Saving Justice

by Susan Crawford

She’s a teacher on a mission to help at-risk youth, but the millionaire next door puts her own heart at risk…

"Sweet, faith-filled romance ... a tender tale." - Publisher's Weekly

Kinley Reid is a teacher on a mission to help at-risk youth in her Oklahoma town. Now one of her students is in trouble, and Kinley will do just about anything for the child, but she wasn’t expecting to collide with the handsome, brooding millionaire next door.

Wealthy Nash McGuire is only back in this poverty-stricken neighborhood to renovate his childhood home, sell it, and get out. For good this time. But the spunky teacher keeps derailing his plans—and his heart. Can he trust her to help heal the wounds from his past?


Read all the novels by Susan Crawford:

Heart of the City Series:
Saving Justice
Redeeming Cade
Reclaiming Brynn

Rival Hearts

Sawyer Creek Wedding Series (with Lacy Williams)
Someone Old
Someone New
Someone Borrowed
Someone Blue

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance
Length: 250 pages

“A touching romance about a man who returns to his broken past, and discovers a woman who just might heal him, if he’s willing to trust her. Engaging and sweet . . . A fantastic debut novel!”
- Susan May Warren, bestselling, RITA award-winning author of Always On My Mind

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance

Kindle Edition

First published March 24, 2015

About the author

Susan Crawford is an author of inspirational fiction and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives in Oklahoma City, where she happily crams writing in between her day job of serving on her church's pastoral staff and being a wife and mom.

Visit her online at www.susancrawfordbooks.com to sign up for her email newsletter and be the first to hear about her writing news and upcoming releases.

Reviews

[Iola · Rating 1 out of 5]

Teacher Kinley Reid works in a rough area of Oklahoma City, doing her best to provide disadvantaged children with a quality education, with God’s help. When Justice, one of her students, gets into trouble for vandalism, she steps in to help him. Nash McGuire is the real estate professional who grew up in the rough suburb, and who is now renovating his childhood home to sell (personally, if I owned a house in an area run by gangs, I wouldn’t waste money renovating to make it “the nicest house in the neighbourhood”. I’d sell to the first person who made an offer. I certainly wouldn’t park my late-model car outside. After all, real estate is "Location, location, location", and this isn't the location they're meaning). Nash is concerned by what he sees as Kinley’s naïve approach, while Kinley trusts God to keep her safe and finds Nash’s lack of faith disturbing.

Saving Justice had interesting characters and a noble ideal, but the plot lost me early on, when Nash wants Justice to pay for vandalising his car. Isn’t that what insurance is for, repairing things when the culprit can’t be found or isn’t able to pay? It also seemed completely unreasonable (unjust?) that the child was sentenced to community service within days of the alleged crime, with no apparent input from witnesses or social services, and no defence or advice provided by legal professionals. Really? Of course, this is the US, a country which only outlawed capital punishment for minors a decade ago. Basically, this felt as though it was nothing more than a contrived plot device to bring Kinley and Nash together, and while I understand plots are (by nature) contrived, I prefer them not to be so obvious.

Between the injustice of Justice’s situation and Nash’s illogical renovations, I was left reading a plot that I felt was too contrived to be believable, particularly in the beginning. It did improve once the relationship between the three main characters was established, but it still felt unrealistic (yes, I know it’s fiction, but the overall tone seemed to be trying for sweet romance in a setting of gritty realism).

Susan May Warren has recommended this novel, and she's one of my favourite authors. I think she's looking at the heart of the novel, which touches issues similar to those raised in some of her own novels (such as Tying the Knot). She certainly can't be recommending the writing, which isn't a patch on her own.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a free ebook for review.

[Dakota Storm · Rating 4 out of 5]

thought the details were spot on with the inner city issues that arise and the way it seems there isn't always help out there for when people need it the most. I thought the author did a great job touching on subjects that matter and need a light shined on them. I thought Kinley was amazing, her letting God protect her and lead the way for her love to shine, I thought Nash was amazing too, he had a lot of healing to do and a past to lay to rest and love as much as Kinley taught him to and then there's Justice, I thought his tough guy attitude was for show from the beginning the author wrote his character well, the love he needs, the protecting and the need to feel included and important. I thought it was a well rounded story. I just wish there was more with Cade and more changes they made or more something. I felt the love between Kinley and Nash but wanted more from them. I did think it was a good story and would look forward to reading more by this author. 3.5 to 4 stars review by Nanee at upallnightreadallday.blogspot.com

[Loraine Nunley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A loving teacher and a disillusioned entrepreneur find love while coming to the aid of an underprivileged boy. This story has good romance between two people who had opposite perspectives on life. I liked the sparks. Full review is at my website.

I received this book complimentary in a giveaway. I was not required to give a review. All of the opinions I have expressed her are my own.

[Kristal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving an Advanced Read Copy (ARC) of Susan Crawford’s “Saving Justice” published through Redbud Press. Unfortunately, a death in the family means I’m late getting this review out but the book is still available in print and electronic format so it’s not too late to pick up your own copy, something I recommend you do if you are a fan of clean contemporary Christian romance with an underlying inner city theme.

The story revolves around elementary school teacher Kinley Reid who lost her brother to gang-related violence and now struggles to help her students who are at-risk for the same outcome. Self-made real estate entrepreneur Nash McGuire, however, wants nothing to do with the neighborhood or poverty he grew up in. Kinley and Nash meet when one of her students, fourth grader Justice, vandalizes his Nash’s expensive car. As a form of punishment to the child rather than jail time, Kinley gets Nash to agree to let Justice repay some of the costs for repairing his car by doing ‘community service’ at the house Nash is trying to renovate and sell.

Ms. Crawford did a superb job showing how one must often step outside of their comfort zone to truly meet the needs of God’s people. A true Jesus-follower cannot expect to always sit at home or within the four walls of their church building to share God’s message. Kinley exhibits this through her willingness to work in a rough area of Oklahoma City to provide quality education opportunities for the disadvantaged children in the area, but it doesn’t just stop there. She worries when one of her students fails to show up at school and goes to his house to ask about him, stepping in when he gets caught vandalizing a car and convincing the owner not to press charges. Instead, she persuades Nash to allow the juvenile delinquent to work off the cost of the damages by helping out at the house Nash is renovating in the neighborhood.

But not everything is wine and roses. Nash just wants to finish the renovations and get out of the neighborhood, which only brings up bad memories of his own troubled childhood but he can’t seem to say ‘No’ to the persistent teacher. Justice finds himself torn between family loyalty to help bring in much needed money despite the actual method being illegal or following his teacher’s guidance and getting an education so he can live a better life without having to sacrifice his morals. Brilliant writing details the struggle between doing what’s right and what’s comfortable while adding depth to the characters that make you feel like you’ve known them all your life or could be them rather just reading about them for a few hours.

A few small details prevent me from giving a perfect 5 stars for this book but it is close. At one point, Kinley and Nash follow Justice with one of his family members who is known to be a drug dealer and all around bad dude. Nash, quite logically, points out how dangerous following this guy might be and, even though I personally am a Jesus follower, the tirade Kinley goes into about how she had to do it and is basically obligated as a Christian to do so totally turned me off. I get we have to step out on faith and take risks at times but to put yourself into danger when you don’t have to can’t be what God wants. If I had been Nash at this point in the story, I would have told her to stop and let me out of the car, but it may just be a person thing for me. It just seemed very unlikely that someone who wasn’t a follower, like Nash, would have continued to help her when she seemed bent on putting herself into danger. For a new follower or someone just getting their feet wet in Christian fiction might feel alienated by this but fortunately the tirade is only a short portion of the one page, so it can be skipped.

The second thing that bothered me somewhat was how contrived some of the situations putting Nash and Kinley together seemed. First, he’s a successful real estate professional. I’m sure he has contractors that help him with his other properties so it didn’t make sense to me that he would work on this one by himself, especially since it caused so much emotional turmoil. Also, it didn’t so much bother me that he parked his fancy car in front of the house while he worked in this bad neighborhood because I’ve seen it with some of the house flipping shows on TV. However, this nice fancy car caused a problem when you think about the tools he needed to carry for the work on the house. He could have had the material delivered but leaving tools inside this house that didn’t have any security seemed very foolish. In addition, after working all day with drywall, wood dust, etc., he just gets into the plush car and drives home? I think it would have made more sense if he had just stopped by the job site in this car when it was vandalized instead of actually working on the house. Then he could have brought a work truck back to work, which would have stood out less in the neighborhood as well.

Overall, Ms. Crawford weaves a very entertaining romance that presents a strong inner city theme. With just a few tweaks, it would have been a 5 star book for me.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not read anything by this author before but now that I have discovered her, I will definitely be checking her out again! I LOVED this book! I have two daughters who are teachers and as I read the book, I kept picturing them as Kinley, the heroine, in the book. I wish every child who goes to school, would have Kinley as a teacher! Kinley teaches in a low income, drug-infested, "other side of the tracks" area of a large city. She feels it's her calling in life. She's giving it her all and wants to help every student make something of themselves to get out of that way of life. She has a student named Justice and gets very involved in his life. I couldn't believe the lengths to which she went for him. During that process, she meets Nash, a man next door who is just fixing up a house so he can sell it and be done with it! He was raised in that area but made it out and is successful. He doesn't want any part of it anymore so he doesn't want to get dragged back into it by Kinley when she asks for his help with Justice. Kinley is a "ray of sunshine" and never give up on Justice, even when things look their worst. Nash can't understand why she just can't understand that people in these circumstances don't change and she can't help them all. I admired Kinley's attitude and persistence and unconditional love so much. She never faltered in her belief that Justice was a good boy and needed love and support. The ending was SO good. She changed so many people's lives! I wanted it to go on for another chapter or two! This book made me want to be a better person! I definitely want to have my two teacher daughter's read it. They will be inspired, as should anyone!

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author and Redbud Press for an honest review

Kinley is a school teacher was cares for all her students. There is one student she notices has been out of school and decides to go to his home to check on him. Kinley finds herself in a dangerous neighborhood knocking on a door hoping to find out why Justice has not been in school. She does not get a nice welcome but is determined to help her student.

Nash is a man with a mission. He is in his old neighborhood fixing up his mom's house, so it can be sold. He seems like an angry man and when Kinley and his life intersect, sparks fly. They don't get off to a good start, when Nash accuses Justice of damaging his car. Kinley tries to reason with Nash, but it is not an easy task.

The characters are a mix of wanting to help , dealing with their past and trying to survive. Kinley won't give up on Justice and soon finds herself in danger. Nash is a strong determined man who still has a brother who he is trying to forgive and running from his past. Justice is caught in trying to help his family , but getting mixed up in something that could,eas to putting his life in danger.

I enjoyed the story and how it moved along with great intrigue and a dash of romance . The tension between the characters was very well written. I loved how the author showed when you step out in faith you can make a difference. Kinley is a person who loves God and wants her students to succeed. It's nice to read a story where people step out of their comfort zone , show compassion and overcome their circumstances to make life better for themselves and others. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

SAVING JUSTICE
As a Christian, we know all things are possible thru God’s love and Christ, his son. This story demonstrates how that love can change one’s future. Although this is a Christian based novel and wonderful story of love, this book has an extremely realistic view of the world. It explores poverty, project housing, children, vandalism, drugs growing up in a one parent home, and the odds of the child escaping that life and becoming a successful person.
A school teacher whose mission it is to aid her at risk students, Kinley decides to visit a student who has been absent from school for several days. She refuses to believe that her student cannot be helped to begin a journey to leave his environment behind and become successful in life. When she and her student meet Nash McGuire, who has beaten the odds and left his old neighborhood and become a successful businessman, she sets out to get him to help her with her student. In doing so, Nash finds the woman that may be able to heal him.
This book explores issues from the headlines of today. When Kinley’s student winds up getting in trouble with the law, can she help him turn his life around? I was given a copy of the book to read and write an honest review. To me the greatest part of the book is that it demonstrates God’s grace can restore brokenness in lives, bring people together who often have very different viewpoints, and alter lives for the better. I definitely recommend the book. Oh, by the way Justice may not be what you were expecting!

[Katrina Epperson · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are introduced to two characters that on the surface appear as different as daylight and dark. Kinley is a beautiful, young woman who is an elementary school teacher. She is a character to be admired. She wants to continue her brother Eli's footsteps by helping poverty stricken families. She feels that a lot of children can overcome their environments if are given a chance. So many children are judged by their clothes or something a family member has done this day and time. I love how this author brings this issue up. Justice is a student in her class and after several days of being absent she drives to a less than desirable neighborhood to check on him. Justice is a good kid, but one bad decision and his life is changed. When Kinley steps up to his defense she meets the a very stubborn real estate developer, Nash. Nash grew up in the area, in fact right next door to where Justice lives and it took years to fight his way out of the poverty. Now way is he going to let Kinley drag him back because of her mission to God. I liked both characters immediately, but was easily frustrated because they didn't act the way I expected-

hence this kept me turning the pages. The story intrigued me because it dealt with a person who saw past the poverty to the potential of each person. It shows that some people are bound by situations of circumstance, but with the right encouragement they can overcome it.

Yes, this is a great story that I would recommend.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a teacher was a dream i fullfilled when i assisted teaching kindergarten. Although i no longer do that, children and teaching is close to my heart.
This is one amazing novel. Immediately when I started reading this novel I was pulled into it. Not just the scene, which is basically a dump of a place, but into fourth grade teacher Kinley Reid's life, including her hopes, dreams and goals. And you know what? Neither Susan or Kin asked me. I was just hooked. i can not say just what it was. It could have been the fabulous way she used her words so that you ended up standing in that yard of trash, not just seeing it, or the tug of emotion when you realized that someone Kinley loved lived in this situation. That all was part of it, as was the need to find out why she was there, and why that shiny car was in the neighborhood. There are twists and turns the reader never sees coming, and when I was done, I heard a limitless sigh of contentment. Only a little one, as I really want to know what Miss Reid will tackle next, and how her class turns out.
It also left me with the question of what am I doing, or what can I do to make a difference in some ones life?
Thank you, Susan for giving me the opportunity to read this book. i was given this Ebook in exchange for an honest review. a postive critique was not required. The opinions are my own.

[Beckie Burnham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susan Crawford’s debut novel, Saving Justice, is a short and sweet love story perfect for porch or poolside reading. It is certainly a quick and light read, but it is also full of heart. This book is great for fans of contemporary romance.

Kinley Reid is a teacher in one of Oklahoma City’s most underprivileged and crime-ridden neighborhoods. Inspired by her deceased brother’s dedication to the children of the area, Kinley goes above and beyond when it comes to her students. Driven by success, Nash McGuire escaped his neighborhood and never wants to go back. A vandalized car puts them both together and on a course to impact one young child’s life.

Just under 200 pages, Saving Justice is, as I said, a quick read. The plot develops rapidly and there is not a lot of character development. But I liked the characters, especially Kinley’s 4th grade student, Justice. I also liked the social conscience of the novel — kids are worth investing in, especially when adult role models are few. Small acts like hugs and high-fives and waffle breakfasts really do make a difference. So if you are looking for a something short and sweet, then check out Saving Justice.

Recommended.

Audience: older teens and adults.

(Thanks to Redbud Press for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[Psusan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saving Justice by Susan Crawford is a wonderful romantic story on making a difference, losing and finding faith, family reunions and forgiveness. This is a solidly written story with characters that are realistically portrayed in an interesting plot. It is the first book by this author that I have read but I will look for more written by her now.

At the heart of the novel is Kinley Reid, a fourth grade teacher, who shows concern and care for her students especially Justice who lives in urban poverty. This puts her in a danger that she does not foresee. She meets Nash after Justice has vandalize his car. Over time a relationship develops. Nash is a person who has pulled himself out of poverty to build a successful and rewarding business. He has the mental hardness and what at first seems to be lack of forgiveness that one might expect. However, I thought of it as a defense mechanism to keep from being let down again by others again. Near the end Nash, thinks of how he had been blinded by his own bitterness, what a powerful realization.

The publisher provided a copy.

[Sam B · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This book was a pretty short read, but it took me a long time to get through. The story was a little slow to my taste. It's not that I didn't like the book, for it was good overall, but it just didn't really pull me in.

Another downside was the characters. Throughout the book, they barely ever talked to each other and just assumed what everyone else were thinking, feeling and doing. That drove me completely crazy and made me want to yell at them to TALK! I mean surely most of the issues could have been resolved a lot faster if they'd just express themselves.

I'd still be willing to check out the author's other books. She also wrote a book about Cade a secondary character that I might be interested in reading, but it's not at the top of my reading list.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first contemporary romance that I've enjoyed in a long time. There were a few character things that bugged me, but overall it was easy to read and -- more importantly -- I wanted to finish reading it (I honestly can't remember the last time I read a contemporary romance when I wanted to read the whole book; I usually get bored). I would definitely recommend this book!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first time reading this author! The story line was not your typical one. I loved how the main character wanted to help kids! It was a page turner. Will be reading more of her books!

[Kim - Inside the Wong Mind · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saving Justice
by Susan Crawford
Rating: 4/5
Redbud Press – Fiction | Christian Romance
Release Date: March 24, 2015

Nash has made great strides to overcome his poor and underprivileged upbringing in a bad neighborhood. He has vowed to never return, but circumstances bring him back to his old home in need of renovation and into a young boy, Justice, and his teacher, Kinley.

Kinley is on a mission to provide the best care and education for her elementary students. She stops by her student Justice’s house to find him vandalizing Nash’s car. Kinley is sure that Justice didn’t mean to do it and will pay Nash back with community service — by helping with house repairs. Kinley is convinced that she can reach her students before they fall to far into the gangs and end up dead like her brother.

Nash and Kinley butt heads because Kinley thinks that her students can be saved from a life of poverty and destruction but Nash just thinks she’s got her head in the clouds. The odds are not in favor of Justice. What is Justice involved in? Can Nash and Kinley save Justice before it’s too late. Is someone after Kinley because of her meddling? Is it possible for Nash and Kinley to get along to save Justice?

This debut novel by Susan Crawford was an excellent read. I was captivated by the characters from the start. She wrote from a very interesting perspective: a teacher that’s determined to make a positive impact on her students. Kinley reminds me of the kind of teacher I would want to be if I had chosen to teach. She just loves on her students and truly cares what happens to them.

I loved the play on words with the title. What a great name for a little boy. It was interesting to see Nash, who had overcome his past, begin to see his own value in the lives of those from his old neighborhood. Justice just needed a good male role model in his life. He needed hope that his life was not the end of the road if he didn’t want it to be.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian romance with a bit of intrigue.

I received this book for free from Redbud Press in exchange for an honest review.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Saving Justice to be an interesting story that flowed well. The characters of Nash, Kinley, Justice, and Cade all had significant events in their histories that molded them each into the people they are in the story.

I have to admit that it took me awhile to warm up to these characters. Even though I enjoyed the story, I wasn’t always on the same wavelength with the characters and the decisions they were making! But it was still a fun read. I wondered if Cade was on the up and up. I had trouble seeing past Justice’s bad behavior and attitude in order to see what Kinley saw when she looked at him. Kinley seemed naïve and overly optimistic for most of the novel, even seeming to discount the danger to herself. After having lost a brother to gang violence, I did think she would realize that the danger was real. I liked Nash best of all, although he had his own control issues and anger to work through.

I thought that the writing was good and that the story flowed. I didn’t always agree with the decisions made by the various characters, but as I continued reading, things did fall together nicely. Overall, it was an enjoyable story. The way the various characters changed and grew testified to how much God was moving in their lives.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Redbud Press in exchange for an honest review.

https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Dana Kamstra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Characters: I absolutely loved the characters in this story! My heart cried for the little boy, Justice, who is caught between knowing good and bad but wanting to help his family. Kinley made me laugh so many times. She was so fun and quirky in a sweet way. And Nash... he was the perfect hero for the book. One who had everything going for him, but he had his own conflicts of trying to escape his past.

Storyline: This storyline was the perfect blend of trying to live our lives the way God would want us to, a sweet romance, a few spots of humor, and a story that touches the heart. I loved every page of this book. This was one of those books that surprised me with how hard of a time I had putting it down. Whenever I had to (because sometimes life interferes with reading time) I couldn't wait to pick it back up again.

My Thoughts: I can't help but highly recommend this book. It has so many wonderful things going for it: relatable characters, sweet romance, great character arcs, and tension to boot! I can honestly say that I completely and thoroughly enjoyed this book!

**I received a copy of this book from Redbud Press in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.**

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first for me reading about this reviewer and a new publisher have to say really good so far. I fell in love with Kinley`s spirit and never giving up on her school children. There were times she might have gone a little too far yet again it is because of this I love her more. I mean she never gives up even when the man who is falling for her gives her an ultimatum she sticks to her guns and doesn`t give up on Justice. Now Nash seemed a little longer to like but he has his own reasons to be the way he is right now. These two might have seem like enemies but come on when it comes to children anything is possible especially a kid like Justice who needs all the love he can get. I have to say Susan Crawford shined in this book and love her take on second chances in a unique way even a man like Nash finds it hard to ignore that feeling of love. Can`t wait for more from this talented author.

http://melenasreviews.wordpress.com

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Justice by Susan Crawford is a play on words and the perfect title for this inspirational fiction. I loved this book from the beginning. I got so involved in the story and characters I finished in two days! Kinley Reid is a fourth grade teacher at Martindale Elementary, which is located in a less than desirable part of town, determined to teach her students more than required subjects, to show them someone cares; Nash McGuire grew up in this part of town and once he finishes fixing up and selling his mom’s house he’s never looking back; ten-year old Justice has no choice—he lives in Martindale and just needs better role models. Kinley is determined to make a difference just like her brother Eli, who died trying to make that difference. Will Kinley succeed or find that all of her efforts lead to failure? Will God soften Nash’s heart? Will their efforts ultimately lead to “saving Justice”? I recommend this book filled with adventure, faith, hope and romance.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book! I was totally blown away by the fact this is a debut novel. Ms. Crawford writes with the skill of a veteran author. The characters will touch your heart and pull you into Martindale. Kinley is full of warmth and love, but fully understands the risks involved in fighting for children in this downtrodden neighborhood. I thought she did an excellent job with Nash, the hero. Having grown up in the area I can understand his desire to have nothing to do with the neighborhood. I don't want to give too much away, suffice to say the personality traits she gave Nash reveal his past. Having him remodel his deceased mother's house was the perfect way to have him forced to spend time in the area. Well done!

Cade, Nash's brother, wormed his way into my heart, so I'm thrilled to learn there will be a second book in this series. I can't wait. Highly recommend!

A heartfelt thank you to Redbud Press for allowing me to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Britney · Rating 4 out of 5]

With real-life characters and situations, Saving Justice is an engaging read!

Kinley Reid is an elementary teacher, believing in each of her fourth grade students. Her devotion is inspiring, as is her special interest in helping Justice, one of her students who starts missing school and is caught in an act of vandalism.

Nash McGuire has worked hard to overcome his past and become successful. The last thing this business man wants to do is revisit the life he left behind. Nash is a complex character, and I really enjoyed the relationships he developed with Kinley and Justice, as well as his brother Cade.

Saving Justice is a touching story and tender romance! I enjoyed this debut novel and look forward to reading more from Susan Crawford in the future!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Redbud Press. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

[Naomi Shores · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story that could come out of today's headlines. Kinley is a teacher with at risk kids who lost her brother to gang related violence so she is on a mission to save at risk kids. Nash is an executive who grew up in that same neighborhood and worked hard to get out of it and make something of himself. He has no intentions of going back until he has to deal with his mom's house and meets Kinley and one of her students, a boy named Justice. Justice is sentenced to community service so the three of them spend a lot of time together and Nash realizes that with love you can help someone find purpose in their life and overcome what they grew up in. This is an excellent story of love, forgiveness and redemption.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is darling - and it also had something happen in it that I did not see coming and still almost can't believe that Crawford included it. It was handled very well and added so much authenticity to the plot.

Kinley is a wonderful heroine: she's the kind of teacher I educator I strive to be and that I pray my child has. She's also unfailingly optimistic and it is easy to know why Mr. Grumpy (Nash) was drawn to her.

This is a faith-based book and demonstrates how God is at work and can use things that happen for good.

I really enjoyed this story: so much I gave it four stars when most of the formulaic romances I read (and enjoy) get 3 stars. This one has something that has just went deeper when I was reading it than your typical fluff romance.

[Margaret Tidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Justice by by Susan Crawford was such a good book to read. I loved the characters from the very first page right up until the end of the book. I found myself getting caught up in what was going on like it was a true story and not a work of fiction. I often wonder what the world would be like if there were more people like Kinley in this world. Anyway lets get back to the book review. I loved this authors style of writing and the plot of this story. It was a great story that wasn’t hard to read so I read it in a day or two which is nice. If you love christian fiction than I would for sure recommend this book to all of you.

FTC:I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore a good Christian romance book, especially when the author is able to add a unique story line to the mix. The story is focused around saving a boy named Justice, who doesn't have the best home life, upbringing or neighborhood. His christian teacher decides to step up and help raise him, however it's not an easy journey. The story has a really nice flow to it, and shows us both side of life, the good and the bad. At the beginning of the book I thought some of the prayers seemed a little forced, they did not fit seamlessly into the story line. Sadly in this day an age a teacher would be fired for doing a lot of the things we saw in this book. Overall great story line and character building, look forward to reading more from this author.

[Joyful · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Hard to believe this is a debut book. This author has done a great job writing a novel that is so realistic. I fell in love with Justice first and then his teacher, Kinley. Kinley's love for her at risk children being raised in a gang community reminds me of my daughter-in-love who is the same type teacher. Kinley goes beyond her responsibility as a teacher. Her faith in Justice is so awesome. Nash was raised in this community and has become a self made man. He hates having to be back there. How does their relationship play out? What becomes of Justice? I recommend this book and author. You won't reret reading it. I was given a free ARC for an honest review.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Justice by Susan Crawford is an captivating book about Kinley's mission as an inner city teacher to help vulnerable students
In an effort to help one of her students, Justice she meets Nash McGuire, a former member of the neighborhood made good.There is an attraction but it is secondary to her goal
I admire the character of Iris and her tenacity because she forages ahead even knowing there is danger because she believes in God's power to protect her.
This book shows a woman's unwavering faith,with a healthy dose of suspense and a dose of romance.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by this author, but it won't be my last. I was caught up in the lives of the characters and the story line from the first pages and was kept reading to see what was going to happen next. It is also a wonderful story of what can happen when people such as Kinley and Nash choose to put their pasts behind them and get involved to help a child from a low income area even when it puts their lives at risk. I was given an e-copy of this book in return for an honest review, and this is a wonderful Christian romance that I definitely do recommend.

[Teresa Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book! Very unique storyline about a teacher trying to make a difference in the lives of her students --- living in a run down, gang invested, side of town. One student in particular needed her help. In the process of helping her student she locks horns with Nash, a former resident of the neighborhood. What follows is heartbreaking, heart lifting, and full of love.

I would love to see a sequel to this book with Cade's story (a loose end in the book) --- and a follow up with Nash and Kinley.

[Robin Patchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this story. The characters are so real, I feel like they could be friends. The little boy, Justice, is wonderful. You can't help but pull for him. The setting is wonderful. I like a nice small town story now and again, but this story takes place in the city, and sometimes, in the lower-income sections of the city. I love that peek into the lives of the underprivileged, and I especially love the way it shows how everyday people can make a difference. I highly recommend Saving Justice. I can't wait for Crawford's next book.