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Conviction
After a rocky start as a missionary in Ukraine, Elder Neal Christensen is struggling to learn the Russian language and embrace an unfamiliar life away from his small Northern California town. And in an instant, a peculiar encounter with the wrong people changes everything. Dragged from his apartment in the dead of night, Neal is taken to prison and charged with the theft of a priceless museum piece. As days turn into weeks, he is thrown into a world of uncertainty where he must rely on the only person he can trust—the Savior. And as his Russian slowly improves within the prison walls, he begins preaching the gospel in the last place he imagined proselytizing. But when civil unrest erupts in Ukraine, the now-familiar routine of imprisonment is over. Neal is trapped in the chaos, and with his life on the line, his only hope of survival is escape. Yet he learns too late that there is as much danger awaiting him outside the prison walls as within. Someone has gone to great lengths to incriminate the young missionary, and they will stop at nothing to silence him forever.
280 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2018
7 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 20, 2018
There are many descriptor words that can be used with this novel: refiners fire, atonement, forgiveness, compassion, strength, hell...etc. These are just a few. I am sure that readers can come up with many more. While it is a book about learning and growing, it is also about a young man becoming strong and realizing where strength comes from.
This book in many ways is a nightmare brought to life. Neal Christensen is accused of a crime he didn't commit, thrown in jail, beaten and berated. He is in a foreign country trying to understand a language he is struggling with. He is way out of his element.
This book spans so much more than religion. It is a great suspense book, there is the real thief out there who went to great lengths to incriminate a young American. It is a book about forgiving yourself and forgiving others. It's a book about a young man who is put in impossible circumstances but comes out stronger in the end. In short, it's a book about hope.
This book contains violence. I would recommend it to older teens and above.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book in many ways is a nightmare brought to life. Neal Christensen is accused of a crime he didn't commit, thrown in jail, beaten and berated. He is in a foreign country trying to understand a language he is struggling with. He is way out of his element.
This book spans so much more than religion. It is a great suspense book, there is the real thief out there who went to great lengths to incriminate a young American. It is a book about forgiving yourself and forgiving others. It's a book about a young man who is put in impossible circumstances but comes out stronger in the end. In short, it's a book about hope.
This book contains violence. I would recommend it to older teens and above.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
April 9, 2019
The title to this book has a double meaning. The book is about Neal, a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, being framed for theft and convicted/sentence to 20 years in a Ukrainian prison, and about his conviction to his faith.
The story is billed as a suspense novel, and it does include elements of suspense, but I’d categorize it more as general fiction. The novel’s strength is more about Neal’s personal growth and endurance through trials than it is about finding out who framed him. (FYI, lots of religion in this book. It worked for me because the book is about a missionary.)
This one took me a while to get into, but I ended up really enjoying it. 4.5 stars, rounding up for Goodreads.
The story is billed as a suspense novel, and it does include elements of suspense, but I’d categorize it more as general fiction. The novel’s strength is more about Neal’s personal growth and endurance through trials than it is about finding out who framed him. (FYI, lots of religion in this book. It worked for me because the book is about a missionary.)
This one took me a while to get into, but I ended up really enjoying it. 4.5 stars, rounding up for Goodreads.
November 20, 2018
I loved this one. Here's my review for the Deseret News: https://www.deseretnews.com/article/9...
December 26, 2018
Excellent, well-written story of not only mystery and intrigue, but also forgiveness and growth. I enjoyed following Neal as he experiences the expected and unexpected on his mission in Ukraine. It's different than anything I've read--in a good way. Great book for Latter-day Saints.
June 20, 2018
I was lucky to be able to read this book very quickly. I took TRAX downtown for some fun on Saturday. I love reading on a train. With my back and forth journey I was able to read half of this 280 page book in a day. I finished it the next day. This book is intense with emotions and circumstances.
I want to be upfront saying this book is LDS based. It has a Christian theme of sin,guilt,repentance,judgment, salvation in Christ, faith, and restitution. Scriptures are read and religious concepts are talked about. Don't think this book is all about religion though, or you'll be missing out on a fantastic story of a young LDS missionary who learns some very harsh life lessons on his mission to the Ukraine.
Elder Neal Christensen starts his mission knowing he should have repented of something that he'd done to a fellow friend in high school. This person now is also his mission companion. You can tell he's not sure why he came on a mission. Six weeks into his mission, his life turns into a nightmare. Neal is thrown into prison accused of a crime he didn't commit. It was gut wrenching to read of the many trials that this character went through. Even though this is fiction, there have been real life stories where an American is thrown into a foreign prison. It made me so grateful for living where I do and the freedoms and justice system that we have in America.
Without giving more of the plot away, let me say, this story holds many lessons of forgiveness of others and ourselves, relying on God in times of trouble, finding friendship in odd places, and learning to sacrifice yourself for others in need. Poor Neal is put through so many hard things that I was glued to the pages of this book with it's excellent writing. This novel is one that you'll want to dedicate a large chunk of time to reading because you won't want to put it down. I recommend this Christian based mystery/suspense to older teens and adults. The book has a satisfying end, but remember, you'll be pulled through so many deep emotions along the way.
I want to be upfront saying this book is LDS based. It has a Christian theme of sin,guilt,repentance,judgment, salvation in Christ, faith, and restitution. Scriptures are read and religious concepts are talked about. Don't think this book is all about religion though, or you'll be missing out on a fantastic story of a young LDS missionary who learns some very harsh life lessons on his mission to the Ukraine.
Elder Neal Christensen starts his mission knowing he should have repented of something that he'd done to a fellow friend in high school. This person now is also his mission companion. You can tell he's not sure why he came on a mission. Six weeks into his mission, his life turns into a nightmare. Neal is thrown into prison accused of a crime he didn't commit. It was gut wrenching to read of the many trials that this character went through. Even though this is fiction, there have been real life stories where an American is thrown into a foreign prison. It made me so grateful for living where I do and the freedoms and justice system that we have in America.
Without giving more of the plot away, let me say, this story holds many lessons of forgiveness of others and ourselves, relying on God in times of trouble, finding friendship in odd places, and learning to sacrifice yourself for others in need. Poor Neal is put through so many hard things that I was glued to the pages of this book with it's excellent writing. This novel is one that you'll want to dedicate a large chunk of time to reading because you won't want to put it down. I recommend this Christian based mystery/suspense to older teens and adults. The book has a satisfying end, but remember, you'll be pulled through so many deep emotions along the way.
June 18, 2018
I hadn't heard of author Robbin J. Peterson before I was given the opportunity to review Conviction, so I wasn't sure what to expect. In my mind, the author was a former missionary who served in Ukraine and wrote a novel based loosely on some of his experiences. It wasn't until I finished the book that I realized the author was a woman. That speaks highly of Peterson's writing. There are some books where the author doesn't do well writing from the view of the opposite sex (although honestly I mostly find that when a man is writing in a woman's point of view).
Part of the reason I wanted to read Conviction was because my husband served a mission in Russia, and portions of the intriguing description sounded like his mission (of course, his experiences weren't nearly so dramatic).
Conviction is well-written and kept me interested throughout the story. I loved that I was kept on my toes. I didn't realize who the bad guy was until the reveal, which made for a great ride.
Sometimes religious books don't flow well as they intertwine religion with everything else, but that wasn't the case with Conviction. Perhaps that's because I was expecting lots of religion since the story was about a missionary, but whatever the case, Peterson did a great job with it.
We are all sinners in need of our Savior's Atonement, and Neal's repentance process was touching. The change of hearts mixed with the mystery and suspense of the stolen ring made for a good read. I would read more from this author.
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Part of the reason I wanted to read Conviction was because my husband served a mission in Russia, and portions of the intriguing description sounded like his mission (of course, his experiences weren't nearly so dramatic).
Conviction is well-written and kept me interested throughout the story. I loved that I was kept on my toes. I didn't realize who the bad guy was until the reveal, which made for a great ride.
Sometimes religious books don't flow well as they intertwine religion with everything else, but that wasn't the case with Conviction. Perhaps that's because I was expecting lots of religion since the story was about a missionary, but whatever the case, Peterson did a great job with it.
We are all sinners in need of our Savior's Atonement, and Neal's repentance process was touching. The change of hearts mixed with the mystery and suspense of the stolen ring made for a good read. I would read more from this author.
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 13, 2018
It took a little time to get into this book, but then I couldn’t put it down. It was a page turner! The mystery of who stole the ring isn’t an obvious one and keeps you guessing who is telling the truth, of who is friend or foe.
It might be a bit too churchy for some. I liked the gospel missionary setting and the journey that staryshiney Christensen goes on from start to finish.
It might be a bit too churchy for some. I liked the gospel missionary setting and the journey that staryshiney Christensen goes on from start to finish.
January 10, 2019
BRAVO!!!
Great story. Intense. Moving.
Great story. Intense. Moving.
January 8, 2020
Absolutely amazing book had me hanging by a thread from start to finish! Amazing book and story, was written in a way I believed that was a 100% true story and felt for the characters and was cheering for them or against them. Highly recommend
June 21, 2018
Wow…I don’t know what else to say about this one, but wow! I loved the way this book caught my attention from the very beginning. I wanted to keep reading until I figured out what happened to Elder Christensen and everyone he knew.
Okay, starting with Elder Christensen. He’s a small town cowboy who is starting out on his mission to Ukraine. He’s made some mistakes, but who hasn’t. The thing with is mistakes is that his mistake was made in his small town and the person hurt was a young man he knew in high school. Who also happens to be his companion on the way to Ukraine. I loved the way he knows he needs to own up to his mistake and he does it. He shows courage then, as he does throughout his imprisonment in Ukraine for a crime he didn’t commit.
The way the author wrote this one was brilliant! The reader never sees things from anyone’s point of view, except Elder Christensen. This makes it so the reader doesn’t have any more information than he has, making the whole book even more suspenseful than it already is! And you never know just which characters you can trust or not!
I love the way the plot is full of twists and turns, the reader never knows what is going to happen next. Elder Christensen goes from one crazy bad thing to another in a time period of unrest in Ukraine.
If you like suspense books, you’ll love this one!
I received this book as a gift from the publisher, which doesn’t affect my review or opinion.
Okay, starting with Elder Christensen. He’s a small town cowboy who is starting out on his mission to Ukraine. He’s made some mistakes, but who hasn’t. The thing with is mistakes is that his mistake was made in his small town and the person hurt was a young man he knew in high school. Who also happens to be his companion on the way to Ukraine. I loved the way he knows he needs to own up to his mistake and he does it. He shows courage then, as he does throughout his imprisonment in Ukraine for a crime he didn’t commit.
The way the author wrote this one was brilliant! The reader never sees things from anyone’s point of view, except Elder Christensen. This makes it so the reader doesn’t have any more information than he has, making the whole book even more suspenseful than it already is! And you never know just which characters you can trust or not!
I love the way the plot is full of twists and turns, the reader never knows what is going to happen next. Elder Christensen goes from one crazy bad thing to another in a time period of unrest in Ukraine.
If you like suspense books, you’ll love this one!
I received this book as a gift from the publisher, which doesn’t affect my review or opinion.
June 18, 2018
Conviction is a story about a Mormon Missionary, unsure of his readiness to serve and who is consumed with guilt over a deed he never confessed or repented of. As he arrives at the Mission Home in Ukraine, he unburdens his misdeeds to his companion and to the President.
He is assigned to a companion he thinks is great until he broke a major rule. As the young Elder Christensen, struggles with his feelings about his companion, that became the least of his worries when their apartment was raided at Four A.M. From then on he experienced a nightmare!
This is a story about judgement, misjudgment, rite of passage, repentance, restitution, endurance, faith, testimony, and survival.
The characters were created in a very believable manner and became "real". The scenes were vividly portrayed and the writing was superb! The reader's interest was not allowed to wander in the least.
Although this was directed at an L.D.S. audience, it is a novel anyone would enjoy.
The Book Title and over image were done very creatively and clever. The cover is eye-catching, yet, simple. It relates to the content very well.
He is assigned to a companion he thinks is great until he broke a major rule. As the young Elder Christensen, struggles with his feelings about his companion, that became the least of his worries when their apartment was raided at Four A.M. From then on he experienced a nightmare!
This is a story about judgement, misjudgment, rite of passage, repentance, restitution, endurance, faith, testimony, and survival.
The characters were created in a very believable manner and became "real". The scenes were vividly portrayed and the writing was superb! The reader's interest was not allowed to wander in the least.
Although this was directed at an L.D.S. audience, it is a novel anyone would enjoy.
The Book Title and over image were done very creatively and clever. The cover is eye-catching, yet, simple. It relates to the content very well.
March 28, 2019
Enjoyed this book about an LDS missionary in Ukraine. Good story and suspense. Definitely for an LDS audience.
August 2, 2021
This book was an excellent action-packed Latter-Day Saint novel! I read it on a recommendation from a Latter-Day Saint friend, and I loved every page. It was definitely one of the best modern Christian novels I have ever read. It accurately portrayed mission life and the interactions between members, non-members, and missionaries. Unexpected plot twits made this book even better. I really appreciate how Peterson was able to create a book that was both accurate and clean, yet still intense and inspiring! I am unashamed to say that tears were shed. :)
July 12, 2018
This book was captivating. It was a little more spiritual than suspenseful for most of the book but the last part was packed with suspense and plot twists that made is very hard to put down. May not be the best book for mother’s getting ready to send their boys on missions.
July 18, 2018
This was a good book - some surprises for sure in the plot. I found myself fascinated with the descriptions of the country and events. Some parts seemed very far fetched though. I would recommend it though - good story of forgiveness, repentance, and redemption.
July 27, 2018
Great story! Well paced. Despite all the missionary, gospel talk and situations it did not feel preachy. A story of repentance, faith, hope and strength through trials. Decent twist. Some violence. Now I am going to see what else Robbin J. Peterson has written.
August 20, 2018
Fast-paced and well-written, this book had me staying up late to find out whodunnit!
May 7, 2020
Robbin J. Peterson’s thriller novel, Conviction, is a well-written story. I loved that I was kept on my toes. I didn't realize who the bad guy was until the reveal, which made for a great ride. Robbin is targeting an LDS audience with its heavily spiritual flow, and it’s not as suspenseful. There were some good surprises for sure in the plot. I found myself fascinated with the descriptions of the country and events. Some parts seemed very far fetched though. I would recommend it though as it is a good story of repentance, growth and redemption. The narrator is great!
Elder Neal Christensen is struggling to learn the Russian language and embrace an unfamiliar life away from his small town. He’s unsure of his readiness to serve and is dealing with guilt over a deed he never confessed or repented of. As he arrives at the mission home in Ukraine, he reveals his guilt to his companion and to the mission President. We are all sinners in need of our Savior's Atonement, and Neal's repentance process was touching. The characters were created in a very believable manner and became real. And although this was directed at an LDS audience, it is a novel anyone could enjoy.
Elder Neal Christensen is struggling to learn the Russian language and embrace an unfamiliar life away from his small town. He’s unsure of his readiness to serve and is dealing with guilt over a deed he never confessed or repented of. As he arrives at the mission home in Ukraine, he reveals his guilt to his companion and to the mission President. We are all sinners in need of our Savior's Atonement, and Neal's repentance process was touching. The characters were created in a very believable manner and became real. And although this was directed at an LDS audience, it is a novel anyone could enjoy.
July 13, 2020
I enjoyed reading about a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ in Ukraine struggling with remorse, repentance, and growing faith.
August 20, 2020
excellent-enjoyed the missionary story
June 12, 2019
Really enjoyed this book.
December 6, 2019
As I read this book I thought of the trials I was experiencing. What an amazing
book to help you increase your faith in our Savior Jesus Christ. I love mysteries. I love books that help me increase my faith. This is one of those books. Many lessons learned while enduring unimaginable hardships. I throughly enjoyed this book. Thank you.
book to help you increase your faith in our Savior Jesus Christ. I love mysteries. I love books that help me increase my faith. This is one of those books. Many lessons learned while enduring unimaginable hardships. I throughly enjoyed this book. Thank you.
October 11, 2021
This was a wonderful story about a missionary who faces unbelievable horrors, and comes out stronger because of his faith in Jesus Christ. The suspense is masterfully woven into this faith-filled story, that is also quite the treatise on repentance and the Atonement of Jesus Christ . . . and you'll never guess whodunit! I highly recommend it.
August 8, 2023
Oh man what a whirlwind of emotions! Such a journey of growth and humility in following Christ. I loved every minute!
March 31, 2024
Good book for the genre (LDS fiction). By the last few chapters I had no idea who were the good guys and who were the bad guys. Obviously it all got cleared up, but it was twisty there for a while
July 4, 2024
I enjoyed this. It had suspense, intrigue,was interesting, it kept me engaged and was uplifting. It was well written.
October 1, 2020
3.5/5 stars
The plot was well crafted and paced until the climax. It felt like the resolution and grand reveal were a bit muddled and incoherent. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book!
A couple nitpicky things:
The author used the phrase "I/he/she blew out" SO MANY TIMES. It's not even a good construction! Just say "sighed" or "exhaled" or anything else. Seriously, every couple chapters. Stood it out in the most annoying way.
We get it, they're speaking Russian. You don't have to have the word "da" ("yes") every other sentence in dialogue.
Also, I feel like some of the given names were misspelled? Was Jinya supposed to be Zhenya, short for Yevgeniy? And was Duma supposed to be Dima, short for Dmitriy? I have no idea.
The plot was well crafted and paced until the climax. It felt like the resolution and grand reveal were a bit muddled and incoherent. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book!
A couple nitpicky things:
The author used the phrase "I/he/she blew out" SO MANY TIMES. It's not even a good construction! Just say "sighed" or "exhaled" or anything else. Seriously, every couple chapters. Stood it out in the most annoying way.
We get it, they're speaking Russian. You don't have to have the word "da" ("yes") every other sentence in dialogue.
Also, I feel like some of the given names were misspelled? Was Jinya supposed to be Zhenya, short for Yevgeniy? And was Duma supposed to be Dima, short for Dmitriy? I have no idea.
July 17, 2018
Even though there were a lot of thought provoking moments in this book, it didn't excite me to go on this missionaries mission. I'm sure there are lots of people that hold grudges against someone even after they apologize, but the reactions were a little extreme.
September 11, 2018
I don't know why this was marketed as a suspense novel. The "plot" was very thin and I was able to figure out the "mystery" within the first few chapters. The majority of the book is him just teaching the bible and book of mormon in prison. That's the book
December 30, 2018
Exciting read.
The story is interesting and compelling.
Not only is the author amazing (and my wife) but the audio version does not disappoint either.
The reader does American, British, and Ukraine voices fantastically.
The story is interesting and compelling.
Not only is the author amazing (and my wife) but the audio version does not disappoint either.
The reader does American, British, and Ukraine voices fantastically.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews