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Presumed Dead
THREAT OF EXPOSURE
Framed for a sabotaged military operation, Preston Tyler has allowed everyone to believe he’s dead—until he witnesses someone planting a bomb in his childhood sweetheart’s cabin. To save Holly Fontaine’s life, he must blow his cover.
Holly is shaken…both by the explosion, and the sudden appearance of a man she thought she’d lost forever. But their reunion is short-lived when the bomb-planter returns, forcing their escape into Lake Tahoe’s wilderness. As they struggle to survive, memories of their shared past reignite old feelings. Holly refuses to lose Preston again, but with their pursuer closing in, will the ultimate betrayal tear them apart for good?
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2017
26 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Angela Ruth Strong
43 books728 followersAngela Ruth Strong sold her first Christian romance novel in 2009. Her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been nominated for a Christy, won the Cascade Award, and become Amazon best-sellers. Her book Finding Love in Big Sky filmed as a movie in Montana and aired on UPtv in 2022. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho, and she teaches as an expert online at My Book Therapy.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 15, 2017
I loved this! Now, honestly, the secret of the mystery isn't a huge secret, and I'd rate the reveal of the scoundrel at about a 3 because I did guess it really early on, somewhere around 30%. But these intensely colorful characters deserve a 5 for their personalities, and also because I kept expecting the old trope of "I hate you because of something silly!" to spring out of nowhere, and these two really acted like adults instead...hooray. I loved Preston's chivalry and his willingness to risk his life more than once to be sure Holly is safe. Also, a full 5 for setting; I wanted to find out if this book was set in California or Nevada for the purposes of a 50 states challenge (It's set on Lake Tahoe but does not specify the state), and when I checked the map, the locations are all right there! (In California, if any of you wonder.) I love it when authors use real locations for their books.
What impressed me most, though, was the amount of Christianity in this book. These two characters both take God seriously and encourage each other with prayers and trusting God. It wasn't ramrodded in to make a point; it is organic to the development of both Preston and Holly.
The one thing I really wanted to see was
I'll definitely be looking for more by this author.
What impressed me most, though, was the amount of Christianity in this book. These two characters both take God seriously and encourage each other with prayers and trusting God. It wasn't ramrodded in to make a point; it is organic to the development of both Preston and Holly.
The one thing I really wanted to see was
I'll definitely be looking for more by this author.
February 1, 2017
Debut Love Inspired Suspense author Angela Ruth Strong delivers an edge-of-your-seat read. From the explosive :-) beginning to the hard-to-catch-your-breath conclusion she takes readers on a thrilling journey. Poor Holly -- stuff keeps happening -- sinister, lethal stuff -- the kind that will get you killed -- and she doesn't know why. And if that's not enough to keep her off kilter, the sudden appearance of her supposedly dead boyfriend has her totally off balance. And then the two are caught up in a chain of disastrous events that have them running not only from a killer but from the police as well. Phew! A whirlwind of a read!
June 29, 2017
Presumed Dead is a Love Inspired Suspense by Angela Ruth Strong. It does have some violence although it is not graphic. There are no graphic sex scenes. This is a really suspenseful book that is easy to read and fun to read. It is definitely not boring. The characters are realistic as is the plot. Conspiracy is the key word these days so this is definitely in vogue.
Preston Tyler saw something unusual as he and his crew were loading a helicopter to rescue some stranded souls. He went to inform his superior and the helicopter tried to take off. It immediately blew up, killing all eight passengers on board. His superior was found hanged with a suicide note nearby. His “body” was identified and the ashes sent home to his parents and girlfriend, Holly Fontaine. However, Preston had just gone into hiding trying to figure out how to prove his innocence as he was framed as being the cause of the accident.
Four years has passed and Preston is hiding in his parents’ cabin at the lake. It looks as if they haven’t been here in the intervening four years. As he is relaxing on the deck, he sees someone approaching the Fontaine cabin on the other side of the lake. He watches through the binoculars as a man plants a bomb in the cabin. As the man is driving off and a new car approaches. Preston sees Holly is in it. He knows he can’t let her die even if it means letting her see him. He takes his Jet ski and heads to the cabin. He saves her but now they need to find out who is trying to kill her and why.
The book gets very suspenseful and it full of twists as it leads the reader to the attempted killer.
March 9, 2017
Holly “decided to accept whatever came her way as God’s will.” Preston “simply refused to believe God had anything good for him.” And the “two of them needed each other to balance out their individual flaws. They made each other stronger.” Two people with deep wounds, trying to unearth the truth. My absolute favorite quote is: “Were they created like puzzle pieces so when they worked together they could see the bigger picture of His love for them?” But one was acting “like a puzzle piece that fell off the table.” This is another book by Angela Ruth Strong that I could NOT put down! And this is definitely some of the best love-inspired suspense that I have read! I won a copy of this book, and this is my own honest review.
June 7, 2017
This book had lots of twist and turns. The action was nonstop, and the suspense was excellent. Everyone thought Preston Tyler was dead. They thought he died 4 years ago while he was in the military. He had seen someone tampering with the engines of the helicopter before a mission. He went to go tell his sergeant to delay the op, but before he could halt take off, his team headed out. They didn't make it far, before crashing. He lost his whole team that day. He pretended to be dead, to find out who was behind it. He knew if he didn't, it could be pinned on him. Now someone is after Holly, his high school sweetheart. He has no choice, but to come out from hiding, and protect the only person he has ever loved. The list of suspects is more than just one or two. It kept the book interesting. I loved the romance, and second chance at love between Preston, and Holly. This is also a Christian based book. I loved the way the two prayed. God was there, even when they didn't know he was there. Great book!
March 3, 2017
This is Angela's first book with LIS and I must say I can't wait to read her next one. I really like this book; it was fast moving, action packed, and well written. You will love her characters. You need to get a copy.
Ex-SOAR Pilot Preston Tyler has been hiding out for four years in his families cabin. He had been framed for sabotaging a helicopter during a military operation. He had tried to stop it but his team had all died and a body had been sent home to his family. Preston had no choice but to stay dead until he could find proof of his innocence. He had heard that his former sweetheart had broken her engagement after he had sent her pictures of her fiance` with another woman. As he stood on his porch he witnessed a man planting a bomb in her family cabin. He tried to get the license plate but a car got in the way. Holly was driving to the cabin. He must save her even if it meant going to prison for the rest of his life.
Attorney Holly Fontaine has run from all the publicity of the broken engagement. She came up to the mountain to heal but she had no more than arrived when her whole world blows apart. Preston, the only man she had ever loved comes riding up to save her on a Jet Ski and carries her away as her cabin blows to pieces. How could Preston be alive, she had been to his funeral? Who could be trying to kill her? Was it the other woman?
A journey of two broken souls; Preston has lost everyone he loved and felt the same way about God so he has lost his faith and his hope, Holly had found her faith through all of the hurt from the past and the broken engagement can she help Preston? God has a plan for these two, a plan much greater than they had even dreamed of. God has a plan for you too. Just surrender your life to Him and watch Him work out your mess.
Ex-SOAR Pilot Preston Tyler has been hiding out for four years in his families cabin. He had been framed for sabotaging a helicopter during a military operation. He had tried to stop it but his team had all died and a body had been sent home to his family. Preston had no choice but to stay dead until he could find proof of his innocence. He had heard that his former sweetheart had broken her engagement after he had sent her pictures of her fiance` with another woman. As he stood on his porch he witnessed a man planting a bomb in her family cabin. He tried to get the license plate but a car got in the way. Holly was driving to the cabin. He must save her even if it meant going to prison for the rest of his life.
Attorney Holly Fontaine has run from all the publicity of the broken engagement. She came up to the mountain to heal but she had no more than arrived when her whole world blows apart. Preston, the only man she had ever loved comes riding up to save her on a Jet Ski and carries her away as her cabin blows to pieces. How could Preston be alive, she had been to his funeral? Who could be trying to kill her? Was it the other woman?
A journey of two broken souls; Preston has lost everyone he loved and felt the same way about God so he has lost his faith and his hope, Holly had found her faith through all of the hurt from the past and the broken engagement can she help Preston? God has a plan for these two, a plan much greater than they had even dreamed of. God has a plan for you too. Just surrender your life to Him and watch Him work out your mess.
March 14, 2017
A guy just can't catch a break. Preston Tyler has just reappeared after the military faked his death four years ago. Now his former girlfriend, Holly Fontaine, is in danger and fleeing for her life. Will making himself known help or worsen Holly's chances,or will he just face life behind bars?
There are so many twists in Presumed Dead by Angela Ruth Strong,it can only be described as serpentine. Just when things start to go well for Holly and Preston, the tides turn and the reader is thrown for a loop...over and over again. It was as if a turtle would right itself, only to be flipped on its back,repeatedly. Preston,trying to catch a break, and the reader, vicariously,ARE that turtle.
One huge difference though, is that Preston could choose to accept help. Holly repeatedly reminds Preston God wants to be present to help him, but Preston is not so sure.
Well-written, suspenseful, and engaging, this is a Christian romance you'll not want to miss!
There are so many twists in Presumed Dead by Angela Ruth Strong,it can only be described as serpentine. Just when things start to go well for Holly and Preston, the tides turn and the reader is thrown for a loop...over and over again. It was as if a turtle would right itself, only to be flipped on its back,repeatedly. Preston,trying to catch a break, and the reader, vicariously,ARE that turtle.
One huge difference though, is that Preston could choose to accept help. Holly repeatedly reminds Preston God wants to be present to help him, but Preston is not so sure.
Well-written, suspenseful, and engaging, this is a Christian romance you'll not want to miss!
September 20, 2023
Preston Tyler sees a man plant a bomb in Holly Fontaine's cabin on the lake. He wants to save her. The problem is that he's dead, or Holly, his former sweetheart, and his family believe he's dead. When he had tried to warn his superior officer about someone messing with his helicopter, the officer and his whole team ended up dead. The brass thinks he's dead too. The one man who knows that he's alive apparently hanged himself, so Tyler went into hiding in the family cabin on the lake.
On the day that Holly breaks her engagement because her fiancé cheated on her, the man she has always loved rides back into her life from the dead to save her life. Trying to untangle who framed Tyler and who's trying to kill her endangers both of them. How can she clear Tyler's life so he can come out of hiding? How can he discover who's trying to kill her and why?
This story felt like too much running was going on. Strategizing wasn't working. They didn't get the chance to work at discovering the answers themselves.
On the day that Holly breaks her engagement because her fiancé cheated on her, the man she has always loved rides back into her life from the dead to save her life. Trying to untangle who framed Tyler and who's trying to kill her endangers both of them. How can she clear Tyler's life so he can come out of hiding? How can he discover who's trying to kill her and why?
This story felt like too much running was going on. Strategizing wasn't working. They didn't get the chance to work at discovering the answers themselves.
August 22, 2024
Excellent. Lots of action. There were places in this book where I didn't want to finish reading but couldn't put down the book!
From the back cover: Framed for a sabotaged military operation, Preston Tyler has allowed everyone to believe he's dead - until he witnesses someone planting a bomb in his childhood sweetheart's cabin. To save Holly Fontaine's life, he must blow his cover. Holly is shaken...both by the explosion and the sudden appearance of a man she thought she'd lost forever. But their reunion is short-lived when the bomb planter returns, forcing their escape into Lake Tahoe's wilderness. As they struggle to survive memories of their shared past reignite old feelings. Holly refuses to lose Preston again, but with their pursuer closing in, will the ultimate betrayal tear them apart for good?
From the back cover: Framed for a sabotaged military operation, Preston Tyler has allowed everyone to believe he's dead - until he witnesses someone planting a bomb in his childhood sweetheart's cabin. To save Holly Fontaine's life, he must blow his cover. Holly is shaken...both by the explosion and the sudden appearance of a man she thought she'd lost forever. But their reunion is short-lived when the bomb planter returns, forcing their escape into Lake Tahoe's wilderness. As they struggle to survive memories of their shared past reignite old feelings. Holly refuses to lose Preston again, but with their pursuer closing in, will the ultimate betrayal tear them apart for good?
September 13, 2017
Suspense grabs and holds you tight as Preston and Holly race to catch a killer and convince the police they are innocent.
I loved tell character, story-line and the fact that God was at the forefront.
Ms Strong usually writes straight romance but she knocks it out of the park with romantic suspense.I look forward to her next book.
An ARC was given to me by the author. My opinions are 100% my own.
I loved tell character, story-line and the fact that God was at the forefront.
Ms Strong usually writes straight romance but she knocks it out of the park with romantic suspense.I look forward to her next book.
An ARC was given to me by the author. My opinions are 100% my own.
September 16, 2017
Disappointed
The story had a strong start that drew me in and promised to be a great read. But then the bulk of the story took place in two days with so much action, injuries and near misses while the hero and heroine kept running or swimming that it became unrealistic. The hero had the same thoughts said in somewhat different ways over and over until I started skipping those "here we go again" same thoughts and could hardly wait to be done with it! To the author, keep trying.
The story had a strong start that drew me in and promised to be a great read. But then the bulk of the story took place in two days with so much action, injuries and near misses while the hero and heroine kept running or swimming that it became unrealistic. The hero had the same thoughts said in somewhat different ways over and over until I started skipping those "here we go again" same thoughts and could hardly wait to be done with it! To the author, keep trying.
January 27, 2021
Preston has been in hiding, presumed dead, for four years. He sees somebody plant a bomb in his childhood sweetheart's cabin and exposes his existence to save her. Together, they are trying to figure out why someone would want to kill her. Everything they do backfires, until they are the ones on the run from the police. Page-turner until the very last page.
Edited to add: I'm trying to give it five stars but the system won't let me.
Edited to add: I'm trying to give it five stars but the system won't let me.
June 17, 2019
Presumed Dead
Angela Ruth Strong
If there was one danger after another, this is the book. You can’t catch your breath before something else happens. Finding out your sweetheart is really alive and not dead can cause all kinds of emotions especially when you also have someone trying to kill you.
Fast paced, suspenseful, and nail biting tension leads to a marathon read.
Angela Ruth Strong
If there was one danger after another, this is the book. You can’t catch your breath before something else happens. Finding out your sweetheart is really alive and not dead can cause all kinds of emotions especially when you also have someone trying to kill you.
Fast paced, suspenseful, and nail biting tension leads to a marathon read.
December 18, 2023
I liked this one! So fast-paced and action-packed. I wish there was just a tad more romance, but I always appreciate a clean love story. I also love the struggle each main character had with trusting God and their different approaches to cope with disappointment. I definitely related.
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January 18, 2024I appreciated Strong's inclusion of prayer and faith conversations. Those things are often missing or casually mentioned in the Love Inspired books. I picked this one up because I wanted to try out this author, and this was one of the few my library has.
July 17, 2017
This is a wonderful, fast-paced suspense that kept me turning the pages. Strong, well developed characters that are easy to love.
December 24, 2018
A gripping read I finished in just a few hours. Nonstop action!
June 15, 2019
Awesome read!
March 18, 2017
When two or more are gathered in my name I am in the midst.
Holly thought the love of her life Preston had died in a helicopter crash overseas, so she excepted a proposal of marriage from a fellow attorney name Caleb. Preston had been hiding out for four years, he was being blamed for the helicopter crash. He was not sure who he could trust one of his fellow officers said he would help him a couple days later he was found dead. When someone tries to kill Holly he has to come about of hiding. The two realize they must work together and depend on God if they want to save each other. I am rating this a 3.5. I found it hard to believe that one man had everyone believing he was innocent. This story had a hitman, arsonist, bombs, murder, and a mistress. We all need to realize no matter what is going on we need to include God in everything, never stop praying to God
Holly thought the love of her life Preston had died in a helicopter crash overseas, so she excepted a proposal of marriage from a fellow attorney name Caleb. Preston had been hiding out for four years, he was being blamed for the helicopter crash. He was not sure who he could trust one of his fellow officers said he would help him a couple days later he was found dead. When someone tries to kill Holly he has to come about of hiding. The two realize they must work together and depend on God if they want to save each other. I am rating this a 3.5. I found it hard to believe that one man had everyone believing he was innocent. This story had a hitman, arsonist, bombs, murder, and a mistress. We all need to realize no matter what is going on we need to include God in everything, never stop praying to God
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March 11, 2017received 5 stars @ Harlequin.com (as of 3/11/17). To view reviews, go HERE> http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.ht...
April 29, 2017
Presumed dead is a good combination of suspense, romance and inspiration. It takes a few twist that you don't anticipate. My first time to read Angela Ruth Strong, but it will not be my last. I am looking at some of her other books now. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good suspense book.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews