Hidden Thorns

by Melissa Bennett

The first book in the Impossible Grace Series:

Recently divorced after thirty years of marriage, Lil is on her own for the first time. The last thing she anticipates is an exciting new relationship... or a stalker. After Lil gets a series of disturbing hang-up calls, roses and cryptic notes start showing up in her home. Through a series of church connections, her case is expedited into the hands of Detective Michael Corsey. Lil never expected to have feelings for someone so soon after her divorce, but the relationship is a complication that will transform both of their lives.

Unfortunately, their growing romance emboldens Lil’s stalker. His threats increase, testing Lil's faith and friendships, while endangering her second chance at love and life.

Genres: Mystery

390 pages, Paperback

Published January 22, 2018

About the author

Melissa Bennett writes Christian Romance. Her debut novel HIDDEN THORNS, book one in the Impossible Grace series, released January of 2018. Book two VEILED BLESSINGS is due October 2019.

When she's not writing, Melissa is either working at her church or doing something creative. She loves coffee, dogs, and Minions after Jesus and her family, naturally

Melissa lives in the suburbs of Kansas City, Kansas with her husband and two Miniature Schnauzers. She is the mother of four lovely adult children.

Reviews

[Stacie Haas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an absorbing novel. Even though it's a long book, I had the luxury and pleasure of reading it in one day. I love reading books that capture me from the beginning and don't let go. Hidden Thorns was such a novel. I enjoyed reading every word, but hated the thought of reaching the end. This was true despite the fact that I was dying to see how the book would resolve, especially the reveal of who Lil's stalker was.

It is refreshing to have a main character as strong and faithful as Lil. And the secondary cast of characters was done very well and added great depth to the story. It was paced well and the writing was beautifully done.

I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy a bit of mystery, inspirational characters, and a genuine love story.

[Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a leisurely stroll through the development of a sweet romance between a terrified, fragile, very recently divorced devout Christian woman and the handsome, commitment-phobic detective who is trying to find the stalker who has shaken up her world. While the editing is not all it should be, the story itself is an emotional roller-coaster ride and has a lot to recommend it if this is your style of read.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for romantic suspense with a strong inspirational theme, you'll very much enjoy Hidden Thorns. A good first effort from new author, Melissa Bennett.

[Suanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hidden Thorns is the debut novel of writer Melissa Bennett. I was pleased to read a romance novel with a woman of “a certain age” as the protagonist. Lil's children are grown and out of the house. With nothing to tie her to her marriage, she finally acknowledges what everyone around her could see: her husband’s apathy borders on neglect. Lil’s run-in with her stalker begins the day her divorce from her husband of thirty years is final. On her own for the first time, she’s downsized into a small home and found a dog to keep her company. As the stalker’s behavior escalates, she calls the police—and finds the detective in charge gives a zing to her libido she hasn’t felt in years. Her relationship with this detective pushes her stalker over the edge.
I don’t normally read inspirational romance and found the inspirational part to be rather heavy-handed here. In addition, there were a number of missing commas and periods, as well as problems with homophones: awww the interjection and awe as in admiration and reverence. Lil borders to TSTL (too stupid to live) because she tosses the detective out of her life at the time she’d logically need his expertise the most.
Hidden Thorns combines several romance tropes: the protector, tortured hero, and the unfulfilled wife.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved everything about this book! The author is such a fluid writer with great characters! Definitely a page turner that I could not put down! Lil and Kate's relationship is (in my opinion) what friendship is really all about. All of the characters come to life in this amazing "who done it" story that will keep you guessing until the end! I can't wait to get the second of the series Veiled Blessings and see where it takes me! I highly recommend this book!

[Nicole Ratzlaff · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great first novel.