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Cold Case Christmas
Secrets lie buried in ice...
One of them can kill her.
Home for Christmas after her long-missing mother's body is found, nothing will keep Nora Livingstone from uncovering the truth about the cold case. Especially not Deputy Sheriff Rush Buchanan, whom she once loved and left. Even when threats become attempts on her life, Rush can't dissuade her--but he will protect her. Because someone is determined to bury the truth...or bury Nora.
One of them can kill her.
Home for Christmas after her long-missing mother's body is found, nothing will keep Nora Livingstone from uncovering the truth about the cold case. Especially not Deputy Sheriff Rush Buchanan, whom she once loved and left. Even when threats become attempts on her life, Rush can't dissuade her--but he will protect her. Because someone is determined to bury the truth...or bury Nora.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published December 4, 2018
126 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Jessica R. Patch
117 books1,111 followersJessica R. Patch is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than thirty novels. Known for her pulse-pounding plots, emotionally charged characters, and signature twists, Jessica's stories explore themes of justice, resilience, and the unshakable power of hope.
Whether weaving inspirational stories of danger edged with romance or crafting chilling thrillers that probe the shadows of the human heart, Jessica delivers fiction that thrills while shining light in the darkest places.
She makes her home in Northwest Mississippi, where she enjoys life with her family, a good cup of tea, and dreaming up her next edge-of-your-seat story usually over tacos and queso.
Sign up for her newsletter "Patched In" at www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.
Whether weaving inspirational stories of danger edged with romance or crafting chilling thrillers that probe the shadows of the human heart, Jessica delivers fiction that thrills while shining light in the darkest places.
She makes her home in Northwest Mississippi, where she enjoys life with her family, a good cup of tea, and dreaming up her next edge-of-your-seat story usually over tacos and queso.
Sign up for her newsletter "Patched In" at www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 30, 2018
'Had her hopes been in Jesus or in the things she'd longed for and wanted?'
Deputy Sheriff Rush Buchanan is at the scene when a car is pulled from a wintry lake at Christmas time. The body in the car is the body of Marilyn Livingstone, who disappeared 17 years earlier. Her daughter, Nora Livingstone, left home when her mother disappeared and only comes home one day a year at Christmas. But she is here early and nothing is going to stop her from finding out what happened to her mother. Especially Rush, who she once loved and loved her.
Threats start being made on her life and Rush tries his best to get her to back off but Nora is bound and determined to discover what happened to her mother and prove that she just didn't leave her family without a word.
Jessica Patch is a huge favorite of mine. She is super good at suspense and always has a great spiritual theme in her books. I have been blessed more than once reading them. They are books you want to read again later down the road. I have done that very thing. This time around she has created more great characters, and even has cameo appearances from once she created earlier. And the action just never stops, either and Patch ends with an enormous twist and surprise. Something I never saw coming. Bravo! Highly recommended.
*My thanks to the publisher and author for a preview copy of this book. All opinions stated here are entirely my own.
Deputy Sheriff Rush Buchanan is at the scene when a car is pulled from a wintry lake at Christmas time. The body in the car is the body of Marilyn Livingstone, who disappeared 17 years earlier. Her daughter, Nora Livingstone, left home when her mother disappeared and only comes home one day a year at Christmas. But she is here early and nothing is going to stop her from finding out what happened to her mother. Especially Rush, who she once loved and loved her.
Threats start being made on her life and Rush tries his best to get her to back off but Nora is bound and determined to discover what happened to her mother and prove that she just didn't leave her family without a word.
Jessica Patch is a huge favorite of mine. She is super good at suspense and always has a great spiritual theme in her books. I have been blessed more than once reading them. They are books you want to read again later down the road. I have done that very thing. This time around she has created more great characters, and even has cameo appearances from once she created earlier. And the action just never stops, either and Patch ends with an enormous twist and surprise. Something I never saw coming. Bravo! Highly recommended.
*My thanks to the publisher and author for a preview copy of this book. All opinions stated here are entirely my own.
November 28, 2018
Whoa! Fasten your seat-belts because this is one wild, scary ride! I think this armchair sleuth popped the springs in her armchair -- it was that fast and furious. Phew! Great suspense as always with Jessica R. Patch -- she's an automatic-buy author for me because she always has a surprise or two in store for her readers. The mystery never goes quite the way you think it will and she's not above giving a reader's suspensey spidey senses a punishing shock treatment! I'm always left muttering "Well, I didn't see that coming," somewhere along the way and this book is no exception. She delivers nail-biting precision right through to the very last page.
Plus, there's lots of Christmas which isn't always the case in these romantic suspense novels and an emotional second chance romance. Honestly, I wasn't a Nora fan at first -- pretty brash and hostile and in-your-face especially when it comes to Rush. I couldn't figure out what he saw in her until Patch begins to reveal the layers of hurt suffocating Nora's heart...and soul. A truly beautiful inspirational thread that transforms all that brokenness into something divinely new.
Plus, there's lots of Christmas which isn't always the case in these romantic suspense novels and an emotional second chance romance. Honestly, I wasn't a Nora fan at first -- pretty brash and hostile and in-your-face especially when it comes to Rush. I couldn't figure out what he saw in her until Patch begins to reveal the layers of hurt suffocating Nora's heart...and soul. A truly beautiful inspirational thread that transforms all that brokenness into something divinely new.
January 13, 2019
An exciting and explosive Christmas mystery. The mystery kept me interested and there were quite a few surprises along the way. A few elements to me were a tad on the unbelievable side but it was still a fun read.
November 10, 2018
This author always has strong witty heroines and in this one, she saves the hero! Love it!
December 21, 2018
Bella storia, con la parte gialla che aveva continui colpi di scena, tanto che, alla fine, avevo capito solo parte della soluzione. L'unico neo è la protagonista femminile, che proprio non mi stava simpatica...
December 15, 2018
When digging up the truth of what happened when her mother disappeared ten years ago, Nora Livingstone unearths some harsh truths about both her mother and herself. She is impulsive, hot headed, tends toward selfishness and closed off, but in spite of all her faults, I liked Nora. And Rush Buchanan is the perfect complement to Nora’s personality.
In addition to the fast-paced, nail biting, twisty-turning mystery, the many hair-raising attempts on Nora’s life, and the history between Rush and Nora, Jessica R. Patch examines how past experiences and the threat of rumors how these two back from being the people God made them to be. They’ll have to come to grips with small town life and its propensity for rumors before they can move forward together but first, they will have to find their killer.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
In addition to the fast-paced, nail biting, twisty-turning mystery, the many hair-raising attempts on Nora’s life, and the history between Rush and Nora, Jessica R. Patch examines how past experiences and the threat of rumors how these two back from being the people God made them to be. They’ll have to come to grips with small town life and its propensity for rumors before they can move forward together but first, they will have to find their killer.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
November 1, 2018
Oh my goodness! I loved this book! Every time I turned the page, something else was going on that I had to keep reading to see what was going to happen. I didn't see it happening like it ended up so make sure you grab it and enjoy each page!
Loved the suspense and the added Christmas theme!
I received a copy of this ARC from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
Loved the suspense and the added Christmas theme!
I received a copy of this ARC from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
December 7, 2018
Fast paced suspense.
December 18, 2024
Quick and easy suspense read. Loved the story of the Prodigal Son woven through it.
November 24, 2020
What a fun read! I loved the storyline especially the Christian tones.
October 30, 2018
If you like a dose of creepy in your romantic suspense Cold Case Christmas will fit the bill. Nora Livingstone is determined to find out exactly what happened to her mother whose body has just been discovered. She will investigate with or without the help of her ex-boyfriend, Deputy Sheriff Rush Buchanan. Someone definitely doesn’t want her snooping around. Who is responsible for the death of Nora’s mother and the attacks on Nora’s life? As always Jessica Patch keeps me guessing until the very end! Rush and Nora's love story is just as compelling in keeping me reading. After all, they have a history. Great read for a cold (or even a warm) night!
January 9, 2020
The descriptions of the snowy conditions were excellent and believable - I could almost see myself stuck in the storm. And I want to visit Nora's family resort! There's no shortage of action. The holiday setting was well chosen.
The hero was a noble character, wise and a guy who just wanted to do the right thing. He's admirable and an ideal law enforcement character. If he'd had his way, he would have solved the crime without too much trouble.
I really couldn't relate to the heroine - in fact, I was annoyed with her throughout the entire novel. She's impulsive and head strong which got her into trouble more times than I could count, and she refused to listen to the hero who was trying to protect her. She messed up the investigation by charging ahead and doing things she was instructed NOT to do. I don't know why the hero just didn't drop her (and he totally didn't deserve to be treated the way she was treating him).
I think the point of the story was love covers a multitude of sins - thus the hero ending up with the heroine in the end. However, love doesn't undermine - which is how the heroine came off to this reader.
In the end, when the culprits were finally revealed (those connected to the cold case being re-opened), I wasn't entirely convinced. Other characters suspected of being involved had a stronger case than the ones revealed in the end, which I think would have contributed to a more "satisfactory" ending for this reader.
The hero was a noble character, wise and a guy who just wanted to do the right thing. He's admirable and an ideal law enforcement character. If he'd had his way, he would have solved the crime without too much trouble.
I really couldn't relate to the heroine - in fact, I was annoyed with her throughout the entire novel. She's impulsive and head strong which got her into trouble more times than I could count, and she refused to listen to the hero who was trying to protect her. She messed up the investigation by charging ahead and doing things she was instructed NOT to do. I don't know why the hero just didn't drop her (and he totally didn't deserve to be treated the way she was treating him).
I think the point of the story was love covers a multitude of sins - thus the hero ending up with the heroine in the end. However, love doesn't undermine - which is how the heroine came off to this reader.
In the end, when the culprits were finally revealed (those connected to the cold case being re-opened), I wasn't entirely convinced. Other characters suspected of being involved had a stronger case than the ones revealed in the end, which I think would have contributed to a more "satisfactory" ending for this reader.
July 27, 2020
I don’t think I would want to be a character in one of this author’s books.
In this book, there were so many things that Nora went through. It was like she couldn’t catch a break, one thing after another kept happening. Life had hit Nora hard when her mother disappeared when Nora was a young girl. Now someone was trying to kill her or keep her from solving the “cold case” of the death of her mom. Nora’s only help comes from her ex-boyfriend Deputy Sheriff Rush Buchanan. Their chemistry is still strong and they both have a hard time trusting each other. Solving this mystery becomes harder and harder as Christmas draws closer.
I like to think I’m pretty good at solving these mysteries, but Jessica Patch has really done a fantastic job with this story. I was totally blown away and on the seat of my chair the whole time I was reading it.
I also loved the way the author weaves into this story the example of God’s love for us. As said in the notes from the author;
“No matter what your background, what you were born into, or what happened to you that you had no control over. You can come out from under that shadow and live in the light through the sweet, healing love of Jesus. You can be free to be who you are meant to be in Christ.”
I highly recommend picking up this book. However, I need to warn you, you might not get much sleep until you finish reading it!
In this book, there were so many things that Nora went through. It was like she couldn’t catch a break, one thing after another kept happening. Life had hit Nora hard when her mother disappeared when Nora was a young girl. Now someone was trying to kill her or keep her from solving the “cold case” of the death of her mom. Nora’s only help comes from her ex-boyfriend Deputy Sheriff Rush Buchanan. Their chemistry is still strong and they both have a hard time trusting each other. Solving this mystery becomes harder and harder as Christmas draws closer.
I like to think I’m pretty good at solving these mysteries, but Jessica Patch has really done a fantastic job with this story. I was totally blown away and on the seat of my chair the whole time I was reading it.
I also loved the way the author weaves into this story the example of God’s love for us. As said in the notes from the author;
“No matter what your background, what you were born into, or what happened to you that you had no control over. You can come out from under that shadow and live in the light through the sweet, healing love of Jesus. You can be free to be who you are meant to be in Christ.”
I highly recommend picking up this book. However, I need to warn you, you might not get much sleep until you finish reading it!
March 5, 2021
2.5 stars. This book was an enjoyable read and the characters were alright. There was a lot of belief to suspend, and the mystery is pretty dead until the very end of the book. Meaning, they don't really come close to solving the case until the book solves it for you. Not my favorite approach, but overall it was an okay book.
November 16, 2018
Some good twists that kept me engaged and turning the pages.
December 18, 2018
My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Cold Case Christmas. I always enjoy Jessica's books. She writes a great intrigue. This book is well written, fast paced, and action packed. She has interwoven her faith throughout the story like a well made tapestry. I know you are going to love it.
Chief Meteorologist Nora Livingston lost her job. She has put in for a job in Florida but decides to go home early for the Holidays. She doesn't want anyone to know of her problems. She arrives to find out that they have finally found her mother's car and hopefully her body. Nora could never believe that her mother would just take off and leave her family. She is determined to find answers. Someone took her mother's life and she would prove it even if she has to work with Rush the one man she loved and left. As threats and attacks follow wherever she goes she knows she is on the right track. Can she find the answers?
Chief Deputy Sheriff Rush Buchanan is called to the Shepherd Rock Lake. They have found a car and dragged it from the lake. The car is a Jaguar belonging to Mary Livingston; she has been missing for seventeen years. A skeletal body is all that they have found along with a silver cuff link, a partial man's masquerade mask, her bags, and a lot of money. She was the mother of the woman he thought he was going to marry. After her mother's disappearance Nora withdrew and finally left town. Now she would be back. The sheriff felt like it was pretty much a cut and dried case and wanted to close the case right a way. Rush knew Nora would never go for that. It soon became evident someone didn't want Nora investigating as threats became attacks to stop her. Can he keep her safe and not lose his heart again?
Two broken souls are out to find the answer to the seventeen year old case. The killer is determined they shall bury the truth or he will bury Nora. God has a plan for these two and the truth will be made known. God has a plan for you too, a good plan and not for evil. Give him your heart and watch Him move in your life,
Chief Meteorologist Nora Livingston lost her job. She has put in for a job in Florida but decides to go home early for the Holidays. She doesn't want anyone to know of her problems. She arrives to find out that they have finally found her mother's car and hopefully her body. Nora could never believe that her mother would just take off and leave her family. She is determined to find answers. Someone took her mother's life and she would prove it even if she has to work with Rush the one man she loved and left. As threats and attacks follow wherever she goes she knows she is on the right track. Can she find the answers?
Chief Deputy Sheriff Rush Buchanan is called to the Shepherd Rock Lake. They have found a car and dragged it from the lake. The car is a Jaguar belonging to Mary Livingston; she has been missing for seventeen years. A skeletal body is all that they have found along with a silver cuff link, a partial man's masquerade mask, her bags, and a lot of money. She was the mother of the woman he thought he was going to marry. After her mother's disappearance Nora withdrew and finally left town. Now she would be back. The sheriff felt like it was pretty much a cut and dried case and wanted to close the case right a way. Rush knew Nora would never go for that. It soon became evident someone didn't want Nora investigating as threats became attacks to stop her. Can he keep her safe and not lose his heart again?
Two broken souls are out to find the answer to the seventeen year old case. The killer is determined they shall bury the truth or he will bury Nora. God has a plan for these two and the truth will be made known. God has a plan for you too, a good plan and not for evil. Give him your heart and watch Him move in your life,
February 2, 2019
I'm always curious how Christian authors assemble a plot while still keeping the wholesome elements intact. How do you have a suspense novel, thought I, when there's no drinking, no drugs, no sex, no profanity?
This book schooled me. It uses that time-honoured plot method of putting as many obstacles in the protagonist's way as possible. If they're going to walk from one end of the room to the other, put things in the way. Make it hard for them. This book did that in an entertaining way.
In a nutshell, Nora (a weather person) comes home right around the time that authorities finally find the body of her mother, who went missing 17 years ago. The deputy sheriff, Rush (not Limbaugh), used to date Nora, but she left him broken hearted. When it comes to fight-or-flight defence mechanisms, Nora likes to choose flight. She's determined to figure out what happened to her mother, even though she's the only one in any real hurry to do so. Rush steps in to help.
Four things that pleasantly surprised me about this book:
1. A relatable heroine who is smart and independent without being plucky. Category romances love plucky heroines. They whip their heads around! They utter feisty things! This one was just a woman doing her thing.
2. If my math is correct, these characters are in their thirties. Yay! Older characters!
3. The characters were flawed and complex, especially the character of the mom. I'm sure there was temptation on the author's part to redeem them at some point, to make them more saintly. She resisted and the story is stronger for it. Christian romance isn't boring after all!
4. Jessica Patch's writing is denser and more lyrical than I'm used to with category romances. My favourite line: "Grey sky. Pregnant with snow." I'm Canadian. I appreciate interesting ways to describe snow. There's another line. I can't remember the exact wording, but it was something like "The hidden shooter returned fire." The sentence lengths were varied. There was no over-writing.
So, four stars.
This book schooled me. It uses that time-honoured plot method of putting as many obstacles in the protagonist's way as possible. If they're going to walk from one end of the room to the other, put things in the way. Make it hard for them. This book did that in an entertaining way.
In a nutshell, Nora (a weather person) comes home right around the time that authorities finally find the body of her mother, who went missing 17 years ago. The deputy sheriff, Rush (not Limbaugh), used to date Nora, but she left him broken hearted. When it comes to fight-or-flight defence mechanisms, Nora likes to choose flight. She's determined to figure out what happened to her mother, even though she's the only one in any real hurry to do so. Rush steps in to help.
Four things that pleasantly surprised me about this book:
1. A relatable heroine who is smart and independent without being plucky. Category romances love plucky heroines. They whip their heads around! They utter feisty things! This one was just a woman doing her thing.
2. If my math is correct, these characters are in their thirties. Yay! Older characters!
3. The characters were flawed and complex, especially the character of the mom. I'm sure there was temptation on the author's part to redeem them at some point, to make them more saintly. She resisted and the story is stronger for it. Christian romance isn't boring after all!
4. Jessica Patch's writing is denser and more lyrical than I'm used to with category romances. My favourite line: "Grey sky. Pregnant with snow." I'm Canadian. I appreciate interesting ways to describe snow. There's another line. I can't remember the exact wording, but it was something like "The hidden shooter returned fire." The sentence lengths were varied. There was no over-writing.
So, four stars.
January 9, 2019
Nora Livingstone is back home in Tenn. Nora was a weather person in Knoxville but has recently lost her job so that's why she is home for a visit. Her mother Marilyn has been missing for several years now and her body is found while Nora is in town. Her father Joshua and her sister Hailey now know that Marilyn didn't run away like most people first thought . What happened to Marilyn and why was her body found in Shepherd Rock Lake? Nora disappeared on Christmas Eve 17 years go. Because of her moms disappearance Nora broke up with her high school sweetheart Rush and left as soon as she finished school. Nora is back now with a lot of unanswered questions and some secrets of her own. Will she be able to figure out what happened to her mother? Rush Buchanan is a local deputy sheriff in his hometown town in Tenn. Rush is the one who will be investigating the death of Marilyn Livingstone . Nora Livingstone and Rush were high school sweethearts at one time until she left town and broke hi heart. He dated one of Nora's friends Ainsley for a short time but he could never get over Nora. Nora is back in town and has opened old wounds for Rush but he has to put those feelings aside and focus on the investigation of Marilyn's death. Can he put old feelings aside and focus on his job? What happened to Nora's mom and why? Can he solve this mystery? I loved this book . It is full of so many twists and turns. It keeps you guessing until the last minute. It is also about second chances at love. Nora had to deal with a lot in this story losing her mom and her first love . The were a lot of secrets that were revealed and that made it an interesting read. This is a clean, Christian read. I think this book compares to any thriller out there . Its full of mystery and suspense.
December 9, 2018
Heart-wrenching, full of intrigue and wrapped around a sweet reunion! Great story! From page one we are drawn into this cold case and kept on the edge of our seats throughout. The groundwork is laid for it to be any number of things to have happened to her mother and we're kept guessing right up until the very end. In the midst of the drama, Rush and Nora find their way through old misunderstandings and hurts to discover the love they both still hold for each other. I loved their story1
Nora Livingstone has lived for almost two decades with this cloud hanging over her. Did her mother really voluntarily leave her that night? Hope that she'd be eventually found and able to explain where she'd been comes to an end when her body is finally discovered. Nora can't accept an accident as the answer though, there's too many unanswered questions. When she lets it be known around town that she's going to find out what happened once and for all, threats start turning up. Who is trying to stop her? And why?
Deputy sheriff Rush Buchanan has loved Nora for most of his life. He spent his high school days thinking he was going to marry her and live happily ever after, but when her Mom disappeared, she withdrew and eventually left him behind. Now she's back in town and searching for answers. He'll do anything he can to help her figure out what happened to her mom that night ... and continue his hope that she'll one day see the love he still holds for her is worth sticking around for!
Nora Livingstone has lived for almost two decades with this cloud hanging over her. Did her mother really voluntarily leave her that night? Hope that she'd be eventually found and able to explain where she'd been comes to an end when her body is finally discovered. Nora can't accept an accident as the answer though, there's too many unanswered questions. When she lets it be known around town that she's going to find out what happened once and for all, threats start turning up. Who is trying to stop her? And why?
Deputy sheriff Rush Buchanan has loved Nora for most of his life. He spent his high school days thinking he was going to marry her and live happily ever after, but when her Mom disappeared, she withdrew and eventually left him behind. Now she's back in town and searching for answers. He'll do anything he can to help her figure out what happened to her mom that night ... and continue his hope that she'll one day see the love he still holds for her is worth sticking around for!
October 28, 2018
Cold Case Christmas is an extremely well-written Christian romantic suspense book. The characters are likable, but human, not perfect. They are well-developed and learn from their mistakes. The setting is the holiday season in the Smoky Mountains. Jessica Patch has done such a good job that I'm wanting to get the ornaments out and turn on Christmas music--and it's October. I love Ms. Patch's writing style and the wisdom that she sprinkles throughout her book. One of my favorite parts of that is Rush's thoughts about himself: "But how was that new mercy? How was that fresh grace like new snow? His grace, his mercy still had faint footprints of pain, reminding him that it could only be doled out in small measures." There are many twists and turns throughout the book. I had no idea who the bad guy was. I highly recommend this book to Christian fiction readers and readers of romantic suspense. This one does not disappoint. I received an ARC. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this outstanding book.
December 31, 2018
This book is the perfect combination for suspense lovers and readers wanting a Christmas themed read. I have read several of Jessica's books and her stories just keep getting better with gripping, nail biting, breath holding , edge of your seat suspense.
I loved the snowy Tennessee mountain setting and main characters Nora and Rush.
Nora has a rough family past to deal with. She has a brassy, in your face attitude at times while also appearing self centered. Rush, the local deputy sheriff assists in helping Nora gather information to help solve the cold case of her mother"s death. These two share a past and wonder if they can move forward into the future.
There are so many twists and turns in this story. I never saw some things that were coming. The surprise ending is action packed and satisfying.
A beautiful faith message woven into the story reminds us that our past does not define our future and God loves us no matter what.
Come along and join this suspenseful action packed snowy adventure. You will be glad you did!
I loved the snowy Tennessee mountain setting and main characters Nora and Rush.
Nora has a rough family past to deal with. She has a brassy, in your face attitude at times while also appearing self centered. Rush, the local deputy sheriff assists in helping Nora gather information to help solve the cold case of her mother"s death. These two share a past and wonder if they can move forward into the future.
There are so many twists and turns in this story. I never saw some things that were coming. The surprise ending is action packed and satisfying.
A beautiful faith message woven into the story reminds us that our past does not define our future and God loves us no matter what.
Come along and join this suspenseful action packed snowy adventure. You will be glad you did!
March 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this book!! I didn't want to put it down! Nora has a history of running away. Rush has a history of being there whenever she returns. When she returns for Christmas after losing her job, and on the very night her missing mother's body is found, she decides she'll stay until she gets the answers she's needed for seventeen years. She doesn't care who may get hurt along the way, until someone almost dies. Even then, her first instinct is to run again. However, she's finally realizing just how much like her mother she is, and she's always said she didn't want to be like her mother. She finally realizes that she needs to run to God, not from Him, as she's also been doing. When she finally realizes the truth about herself, and how much she needs and wants to change, will it be too late for her and Rush?? I did not see the way the book ended, which was a really good thing, as I don't like figuring out who-done-it before the characters do!!!
January 22, 2019
I can't imagine the pain that Nora felt growing up knowing that your mother was constantly running around on your father and then having her completely disappear to never be heard from again. It effected her entire being and how she lived her whole life. My heart broke for her.
When her mother's body was recovered from its watery grave, Deputy Rush Buchanan, Nora's ex, was there to help her through the grieving process and to try to find answers.
I felt like Nora and Rush really had some great chemistry! I didn't like the part of their history where Rush cheated on an ex girlfriend to be with Nora. There is a right and a wrong way to go about relationships, and that was no way to prove to Nora he wanted to be with her. I also felt that Nora was irrational at times, proceeding head first into terrible situations, but all in all, did enjoy the book!
When her mother's body was recovered from its watery grave, Deputy Rush Buchanan, Nora's ex, was there to help her through the grieving process and to try to find answers.
I felt like Nora and Rush really had some great chemistry! I didn't like the part of their history where Rush cheated on an ex girlfriend to be with Nora. There is a right and a wrong way to go about relationships, and that was no way to prove to Nora he wanted to be with her. I also felt that Nora was irrational at times, proceeding head first into terrible situations, but all in all, did enjoy the book!
November 2, 2018
Loved it!!!
Rush and Nora’s story is fast-paced and intriguing as they work together to investigate Nora’s mom’s mysterious death. As they are constantly facing attempts on Nora’s life for what she may uncover about that fateful night her Mom disappeared, they also come face to face with truths and obstacles from the love they shared from years before. I love how they experience along the way, that God’s Love does cover a multitude of sin! I also absolutely love all the Christmas scenery and festivities that are going on around them as the story unfolds. It’s a great Christmas read that will keep you in suspense! And an ending that you won’t see coming! Thanks Jessica Patch for this awesome story!!!
Rush and Nora’s story is fast-paced and intriguing as they work together to investigate Nora’s mom’s mysterious death. As they are constantly facing attempts on Nora’s life for what she may uncover about that fateful night her Mom disappeared, they also come face to face with truths and obstacles from the love they shared from years before. I love how they experience along the way, that God’s Love does cover a multitude of sin! I also absolutely love all the Christmas scenery and festivities that are going on around them as the story unfolds. It’s a great Christmas read that will keep you in suspense! And an ending that you won’t see coming! Thanks Jessica Patch for this awesome story!!!
November 5, 2018
Amazing story!! Oh. My. Goodness.
This book is a tale fraught with mystery, danger and intrigue. But it is also full of redemption and grace on so many levels.
Nora Livingstone is a woman who has been running from her mother's mysterious disappearance as well the man she was in love with, Rush Buchanan. As her mother's car is found with remains inside she is forced to confront many truths not only about her own life but also about her mother's past.
This book left me laughing, crying, shocked and even more in love with this fabulous author!
I honestly cannot write my favorite parts into this review because it would ruin the story but I can promise you that you will never be able to predict the ending!
This book is a tale fraught with mystery, danger and intrigue. But it is also full of redemption and grace on so many levels.
Nora Livingstone is a woman who has been running from her mother's mysterious disappearance as well the man she was in love with, Rush Buchanan. As her mother's car is found with remains inside she is forced to confront many truths not only about her own life but also about her mother's past.
This book left me laughing, crying, shocked and even more in love with this fabulous author!
I honestly cannot write my favorite parts into this review because it would ruin the story but I can promise you that you will never be able to predict the ending!
January 12, 2019
Cold Case Christmas, by Jessica R. Patch, is one of the best Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense books that I have read. This book is a well written romantic suspense. It tells the story of the discovery of Marilyn Livingstone's body after her disappearance on Christmas Eve 17 years ago. When her daughter, Nora comes home for the holidays, she is determined to discover what happened to her mother that night. Once word gets out that she is investigating, however, Nora's life is threatened and attempts are made on her life. There to protect her is her high school boyfriend, Deputy Sheriff Rush Buchanan. This book is full of past hurts, jealousy, secrets, lies, twists, and turns. It is an entertaining read that I easily finished in one sitting!
January 3, 2025
I wanted to like this book, I really did as I've liked many other books by this author, but I just couldn't stand Nora. Everything she did just rubbed the the wrong way for probably 80% of the book and that made it it hard to get through. She kept doing the same things over and over again and didn't really seem to learn from her mistakes (until the 11th hour where maybe she made some changes in order to get her happy ending). Frankly, I sort of felt bad for Rush for most of the book for being hung up on her. There was lots of Christmas, which was nice (I tend to read a lot of Christmas books in December), and it did have a festive feel (around all of the murder attempts), but this one was a miss for me.
June 15, 2019
Nora Livingston is determined to find out what happened to her mother while she’s visiting her family for Christmas when her mom’s car and her body is pulled out of the lake. Rush Buchanan the deputy sheriff who’s on scene is sad for Nora but upset that she is willing to put herself and her family in danger to get answers. Rush and Nora have a troubled history together but Rush still loves Nora and is determined to protect her after several attempts were taken on her life. Will Nora stop running from her past? And can they survive the attacks and figure out who’s behind all the attempts on Nora’s life to possibly have a future together?
December 7, 2020
With all the twists and turns, the plot kept you guessing whodunnit. I liked the Bible references, and that there was a theme of God’s importance in our lives, and that prayer is powerful. I liked that there was no gratuitous sex. I didn’t like most of the characters. I found Nora to be just a horridly annoying character. She was so bull headed and selfish and stupid. I know... I know... Grace. Even for a fictional character (and the author of said). If I could give half stars, I would have given it 3.5 stars. I would read another mystery by this author because it did keep me guessing.
November 19, 2018
Cold Case Christmas by Jessica R. Patch is mouthwatering. This book had my hooked from page one. Nora and Rush have a second chance at their high school romance. I guess you could actually say 3rd or 4th chance. Love covers a multitude of sin.
This book takes us to near death experiences but holds us on by the seat of our pants while Rush and Nora find one another again. I don't know how she does it but Jessica always leaves me holding on by the seat of my pants. Don't grab this book till you are ready to set down and read it in one setting.
This book takes us to near death experiences but holds us on by the seat of our pants while Rush and Nora find one another again. I don't know how she does it but Jessica always leaves me holding on by the seat of my pants. Don't grab this book till you are ready to set down and read it in one setting.
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