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Jane Doe
Raven Marks survives a brutal kidnapping but just barely. Along with a broken body, her mind is broken. She wants to put the past behind her, but nightmarish memories won’t let her. . .At first because she doesn’t have them, and then because she does.
Even though her fractured memory can’t recall every detail, she’s haunted by one What if she wasn’t the last victim? Her search for answers leads her to the highest politicians in the land. Each reclaimed memory brings her closer to the truth—and to even more danger.
Even though her fractured memory can’t recall every detail, she’s haunted by one What if she wasn’t the last victim? Her search for answers leads her to the highest politicians in the land. Each reclaimed memory brings her closer to the truth—and to even more danger.
- GenresSuspense
290 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2020
About the author
Lillian Duncan
51 books172 followersLillian lives in a small town in Ohio with her husband. She writes the type of books she loves to read--mystery and suspense with a touch or two of romance!
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
on-hold
July 23, 2020On Hold at about 20% because I got bored. It might just be the wrong book at the wrong time, so I may pick it up again in the future.
July 9, 2020
I don’t know why, but I kept thinking about this saying I have heard as I read this book. “Sometimes less is more.” It can mean that having less is more important than having more power, materialistic things or more recognition. I bring this up because the beginning of the book is not only hard to read, but goes into graphic details which could be triggers for some. I find that the author needed to give more details to understand the sheer torture and fear that Raven endured. I found myself seeing her as she crawled on the floor with chains securing her. She was at the point that only death would give her peace. The idea of being kidnapped is hard to even think about. Raven not only was kidnapped but spent months in the hands of a monster who enjoyed inflicting pain on her.
When she was finally found far away from where she had been held, I think her nightmare began again. The mind does funny things but one thing it does that amazes me is the ability it has to protect us from traumatic and emotional abuse. It blocks out memories and only comes back as God begins to heal that person from the inside out. We have heard that , “God will not give you more than you can handle.” Raven needed God to help her find her way back to Him. He needed to guide her to trust again and open up to people. As her memory started to return she kept secrets from family and friends. It is sad to think that she was afraid of what people would say about her, so she hid her memory coming back until it became more than she could bare. The faith element is good and I enjoyed reading how others were there to help Raven find out how strong she is.
I did like Hunter and thought he was good for Raven. I didn’t really like how they met because it was a bit obvious where the author was going with their introduction to each other. I’m glad that the story stayed focused on Raven and not if a relationship would develop between the two. There are hints of attraction but Raven was not ready for anything but healing and finding out who kidnapped her.
The story has some definite twists that will keep readers on their toes. There is no time to get comfortable as the book is fast paced and intriguing. I understand why Raven felt she needed to do a little investigating on her own, but it was not very smart thinking on her part. After going through what she did, she needed to be able to control her life again and go back to her roots as an investigative reporter.
The ending is well written and even though the author lets us know who the guilty person is halfway through the story, it was more of what the person represented that had a lasting effect on many. Power does something to some that causes them to resort to crimes in order to succeed at their ultimate goal. The author portrays the kidnapper or “monster ” as Raven calls the person as a calculating, uncaring and deceitful person . The character is one that will not soon be forgotten. It was like reading a scene from a well known crime show. In the end the author succeeds in showing readers how God never leaves us and when we trust Him, He never fails us.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
When she was finally found far away from where she had been held, I think her nightmare began again. The mind does funny things but one thing it does that amazes me is the ability it has to protect us from traumatic and emotional abuse. It blocks out memories and only comes back as God begins to heal that person from the inside out. We have heard that , “God will not give you more than you can handle.” Raven needed God to help her find her way back to Him. He needed to guide her to trust again and open up to people. As her memory started to return she kept secrets from family and friends. It is sad to think that she was afraid of what people would say about her, so she hid her memory coming back until it became more than she could bare. The faith element is good and I enjoyed reading how others were there to help Raven find out how strong she is.
I did like Hunter and thought he was good for Raven. I didn’t really like how they met because it was a bit obvious where the author was going with their introduction to each other. I’m glad that the story stayed focused on Raven and not if a relationship would develop between the two. There are hints of attraction but Raven was not ready for anything but healing and finding out who kidnapped her.
The story has some definite twists that will keep readers on their toes. There is no time to get comfortable as the book is fast paced and intriguing. I understand why Raven felt she needed to do a little investigating on her own, but it was not very smart thinking on her part. After going through what she did, she needed to be able to control her life again and go back to her roots as an investigative reporter.
The ending is well written and even though the author lets us know who the guilty person is halfway through the story, it was more of what the person represented that had a lasting effect on many. Power does something to some that causes them to resort to crimes in order to succeed at their ultimate goal. The author portrays the kidnapper or “monster ” as Raven calls the person as a calculating, uncaring and deceitful person . The character is one that will not soon be forgotten. It was like reading a scene from a well known crime show. In the end the author succeeds in showing readers how God never leaves us and when we trust Him, He never fails us.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
July 3, 2020
How Secrets Will Do Their Best to Kill You
Okay, so maybe some secrets might keep you alive, too. I’ll admit that—WITSEC and all. Those are life-saving secrets. But other secrets… yeah. They might get you dead.
Raven learns this the hard way.
So, first… there’s the skimming thing I did. As the story kicks off, we’re treated to a horrific scene—one woman’s systematic and almost ritualistic torture and psychological reprogramming. I kept expecting it to end up being a rape thing. If it was, I either missed it in my bits of skimming or it didn’t happen. Either way, if it happened, it was so minor that I could miss it with a few dances across these words or those. I have issues with rape.
Lillian Duncan didn’t trigger those. Thank you.
Okay, as for the rest of the story… Wow. Duncan took a common suspense trope and twisted it into a new story that is sort of… sorry, but there’s no other good way to put it. Twisted. From the beginning, we know something big is going on, but we don’t know what or why. I mean, Raven was an investigative journalist. Let’s just say we know there’s more to her abduction than some random guy going, “I think I’ll take… um… her!” Bam. We’ve got ourselves a victim with no rhyme or reason? I think not.
Instead, we get several stories woven together—some as old as time. Others, new, unexpected ones. We have faith colliding with fear. Secrets shatter trust. Friendships forge in the toughest of times and when things ramp up even more… look out.
Now, was Jane Doe perfect?
Nope.While I loved the plot, the faith element, the characters, all of it… one thing didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The writing had… moments. I don’t know how else to put it. Too often I felt as if the author was informing me of the action or worse, explaining it.
And, there was one tiny line in the faith element that while solid and encouraging, sounded more self-help “empowerment” rather than the truth of Scripture. Those things took an incredible story and made it just really good.
Did you read that? The two things that I found “lacking” in this book “only” made it “really good.” I mean, come on! That’s just hardly worth mentioning.
So why did I do it?
Because avid readers of suspense will probably notice it. If those kinds of things bother you, this might not be the book for you (but I’d try it anyway. It’s really that good of a story). So good, that despite that tiny bit of a reservation, I'm calling it an "I loved it" 4.5-star story.
Recommended for people who enjoy deep, multi-layered plots and characters, interesting settings, excellent pacing, and a desire to see justice served. Add a faith element that kept me thinking and encouraged the whole time I read, and you’ve got one solid book in Jane Doe. Can’t wait to read another by her.
Okay, so maybe some secrets might keep you alive, too. I’ll admit that—WITSEC and all. Those are life-saving secrets. But other secrets… yeah. They might get you dead.
Raven learns this the hard way.
So, first… there’s the skimming thing I did. As the story kicks off, we’re treated to a horrific scene—one woman’s systematic and almost ritualistic torture and psychological reprogramming. I kept expecting it to end up being a rape thing. If it was, I either missed it in my bits of skimming or it didn’t happen. Either way, if it happened, it was so minor that I could miss it with a few dances across these words or those. I have issues with rape.
Lillian Duncan didn’t trigger those. Thank you.
Okay, as for the rest of the story… Wow. Duncan took a common suspense trope and twisted it into a new story that is sort of… sorry, but there’s no other good way to put it. Twisted. From the beginning, we know something big is going on, but we don’t know what or why. I mean, Raven was an investigative journalist. Let’s just say we know there’s more to her abduction than some random guy going, “I think I’ll take… um… her!” Bam. We’ve got ourselves a victim with no rhyme or reason? I think not.
Instead, we get several stories woven together—some as old as time. Others, new, unexpected ones. We have faith colliding with fear. Secrets shatter trust. Friendships forge in the toughest of times and when things ramp up even more… look out.
Now, was Jane Doe perfect?
Nope.While I loved the plot, the faith element, the characters, all of it… one thing didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The writing had… moments. I don’t know how else to put it. Too often I felt as if the author was informing me of the action or worse, explaining it.
And, there was one tiny line in the faith element that while solid and encouraging, sounded more self-help “empowerment” rather than the truth of Scripture. Those things took an incredible story and made it just really good.
Did you read that? The two things that I found “lacking” in this book “only” made it “really good.” I mean, come on! That’s just hardly worth mentioning.
So why did I do it?
Because avid readers of suspense will probably notice it. If those kinds of things bother you, this might not be the book for you (but I’d try it anyway. It’s really that good of a story). So good, that despite that tiny bit of a reservation, I'm calling it an "I loved it" 4.5-star story.
Recommended for people who enjoy deep, multi-layered plots and characters, interesting settings, excellent pacing, and a desire to see justice served. Add a faith element that kept me thinking and encouraged the whole time I read, and you’ve got one solid book in Jane Doe. Can’t wait to read another by her.
July 8, 2020
Jane Doe is a wonderful fast-paced keep you on the edge of your seat suspense novel that you won’t be able to put down. Grab your copy and settle in. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up this book to read it. It sounded like a great book but I wasn’t sure how they were going to play the amnesia bit in here. That’s always a tricky thing to do.
It was done excellently here. Memories came back just a little at a time. And then our Jane Doe or rather Raven didn’t tell anyone for the longest time. Maybe she should have. She didn’t want to endanger anyone else or let anyone know she was remembering. But then her sweet neighbour is shot and she keeps thinking that maybe she’s not the only one. Maybe this monster might have done this to someone else. She has to know. She has to save the potential others.
Great read. It was fast and I couldn’t put it down. Definitely a few loops threw in here and there that kept you on your toes wondering what was going to happen next. Even when Raven has it all figured out and tries to convince people of the truth they don’t believe her. Or don’t want to believe her because a man in such power surely couldn’t do such a thing. I think that’s pretty appropriate for the world we live in right now when it is the men in power who abuse it the most.
I highly recommend you get a copy of Jane Doe and have a read. You won’t be disappointed. It’s a wonderful book that’s well written. The characters are going to draw you in and you won’t want to leave at the end. I’m hoping for another book to revisit some of the characters for sure.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
It was done excellently here. Memories came back just a little at a time. And then our Jane Doe or rather Raven didn’t tell anyone for the longest time. Maybe she should have. She didn’t want to endanger anyone else or let anyone know she was remembering. But then her sweet neighbour is shot and she keeps thinking that maybe she’s not the only one. Maybe this monster might have done this to someone else. She has to know. She has to save the potential others.
Great read. It was fast and I couldn’t put it down. Definitely a few loops threw in here and there that kept you on your toes wondering what was going to happen next. Even when Raven has it all figured out and tries to convince people of the truth they don’t believe her. Or don’t want to believe her because a man in such power surely couldn’t do such a thing. I think that’s pretty appropriate for the world we live in right now when it is the men in power who abuse it the most.
I highly recommend you get a copy of Jane Doe and have a read. You won’t be disappointed. It’s a wonderful book that’s well written. The characters are going to draw you in and you won’t want to leave at the end. I’m hoping for another book to revisit some of the characters for sure.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
July 1, 2020
Duncan's novel is a good thriller. By the time I got to the end of the book I was holding my breath. The plot is well crafted with a reporter on a hot story being kidnapped and tortured for months. She survives the kidnapper's attempt to end her life but has no memory of the horrific experiences. I like how Duncan has Raven's memory come back little by little until the shocking recognition of the very public man. I like how Raven realizes she has to be the one to stop him as no one with authority would believe her. Duncan has added several very good characters to support Raven. I loved Gracie and Lydia. What sweet women with such big hearts to help Raven. And then there is Hunter, the handsome deputy sheriff.
The only aspect of this novel I did not like was the initial pages of Raven's torture experiences while held kidnapped. Those first three chapters, nineteen pages, were hard to read and I felt a bit repetitive. Sensitive readers may just want to start reading at chapter four. Some of what Raven experienced is later revealed anyway, through her memories. I think the novel might have even been better if we readers just experienced the torture in bits and pieces as those first pages were too intense for me.
This is a good book for readers who enjoy a suspenseful thriller. There is a wonderful emphasis on the power of God to sustain a person through a terrible experience and the recovery following. This novel is a very good example of how a strong faith a can and should be included in a Christian romantic suspense novel. Except for the hard to read initial pages, well done.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
The only aspect of this novel I did not like was the initial pages of Raven's torture experiences while held kidnapped. Those first three chapters, nineteen pages, were hard to read and I felt a bit repetitive. Sensitive readers may just want to start reading at chapter four. Some of what Raven experienced is later revealed anyway, through her memories. I think the novel might have even been better if we readers just experienced the torture in bits and pieces as those first pages were too intense for me.
This is a good book for readers who enjoy a suspenseful thriller. There is a wonderful emphasis on the power of God to sustain a person through a terrible experience and the recovery following. This novel is a very good example of how a strong faith a can and should be included in a Christian romantic suspense novel. Except for the hard to read initial pages, well done.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
June 28, 2020
Christian suspense is by far my favorite genre, so I am always interested in discovering new to me authors... authors like Lillian Duncan. While this is the first time I'd read any of her work, Jane Doe had me wanting more.
I must admit though, when I first started reading I didn't think that would be the case. The suspense started right from the first page as we meet Raven as she's being tortured by her unknown kidnapper. What a way to start! It was quite a dark start to the novel, and I feared that it might actually be too dark. While I love this genre, I wasn't sure I could handle the torture aspect of it. Still, I was intrigued and read on...and on and on. Can you imagine waking up in a hospital and not remembering months of your life? Knowing something bad had happened but not knowing what it was...or who was responsible? This story kept me in its grips and did not let me go right through to the very end. Seriously, I read it in less than a day because I just couldn't stand to put it down.
While the topic was quite dark, there was also really great faith content in this book too... more than is often seen in the genre. There were great messages about trusting God and I loved seeing Raven cling to her faith through all that she had been through. And of course, there was a great romance thrown in to the mix as well! Overall, it was a fantastic story and one that fans of Christian suspense are certainly going to enjoy. I know I did.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.
I must admit though, when I first started reading I didn't think that would be the case. The suspense started right from the first page as we meet Raven as she's being tortured by her unknown kidnapper. What a way to start! It was quite a dark start to the novel, and I feared that it might actually be too dark. While I love this genre, I wasn't sure I could handle the torture aspect of it. Still, I was intrigued and read on...and on and on. Can you imagine waking up in a hospital and not remembering months of your life? Knowing something bad had happened but not knowing what it was...or who was responsible? This story kept me in its grips and did not let me go right through to the very end. Seriously, I read it in less than a day because I just couldn't stand to put it down.
While the topic was quite dark, there was also really great faith content in this book too... more than is often seen in the genre. There were great messages about trusting God and I loved seeing Raven cling to her faith through all that she had been through. And of course, there was a great romance thrown in to the mix as well! Overall, it was a fantastic story and one that fans of Christian suspense are certainly going to enjoy. I know I did.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.
July 15, 2020
Imagine being kidnapped, tortured, and then waking up with no memory of what happened. Raven Marks experienced this exact situation. But we only die in God’s time and according to His plan, so she miraculously survives. She then goes on to write a book about her experience and finds meaning for her life.
The suspense and danger in this book kept me reading. I found I could not put it down. This book illustrates how some politicians believe they are above the law and can do anything to anyone they want. Yet this book illustrates how we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. I loved the courage and determination Raven showed. I also appreciated how Hunter was willing to do what it takes to keep Raven safe. Additionally, Raven’s sister, Grace (at the rehabilitation home), Raven’s former editor all help bring the story to life.
The entire time I was reading I felt like I was part of the story. I had to find out how the story ended. I must say the ending did not disappoint.
So check this book out for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from CelebrateLit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
The suspense and danger in this book kept me reading. I found I could not put it down. This book illustrates how some politicians believe they are above the law and can do anything to anyone they want. Yet this book illustrates how we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. I loved the courage and determination Raven showed. I also appreciated how Hunter was willing to do what it takes to keep Raven safe. Additionally, Raven’s sister, Grace (at the rehabilitation home), Raven’s former editor all help bring the story to life.
The entire time I was reading I felt like I was part of the story. I had to find out how the story ended. I must say the ending did not disappoint.
So check this book out for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from CelebrateLit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
July 5, 2020
You have been missing for several months, have no idea what actually happened, why it happened or who the monster is that kidnapped you. Since you, Raven, are the aggrieved party in this scenario, how do you respond?
You can be powerful or pitiful - not both!
Raven is an investigative reporter who spends a great deal of time and effort making sure her stories are true. Now she needs to learn a whole new set of skills, not the least of which is putting the past in the past. Surrounded by good friends she once again is reminded that with God all things are possible. It’s all about making the right choices, trusting that good can come out of evil, realizing that secrets can hurt, hinder and destroy and learning to leave if the situation makes you feel uncomfortable - a principle we all should adhere to.
The author has written another edge-of-your-seat suspense that will have you wondering about your own choices. This copy was received through Pelican Ventures, Harbourlight Books and CelebrateLit. The impressions and comments made are my own and were in no way solicited.
You can be powerful or pitiful - not both!
Raven is an investigative reporter who spends a great deal of time and effort making sure her stories are true. Now she needs to learn a whole new set of skills, not the least of which is putting the past in the past. Surrounded by good friends she once again is reminded that with God all things are possible. It’s all about making the right choices, trusting that good can come out of evil, realizing that secrets can hurt, hinder and destroy and learning to leave if the situation makes you feel uncomfortable - a principle we all should adhere to.
The author has written another edge-of-your-seat suspense that will have you wondering about your own choices. This copy was received through Pelican Ventures, Harbourlight Books and CelebrateLit. The impressions and comments made are my own and were in no way solicited.
July 12, 2020
This was a good read. The start of it was so hard to read but it was a necessity. Raven is such a strong woman and I really enjoyed how the author brought back her memories. It was handled really well and made it believable (and suspenseful!).
I loved how God was brought up and at the forefront of the book. It was a dark book overall but showed God's love shining through. The author did a great job with the suspense, it started on page one, and didn't let up. Once I started the book, there was no putting it down. Overall, it was just truly a good, deep, thought provoking book.
It was a 3/5 for me. I will look for more from this author.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via CelebrateLit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via CelebrateLit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
I loved how God was brought up and at the forefront of the book. It was a dark book overall but showed God's love shining through. The author did a great job with the suspense, it started on page one, and didn't let up. Once I started the book, there was no putting it down. Overall, it was just truly a good, deep, thought provoking book.
It was a 3/5 for me. I will look for more from this author.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via CelebrateLit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via CelebrateLit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
July 5, 2020
Raven is smart, she's a survivor. However, like most of us who have survived something major or massive, it has left her with more than one issue. While she struggles to survive being kidnapped and tortured, my mind occasionally goes off to think of the disciples and what they endured. I felt so bad for this brave woman! Not remembering what she went through was a plus, but not if the key to her future is in recalling what horror she survived. How is she alive and why? What plan does God have in all this? The romance was just the right level, but I was more focused on who did this, why, and getting that villain caught. I liked the suspense and loved all the faith-based messages worked into this story.
Thank you to Celebrate Lit for my copy of this book. This review is left freely and a positive review was not required.
Thank you to Celebrate Lit for my copy of this book. This review is left freely and a positive review was not required.
August 3, 2020
The beginning of the book was pretty intense. The torturing of the main character may be a little too detailed for some. If you skim through it, you will be able to "catch up" on anything you missed through flashbacks later in the book.
That being said, I really enjoyed the premise of this book. The main character, Raven, has to deal with recovering her memories and trying to figure out who abducted her...before he gets to her first. Woven throughout, there are lessons on friendship, learning to trust/sharing secrets, and relying on God to supply the peace that passes all understanding. Scriptures are referenced. If you are looking for a Christian suspense novel with a little bit of a twist, this book is for you!
That being said, I really enjoyed the premise of this book. The main character, Raven, has to deal with recovering her memories and trying to figure out who abducted her...before he gets to her first. Woven throughout, there are lessons on friendship, learning to trust/sharing secrets, and relying on God to supply the peace that passes all understanding. Scriptures are referenced. If you are looking for a Christian suspense novel with a little bit of a twist, this book is for you!
July 14, 2020
"Jane Doe" by Lillian Duncan is a book about a kidnapped reporter and I liked the book because it does have a powerful message that God does use every situation for good. I do have to worn that this book starts out very graphic with details of the abuse. I felt like I was watching a episode of "Criminal Minds"with a Spiritful message.
I really liked all of the characters, well all expect the bad guy, of course. This book is not a lite read . I wouldn't recommend reading this right before bed, it might cause a nightmare.
I received a contemporary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are mine own.
About the Author
I really liked all of the characters, well all expect the bad guy, of course. This book is not a lite read . I wouldn't recommend reading this right before bed, it might cause a nightmare.
I received a contemporary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are mine own.
About the Author
July 1, 2020
Jane Doe by Lillian Duncan
This book had me on the edge of my seat many times. Twists and turns, surprises and
great characters make this an exciting read. The story is original and unexpected.
One of my favorite parts of this book are the inspirational messages found throughout.
There’s also a little romance which I always appreciate. I will look for more books by this
author. Worth the read! This book was provided to me by Celebrate Lit to read and review. The opinions in this review are my own.
This book had me on the edge of my seat many times. Twists and turns, surprises and
great characters make this an exciting read. The story is original and unexpected.
One of my favorite parts of this book are the inspirational messages found throughout.
There’s also a little romance which I always appreciate. I will look for more books by this
author. Worth the read! This book was provided to me by Celebrate Lit to read and review. The opinions in this review are my own.
January 1, 2021
I really wanted to like this book, it had so much potential. However, the dialogue is choppy and the Christianity aspect is thrown around wildly. Don’t get me wrong I myself am a devout Christian but the way it’s implemented within the story drives the reader away from what could have been an intimate connection with the characters of the story. The characters lack depth but overall plot and idea were good. I am sad to say that I found this book as disappointing as I did, but I will continue to look out for more of Duncan’s works in the future.
July 12, 2020
This was a wow book for me. This has inspiration and thrills and politics. There were many twists and turns. I really enjoy books that have people who have amnesia from a horrific accident and remember little by little what really happened to them. Raven and a Hunter are great characters. I love how God helps all the characters. This is well done. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
March 11, 2022
Overall not a bad book, I rather enjoyed it. Easy to read and definitely a page turner. That being said I felt that the supporting details were sorely lacking. The dialogue felt forced and non-organic at times, and don’t get me started on the abundant grammatical errors. However, one thing I rather enjoyed was the storyline/plot, with a few tweaks this could be a great book! I could see this being made into a lifetime movie.
August 11, 2023
Gripping!
I actually acquired this novel on sale on load your Kindle day! It is the first book I have read by this author, but I can guarantee you that after I finish this review, I will be hunting for more. Duncan hooked me by the first chapter with her aptitude for describing her heroin’s emotions as she faced her greatest fears! Not only did I care about Raven after the first page, but I also felt her fear tangibly! I felt the need to get up and ensure my door was locked mid-read! This talent for eliciting empathy for a protagonist and utter disgust for an antagonist is not a fluke! I look forward to diving into my next Lillian Duncan masterpiece!
I actually acquired this novel on sale on load your Kindle day! It is the first book I have read by this author, but I can guarantee you that after I finish this review, I will be hunting for more. Duncan hooked me by the first chapter with her aptitude for describing her heroin’s emotions as she faced her greatest fears! Not only did I care about Raven after the first page, but I also felt her fear tangibly! I felt the need to get up and ensure my door was locked mid-read! This talent for eliciting empathy for a protagonist and utter disgust for an antagonist is not a fluke! I look forward to diving into my next Lillian Duncan masterpiece!
July 7, 2020
Jane Doe starts with a bang and doesn’t let up until the end. Raven is kidnapped and tortured but through it all, she knows God is watching over her.
The story started fast and the pace is maintained throughout but in the end, it felt a little rushed and things fell in place almost too easily. I was also left with some questions that weren’t answered. Overall, it was an engaging read and I was hooked. I was invested in what happened to the characters and wanted Raven to recover and get justice for what had happened to her.
Jane Doe is a powerful reminder that God is always with us–even when we don’t feel Him or bad things happen.
When Raven was with the monster, she had a sense that God was with her, this was because she had taken the time to cultivate a relationship with Him. After she was rescued, she had to reconnect with her faith because on the other side it didn’t always feel as if survival had been a blessing. Raven had to learn as we do, that God never changes. He is faithful regardless of our situations or how we feel.
What would it take for you to question your faith? Do you know your identity in Christ? Are you invested in that identity? Jane Doe shows the reader what it looks like to have a crisis of faith. In the wake of a traumatic event, and trauma is relative to who is experiencing it, it’s easy to question who you are if you are a believer. I can only imagine how much more challenging it is to have an identity crisis when you don’t have a relationship with God.
Raven liked secrets. She kept her emotions, struggles, and issues close to her chest not even sharing it with those she cared about. As she started the journey towards recovery, she realized she couldn’t do it on her own. She needed people. We all have our own race to run but that doesn’t mean God expects us to do it on our own. He wants us to lean on Him and He wants us to lean on each other.
Jane Doe is a story about courage, about the power of secrets–their ability to trap us in shame and how exposing them to light sets us free. It’s the story of one woman’s fight to reclaim her identity in Christ and a reminder that God watches over us, He has not left us alone.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from the publishers through Celebrate Lit; a positive review was not required. Get your copy of Jane Doe.
The story started fast and the pace is maintained throughout but in the end, it felt a little rushed and things fell in place almost too easily. I was also left with some questions that weren’t answered. Overall, it was an engaging read and I was hooked. I was invested in what happened to the characters and wanted Raven to recover and get justice for what had happened to her.
Jane Doe is a powerful reminder that God is always with us–even when we don’t feel Him or bad things happen.
When Raven was with the monster, she had a sense that God was with her, this was because she had taken the time to cultivate a relationship with Him. After she was rescued, she had to reconnect with her faith because on the other side it didn’t always feel as if survival had been a blessing. Raven had to learn as we do, that God never changes. He is faithful regardless of our situations or how we feel.
What would it take for you to question your faith? Do you know your identity in Christ? Are you invested in that identity? Jane Doe shows the reader what it looks like to have a crisis of faith. In the wake of a traumatic event, and trauma is relative to who is experiencing it, it’s easy to question who you are if you are a believer. I can only imagine how much more challenging it is to have an identity crisis when you don’t have a relationship with God.
Raven liked secrets. She kept her emotions, struggles, and issues close to her chest not even sharing it with those she cared about. As she started the journey towards recovery, she realized she couldn’t do it on her own. She needed people. We all have our own race to run but that doesn’t mean God expects us to do it on our own. He wants us to lean on Him and He wants us to lean on each other.
Jane Doe is a story about courage, about the power of secrets–their ability to trap us in shame and how exposing them to light sets us free. It’s the story of one woman’s fight to reclaim her identity in Christ and a reminder that God watches over us, He has not left us alone.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from the publishers through Celebrate Lit; a positive review was not required. Get your copy of Jane Doe.
October 13, 2022
4.75⭐️!! This really is a slept-on Christian suspense. I loved the characters and developing plot line. Faith was a huge element and it made me so happy to read it!!
March 12, 2025
If I could give a higher rating than 5 stars, I would. This is definitely a page turner.
July 4, 2020
Top-notch Suspense with just the right touch of Romance. This is a compelling page-turning that is hard to put down.
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