Best-selling author. Twists. Turns. And a family secret you never saw coming . . . Nina Truman heads to the bus for a much-deserved furlough from her nursing duties. On the side of the road, a uniformed soldier stands idly, casually holding his gun—of little concern to her; soldiers are not uncommon south of the Mexican border. But he suddenly switches off the safety and opens fire, sending the occupants into chaos. Out of the forest storms Shaw Wilder and his bomb-sniffing dog, Axel. An improbable hero, who thinks being a missionary is like “shoveling sand uphill, useless,” also blames Nina for his sister’s death. Join Nina and Shaw on an expedition where every turn can mean death and discovering the truth may make life even worse. A page-turner right to the very end.
USA TODAY bestseller Dana Mentink enjoys writing in many different capacities. She currently writes for Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense and Poisoned Pen Press.
Dana is the recipient of a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, two ACFW Carol Awards as well as a Holt Medallion.
Jungle Fire by Dana Mentink takes the reader on a wild ride deep in the Guatemalan Jungle as Missionary Nina Turner and rough and tumble Shaw Wilder are running for the lives. From the very first page, Jungle Fire is a highly suspenseful read as Nina Truman is involved in bus crash and later set up to take the fall in a potential drug scheme. Shaw Wilder set out to rescue Nina, who is unbeknownst to Shaw, is his sister, Beth’s, best friend. Shaw himself is grappling with the hard knocks life has thrown at him, wanting nothing to do with God and blaming God for Beth’s death and his Mother’s health. All the while, Shaw seeks revenge for Beth’s death from the same people that could very well be after Nina. As they trek through the Guatemalan Jungle, both Nina and Shaw get a glimpse of who each other truly are, learning that they can only trust each other and God.
Jungle Fire is one of the best Christian Suspense reads that I have read this year and has swiftly become one of my favorite reads of all time! Jungle Fire has been on my TBR list for quite sometime because of unique setting of the Jungle as well as it’s suspense and I was not disappointed! I love the wild ride of intrigue and suspense that was in Jungle Fire. The elements of the story kept me on the edge of my seat, guessing who was after Nina, and, in turn, Shaw. (Trust me, I was shocked when the truth came out as to who it was. And that’s hard to do to me as a reader.) Ms. Mentink’s writing painted the Guatemalan Jungle in such a way, that I felt as though I was in the middle of the Guatemalan Jungle myself along with Nina and Shaw! (I also love Axel the dog!) I love that Nina and Shaw were absolute polar opposites! I thought that when I began reading Jungle Fire that I had Nina and Shaw figured out stereotypically as characters, but Ms. Mentink managed to slip in surprises into their personalities that I did not see coming and enjoyed as a reader. I love Nina and her determination to hold onto her Faith no matter what the Guatemalan Jungle threw at her or Shaw’s attitude and anger to dissuade her otherwise. I love that Ms. Mentink gave Nina’s character an element of fear and anxiety that Nina had to work through and showed how Nina leaned on God during these times. I respected Shaw’s anger and need for revenge. I was pleased to see that as Nina and Shaw’s friendship and relationship grew, they each caused the other to see things in themselves that needed to change and to follow their True Dreams that God has for them. I love that Jungle Fire is soaked in reminding the reader as well as it’s characters that God has a Purpose and Plan for everything that happens and everyone. If you are looking for a suspenseful escape that gives you encouragement amidst the rockiest of situations, then I highly recommend Jungle Fire by Dana Mentink!
Have you read Jungle Fire? What did you think of the book? What other books of Ms. Mentink should I read next? (I already have a couple in mind!)
I would like to thank Dana Mentink for giving me a copy of Jungle Fire to review as well as the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My review is also on Amazon and my blog Leslie's Library Escape.
Nina Truman is a missionary nurse leaving the Guatemalan clinic behind for a much-needed furlough. Traveling in an old bus along treacherous, muddy, primitive roads, suddenly a lone soldier opens fire, shattering the windows of the bus. injuring the driver and several passengers. The bus careens off the road down a steep ravine landing precariously on an outcropping of rocks. Nina risks her life to rescue injured passengers, as the bus becomes engulfed in smoke. Shaw Wilder discovers the wreckage, and at the insistence of his bomb-sniffing dog, realizes that someone may be trapped in the bus. As he discovers movement inside he breaks out the doors, dragging Nina to safety as the flaming inferno catapults off the rocks, plunging to the jungle floor. One of the survivors passes a note to Nina which she pockets as she decides to head back to the clinic to await help.
Dana Mentink has written a fast-paced, suspense-filled novel that will make your heart pound and increase your breathing! This is a page-turner from beginning to end, without a clue as to what will transpire next! This author is a master at suspense from every angle, constantly keeping the reader immersed in uncertainty and angst. She presents a pictorial portrait of the jungle atmosphere and the dangers that lurk within its boundaries, and the characters are varied and portrayed intimately. Nina's strong faith is the hope that runs throughout this book, despite Shaw's anger at God and his refusal to even acknowledge that God cares about him. Through every challenge Nina's faith remains strong, and she is willing to face death with the assurance of heaven. I highly recommend this well-written book!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
Wow just Wow! I don't think I expected to get SO caught up in this story and yet I did. The moment I cracked open the book this morning I knew I couldn't put it down. This was the perfect balance of suspense to keep you turning the pages and romance to keep you falling for the characters and caught up in their story! Just wow! How a scary, suspenseful, story could also have some of the most romantic, sweetest moments = perfection!
Nina is a nurse just getting ready to head back to the states when her bus is shot up and she's left for dead. Shaw just stumbled upon the scene after it happens and helps her to safety not realizing who she is. Who is she? The women that convinced his sister to come here... and then she was killed! The last person Shaw wants to see is Nina, but she need his help, and against his initial plan he decides to help her. But it seems everywhere they go someone is after Nina making him and his dog Axel also at risk. But why is everyone after Nina? Shaw has his secrets for why he's is in Guatemala, and Nina has her reasons for why she's heading back to the states to confront her dad. But could both their secrets be linked? And what happens if the person you initially blamed for the death of your sister, starts to settle into your heart?!
This story is just amazing! I just can't even sum it up properly in mere words. You have to read this!!!
I really enjoyed the setting and the fast pace of this story. I liked the characters and their struggles and how they grew over the story. Parts of this book felt a tad rushed or wrapped up too quickly. I would have liked a bit more. However it was a enjoyable read that had me flying through the pages. Entertaining, and I would love to read more with this setting and level of action!
Awesome read. I've only read the Love Inspired Suspense novels by this author before this. She did an excellent job on this type of book. The plot, characters, and suspense were all great. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it
From page one, the reader is cast into the dangers of a Guatemalan jungle.
The story begins with missionary Nina Truman on a bus being riddled with bullets. When the bus crashes and is in danger of going over a ravine, Nina can't leave behind the wounded and almost loses her own life. Shaw Wilder, in Guatemala on a private vengeance happens upon the scene and saves Nina. But when he realizes she's the woman he holds responsible for the death of his sister, he almost wishes he'd left her behind.
The two are sent on a dangerous journey through the jungle with madmen chasing them and a deadly secret hanging over Nina's head. Who can they trust? Not everyone is who they seem, and not only must Nina and Shaw fight those who want to kill them, but they must battle with their own attraction to each other.
A page-turning romantic suspense the reader won't want to put down.
Jungle Fire grabs you from the moment you pick it up. Don't start it late at night. You won't be able to put it down!
In Guatemala, missionary Nina Truman is just about to head to the United States on furlough when the bus is attacked by a lone soldier. In the mayhem that follows, American Shaw Wilder rescues the living from the bus, not realizing the woman he blames for his sister's death is on board.
This book has enough twists and turns to keep the most adventurous reader turning the pages. The jungle is full of enemies. Danger lurks behind every tree. Nina fears she can't trust Shaw, either, especially once she learns how he despises her.
This story is reminiscent of "Romancing the Stone," only better! The suspense never lets up, and the story will keep you guessing until the end!
Jungle Fire is an enjoyable thriller-lite/romance through the jungle of Guatemala as Nina and Shaw try to escape the unknown forces that are after them. There are plenty of twists to the plot and, if you're not one who typically figures out books before the end, they'll keep you guessing. I had a somewhat difficult time with the seemingly abrupt switch of Shaw's feelings about Nina and God - I didn't really feel like there was enough explanation of why the changes occurred (unless it's just chemistry? But that still doesn't explain his change of heart re: God.) Even still, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book overall and I'll have my eye out for more by Dana Mentink.
Peril, adventure and an impossible escape twisted together and thrown into an exotic setting—what more could you want in romantic suspense! Jungle Fire captured my attention from the start and carried me away to a world Dana Mentink aptly depicts with strong writing and an eye for detail. Escape with the suspenseful read of the summer!
Love, love, loved the book Jungle Fire by Dana Mentink! It was my first read of hers and I am hooked. I loved the characters and all the twists and turns. I could not put it down as I had to know what was going to happen next. It is a great, quick read for anyone over the summer or on a trip. I will be looking forward to her next book! K.kowal
What an outstanding book! Non stop action from page one and so many twists. I didn't see the ending coming and it was perfect! Please write more books just like this one, Mrs. Mentink!
Jungle Fire by Dana Mentink is one of the most exciting books I’ve read in a long time. My heart pounded as if I ran through the Guatemalan jungle with Nina and Shaw. I felt the mosquitos biting my neck and heard the squawking birds and chirping insects as I tried to stay a few steps ahead of my pursuers. I tasted the fear of not knowing which way to turn or who to trust.
Nina Truman had served as a missionary nurse in Guatemala alongside her doctor father. Her life forever changed when the bus she boarded for a much-needed vacation was attacked. She barely escaped with her life, thanks to Shaw Wilder and his dog, Axel. Shaw, whose mission had been to avenge the death of his sister, found himself in the role of Nina’s protector, a job he accepted only reluctantly.
I got caught up in the conflict the characters experienced. They battled the elements as well as unknown and known enemies. Their greatest struggles were within their own hearts and souls. They needed to learn to trust God and each other and to realize that God’s strength was most evident in their weakness.
Not only was this a fast-paced, plot-twisting mystery seasoned with romance, but it was also a story packed with a powerful message of faith, forgiveness, and trust. Jungle Fire will stay with you long after you have read the final page.
Such a good story! The author did a wonderful job making me feel like I was actually in the Guatemalan jungle with the characters. The setting was so immersive and the characters were so well written that I didn't want to put the book down! The author did a great job keeping me guessing as to why so many people were after poor Nina Truman. I also really appreciated the hero's journey for Shaw as well. The struggles he faced, especially the struggle to believe that God is good even though this world is not, were so well done and believable.
I also enjoyed the romantic thread that built throughout the story between Nina and Shaw. It felt real and plausible which isn't always the case in suspense stories. The author did a great job making all the supporting characters have depth as well, rather than just being caricatures of real people.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a suspenseful, romantic story with organic, yet strong, elements of faith thrown in too. The faith thread was done very well and never felt forced or heavy handed. I think people who enjoy Elizabeth Goddard or Irene Hannon's suspense series would really enjoy this book.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own.
Nina and Shaw are a very unlikely couple! Nina is a strong missionary nurse in the jungles of Guatemala. Her faith never wavers. Shaw is a jaded man who has lost is faith and wants revenge on the drug lord who killed his sister. From the beginning of the book where the bus Nina is riding in gets shot up by who, we don't know, to the end, this book is non-stop action! Who is after Nina? There is the drug lord, Escorpian, or the police or any number of people! Shaw gets drawn into helping Nina run through the jungle on a race for their lives! I lived in Guatemala several years ago and I know those jungles! They are dense and they are scary! I could easily see Shaw and Nina running for their lives but man, I was glad it wasn't me! There are too many creepy crawlies in there that can hurt you! I loved reading this adventure though and I loved Shaw's transformation as far as his faith!
This story has it all, drug lords to missionaries. Our heroine has been a missionary nurse in the Guatemalan by God for a while now. Her father is a missionary doctor, he just recently told her she was Guatemalan not Mexican as she thought. First scene opens with Nina on a bus and some one fires o. The bus with a machine gun. Her friend is killed and the bus goes over the side of the road and starts flipping It catches fire and Nina helps anyone she can escape our hero comes on the scene and saves her. From then to the end of the book they are doing there best to get Nina out of the country. Nina helps Shaw work thru his bitterness, with God's help. I gave this book five stars. Because there was that sense of impending suspense throughout the book . And when you find out who is really after Nina and why you've surprised.
Jungle Fire was a good read. I like the story and no matter where I was, there was action. Nina is a nurse in Guatemala, working as a volunteer in a small village clinic. The bus she is riding in is shot up and it crashes into a ravine. Thus starts a series of encounters with Shaw, a loose cannon, with his dog Alex. Shaw rescues Nina, and the unlikely pair begin a contentious relationship as he tries to connect Nina to safety. The plot was easy to follow and the dialogue was good. I often wondered where the story would turn next and was rewarded with more action every time. Having been in Ecuador and the Amazon, I understand the difficulties of navigating in the jungle. I'm glad I read this book.
this is a good suspense story, Nina is a missionary and Shaw is the brother of Nina's friend that was killed. Nina is on the run someone is after her , her father she thinks has gone back to America, now the bus she is on is ambushed and has killed some of those on the bus, now she just wants her passport and to leave but someone has taken it, and she winds up with Shaw and his dog and trying to stay ahead of the bad guys, but who can the trust. i was given a copy of the book but this is an honest review. this is a page turning story to the end
This story was pretty fast paced and exciting and I had trouble putting the book down. It would probably have been five stars but for a couple of things. The ending, though good, turned into an anti-climax with all the dialog, on and on. Also, though the Christian part of the book was well played up until nearly the end, I was not really sold on the Christian dynamic at the end. Anyway, I can still recommend this clean, Christian, romantic suspense novel.
Wow! Lots of suspense, surprises, secrets, action and betrayal. The characters are outstanding, the jungle is beautiful and deadly, but not as dangerous as those stalking them. Many attempts to murder, kidnap, arrest, and destroy everything she loves. Just how many different people are after them, who to trust, she must decide soon before the evil wins. The surprises just keep coming, it is in God’s hands now!
Nina Truman works as a nurse in a medical mission in Guatemala. The day she leaves for a furlough her bus is attacked. She spends most of the rest of the book fleeing through the jungle with Shaw Wilder who is mad at God.
Ms. Mentink is not afraid of hard issues. There are no simple "fixes". Loved ones do not necessarily survive or heal no matter how hard people pray.
This is a Christian romance and eventually Shaw comes back to God, BUT it is both a realistically and difficult struggle.
This is an amazing thriller romance you won't want to miss! It will take you on twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end!!! You will keep you wondering who the leading characters should really be trusting!!! I highly recommend this book to those who love suspense and mystery, and trust in love and faith in God! Great writing Ms Mentink!
I liked most of the story except the end, it is all resolved to fast and to perfectly. also the 'bus drama' was very unrealistic, a story doesn't have to be totally realistic but it should at least be possible in the best of circumstances. I guess you could say I just liked the middle part of the book =) because I really liked the story between page 30 and page 283, I give this book 4 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved the book! I was immediately engaged and had a hard time putting it down. And a bonus! It was about a missionary that loved the Lord! I love books that teach true live and tells you what God would have you do in a difficult situation. The excitement continues, and then...it ends. It is a good ending, but I was expecting more. Still, I recommend it.
I love books by Dana Mentink so I knew this would be a great story, and I was not disappointed. The story sucked me in from the first line to the last. It is filled to the brim with suspense and thrills along with a couple places that pierced my heart and brought me to tears. It is definitely an emotional roller-coaster ride! Just the kind of story I enjoy!
This is a new style of book that i have read for Dana Mentink. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would like to read more. If you like visiting exotic places, a lot of suspense, secrets and romance you really should read this one. Very inspirational. Thank you Dana Mentink for gifting this book to me.
Excellent suspense novel set in the wilds of Guatemala. Nina’s a missionary and Shaw can’t stand them, so they get off to a pretty rocky start…but soon they are building trust as they race for their lives through the jungle. I’m still catching my breath for them after all those plot twits and turns!
This was a real page-turner. I think I held my breath the whole time I was reading it. An exciting chase with a lot of unanswered questions that were wrapped up wonderfully at the end. I would recommend this book.