Trial & Tribulations

Windy Ridge Legal Thriller #1

by Rachel Dylan

A Windy Ridge Legal Thriller #1

High-powered attorney Olivia Murray faces the biggest test of her career when she is assigned to represent Astral Tech, a New Age tech company, in a lawsuit filed by its biggest competitor. While Olivia is accustomed to hard fights in the courtroom, she arrives in Windy Ridge and discovers there is much more to this case than the legal claims—forces of darkness are at work.

Windy Ridge quickly turns from quiet Chicago suburb to spiritual battleground, and Olivia must rely on her faith to defend against legal and spiritual attacks. Although they are enemies in the courtroom, Olivia finds a friend and unlikely ally in opposing counsel, Grant Baxter. Once a skeptic about faith, he ultimately comes to her aid when she needs it most.

The battle between evil forces heats up in and out of the courtroom, pushing Olivia to the breaking point. Will she be able to help good triumph over evil, or will the town of Windy Ridge be torn apart?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Thriller, Fiction, Christian

326 pages, Paperback

First published November 17, 2015

About the author

Rachel Dylan is an award-winning and bestselling author of legal thrillers and romantic suspense. Rachel has practiced law for almost two decades, including as a litigator at one of the nation's top law firms. Rachel lives in Michigan with her husband and three furkids—one loveable Labrador and two senior cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers.

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A legal thriller that also deals with spiritual warfare? Sounds crazy...but, it works! Can't wait to read the rest of the series!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trial and Tribulations is a spiritual warfare legal thriller. I read it in one day; I had to know what was going to happen next. Olivia is a successful attorney that has been assigned a big case representing a New Age tech company, Astral Tech. She is strong in her faith but working to defend a New Age company becomes more of a spiritual battle than she expected. Grant has been hired by the other New Age company this is suing Astral Tech. Grant and Olivia immediately connect on a professional and personal level. Grant was raised in several foster homes and is skeptical about God and faith. I found the technical side of the new age business enlightening. Who would have thought that a New Age company would try to get followers through a phone app? I really enjoyed how Grant and Olivia connected and worked through their differences. It was very well written. I appreciated how they both had a good support system that they relied on. As I was reading, there were several secondary characters that I am hoping get their own book; including Ty and Chris just in case Rachel reads this review  . Warning: This book is about spiritual warfare which can make it very scary and real for some. It also contains a lot of religious discussions. If you are ready for that; I highly recommend the book and cannot wait for the next book in the series.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trials & Tribulations ( A Wendy Ridge Legal Thriller - Book 1 )
By: Rachel Dylan

Trials & Tribulations is book one in A Wendy Ridge Legal Thriller series. Wow, what a terrific legal thriller, suspense , and spiritual welfare between the good and the evil all wrapped up in one package by Rachel Dylan . I don't usually read thrillers , but the author had me hooked and would not let go till the end and then I wanted more. Before I started Trials & Tribulations I did not know what to expect. There was several times I caught myself holding my breath and could not read fast enough to see what was going to happen next. This is a well written and powerful welfare story and I really enjoyed it. If you love a good edge of your seat story , then you will love Trials & Tribulations.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review, which I have given.

[Stella Potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Legal Thriller about spiritual warfare between good and evil and it has angels and demons included. It is at times almost scary. The two main characters, Olivia and Grant, who are two attorneys representing two New Age companies in a suit are becoming good friends. With Olivia being a Christian and Grant being a non-believer she has her work cut out for her. This is an eye opener regarding the New Age movement. If you think it’s harmless to mess around with those things you need to read this book. It is continued in the next book so it rather leaves you with a cliffhanger.

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." ~ Ephesians 6:12

Such a powerful statement but one so easily dismissed by most the world. We have a tendency to see what we want to see and to blame God when bad things happen in the world, while the real enemy remains unseen and moving forward in his plans to deceive and destroy those in the world before his time runs out. In her first novel in the Windy Ridge Legal Thriller Series, Rachel Dylan introduces us to Trials and Tribulations. I had first seen this book through Facebook ads of all places and have always been a huge fan of books that deal with spiritual warfare! This one is perfect for those looking for that duality in story lines between the unseen and seen world we live in.

Olivia Murray has been hired by Astral Tech as their attorney in a case defending them against an alleged theft of a New Age app from their competitor Optimism. It will take more than her skills as an attorney to win this battle since both companies and their employees deal with New Age mysticism like witchcraft, meditation and demonic activity as if it is simply part of their lives without conscience thought of what they are truly dealing with. In fact, as a believer in Jesus, Olivia wonders if this is something she should be getting involved with as a Christian and if God really has plans for her to take this case. Especially when the attacks become spiritual and work on the very core of her faith.

Her opposing counsel is Grant Baxter which Optimism has retained as their lawyer and are alleging the theft came when a partnership between two of the employees who were involved in a personal relationship went south. The only thing that is standing in the way is that Grant is not a believer and therefore fair game for those who dabble in the dark arts. Since he isn't saved as a believer, Grant soon experiences his own spiritual attack but doesn't understand what is happening and soon confronts Olivia with help to figure out what is really going on. He isn't ready to accept any type of spiritual anything as to what is happening and writes it off as stress or working to hard.

It will take more than just their skills as attorneys to get to the bottom of what is truly going on and how it impacts both of their lives not just professionally but spiritually as well. Even a well meaning intern is sucked into the lure of these New Age companies with the promise that she can have more than she ever imagined if she is willing to be open to new ideas and see that prosperity is within reach if you only want it. What will happen to the town of Windy Ridge if either of these companies is allowed to go unchecked and how many more young people will be lured into the dark world of the supernatural through their combined efforts?

I received Trials and Tribulations by Rachel Dylan compliments of NYLA publishing for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside for a free copy of this novel, in exchange for an honest and personal review. I absolutely love this novel and applaud Rachel for taking a chance in writing a story line like this one. It won't be a favorite of those not willing to believe that such a spiritual world exists and that we are subjected to forces of good and evil by where our faith stands in this world. It is very eye opening to see just how easily it is to get involved in the dark spiritual world and how hard it can be to get out once you enter. I can't wait to see what lies ahead in her future novels. For me, this one was a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trial and Tribulations (A Windy Ridge Legal Thriller Book One) by Rachel Dylan is not what I expected. Olivia Murray is an attorney in Washington, D.C. with the firm of Brown, Carter, and Reed. Olivia is being sent to Windy Ridge, Illinois (near Chicago) to handle a lawsuit against Astral Tech, a new age company (and I am not talking crystals and enlightenment new age). Olivia is a devout Christian and hopes she will be able to handle this case. She can feel the evil in the Astral Tech building (and it makes her uncomfortable). The plaintiff is Optimism which is another new age company and their attorney is Grant Baxter. They feel that Astral Tech stole their new app and released it as their own. Grant is not a Christian but this case may change his beliefs. Olivia’s faith will need to be strong to battle the evil that will attack her and her clients. She does have some angel’s, Ben and Micah, on her side as well as the local Windy Ridge church (who has a team to fight the evil). Everyone will need to be battle ready and on guard to battle the evil entity that is trying to invade Windy Ridge.

I have to admit that I did not enjoy reading Trial and Tribulations. I normally enjoy Christian books, but this book was just not for me. The story is basically a battle of good (following the tenets of the Bible, prayer, good church family, having faith) versus evil (dark magic, witchcraft). It is spiritual warfare. There is a moral lesson in the book about getting involved in things which are forbidden in the Bible (like witchcraft). I never got into this novel. I just read it to get through it (which does not make for enjoyable reading). There are many heavy religious discussions in the book (which is good for theological textbooks but not for fiction). I did like how the author made the legal information understandable by the average person. I was disappointed with the ending because the story was not concluded (the legal case is finished but not the fight). It was left open for the next book in this series. I give Trial and Tribulations 3 out of 5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of Trial and Tribulations from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attorney Olivia Murray is quite comfortable in her DC office. That is about to change when she is sent to the Chicago suburbs to participate in what will become the trial of her life and a huge test of her career and faith. She will be representing a new age technology company, Astral Tech, against their biggest competitor, Optimism. The opposing counsel is Grant Baxter. It soon becomes apparent that God brought Olivia and Grant together for a purpose… His purpose. While Grant is not a Christian, he quickly becomes an unlikely friend. The two of them must work together and rely on Olivia’s faith as they encounter a spiritual battle like no other. They will be left wondering whether or not they have any allies, or is everyone in the Devil’s pocket? Will Olivia be able to lead Grant to the Lord, or will she lose him to the dark side, especially after he sees the power firsthand? Will she be able to shut down the companies, or will evil flourish?

Even though this is a work of fiction, Dylan does a phenomenal job of depicting the very real battle one encounters when dealing with spiritual warfare. Olivia is steadfast in her faith and a tenacious character, perfect for the fight against good versus evil. The story is extremely engaging, and that only increases as Olivia prepares for her legal and spiritual battle. All secondary characters serve important purposes; none are wasted. Thanks to Dylan’s background, the legal accuracies are spot on. The visuals will grab you, almost like watching a movie unfold. This is an in-your-face look at the very real presence of evil in the world and how one must be prepared to do battle. This can only be done by putting on the armor of God, which is exactly what Olivia must do if she wants to survive. I highly recommend this book!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Katrina Epperson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story. The plot drew me into the story quickly and kept me turning the pages until the end. This is a different type of story than I am used to because it's about spiritual warfare. Olivia Murray is an attorney for Brown, Carter and Reed, who were hired by Astral Tech to defend them in a theft case. When Olivia arrives in Windy Ridge at the offices of Astral she senses a dark force, but knows that God is always with her. She knows that evil is just hovering close and that a battle is close. She meets Grant Baxter with Baxter Group and representing Layton Alito of Optimism. They feel to expedite matters that a good working relationship is essential. There's an attraction, but as long as the litigation is ongoing there's not a chance for a relationship. Friendship is conveyed in a genuine way, but there's obvious romantic tension. Olivia and Grant are wonderful characters that are easy to love. This story includes elements of mystery, suspense, but most of all faith. It's a story I would recommend to anyone.
*I received this book from the author for a honest review without bias or outside influence.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

No one are as they first appear...

What an interesting concept! I have to admit that I've never thought of mixing a legal thriller and spiritual warfare in the same story but Rachel Dylan totally pulls it off.

Trial And Tribulations was an exciting read with the physical and spiritual realms having direct influence on each other. It was also a very good example of how easy it is for things like witchcraft to sneak in without you even realizing it's happening, when you think you are going into it with eyes wide open is usually when the blinders have already been slipped on.

Lots of great stuff about spiritual warfare but Trial And Tribulations is also an entertaining story, I totally can't wait to find out what Rachel Dylan has in store for readers and what happens next in the battle between the New Age group(s) and the Believers in Windy Ridge.

(I received a copy of this e-book from the author in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.)

[Kristine Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been seeing Rachel Dylan's books on various Facebook groups. I'm glad I finally decided to try one. Trials and Tribulation is an engrossing story that involves a legal battle between two rival New Age groups. But by accepting the case opposing attorneys Grant and Olivia find themselves involved in a far more serious battle, one that could cost them their souls.
Ms. Dylan has done a wonderful job of creating strong, believable characters along with a storyline that compels one to drop everything and read. It also made me focus on my own relationship with my L-rd, Jesus Christ. As Grant and Olivia grew in their faith, I found myself praying more and also getting into the Word. I recommend this book to people who wish to learn more about Spiritual Warfare in a novel as opposed to a textbook.

[Cheryl Baranski]

Trials and Tribulations is book one of A Windy Ridge Legal Thriller by Rachel Dylan. If you want a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat with all the unexpected heart pounding happens, strong faith and spiritual battles than this is the book for you. This story is so intense that I felt as though I was living out the experiences right along with the characters in this story. I have to say that Olivia & Grant were my favorites in this story. There is just something about them that kept me wanting more of them. Be sure to get your copy of Trials and Tribulations today. 5 stars! I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I received a copy of this book for my honest review.

[Andi Tubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love legal thrillers and spiritual warfare novels, and Rachel Dylan combines both in this fast paced fight between good and evil. I could not turn the pages fast enough and I stayed up way past my bedtime reading. There are a lot of people who don't believe in the spiritual world, I do and Rachel does a fantastic job of showing the battle between the two.
The Bible tells us . . . "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." ~ Ephesians 6:12
We see Olivia's internal struggle as a lawyer to do the job she is hired to do, and also honor God.
This is the first book I have read by Rachel and it won't be my last!

[Rachel P · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book interested me because I LOVED Frank Peretti's books in the 80s, This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness. They were masterful storytelling and very inspiring spiritually. This book was a sad shell of those. The writing style was very elementary, so much so that I almost didn't continue after the first chapter. I decided to give it a chance and the story ended up being just okay, but nowhere near as believable and well-developed as the Peretti books. It was also full of typos and remedial grammatical errors. I did finish the book and am disappointed that if I want to really get to the end of the story, I'd have to read more books in the series, which I don't think I can manage to take the time to do.

[Deanna Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was asked if I'd like to read a spiritual warfare legal thriller, I knew I liked Rachel Dylan's books so, I was gifted a copy and oh my! New Age mysticism like witchcraft, meditation and demonic activity were not things you would expect in a trial for the stealing of a New Age computer app, but she covered it all with a heavy dose of faith and God's protection.. There were times I didn't think I wanted to keep reading but had to.. I had to know how she ended it! I found a lot of action, surprises and yes, even a few shudders certainly made this a thriller!

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trial and Tribulations

Wow! If you desire to read a story that will have you engaged, enthralled and staying up into the wee hours of the night then Trial and Tribulations is for you. It will have you rooting for Olivia, praying for Grant, hoping beyond hope that Stacey will wake up, disliking the enemy and his cohorts and in a strange way caring for Nina Marie. If you don't know that there is a battle going on for your soul then this book will alert you to the truth. I need book 2 now because I need to see where this battle is heading and who will be left standing.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a read! Rachel has written an edge of the seat legal suspense combined with a story of the reality of spiritual warfare and the battle between God's kingdom and the kingdom of darkness that results in a story that grabbed me from the first pages and kept me thoroughly engrossed in the story until the final pages. I definitely recommend this one, and I am certainly looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Wilani Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is a powerful read. It is suspense, thriller, spiritual warfare, that is all wrapped in a very well written package. This book while fiction clearly portrays a very real danger and the power of spiritual warfare. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.

[Lauretta Kehoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great novel!

I enjoyed Dylan's legal details as well as her spiritual strength shining through in her main characters. Looking forward to seeing where she goes from here.

[Pat Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's going on in Windy Ridge?

On the surface things seem ordinary, a nice little town. Businesses,churches. But wait two new age businesses at war with each other.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally loved this spiritual warfare/legal thriller and there are 2 more in this series that I look forward to.

[She Reads for Jesus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awareness of the existence of the spiritual realm and spiritual warfare is vital for all to know, especially Christians. Trial & Tribulations by Rachel Dylan is an enthralling Christian legal thriller that depicts this fact in a dynamic way. This fast-paced novel includes an intriguing plot, sound Christian doctrine, and interesting characters.

Ephesians 6:12 (KJV): For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Trial & Tribulations is book one in a four-part series. It follows the two protagonists in the story Olivia Murray and Grant Baxter, who are skilled and accomplished lawyers working on opposing sides of a nonconventional case involving two New Age Tech companies who each teach New Age practices and techniques through an online application. Olivia is a Christian who is strong in her faith and knowledgeable about the spiritual realm. After being assigned to the case in fictional Windy Ridge, Chicago, she quickly realizes her role in this job far exceeds merely winning a case. Olivia discovers that her participation in the case includes her fighting a fierce spiritual battle that threaten to pull Christians in Windy Ridge from the faith into a Satanic lifestyle. Grant Baxter is the attorney working with the opposing New Age Tech company suing Olivia’s client’s company. Grant is an atheist, who initially has no interest in learning or believing in any religion, whether Christianity or Satanic. However, meeting Olivia changes his outlook on Christianity and his views on spirituality. Both Grant and Olivia are thrust into a fierce spiritual battle between good and evil that leaves Grant strongly convinced of the validity of the spiritual realm and will embolden Olivia’s strong faith and spiritual gifts.

The Christian faith content in this novel was outstanding. Although this novel depicts spiritual warfare and the participation of angels and demons in the spiritual battle, the ultimate power of Christ is illustrated profoundly. Characters were portrayed casting out demons in the name of Jesus and consistently praying. There was also the inclusion of a local community church whose pastor and church leaders provided support and guidance throughout the battle. This was by no means a spooky story that just described evil, but adequately displayed the power of Christ and the spiritual authority believers have in the name of Jesus. This is a riveting Christian legal thriller that I highly recommend to others.

[Rodney Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I spend considerable time reading technical, academic, and other non-fiction, so when I take time for fiction I want to enjoy it. I don't want to spend my time distracted by grammar, misspellings, telling instead of showing, etc. Also, especially in Christian Fiction, I don't want things to be unrealistically easy or ideal, as so often plague the genre.

Like most avid readers, I have discovered that a lot of the "deals" on amazon aren't. So when I downloaded this novel I was cautious. A reviewer said that it was "Peretti style," and since I have always loved his books, I gave it a try. I'm glad I did. Rachel Dylan is a great writer!

In Trial and Tribulations, the author weaves a tapestry of mystery, legal drama, spiritual warfare, and a hint of playful romance (nothing too mushy for us guys) that kept me flipping pages and being genuinely concerned for the characters. (Another trait too often missing from modern writing).

The only small criticism I have is that the promised pay-off does not happen in this book. It appears we will have to wait for the sequel for that. I felt that the climax in this book was too quick, too easy, and too rushed. Yes, I understand that the epic battle is yet to come (in subsequent books), but I felt this one could have been a little more tense and a little more satisfying. After a great deal of buildup, the climax is more of a fizzle. Still, I am looking forward to reading the other two books in this series, and am very much enjoying the journey.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

'This was much larger than a lawsuit. Spiritual forces were at work here.'

Attorney Olivia Murray is sent by her firm to represent a New Age company who is being sued by another of the same sort. Olivia is a stronger believer in Christ and immediately senses something is off badly as soon as she walks into the company's offices. Her opposing counsel, Grant Baxter, is not a believer but is soon targeted by the demonic forces involved in this case on both sides. Olivia herself is confronted more than once. Her church is also targeted. These forces will come up against each other more than once as the battle for good and evil is waged.

Rachel Dylan has crafted a well thought out book on a subject most are not familiar with. I totally believe in spiritual warfare and found this book to be quite fascinating. As believers, we wage battle daily. Scripture supports this. I look forward to the next two books in the series.

*My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. I was not required to leave a review and the opinion here is my own.

[Andrea Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trials and Tribulations
We are taken to Windy Ridge, a Chicago suburb where Olivia has been assigned to represent a New Age Tech firm that is being sued by another New Age Tech firm, and represented by Grant. Olivia quickly realizes that things are not what they seem on the surface, though she’s not sure at first what is going on. She and Grant get to know each other somewhat due to meetings between them due to the litigation, yet he doesn’t believe anything of the spiritual realm. She seeks out a church and befriends that pastor who is well aware of happenings in his community. The book goes back and forth between Olivia and Grant as well as their respective heads of the two companies and the behind the scenes scuffles and attacks. Engaging book that will keep you wondering what’s going to happen next.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa, Trial and Tribulations is definitely a thriller that will take you on a wild, exciting ride. It grabbed me from the very beginning and I just couldn't read it fast enough.

I've read a few of Rachel Dylan's books and really enjoyed them. The whole spiritual warfare idea is not one I usually read, but thought I'd give it a try. I really can't say enough good things about it. It'll really make you stop and think.

The war between good and evil is presented in a new and fasinating way, bringing the lastest technology into the picture. It was very intriguing and thought provoking with the use of apps bringing the younger generation into the evil community.

I highly recommend Trial and Tribulations by Rachel Dylan and can't wait to see what we'll encounter in Fatal Accusation, book 2 in the Windy Ridge series.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia Murray has a huge task to undertake – representing a New Age company that's being sued by a rival. Sounds routine, but much more is going on than first meets the eye. A battle rages. A battle between good and evil, angels and demons, is being waged and Olivia is right in the middle of it all.

I was extremely intrigued by the idea of this book. I wondered how combining a legal thriller with spiritual warfare would turn out. Well, it turned out to be an awesome, heart-pounding, unputdownable thrill ride. There was seriously no good place to stop and I'd often find myself reading at a feverish pace to find out what happened next.

It was really interesting learning about the legal side of things but the addition of the spiritual warfare element really kicked things up a notch, making this a must read. I highly recommend this book and am very eager to start the next one!

[Glynis Halliday · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real page turner!

Right from the start, I knew this book was going to be exciting, encouraging, inspiring and dangerous at the same time!

Olivia is a young woman who has had a great foundation in faith and as the story progresses, she’s learning that God has brought her to this place, for such a time as this.

Grant has no idea what is in his future, when he first meets Olivia, but he is definitely attracted to her, not only for her beauty, but for her strength of character and her faith in God.

This book is one of the best I’ve read about the subject. If you’re interested in the spiritual realm, as I am, then you’re definitely going to enjoy this!

I’m looking forward to reading more from Rachel Dylan’s hand.

Highly recommended.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about a page turner - good vs. evil! We know who is on which side, no mystery there. But the tension is created by how the characters will win in circumstances that are overwhelming. Gospel message is presented and much scripture is quoted through out.
**spoliler**First of a series, and with the sneak peek of book 2 presented at the end of the book you know that all is not resolved. To be continued...

[Neal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent story line and overall kept my attention
Disappointed in the lack of reality in the legal aspects. I’m a lawyer and so that was obvious and hard to ignore.
I appreciated what the author tried to do with the spiritual warfare, but it was a bit too tidy to come across realistically.
The author has some good goals, a good imagination, a great outline of a story. She has good potential and hopefully practice will clear some of the clutter in the writing.