it wasn't Ford, Kira's love interest and a suspect in the story. There are several turns in the story. One minute I thought I had it all figured out to realize that my assumptions weren't always accurate.
This is a clean romantic/suspense novel. There are some religious references that do not have a huge bearing on the plot. There is also non-graphic violence and kissing.
I enjoyed the characters in the book. Many of them are quirky and show their unique personalities. I loved the dog, Jasper. I would hate to have him living with me, but he adds a level of humor to the book. You have to read about Jasper to truly appreciate him in the story. His escapades bring Kira trouble and comfort.
This book is fun to read and left me wanting to find out who is really the bad guy. I knew it wasn't Ford, Kira's love interest and a suspect in the story. There are several turns in the story. One minute I thought I had it all figured out to realize that my assumptions weren't always accurate.
This is a clean romantic/suspense novel. There are some religious references that do not have a huge bearing on the plot. There is also non-graphic violence and kissing.
February 11, 2016
I wonder why I'm drawn to books that have people who like to run. Seriously, I hate running, but reading books about running makes me think that I should be doing it, so I do, and yep...still hate running. That is neither here nor there, but mental note for myself....I don't have to go running when I read a book about runners....
If you are expecting a deep thoughtful read when you pick up By the River you might be disappointed. But if you are looking for a quick fluffy read with added suspense this is a good book to give a try.
I wasn't able to totally relate to the characters, and I'll admit Kira drove me nuts sometimes, but her character was spot on for what the author was trying to portray. I was also looking for more with the "after" part of the mystery. I can't say anything without spoilers, but one of the endings seemed a little abrupt, and the other didn't have the closure that I was looking for.
While it is a quick read, it did take me a couple days (and a few other books in between) to finish. But, it is clean and not preachy, so you gotta love that :)
*I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
If you are expecting a deep thoughtful read when you pick up By the River you might be disappointed. But if you are looking for a quick fluffy read with added suspense this is a good book to give a try.
I wasn't able to totally relate to the characters, and I'll admit Kira drove me nuts sometimes, but her character was spot on for what the author was trying to portray. I was also looking for more with the "after" part of the mystery. I can't say anything without spoilers, but one of the endings seemed a little abrupt, and the other didn't have the closure that I was looking for.
While it is a quick read, it did take me a couple days (and a few other books in between) to finish. But, it is clean and not preachy, so you gotta love that :)
*I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
November 24, 2015
Jennie Hansen is an author I always look to for a good romantic suspense story. She knows how to weave in the perfect balance of suspense and romance.
This book jumps right into the thick of things. I love that. I open the book and immediately I am sucked right into the mystery and suspense. Consequently, I read through this book quickly (in one day!) because I just didn't want to put it down.
I liked Ford. He saw Kira, was interested in her, and asked her out. Just like that. He saw something he was interested in pursuing and just went for it. He is a guy any girl would love to have on her side. Solid. Honest.
Kira is small but mighty. Being independent is so important to her and she struggles with the tight hold her father tries to keep on her. Kira is a thinker though, and a doer. She doesn't just sit around and let things happen. I liked that.
I enjoyed my day reading this book. It was perfect for the mood I was in.
Content: Clean. No swearing or sexual content beyond kissing. LDS fiction although nothing preachy or particularly religious.
This book jumps right into the thick of things. I love that. I open the book and immediately I am sucked right into the mystery and suspense. Consequently, I read through this book quickly (in one day!) because I just didn't want to put it down.
I liked Ford. He saw Kira, was interested in her, and asked her out. Just like that. He saw something he was interested in pursuing and just went for it. He is a guy any girl would love to have on her side. Solid. Honest.
Kira is small but mighty. Being independent is so important to her and she struggles with the tight hold her father tries to keep on her. Kira is a thinker though, and a doer. She doesn't just sit around and let things happen. I liked that.
I enjoyed my day reading this book. It was perfect for the mood I was in.
Content: Clean. No swearing or sexual content beyond kissing. LDS fiction although nothing preachy or particularly religious.
November 28, 2015
This book starts off fast--Kira has just discovered the body of a young woman. Actually, her brother's dog, Jasper, has due to his fascination with shoes. Kira's screams attract the attention of Ford, a local high school teacher. He realizes that he knows the victim and has had some negative interactions with her recently. He does become a suspect but I didn't feel that he was looked at seriously past the first interview with the detective.
Things start heating up for Kira as all sorts of crazy things start happening. She is constantly fighting her father and brother for her independence. Unbeknownst to her, her father sets up security for her. By the time she learns of it, though, things have gotten to the point where she is grateful for it.
The characters we get to know in this book are all likable. Jasper, the dog, was particularly fun to read about. He annoyed Kira and didn't obey her at all. I understand why she didn't want him around, but there were times she was glad he was there. Kira and Ford were attracted to each other and it didn't take long for them to start dating. There was a lot going on which made for some challenges but they were willing to figure things out.
The pace of the book was fast and there was quite a bit going on. There was someone trying to keep Kira quiet and it was difficult to pin down who it was. I was ready for some answers at the end and was a little disappointed in the reveal. I'm not sure what I was expecting but after all the craziness Kira went through, it seemed like it would have been something different.
Overall, it's a great read, especially if you enjoy clean, romantic suspense. This is the first novel I've read by Jennie Hansen and I look forward to reading more in the future!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
Things start heating up for Kira as all sorts of crazy things start happening. She is constantly fighting her father and brother for her independence. Unbeknownst to her, her father sets up security for her. By the time she learns of it, though, things have gotten to the point where she is grateful for it.
The characters we get to know in this book are all likable. Jasper, the dog, was particularly fun to read about. He annoyed Kira and didn't obey her at all. I understand why she didn't want him around, but there were times she was glad he was there. Kira and Ford were attracted to each other and it didn't take long for them to start dating. There was a lot going on which made for some challenges but they were willing to figure things out.
The pace of the book was fast and there was quite a bit going on. There was someone trying to keep Kira quiet and it was difficult to pin down who it was. I was ready for some answers at the end and was a little disappointed in the reveal. I'm not sure what I was expecting but after all the craziness Kira went through, it seemed like it would have been something different.
Overall, it's a great read, especially if you enjoy clean, romantic suspense. This is the first novel I've read by Jennie Hansen and I look forward to reading more in the future!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
November 25, 2015
I couldn't help but to find this story a little creepy, which is probably how it was intended to be. I don't live far from where this story takes place and let me just say--I will not be taking any jogs along the river trail by myself anytime in the near future!
I love how the story starts right off into the thick of things, with a suspenseful discovery of a body. That chance discovery leads to a chance meeting between Ford and Kira. The attraction is instant and a relationship soon develops. I love a good suspense with a little romance woven neatly between the lines and this one delivered.
Ford is a school teacher and is a suspect in this case. I love how strong, smart, and protective he is of Kira, yet not overbearingly so. There are many twists and turns in the story and I just couldn't help but hope that Ford is innocent of committing the murder. Kira has been sheltered by an overprotective father and brother for her whole life and is trying so hard to stand on her own. In the middle of proving her independence, she finds herself in some scary and dangerous situations, but still holds firm. She's so tiny and petite, yet is a ball of determination.
At times, I wondered if there were too many mishaps, but they really helped drive the suspense and added to the story. The climax was great and I loved the resolution.
Content: mild romance (kissing); no language; mild violence (not graphic--murder, other violent crimes); mild religious elements (nothing preachy--just casually mentioned). Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
I love how the story starts right off into the thick of things, with a suspenseful discovery of a body. That chance discovery leads to a chance meeting between Ford and Kira. The attraction is instant and a relationship soon develops. I love a good suspense with a little romance woven neatly between the lines and this one delivered.
Ford is a school teacher and is a suspect in this case. I love how strong, smart, and protective he is of Kira, yet not overbearingly so. There are many twists and turns in the story and I just couldn't help but hope that Ford is innocent of committing the murder. Kira has been sheltered by an overprotective father and brother for her whole life and is trying so hard to stand on her own. In the middle of proving her independence, she finds herself in some scary and dangerous situations, but still holds firm. She's so tiny and petite, yet is a ball of determination.
At times, I wondered if there were too many mishaps, but they really helped drive the suspense and added to the story. The climax was great and I loved the resolution.
Content: mild romance (kissing); no language; mild violence (not graphic--murder, other violent crimes); mild religious elements (nothing preachy--just casually mentioned). Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
November 23, 2015
Suspense, adventure, romance… In her latest release, By the River, this is exactly the type of book Jennie Hansen has written. This exciting new novel will keep readers on their toes as they follow the intense and exciting storyline. Jennie’s characters are well developed causing readers will be pulled even more into the story what will happen next. Jennie Hansen has yet again written a page-turning novel that readers will not want to put down. I recommend this novel to fans of Jennie’s previous novels, as well as those that enjoy fiction suspense stories.
Genre: suspense, LDS
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Publication date: October 1, 2015
Number of pages: 221
Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 5 stars
A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications.
Genre: suspense, LDS
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Publication date: October 1, 2015
Number of pages: 221
Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 5 stars
A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications.
June 1, 2016
Kira is determined to be independent, especially after the excessive protection forced on her by her father and brother. Despite this, she's drawn very quickly to fellow runner, Ford, after dog-sitting for her brother drags the two into a murder investigation and series of harrowing events. Of course despite taking place mostly over the course of the summer, it wouldn't be complete without her brother's wedding and her own engagement at the end. It's more than obvious that's where the duo is heading, assuming they survive everything that has been happening to Kira since the river. It isn't until the very end that the mystery of the target painted on Kira is ever really solved, leaving a constant question of if she'll ever really be safe again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2015
Hansen wastes no time in opening the book with a frightening discovery and a mystery as to how it happened. Enter Kira and Ford who meet by happenstance and are both tangled up in the mystery. Hansen creates realistic suspense, flawed characters that make them seem real and a mystery that I couldn't for anything figure out! Usually in mysteries I can follow the clues and figure it out before the main character, but Hansen does a fabulous job keeping the reader wondering and engaged until the very end! If you like a good murder mystery and love story then you will certainly love By the River! received a free copy, this is my honest review.
November 19, 2015
Jennie Hansen fans have been anxiously awaiting her new release and By the River does not disappoint. Kira Paxton is a woman small of stature, but big in heart. She wants to fall in love, be independent from her smothering family, and live a full life. All of those dreams are set on a collision course, however, after she makes the grisly discovery of a young woman’s body near her running trail.
You can read the rest of my review at Meridian Magazine here http://ldsmag.com/lds-fiction-by-the-...
You can read the rest of my review at Meridian Magazine here http://ldsmag.com/lds-fiction-by-the-...
November 17, 2016
I found this book a little slow, it didn’t have the fast paced action I’ve read in other books by this Author.
Kira Paxton is out for her morning run when her brother’s dog finds a body. Kira screams….
Ford Kettering hears a scram and runs to find what out what has happened. Ford is a local High School teacher and the body that Kira found is a student of his.
Kira and Ford have to work together to solve the murder and clear Ford’s name.
This was a clean read although I didn’t really get into the story that much.
Kira Paxton is out for her morning run when her brother’s dog finds a body. Kira screams….
Ford Kettering hears a scram and runs to find what out what has happened. Ford is a local High School teacher and the body that Kira found is a student of his.
Kira and Ford have to work together to solve the murder and clear Ford’s name.
This was a clean read although I didn’t really get into the story that much.
November 21, 2016
I really enjoyed reading this book. I have read a three other books from this author and liked one of them, so I wasn't sure if I would like this one. I'm so glad that I took the chance and read this one.
Things started happening right away. Kira finds the body of a young woman almost on the first page. Things just keep getting crazier from there. Almost too crazy. I had a hard time believing everything that happened. I had to give this book four stars because to me, the story became unbelievable but was still enjoyable.
Things started happening right away. Kira finds the body of a young woman almost on the first page. Things just keep getting crazier from there. Almost too crazy. I had a hard time believing everything that happened. I had to give this book four stars because to me, the story became unbelievable but was still enjoyable.
March 12, 2017
This book was alright. Pretty much like all of these other covenant books. Not as good of a writer as Traci Hunter Abramson, but I liked it well enough. About s woman that finds a girl dead on her run one morning, and about how she keeps getting harassed by someone. Then she gets kidnapped by someone else randomly and when she escaped and is alright, them some harassment starts to happen again. Much too much going on in the book, and three sorry was a little spotty, but it was alright.
January 26, 2016
Agree with most of the good review. Listened to the audio book which added an extra dimension with the dialogue. Enjoyed the twists and turns which kept me guessing as to who was really the bad guy.
April 5, 2016
More like 3.5 stars. (I wish they would add half stars!)
I liked the moral of the story of how gossip and half truths can ruin lives. I liked the romance. I do feel like the mystery wasn't that difficult to figure out and that the conclusion was a bit rushed. But overall a good book!
I liked the moral of the story of how gossip and half truths can ruin lives. I liked the romance. I do feel like the mystery wasn't that difficult to figure out and that the conclusion was a bit rushed. But overall a good book!
January 24, 2016
3 1/2 stars. Lots of action and some romance. I liked it.
January 6, 2016
This book is not my favorite by Ms Hansen. The romance was pretty good as was the mystery, but it just didn't seem to flow as well as some of her other stories.
January 9, 2016
Very action packed! Loved it.
June 30, 2016
It was a quick and enjoyable summer read. However, if you are not a Salt Lake local, you may get lost with the lack of location descriptions and references to "the Church "
September 28, 2016
Can't believe I hadn't read this yet
December 27, 2016
Pretty good LDS fiction. Fun little love story, and a suspenseful mystery.
August 25, 2017
The story was suspenseful, engaging, and going really well up until a totally tangential, unrelated kidnapping and a thoroughly underwhelming ending.
April 17, 2022
Jannie Hansen is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. This was another solid clean, fast-paced, thriller, with a touch of romance. I love these types of books! My only real complaint was how far-fetched some of it got, but hey, I can suspend disbelief to enjoy the ride! I'm definitely going to read more of Hansen's books.
January 2, 2018
Finding a body by the Jordan River, opens up a whole can of worms for Kira Paxton. She will have to muster up all her courage to fight for independence from Daddy, gang attacks, and kidnapping. Oh, she gets to fall in love with Ford Kettering too.
January 23, 2018
A girl is out running and finds a dead body then she starts having all sorts of problem.
August 6, 2018
Superb until the unbelievable ending.
April 1, 2019
A good story that holds your attention.
April 27, 2016
It was a fun read. I loved that I could visualize all the places described in the book since I live near by.
September 4, 2016
Decent story, decent writing, and a fun, easy, slightly scary read. Appreciated the fact that it was a clean book!
November 20, 2015
Not sure I like the ending. But a good story
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews