A Firm Place to Stand

Turnaround in Texas #1

by Lori Altebaumer

She blames herself for the suicide of a teenage boy. Now Maribel Montgomery is either being stalked or losing her mind.

A job at a camp in the rustic and often rugged landscape of West Texas offers Maribel Montgomery a chance to escape both, especially if she makes sure no one knows she's there.

But when the body of a woman washes up in the river on her first morning, her hope of a safe place to start over is swept away.

Circumstances force her into the acquaintance of Conner Pierce―a man with secrets of his own. Conner's interest in Maribel is more than just a physical attraction. But his determination to rescue her from herself only pushes her farther away.

A troubled teenage girl needs Maribel's help. The terminally ill woman she works for needs her protection almost as much as she needs her company. And somewhere out there, another girl has gone missing and no one but Maribel seems to care. A growing sense of duty born of a selfless love keeps her from running again when the familiar feeling she's being watched returns.

When the attacks get personal she'll have to decide who she can trust, starting with herself. But before she can trust herself, she'll have to learn how to forgive herself.

It'll take the persistence of a man she'd rather avoid, the sage wisdom of a dying woman, and the desperate needs of a lonely girl to make her realize the power of forgiveness. Lingering self doubt from past mistakes threaten to cripple her until she finds out that love is the remedy for fear.

Does she have the courage to face the danger stirring at the Pool of Siloam Camp?
If she doesn't, another girl might die.
If she tries and fails, it could be her.
Can Maribel risk working with him in order to save the next victim and find a missing girl?
Or is he the killer?

Genres: Mystery, Christian, Fiction, Contemporary

334 pages, Paperback

Published January 25, 2020

About the author

Lori Altebaumer is a writer who only half-jokingly tells others she lives with one foot in a parallel universe. With her boots on the ground, head in the clouds, and heart in His hands, she is a wandering soul with a home-keeping heart in search of life’s truest adventures. Lori loves sharing the joys of living a Christ-centered life with others through her writing. Her first novel, A Firm Place to Stand, released in January 2020, and was a finalist for both the Selah and the Director’s Choice awards. In addition to being a regular contributor to Crossmap, The Word on Wednesday, and other online devotions, she blogs regularly from her website. Lori also serves on the leadership teams for both the Called to Change Women’s Prison Ministry team and Sacred Journey, an experience for women wanting to go deeper with God.

Reviews

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to LSBBT, the publisher, and the author for providing me with a finished copy in exchange for an honest review.


“A dead woman, a missing girl, and a family secret. All connected by way of the Pool of Siloam Camp.”

Maribel Montgomery can’t afford to be picky. Literally. As a penniless — and recently evicted — former journalist, she feels a job at a summer camp for teenage girls in West Texas is as good a place as any to regroup and rebuild. Haunted by her past sins, Maribel expects her stint at the Pool of Siloam camp to serve as a brief escape from her financial woes until she can save up for her next hideaway. But Maribel will soon discover days in Turnaround, TX are far from the uneventful reprieve she’d envisioned. Faced with a multitude of Faith-forward characters and near-death experiences, Maribel is forced to reexamine her life and her understanding of the world around her.

“Grace and mercy…I don’t think you understand the meaning of the words. If you did, you’d know their power is because no one deserves them. They’re a gift.”

Now obviously I can’t delve too deep into the plot for fear of spoilers, but I can confess that this Christian-based thriller delivered more than the usual twists and turns. In addition to truly shocking reveals, A Firm Place To Stand dishes out a sweet (and at times spicy) romance subplot, tackles several heavy topics from suicide to sexual assault, and provides a thorough examination of the concept of forgiveness. Rooted in Scripture, but conveyed without sounding preachy, this novel’s illustration of Maribel’s journey to forgiveness will stick with me long after this tour has ended. Watching her loosen her protective armor of control and abandon her guilty conscience in favor of hope affected more than just my tear ducts. And while I’d normally base the merit of a “whodunnit” on the who that had done it, it’s this emotional connection to Maribel and her plight to healing that I’ll remember most.

“But God isn’t limited by statistics. He makes the odds, He doesn’t play them.”

Despite some SPAG issues, a handful of confusing similes, and some voice issues amongst alternating POVs, A Firm Place To Stand was an unexpected treat that pulled me in quickly and packed drama through its conclusion. I do believe the story got a little murky in the middle with repetitive passages and some unneeded red herrings, but Altebaumer is ultimately able to deliver a highly relatable message inside a crazy action-filled story. Focusing on “progress not perfection,” this Christian suspense provides a fictionalized path for readers to gain the courage to stand.

Please shoot me a DM or leave me a comment if you’d like the full list of Trigger Warnings.

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even know where to start with this book and how much I enjoyed it and the message.  I highlighted so many passages because they spoke to me.  This book is more than faith, suspense, or trust. It is the culmination of so many different aspects, thoughts, beliefs, and actions of the various characters.  Let's just start with how the book starts:

"Journalists traveled light - especially the unemployed ones running from a tsunami of poor choices. Of course, she wasn't exactly running since she had nowhere else to go."

"Somewhat telling that at age twenty-six everything Maribel owned had fit into the back of a car."

Maribel is a lost soul whether she realizes it or not.  She doesn't believe she is worthy of love or anything else all because of some bad journalistic moves on her part.  But perhaps this new job at the Pool of Siloam camp will be her salvation, or at least give her a place to sort out her life.  But everything is not as it seems as we travel the pages of this novel and follow Maribel's journey.  I felt for Maribel because she beat herself up over an event that was not her fault (especially near the end as we really learn the truth about the events) and her lack of faith in herself.  She also didn't believe that she was worthy of God's love and forgiveness which is the furthest thing from the truth.  Her time in this small Texas town and interactions slowly lead her down a new path to forgiveness and as the title states, A Firm Place to Stand.

I really felt the passion that Mack and Conner had for God and forgiveness and their calling to bring Maribel back into the fold.  They have a long hard road ahead of them because Maribel carries a lot of guilt and emotional baggage that tends to get in the way of her life.  But these new friends in her life can see past her baggage and despair and continue trying to bring her around to a more positive light.

Outside of the religious/belief aspect is the suspense/mystery portion.  Why was Maribel brought to this sleepy little town in Texas?  What happened to the missing camp counselor and camper?  Who is trying to harm Maribel and why?  All of these questions kept me hooked on the story and trying to figure out who had ulterior motives.  There are some red herrings and not everything as it appears, but closer to the end of the book I had a feeling about a few characters and their motives, and I wasn't far off base.  While the "why" surprised me, it was somewhat obvious to me that these character(s) were up to no good.

There were multiple minor characters that also drew me into the story including Peg, who brought her here for research and a family history project; Rock Griger, the town sheriff, that just didn't seem on the up and up; Daylee, one of the campers that had been abandoned by her family.  The supporting characters had depth and I felt they were an integral part of the whole story.

Here are some of my favorite lines in the book (and there were quite a few)

"By the time she returned, the sun would be up, baking everything with the unrelenting heat of Texas in July."

"The determination to stop giving herself away piece by broken piece was strong but she also knew her weaknesses."

"Order and control eliminated chaos. Order and control took away the anxiety laden sleepless nights. Order and control equaled safe right?"

"Maribel may not have as many Texas generations behind her name, but it only took one to understand the character of those who did. A character she admired and respected."

"How would it feel to have that strong a connection to something, roots running that deep? A simpler, purer life perhaps. A life without regrets."

"Everything about the woman picked at the stitching holding Maribel's heart together. Eventually she might find a loose thread and Maribel would be unraveled."

"Peg wasn't picking at the loose strings of Maribel's heart.  She had simply cut her anchor line and tossed it overboard, instead of being anchored in place, Maribel sensed release."

"She reminded Maribe of a giant metal clip trying to hold her pieces together."

"Something - or someone - spoke to her in the soft rustle of the breeze, like a breath whispering truth in her ear. You are enough."

"The notes didn't just silence the night. they silenced the noise in her head and the chaos in her heart, demanding she be still."

"Maribel felt more broken and vulnerable than ever before. The protective shell she worked to build crumbled around her. After everything she told herself, she knew what she had wanted wasn't possible."

I was inspired by this book and it had me looking deeper within myself and was I enough?

We give this book 5 paws up.

[L.K. Simonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right when it seems you've found a nice, quiet place to stop and catch your breath, you haven't.

Maribel Montgomery almost makes it to the Pool of Siloam Camp - where she can lick her professional wounds - when her car breaks down. Well, the 1967 Ford Falcon burns up, actually. And that's in the first couple of paragraphs. That car is reminiscent of Cortés's ships burning on the shore of the New World. There's no turning back now, Maribel.

The waters at the Pool of Siloam Camp are troubled indeed, but not in a good way. Soon poor, beleaguered Maribel discovers the body of a woman who died under suspicious circumstances. Then another girl goes missing. Have Maribel's troubles followed her to this peaceful, out-of-the-way place? Some people wonder about Maribel and others are in her corner, like the sheriff, who just can’t "see her being part of whatever it was that had his peaceful county humming with menace."

Lori Altebaumer spins a satisfying, suspenseful mystery with a dash of romance. A Firm Place to Stand is truly Christian fiction, not just nice fiction written by a Christian author. I think the author's inclusion of Christian dynamics and beliefs woven through this novel was my favorite aspect. Let me put that a different way. I loved that Altebaumer wrote about the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of these characters, Maribel and others.

I also loved Altebaumer's writing. I'm a sucker for a well-turned, original phrase, and I highlighted some of my favorites here on Goodreads.

If you're a fan of mysteries, and especially if you're a fan of Christian fiction, do yourself a favor and add this author to your short list. I'm looking forward to Lori Altebaumer's next one!

[Jenn Z at That's What She's Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I have to say that I was definitely intrigued by the cover, the synopsis really hooked me with its darker mystery elements. I also really enjoy second chance stories, and as its Christian themes of redemption began to make their presence known within the narrative, this book certainly did not disappoint.

From the beginning, readers are very attune to the fact that Maribel is carrying around A LOT of emotional baggage that has severely impacted her confidence when interacting with other people. While we have some ideas about what has completely derailed her life, the full ramifications of the decisions she has made are not made clear until the story begins to reach its dramatic climax. From a spiritual and/or religious perspective, this is an emotionally engaging read that will provide readers with many moments for personal reflection as we follow along from her point of view.

We spend a great deal of time with Maribel in her thoughts as she works through her own insecurities and misgivings, including guilt for reasons that are not made clear for much of the story. A vast majority of her internal strife centers on coming to terms with a troubling romantic relationship that makes it seemingly impossible for her to even entertain the notion of another love interest. She is overwhelmed with a sense of distrust for everyone, and as we come to slowly see, many other characters are burdened with this feeling as well. At its core, the story centers on choice and the positive or negative connotations we attribute to the consequences. Obviously, good results are what we all strive for, yet this found family helps one another to realize that even in our darkest moments, forgiveness can be attained by the gifts of grace and mercy. We are most often harder on ourselves than anyone else could ever be, so the redemption that each character works toward is quite beautiful to witness. The sprinkling of scripture spotlights the tenderness in their quest for absolution.

This story is not short on action or suspense, as Maribel finds herself in the midst of one extremely dangerous situation after another. While the character development is quite slow-burning, the plot keeps the pages turning and the momentum moving. As a police procedural aficionado, I would have loved more time with Sheriff Rock Griger and the principal investigations featured in the story. He had quite the personality that may have worked well with Maribel as she came to terms with both her personal and professional problems. Maribel is an investigative reporter, albeit a disgraced one, so watching these two fields working together or bantering back and forth would have aided in not only our understanding of how the cases were solved, but could have provided Maribel with the redemptive arc needed to rebuild her career. Ultimately, this isn't that story, but personal preference aside however, I can fully appreciate it for what it is. This is not a mystery in the traditional sense of the genre, but the mounting tension brings the story full circle to a satisfying conclusion that is believable.

Overall, this was a fast paced, intense, and easy read that will absolutely resonate a hopeful message that we could all use a little more of especially during these unprecedented times.

Many thanks to Lone Star Book Blog tours and the author for providing me with a free copy of the book. This is my honest and thoughtful opinion.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
"A dead woman, a missing girl, and a family secret. All connected by way of the Pool of Siloam Camp."

Thrust into the midst of tragedy on the first day of her new job, Maribel Montgomery doesn't know what to think or where to turn. Unfortunately, she's seen a dead body before, but that's not entirely the point; Maribel came to the middle of nowhere in a broken down car, to work a leading nowhere job, in order to escape drama, not to find herself in the middle of it . . . . . again. Dead-center-middle, along with a too good looking for his own good co-worker, who is as mysterious as the rest of the people at Pool of Siloam Camp. If only her investigative skills would be quiet and leave her alone.

"He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand."

What an interesting story. Sure, there were plot bumps and characters whose true intentions stayed hidden for possibly a bit too long, but there were also some sweet, tender moments when Maribel allowed herself room to breathe the air of freedom. . . . . forgiveness . . . . redemption. She arrived struggling to "feel" anything, really. Yes, there is mystery all through the air, but it was Maribel's spiritual struggles and Connor's patient understanding that stole the spotlight. (and if the truth were known, I never really saw the end coming)

[Ariel Hess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of a finished pdf copy from Lone Star Literary Life partner in exchange for my honest review. The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or the publisher. The copies used in this review are finalized copies sent to me in exchange for my honest review. #partner #LSBBT

Has there ever been a moment in your life where you’ve felt like you can’t catch a break? Have you ever felt as though you were a burden to everyone you encounter? The main character Maribel has nothing but shortcomings her entire life but a job opportunity at Summer Camp in the middle has become available. She hasn’t had the best of luck with jobs or relationships but this may be her chance for a fresh start. That is until her car malfunctions and catches ablaze as she nears her new town. Within the first twenty-four hours of her arrival to her new town she finds a corpse in the river on her morning job, her car catches fire, and she has unexpectedly become involved in the secrets of her new town. Will she be able to uncover the secrets behind the dead body and the potential missing person? Can she keep her current role? How long can she keep her past hidden and stay hidden?

This book starts at a steady pace with the introduction of the main character and the author does a great job of capturing your attention in the beginning. We watch as Maribel’s character develops more as the storyline begins to unfold. The book begins with us seeing a glimpse into the past of Maribel and the preconceived notions she has about the people in her new town. She must learn to keep her guard up but also work to remove the walls she placed around herself to allow people a chance to get to know her. I enjoyed the development of each character and the realistic emotions tied to each character. Of course, as the story moved on I felt remorse for Maribel as she struggled to forgive herself for her past and move forward with the opportunity she was given. The author does a wonderful job of being descriptive when it came to explaining each character’s emotions, actions, and interactions. The writing style was intriguing where the author took the approach to alter between perspectives. There was no one true narrator in my opinion. The story was being told by each character and enjoyed getting the chance to be inside the mind of each character which aided in understanding the character development fully. I spent a great deal being both shocked and on the brink of tears while reading this book as it hit close to home to watch the main character try so hard. You can watch as the town’s secrets begin to unfold and Maribel sees who she can trust. With the journalist’s background in tow, she can observe her surroundings and get to the bottom of the town’s biggest secrets while simultaneously not realizing how sinister the villain in this novel is. I was thoroughly surprised and gasped out loud as finally came to the end of this book. All I can say is well done what a remarkable tale.

I highly recommend this book for any who is interested in reading a thrilling christian mystery novel. This book is appropriate for young adults and higher as there isn’t any foul or rude content. You can view the full review by clicking my blog link in my profile.

[Paula Peckham · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! Altebaumer does a great job of giving just enough hints to keep you guessing, but not giving away the ending. I dislike reading mysteries where the ending is revealed as something so random that we, as the reader, could never have figured it out. This was not like that. I was kept guessing until the end, but it was a satisfying conclusion.

And Altebaumer has a snarky, almost poetic way with her words. Maribel was fragile, but strong. Conner was arrogant, yet kind. Their contradictions kept me guessing as well.

Some descriptions I highlighted: "Wildflowers dotted a field of native grasses bordering the river, flecks of color popping out, as if a painter flicked his brush across a green canvas." And, "Frantic fingers raked through her hair, gathering it into her fists, eyes squeezed shut, trying to erase the specter tattooing itself to her eyes." One more: "Burn hit the back of her throat like a flush of lighter fluid an instant before the bitter acid of her empty stomach exited her body."

And the snarkiness made me laugh out loud. Examples: "Snakes topped her list of phobias. Snakes she couldn't see were off the chart. She screamed." And, "She desperately wanted to believe she had a purpose other than to produce carbon dioxide." And, "She needed the internet connection--dial up--only available in the main building. They didn't need help with social media. They needed help joining the twenty-first century."

But what I truly loved was the way Altebaumer showed, consistently, how God will patiently wait, with gentle care, for us to accept his love and forgiveness. The path Maribel takes, from despising what she believes to be her responsibility in a death to accepting God's love and forgiveness is both sweet and reassuring.

Charming, kind, exciting, lovely -- this story has it all. Well done, Ms. Altebaumer.

[Jeannette Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the first pages of the book, the reader is drawn in to the mystery that surrounds Maribel Montgomery. It is clear that she is running from a painful past, from wounds, and from failure. I was immediately caught up in her story, wondering what she was running from, and what she was hiding. Quickly, I realized that she was not the only one hiding something. As the story unfolds, the reader understands that Marilbel seems to be in danger. Maribel does not know who she can trust in this atmosphere of danger and deception, and the reader is just as clueless. The words of Scripture that Maribel heard during her childhood come to her mind again and again, reminding her of a God she is not sure about.

[Marion Surles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast-paced Christian romance, suspense. Scripture was woven into the story without being in your face. A page-turner for sure with great lessons of forgiveness.

[Christena · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The expression on Peg’s face as she shifted made it impossible for Maribel to look away. “And Maribel, dear, don’t lie there letting the vultures-whatever they are-blind you. Stand up and fight.””

When a splendid book cover leads to an intense story it becomes the epitome of forgetting your own troubles.

A body. A disappearance. Several bangs on the head later to the main character – I was reading an engrossing story about Maribel who is a highly relatable character in A Firm Place to Stand by Lori Altebaumer.

Maribel is definitely besieged by her past and tries her best to outrun it. She’s not looking so much to start over but what she is desperately wanting is to forget her past mistakes. Hey, we all have been there at some point. And they are plenty for Maribel. What she finds instead when she arrives in Texas is a group of people from an old woman to a young girl, and then Conner. These immediate people become her world quickly in the best of ways, especially Conner who becomes a love interest.

However, what Maribel really finds is a continuous whirlwind that begins with a body in the river, and the action never stops. I never was able to guess who was behind all this crime centered around Maribel. High-five Lori!

Passages of Bible scripture are inserted throughout the story. At no point did I find them to be overpowering within A Firm Place to Stand. Matter of fact they carried the story well without centering on the Christianity aspects. That is a major plus for a reader like me.

Many parts of the story are very fast-paced. A Firm Place to Stand blends the genres of crime, thriller, Christianity, suspense, and romance practically perfectly. I have read this is Lori’s first fiction book. If so, then high applause to Lori for her debut novel.

[Teri W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great work of fiction written by dear friend and former college roommate! Had a hard time putting this one down. It has everything from murder, mystery, heart pounding adventure, romance and a beautiful theme of redemption woven through the entire story. If you’re looking for a good old fashioned page turner and entertaining read, do yourself a favor and read this book!

[Lone Star Literary Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

Featured on Lone Star Book Blog Tours. Lone Star Blogger Team average rating: 4.5 stars.

[Deena Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this Christian suspense by author, Lori Altebaumer! Maribel's journey to forgiveness, specifically of herself, kept my attention through every twist and turn, which were woven in expertly.

The spiritual thread held a perfect balance of truth and subtlety and added to the wonderful storyline and intriguing relationship between Maribel and girl's camp employee, Connor.

If you love mystery and suspense with a spiritual arc, don't miss this one!

[Lorilei Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Firm Place to Stand by Lori Altebaumer makes you ask questions immediately from page one. And I could sense a sly grin as Altebaumer pulls you into the story, only causing the questions to multiply. Sort of like how dodgy people will answer your questions with more questions. Which would all be rather intriguing in any suspense book, but for some reason this surprised me even more coming from a book classified as a Christian, romantic suspense novel. My usual experience with the genre is that the protagonist struggles with their personal relationship with God and/or the act of forgiving a person who has hurt them terribly, all while wearing their heart on their sleeve.

Maribel Montgomery certainly has that struggle with the Almighty, but she does not face the obstacle of forgiving another person nor does she wear her heart on her sleeve. It’s refreshing to see a Christian author write about a character that is not already almost squeaky clean, nor are all the people around them unrealistically wholesome either. The characters, both the good and the bad ones, are people you have encountered in the real world. And she has developed each one so well that if you pulled a quote at random, chances are you could guess which character said it. That being said, it isn’t too difficult to figure out who is out to get Maribel.

You can pretty easily point out who is behind all the terrible happenings, but Altebaumer holds the answers as to why very close to her chest. Much like it takes a long time to draw out why Maribel has a shadow hanging over her, Altebaumer doesn’t reveal the motive until the very end of the book. And when I say the very end, I don’t mean the last few chapters or so. I mean you have like 5 or 6 pages remaining in your right hand, and you’re hoping that the last 3 pages aren’t book club discussion questions and an advertisement for the next book. To say that I was hooked and eager to reach the conclusion would be an understatement. I can’t remember the last time that I read a book so quickly and with such intense concentration.

Coming down from the high of finishing the book, I took the time to reflect on what I had just read. Forgiveness was a big theme in it, much like most Christian novels, but this was definitely one of those books that didn’t bash you over the head with scripture. The characters were realistic people with real world issues, no gloss or fluff to hide or soften the imperfections. The only thing that bugged me was that Maribel’s backstory felt like I missed out on reading a previous book. While Altebaumer does a wonderful job of exposition, the backstory was a little too interesting for there to not have been a book about Maribel’s previous life. If the author doesn’t have another book in the works already, I hope she considers the idea of writing a prequel to this one.

So who is this book for? Anyone who loves a good suspense novel, I’d say. Remember the name Lori Altebaumer. I have a feeling that she has so many books already mapped out in her head and I am eager to read the next one.

[Lynn Poppe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Firm Place to Stand is a quick-paced romantic suspense novel. It starts with a dead body, then a missing girl, and finally guy with some great flirty banter!

The novel read like a cosign curve for me, high at the ends and lower in the middle. The beginning starts strong and I was immediately drawn in. I could absolutely feel where Maribel is coming from right from the start. She is down on her luck, with her paranoia and anxiety coming clearly across the page from her thoughts and actions. The end of the novel answers most of the plot mysteries, like a great game of Clue. The who, what, where, why are all wrapped up by the end of the novel, with some heart-racing action included. I did struggle, however, with the middle of the book. The action is still going on in the background of the novel, but more of the focus becomes about Maribel’s soul searching. The novel would have been stronger if it had focused more on some of the other elements like Peg’s genealogy project or Maribel’s search for treasures in the barn. Those two plot points remain open at the end of the novel and curious readers want to know!

Even though the plot slows in the middle, the bookends of the beginning and ending of the novel make A Firm Place to Stand worth reading.

The writing of A Firm Place to Stand is visual and descriptive. There are some great turns of phrases that I want to share as examples:

“Silence didn’t bother Maribel, but this one buzzed like a swarm of yellow jackets, making her anxious.”

and

“Sleeplessness had been her companion for months now and last night was no different. Every time her eyelids slipped closed, the slide projector in her brain turned on, determined to replay every defeating moment of her life.”

Both examples really resonated with me. The silence buzzing in her ear really captures a hot Texas day. The slide projector of the brain imagery succinctly describes how I feel on sleepless nights as well, using a phrase I never thought of on my own (but will totally be borrowing going forward!). Ms. Altebaumer genuinely understands what it is like to by lying in bed with a brain that will not quiet!

The flirting between Maribel and Conner is on point right from the start. I enjoyed reading the back and forth banter throughout the novel. The romance, however, doesn’t have much time to bloom during the novel. I hope that after the events at the end of the novel that the two have some quiet time to get to know each other better.

The novel has some random shifts in point of view, mostly between Maribel and Conner, with the occasional shift to Sheriff Griger as well. The shifts make sense; we need to know what is happening in other scenes when Maribel is not present. However, with each change in POV, I sometimes had to re-read the first few paragraphs to know who is talking or thinking.

Overall, I enjoyed reading A Firm Place to Stand. There is plenty of suspense, mystery, and romance, along with great writing from Ms. Altebaumer.

[Tangled in Text · Rating 4 out of 5]

I make a point of not reading book blurbs and back covers in order to go into books with no assumptions because even just knowing the main identifying genres of A Firm Place to Stand were Christian and Romantic Suspense I thought I had a good sense of what to expect. I was mistaken. A Firm Place to Stand was a source of great suspense and mystery.

A Firm Place to Stand definitely started with a bang between a fire starting then a morning run gone wrong and held onto that edge. I was drawn in and held capture from start to finish. I love a good domestic thriller/family drama and in such a small town it just raised the stakes because everyone is like family all up in each other's business for better or worse.

I enjoyed the lineage search being the perfect excuse to intentionally follow down and expose family secrets and I absolutely loved the perfectly matched analogies once you were inside each character's mind. The only element that held this book back from five stars for me was the constant reference to her past. They were presented in such small morsels that it was as if there was a prequel and I looked up twice to make sure I didn't miss a book one in the series. There is no prequel, but hold tight because her past does get fully explained and help you understand her sense of anxiety.

There are some great inspirational bible verses throughout, but the guts to this piece was suspense. The romance and Christian elements were woven in beautifully and flowed so effortlessly with this storyline. I would recommend this to everyone who loves a good suspense, whodunit, romance, or inspirational read. A Firm Place to Stand was a great redemption story that was uplifting and entertaining.

Thank you LoneStarLit for the free review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I’m not a particular fan of fiction labeled “Christian,” I dove into this book with an open mind. What I found was that the author, Lori Altebaumer, is brilliant at dialogue and description – if you’ve never experienced a Texas summer day in reality, you will completely understand what one feels like after this novel. Similarly, you will believe that Maribel, Conner, the sheriff, and all the supporting characters are real people, because they talk like real people.

The opening of this thriller was strong. I was hooked from the first paragraph. The ending gave us enough closure of the mystery to be satisfying – something that not all thrillers accomplish – while also leaving enough open that we can make delicious speculations about Maribel and Conner’s futures. Where I felt Ms. Altebaumer got a bit muddled was in the middle, when the action slowed and Maribel’s personal, spiritual journey took center stage.

Admittedly, I’m not the target audience for Christian literature,but I admired the skill it took the author to make the story Biblically-based without feeling contrived or preachy. This was not a religious treatise. It was a compelling thriller where the main character’s faith was integral to the story. And Altebaumer deftly wove all the components of her story into a cohesive whole that I thoroughly enjoyed.

If you want a gripping story with authentic characters, A Firm Place to Stand is a worthy choice.

Goes well with: a smothered burrito and sweet tea.

[Christy Shuler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible debut by Lori Altebaumer. I found myself mesmerized by the brilliant harmony of romance, suspense, and scripture. This book poses several questions right from the start that Altebaumer successfully weaves throughout the entirety of the plot, raising the stakes at each and every turn. The answers to these questions, and the resulting chaos that ensues do not disappoint!

Maribel Montgomery is a woman with a dark past, hoping to escape it with a new job at the Pool of Siloam Camp for girls. Trust no one is her credo, which becomes problematic when she meets the charming and handsome Conner Pierce who seems to be at all the wrong places at all the wrong times.

When Maribel stumbles upon a dead body, her hope for a fresh start crumbles. This is not the safe haven she had hoped for and danger appears to be lurking around every corner of the camp. Is the man she’s falling for at the center of it all?

I especially appreciated how Altebaumer incorporated scripture into her story and the vivid descriptions of her setting. Raised in the South myself, the setting of a Texas camp for girls filled me with nostalgia at a time when I am otherwise cooped up in my home.

A Firm Place to Stand is a great choice for readers who love Christian fiction and suspense. I was hooked from the first page to the last!

[Kelly Goshorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I opened the cover, this story took me on a roller coaster ride of danger, mystery, and intrigue as heroine Maribel Montgomery runs from her painful past into an unknown future with a handsome new acquaintance she can't determine is friend or foe. But It wasn't just the suspense that captured my attention. Altebaumer's prose are filled with excellent descriptions that bring the heat and humidity of a Texas summer to life and the snappy dialogue between Maribel and Conner often had me chuckling out loud. I think what I like most though, was the depth of realism that Altebaumer brought to the conflict in Maribel's life. Doubting her own self-worth due to past mistakes, she is not only running from an unknown suspect bent on ending her life but from God. The author cleverly combines memories of Scripture spoken over Maribel by a beloved aunt along with the voice of new friends to encourage Maribel to trust God again without beating the reader over the head. Maribel's struggle, like most people's, is real and heartfelt, and refreshing to find in Christian fiction.
Lori Altebaumer's A Firm Place to Stand is a firm win!

[Tiffany Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was instantly intrigued with all the action and anticipation taking place immediately in the first pages of the book. It had my mind jumping from thought to thought as I attempted to untangle the obscurities. Lori did a fantastic job of keeping the suspense going. Her descriptive talents made it easy to escape and imagine scenes in the book as if it were a movie. I was eager to open the pages and begin reading again before I ever sat it down. Maribel is an easy character to relate to with all of her past mistakes and the characters are real with a variety of temperaments. Although it didn't seem as though I was reading a Christian genre book, the scriptures sprinkled throughout, that her aunt shared with her during her childhood would occasionally pop in like God whispering softly to her slightly resistant heart. There are lots of events that keep you on your toes and the final message is sure to not disappoint.

[S Tedford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that made me sad to read the final page - I need more! I couldn't read this book fast enough! The plot takes a rapid and exciting run through a few days of the main character's life (Maribel). The reader is invited into the life of a young woman who's clearly running from something. As the novel goes on, we begin to see glimpses of what that 'something' is. The characterization is so strong that I felt like Maribel was my actual friend, and I ought to be texting her to see how she's doing today. LOL! I can't wait for the next book in this series.

Lori is a skilled author with an empathetic style that reminds the reader there's more to life than the surface traits we see in others. There's always something deeper. I highly recommend this book.

[Angel Pickard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing surprise! “A Firm Place to Stand” had all the best things in a book; suspense, mystery, romance, redemption and Jesus! This is not the Hallmark type Christian romance genre you are used to. This holds a great plot that propels not only to the solving of the mysteries surrounding the characters but also spirals into a surrendering of your life to Christ. For the characters the only redemption and forgiveness that gains peace is through our Savior. But the depth of the background given to each character and the build up to resolution were fun and made me want to finish as quickly as possible! My compliments to the author!

[Patti Stockdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Firm Place to Stand is an exciting tale with enough twists and tension to keep me guessing from page to page, an ideal scenario in a well-written suspense novel. The dialogue snaps, and the author’s voice appeals, making the read a joy from start to finish. I also appreciate how the romance and spiritual threads deepen the connection between reader and author. I’m impressed! Although I received a complimentary e-copy from the author, I’m not required to write a positive review. The views expressed are my own.

[Heather Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could see this book play out in my mind like it was happening on a screen. In fact, I think it would make an excellent movie. This story has compelling characters, a great setting, romantic tension, mystery, and a wonderful message of redemption!

I also want to comment on the author’s use of figurative language. I enjoy well-placed and creative metaphors, and the author definitely has a real talent for that.

Intriguing story!

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Firm Place to Stand grabs the reader from the very beginning and doesn't let go. It's full of everything a romantic suspense reader loves--action, romance, plot twists, and fantastic characters. Loved the girl's camp and the heroine's love for wanting to protect them. The faith element was strong but not overpowering. Maribel's character arc is superb.

I love this author's fresh voice. We'll definitely be seeing more of her books. Can't wait to read the next one!

[Kirsty Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading this for the second time. Meribel is such a likeable character and it’s heart-wrenching to travel with her through her journey in this book! Real page-turner! So much intrigue and yet so much hope. Beautifully written with some amazing truth-bombs to build your faith and allow deep work to be done in your heart around guilt and forgiveness, especially when it comes to yourself.

[Mendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was supposed to be a beta reader, but my dad got sick, and life spun out of control. I bought the book right after it was published, but life again. I finally started it after I purchased her second book. I’m kicking myself that I waited so long. I might be biased since I’m friends with the author but I loved the book and the message, no matter how far you run from God, he’s always waiting for you to turn back to him.

[Janette Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend Lori Altebaumer’s book “A Firm Place to Stand”. It was a book that had me captivated from the start! It will pull at your heart with romance, have you intrigued with gripping mysteries, and reveal a deeper love and forgiveness available to all of us. It’s a great story of hope and discovery that will encourage you in your own journey in life.

[Erin Unger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong heroes journey

If you like a suspense with great character growth, this book is for you. Lori Altebaumer did a great job creating a believable world with vivid scenery description also.

[Michele McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

She could run but she couldn't hide. This is my author friend, Lori's first book. She did a great job. Kept me hooked until the end. Great redemption story with in the mystery.