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Frozen Footprints #2
After the Thaw
Some wounds heal. Others leave scars.
Four years ago, Charlene Perigard survived a brutal kidnapping. Now at twenty-two, she’s put that trauma behind her for a promising future with handsome firefighter Ben Jorgensen. But when new trauma strikes, a new nightmare begins.
Sinister threats, a midnight attack, and a deathbed promise drive Charlene to the little town of Creekside, where she encounters a man from her past whom she has long struggled to forget: Clay Morrow—ex-convict and brother of her kidnapper. He's also the man who once helped save her life.
Despite the odds, Charlene and Clay forge a tentative friendship, unaware of a brooding, mounting danger that seeks to destroy them both. Charlene’s wounded heart must choose between her fiancé and the man whose past is more scarred than her own. But in choosing, she may just lose everything.
Christian Romantic Suspense
Note: After the Thaw is the sequel to Frozen Footprints but can be read as a stand alone novel.
Four years ago, Charlene Perigard survived a brutal kidnapping. Now at twenty-two, she’s put that trauma behind her for a promising future with handsome firefighter Ben Jorgensen. But when new trauma strikes, a new nightmare begins.
Sinister threats, a midnight attack, and a deathbed promise drive Charlene to the little town of Creekside, where she encounters a man from her past whom she has long struggled to forget: Clay Morrow—ex-convict and brother of her kidnapper. He's also the man who once helped save her life.
Despite the odds, Charlene and Clay forge a tentative friendship, unaware of a brooding, mounting danger that seeks to destroy them both. Charlene’s wounded heart must choose between her fiancé and the man whose past is more scarred than her own. But in choosing, she may just lose everything.
Christian Romantic Suspense
Note: After the Thaw is the sequel to Frozen Footprints but can be read as a stand alone novel.
360 pages, Paperback
Published April 5, 2016
641 people are currently reading
883 people want to read
About the author
Therese Heckenkamp
9 books221 followersBorn in Australia but raised in the USA as a homeschooled student, Therese Heckenkamp has been writing stories since before she could spell. At age 18, she completed the first draft of her first published novel. She is now the award-winning author of four Christian romance/suspense novels: Past Suspicion, Frozen Footprints, After the Thaw (a 2016 Readers' Favorite Bronze Medal Winner in Christian Fiction), and The Butterfly Recluse (her newest release).
Therese's books have reached #1 bestseller in various Amazon Kindle categories, including Religious Romance, Religious Mysteries, and Inspirational Religious Fiction.
A busy wife and mother of five, Therese fits in writing time whenever she can manage (and sometimes when she can't). A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, she looks forward to writing many more novels in the future.
Visit Therese online at ThereseHeckenkamp.com
Follow Therese on Facebook: www.facebook.com/therese.heckenkamp
Therese's books have reached #1 bestseller in various Amazon Kindle categories, including Religious Romance, Religious Mysteries, and Inspirational Religious Fiction.
A busy wife and mother of five, Therese fits in writing time whenever she can manage (and sometimes when she can't). A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, she looks forward to writing many more novels in the future.
Visit Therese online at ThereseHeckenkamp.com
Follow Therese on Facebook: www.facebook.com/therese.heckenkamp
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
February 4, 2023
This is a hard one to review. The author has talent. I really cared about the characters and felt like I got to know them well. The plot had me hooked. But despite those things, I can't recommend it. The use of "Christian" cuss words is one reason. That wasn't necessary, and it wasn't right either. The violence also got to be too much, to the point of being dark. The book ended well, but it wasn't an overall encouraging book. Basically, the storyline itself was good, but I wouldn't recommend it and don't plan to read the next in the series.
April 6, 2016
Therese Heckenkamp has done it again -- written another un-put-down-able masterpiece of suspense which hopelessly hooked me from page one. I'd been looking forward to the sequel to "Frozen Footprints" for ages and was so excited to see this new book come out! I read the entire thing in a few sittings and wasn't disappointed. In fact, it has even MORE tension and suspense than the first book, which is saying a lot because "Frozen Footprints" was an absolute page-turner.
The story starts out with a bang. Heckenkamp wastes no time grabbing her readers and plunging them into the story with two spectacular scenes. One is of Clay, the hero (or kind of anti-hero) from the first book, as he is in prison two years later. The other is of heroine Charlene, standing on a clifftop with her fiance Ben. As they admire the breathtaking view from the dizzying heights, I got chills down my spine knowing something bad was about to happen. It did. Something really bad, which sets in motion a string of horrifying events that will change Charlene's and Ben's lives forever. When Clay is released and a killer with a grudge goes after him, Charlene is pulled back into the nightmare of her past.
There is just twist after twist as Heckenkamp introduces new characters, and thickens an already tense plot. Charlene and Clay are thrown back together, their lives in danger. I don't want to give away too much of the plot, so suffice it to say this is a thriller not to be missed. I think older teens would really enjoy it.
A very talented writer and an excellent read!
The story starts out with a bang. Heckenkamp wastes no time grabbing her readers and plunging them into the story with two spectacular scenes. One is of Clay, the hero (or kind of anti-hero) from the first book, as he is in prison two years later. The other is of heroine Charlene, standing on a clifftop with her fiance Ben. As they admire the breathtaking view from the dizzying heights, I got chills down my spine knowing something bad was about to happen. It did. Something really bad, which sets in motion a string of horrifying events that will change Charlene's and Ben's lives forever. When Clay is released and a killer with a grudge goes after him, Charlene is pulled back into the nightmare of her past.
There is just twist after twist as Heckenkamp introduces new characters, and thickens an already tense plot. Charlene and Clay are thrown back together, their lives in danger. I don't want to give away too much of the plot, so suffice it to say this is a thriller not to be missed. I think older teens would really enjoy it.
A very talented writer and an excellent read!
March 18, 2016
This book was simply amazing! It's the first book I read by Therese Heckenkamp, but it won't be the last. I got it in the mail yesterday afternoon and couldn't put it down. Heckenkamp had me guessing all the way through the book. Her story was intricately woven with action, romance, and mystery.
One of my biggest pet peeves with suspense novels is that they all follow the same timeline, with similar climactic events. Not so with Heckenkamp's novel. "After the Thaw" is an original and should be on every suspense reader's must-read list.
In addition to the well crafted story, "After the Thaw" gives readers an inside look at the Catholic faith in an authentic way that I have never come across before. Even though I disagree with some of the theology, Heckenkamp's sincerity about the faith added to the novel making it stand apart from other works of fiction. It wasn't preachy, but credible.
Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
One of my biggest pet peeves with suspense novels is that they all follow the same timeline, with similar climactic events. Not so with Heckenkamp's novel. "After the Thaw" is an original and should be on every suspense reader's must-read list.
In addition to the well crafted story, "After the Thaw" gives readers an inside look at the Catholic faith in an authentic way that I have never come across before. Even though I disagree with some of the theology, Heckenkamp's sincerity about the faith added to the novel making it stand apart from other works of fiction. It wasn't preachy, but credible.
Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2016
A sequel to Heckenkamp's Frozen Footprints that yet stands strong on its own, After the Thaw is a story of courage, healing, redemption, self-sacrifice, and the value of honesty. The plot was fast-paced and kept me well invested in the future of heroine Charlene, the people she loves, and the people who sought to use her for their own ends. Serious and tragic but with a great touch of humanity, Thaw kept me turning the pages and caring about the characters. Should Charlene really marry Ben? I mean, he's a good guy, but is he the guy? And what is going on with Clay and that pregnant girl? For all the angst of the beginning and middle, the end is super satisfying with a touch of just-right sweetness. Tough but still clean, this would make a great beach read.
September 13, 2023
41/2 stars. For some reason I liked this one better than the first in the series. But I really like these suspense thrillers.
I really liked the way the loose ends from book one came together here. Sneak peak— Grandpa gets put in his place. That big bully. Lol
I had to catch up on these b4 I start the third one. I bought this one and the first, but the third is from BookSirens . I can’t wait.
I really liked the way the loose ends from book one came together here. Sneak peak— Grandpa gets put in his place. That big bully. Lol
I had to catch up on these b4 I start the third one. I bought this one and the first, but the third is from BookSirens . I can’t wait.
April 30, 2023
A thrilling continuation of the story after Frozen Footprints. Best to read that one first.
February 9, 2022
Suspenseful
Which for a suspense novel, was good. It was a bit less graphic than the first one. Without giving away spoilers, I would just say, I enjoyed this one a bit more than the first one, but there were parts that I wish were written a bit differently. I think readers of suspense with romance will enjoy it, although I didn’t find the romance compelling.
Which for a suspense novel, was good. It was a bit less graphic than the first one. Without giving away spoilers, I would just say, I enjoyed this one a bit more than the first one, but there were parts that I wish were written a bit differently. I think readers of suspense with romance will enjoy it, although I didn’t find the romance compelling.
June 1, 2019
This was a rough read, just like the first. The themes are again more harsh and dark themes. I couldn't help thinking while reading this book: "Everything that could go wrong does go wrong!" This is true, but not in the oh-so-predictable-almost-cheesy way.
Mrs. Heckenkamp really knows how to spin a tale that leaves you scared in your shoes while still drawing you to be invested in the characters and their lives. I really did enjoy this novel. Probably more than I enjoyed the first, simply because it resolved relationships that weren't able to be resolved in the first novel.
Again, exercise caution with this read because of the themes.
Ratings (# out of 5)
Sexual: 2 (A woman is pregnant out of wedlock, there are two or more instances where rape and such are attempted or considered, thought about, accused, etc.)
Violence: 2 (People are shot, stabbed, held at gunpoint/knife-point...the end is pretty violent and intense)
Language: 3 (like the last novel, no written language, but mentions of people "cursing" and then some unfinished sentences that our little brains are unfortunately able to finish)
Substance Abuse: 4 (the villain in the novel drinks, the other characters do not, in fact they explicitly stay away from alcohol)
Mrs. Heckenkamp really knows how to spin a tale that leaves you scared in your shoes while still drawing you to be invested in the characters and their lives. I really did enjoy this novel. Probably more than I enjoyed the first, simply because it resolved relationships that weren't able to be resolved in the first novel.
Again, exercise caution with this read because of the themes.
Ratings (# out of 5)
Sexual: 2 (A woman is pregnant out of wedlock, there are two or more instances where rape and such are attempted or considered, thought about, accused, etc.)
Violence: 2 (People are shot, stabbed, held at gunpoint/knife-point...the end is pretty violent and intense)
Language: 3 (like the last novel, no written language, but mentions of people "cursing" and then some unfinished sentences that our little brains are unfortunately able to finish)
Substance Abuse: 4 (the villain in the novel drinks, the other characters do not, in fact they explicitly stay away from alcohol)
April 28, 2017
When it comes to romantic suspense, I'm typically a bigger fan of the romance than the suspense, but After the Thaw delivers both well. Therese Heckenkamp skillfully keeps the suspense going through most the novel as she peels back layers on the mysterious villains and their tragic, twisted pasts.
The central characters, Charlene and Clay, drew me to the story more than the plot. In fact, Charlene's repeated rejections by, well, just about everyone, brought me to tears several times.
Gentle faith themes are interwoven in the plot quite naturally as you'd expect from characters who make repeated trips to death's door and endure suffering of all sorts. The mood, however, remains hopeful rather than gloomy.
Among my favorite parts were Charlene and Clay's conversations about faith, gratitude, and suffering. And, of course, their tender love story, so full of hope, healing, and redemption.
(I received an advance copy of the book from the author, a fellow member of the Catholic Writers Guild, for my honest review.)
The central characters, Charlene and Clay, drew me to the story more than the plot. In fact, Charlene's repeated rejections by, well, just about everyone, brought me to tears several times.
Gentle faith themes are interwoven in the plot quite naturally as you'd expect from characters who make repeated trips to death's door and endure suffering of all sorts. The mood, however, remains hopeful rather than gloomy.
Among my favorite parts were Charlene and Clay's conversations about faith, gratitude, and suffering. And, of course, their tender love story, so full of hope, healing, and redemption.
(I received an advance copy of the book from the author, a fellow member of the Catholic Writers Guild, for my honest review.)
July 7, 2016
After the Thaw is the sequel to Frozen Footprints but can be read as a stand alone novel. I found this book intriguing, captivating, and moving. The characters struggle to put their pasts behind and move on to their futures. Some of them cling to their faith to find their way. Charlene thinks life is safe and her future bright. Clay has left prison to settle into a calm and easy lifestyle. Ben feels his new adventures are set in concrete, yet sinister and frightening events change everything. Decisions will need to be made and their choices will be significant. Discover the twists and turns in After the Thaw and you will be staying up at night to find the answers.
I received a copy from the author, Therese Heckenkamp for my honest review. I will be reading book one, now to fill in the characters' past. Thank you, Therese!
I received a copy from the author, Therese Heckenkamp for my honest review. I will be reading book one, now to fill in the characters' past. Thank you, Therese!
October 1, 2017
Better than book 1!
“After the Thaw”, the sequel to “Frozen Footprints”, is possibly the best sequel that I’ve ever read. It takes place four years after the first book, and in that time, the primary characters have gone through a great amount of personal growth, albeit, not all by choice.
In this book, their lives of faith and growth in Christ (especially Charlene and Clay), as well as their struggles with same,make them more sympathetic and believable. Also, Charlene’s struggles with needing the safe haven that she thinks Ben provides is is so very true to life.
All in all, it’s a wonderful character driven book, and the mystery and overarching tension that the drama provides just makes it that much better. Two thumbs up and five stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“After the Thaw”, the sequel to “Frozen Footprints”, is possibly the best sequel that I’ve ever read. It takes place four years after the first book, and in that time, the primary characters have gone through a great amount of personal growth, albeit, not all by choice.
In this book, their lives of faith and growth in Christ (especially Charlene and Clay), as well as their struggles with same,make them more sympathetic and believable. Also, Charlene’s struggles with needing the safe haven that she thinks Ben provides is is so very true to life.
All in all, it’s a wonderful character driven book, and the mystery and overarching tension that the drama provides just makes it that much better. Two thumbs up and five stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 6, 2018
This was enjoyable read
I enjoyed reading this book and just showed that no matter how fast ya run, the past always has a way of catching/following you. You can either try to run away from it, or deal with it and be proud you survived it.
This book had suspense, forgiveness, romance and action. It definitely was a page Turner for me.
I enjoyed reading this book and just showed that no matter how fast ya run, the past always has a way of catching/following you. You can either try to run away from it, or deal with it and be proud you survived it.
This book had suspense, forgiveness, romance and action. It definitely was a page Turner for me.
September 25, 2018
Lots of good twists and turns
Honestly, for a Christian book, this was quite violent. Thank goodness for the wonderful quotations from the Bible and prayer, to guide the characters through.
The story line was well developed even though you knew where it was going, there still was some surprises.
Honestly, for a Christian book, this was quite violent. Thank goodness for the wonderful quotations from the Bible and prayer, to guide the characters through.
The story line was well developed even though you knew where it was going, there still was some surprises.
October 11, 2017
Great Book!
I would recommend this book to all to read. It is a great sequel to Frozen Footprints. It has a lot of Christian values portrayed within it. It is a happy everlasting story which makes it a winner,too.
I would recommend this book to all to read. It is a great sequel to Frozen Footprints. It has a lot of Christian values portrayed within it. It is a happy everlasting story which makes it a winner,too.
March 27, 2018
A very hard to put down book, keeps you wondering what is around the next corner!
I enjoyed this sequel to the Frozen Footprints Book very much. It was wonderful to have God’s words guide so many of the characters
I enjoyed this sequel to the Frozen Footprints Book very much. It was wonderful to have God’s words guide so many of the characters
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November 9, 2022After the Thaw has now been released! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C...
June 2, 2019
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
While I thought Frozen Footprints was a good book, this one was even better. There is still too much violence for my personal taste, but the violence serves a purpose that teaches readers about God's love and grace amid suffering and hatred. The romance! I got the same good feels I did when watching the North and South ending. I will miss reading about Charlene, Max, and Clay. I grew to like all three of them and was satisfied with their endings.
Recommended for teens+. Sensitive readers may want to skip or read with caution as the violence is a lot and at times descriptive.
While I thought Frozen Footprints was a good book, this one was even better. There is still too much violence for my personal taste, but the violence serves a purpose that teaches readers about God's love and grace amid suffering and hatred. The romance! I got the same good feels I did when watching the North and South ending. I will miss reading about Charlene, Max, and Clay. I grew to like all three of them and was satisfied with their endings.
Recommended for teens+. Sensitive readers may want to skip or read with caution as the violence is a lot and at times descriptive.
May 2, 2023
After that cliffhanger on Book 1, there was no other choice but to read Book 2! The time jump and the growth of the characters was wonderful. Except for Max, who has always seemed a bit immature and impulsive to me. He didn't seem like he had changed much til the end of the book.
There were so many twists and turns that it sometimes felt like I'd read certain details ages ago, but the author does a great job of circling back around to pick up her loose threads. There isn't any information given that is irrelevant.
And finally, Charlene got her happy ending. That's what I really came for!
There were so many twists and turns that it sometimes felt like I'd read certain details ages ago, but the author does a great job of circling back around to pick up her loose threads. There isn't any information given that is irrelevant.
And finally, Charlene got her happy ending. That's what I really came for!
September 24, 2023
This is a book I’ve returned to a few times. It’s action packed and also very real and raw. The characters act and react in ways that you can imagine yourself or others reacting in situations similar to the ones they encounter. The foundation of faith is also beautiful and sweet and not overly done or overly preachy. Again, similar to what you experience in your own life. The story isn’t an easy or pretty one, but it is a hopeful and good one. One that reminds you that wounds and scars may stay with you forever in some remnant way, but you can let yourself move forward and find joy despite them.
September 28, 2019
I love happy endings !!
I gave the first book 3 stars because I felt like there were too much brutality in it. I like psychological thrillers but it was too much for me. I wanted to read this one to see if something good came out of that horrible ordeal and I'm glad I did because there weren't too much violence in it and the book was so heartfelt that I wouldn't mind reading it again some time.
I gave the first book 3 stars because I felt like there were too much brutality in it. I like psychological thrillers but it was too much for me. I wanted to read this one to see if something good came out of that horrible ordeal and I'm glad I did because there weren't too much violence in it and the book was so heartfelt that I wouldn't mind reading it again some time.
January 24, 2022
Couldn't put it down!!
I loved the first book even though I don't normally care for such realistic suspense thrillers.
But I did.
It really gripped me bad.
As upsetting as some parts were, I kept reading.
I don't think this was based on a true story, but it could've been.
I was wrong when I thought I had it figured out.
But it turned out well, and had a happy ending after all.
And Grandfather got his!!
Thank you Therese!
I loved the first book even though I don't normally care for such realistic suspense thrillers.
But I did.
It really gripped me bad.
As upsetting as some parts were, I kept reading.
I don't think this was based on a true story, but it could've been.
I was wrong when I thought I had it figured out.
But it turned out well, and had a happy ending after all.
And Grandfather got his!!
Thank you Therese!
July 3, 2023
Unconditional Love
I love the depth of this story, the development of the characters was so involved. There were a couple of incidents where "after the thaw" would fit. Charlene was targeted because of her ultra rich grandfather by an ex convict who had had a rough upbringing. Unbelievable things kept happening to her until a video showed she was the victim. Clay's mother died but her letter to him revealed the man who he thought was his father really wasn't.
I love the depth of this story, the development of the characters was so involved. There were a couple of incidents where "after the thaw" would fit. Charlene was targeted because of her ultra rich grandfather by an ex convict who had had a rough upbringing. Unbelievable things kept happening to her until a video showed she was the victim. Clay's mother died but her letter to him revealed the man who he thought was his father really wasn't.
March 26, 2020
Love this Book ❤️
This Book was absolutely one of the best books I've ever read. It made me laugh and cry, ever single part of the book was interesting. I love how this book left me wondering until the last chapters then it started to clear. Your books are amazing, keep writing, God bless you!
This Book was absolutely one of the best books I've ever read. It made me laugh and cry, ever single part of the book was interesting. I love how this book left me wondering until the last chapters then it started to clear. Your books are amazing, keep writing, God bless you!
August 21, 2023
Romantic Suspense
I enjoyed this book and the first one in the series. Gripping suspense. Charlene dealt with a lot . As well as Clay and her brother Max. The violence could have been toned down some. Sometimes things can be told without telling all the violence. Theresa is a good writer.
I enjoyed this book and the first one in the series. Gripping suspense. Charlene dealt with a lot . As well as Clay and her brother Max. The violence could have been toned down some. Sometimes things can be told without telling all the violence. Theresa is a good writer.
May 7, 2017
After the thaw
You are an amazing writer just finished both books loved both books wish there were more good Christian mysteries like this couldn't put either book down thank you the great time I had reading them
You are an amazing writer just finished both books loved both books wish there were more good Christian mysteries like this couldn't put either book down thank you the great time I had reading them
August 9, 2017
After the Thaw
Had to read it to know how Frozen Footprints ended. The story in itself was intriguing, but the vignettes of the unidentified woman really had me wondering how she fit in. So much tragedy.
Had to read it to know how Frozen Footprints ended. The story in itself was intriguing, but the vignettes of the unidentified woman really had me wondering how she fit in. So much tragedy.
October 11, 2017
Great and awesome read
Love this new author I stumbled upon. She is so captivating with her characters and the choices they make! The mystery keeps me reading for hours at a time! And the fact that she brings faith into it is the icing on the cake for me!
Love this new author I stumbled upon. She is so captivating with her characters and the choices they make! The mystery keeps me reading for hours at a time! And the fact that she brings faith into it is the icing on the cake for me!
September 14, 2020
Clean suspenseful romance.
This was an excellent read and answered many issues of the first in this series. I look forward to reading more by this author and definitely recommend her stories.
This was an excellent read and answered many issues of the first in this series. I look forward to reading more by this author and definitely recommend her stories.
September 18, 2020
Wonderful sequel. Another great read.
After reading Frozen Footprints I and not being able to put it down I had to get this book right away. Again, I was not disappointed. It is a wonderful sequel and a great read.
After reading Frozen Footprints I and not being able to put it down I had to get this book right away. Again, I was not disappointed. It is a wonderful sequel and a great read.
January 11, 2021
Didn't Need the Violence.
A really good story but I could have done without the violence. Characters were well developed, Charlene at times didn't think things through before making choices but I did like her. Good read.
Judy
A really good story but I could have done without the violence. Characters were well developed, Charlene at times didn't think things through before making choices but I did like her. Good read.
Judy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews