What do you think?
Rate this book
Faithful and loyal Gloria Lockwood is facing an empty nest and loneliness for the first time in ages. After her sister's tragic death, she opened her heart and her home to her two nephews, guiding them and loving them as her sister would have wanted. But now, with the boys grown and out on their own, Gloria must start over and begin building a life of her own. When she encounters the handsome and rugged cop, Alejandro Rojas, she realizes just how much she's missed out over the past years.
Alejandro lives his life on his own -- keeping his heart to himself. His job serving and protecting keeps him busy and focused on the safety and well-being of others. However, when he meets the loving and giving Gloria, he sees a new future for himself -- one he never saw before.
But when a long-time prisoner with a vendetta against Alejandro escapes, both of their lives are on the line. Alejandro feels responsible for leading his suspect straight to Gloria. Now, Gloria's faith must be strong enough for them both. Can Gloria help Alejandro see that God is their only hope against the evil they're battling?
Alejandro lives his life on his own -- keeping his heart to himself. His job serving and protecting keeps him busy and focused on the safety and well-being of others. However, when he meets the loving and giving Gloria, he sees a new future for himself -- one he never saw before.
But when a long-time prisoner with a vendetta against Alejandro escapes, both of their lives are on the line. Alejandro feels responsible for leading his suspect straight to Gloria. Now, Gloria's faith must be strong enough for them both. Can Gloria help Alejandro see that God is their only hope against the evil they're battling?
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2019
34 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Laurie Larsen
43 books102 followersBeachy, heartwarming and inspirational, Laurie Larsen's love stories contain a bit of faith in addition to the Happily Ever After. Her beloved Pawleys Island Paradise series gained fans, not only because of the stories and unforgettable characters, but the "arrogantly shabby" real-life island setting.
A multi-award winning author, she's won the EPIC Award for Best Spiritual Romance, the Illumination Book Award for Inspirational Romance Fiction and the eLit Award for Religious Fiction.
Laurie began her writing career back when she was juggling a challenging day job in Information Technology Management. Bewildered as to how an English major who loved to read discovered herself in a highly technical career path, writing became her creative release. Because "all good things come to those that wait," her reward finally arrived: retiring from the day job, moving to the beautiful South Carolina Lowcountry and writing novels full-time; at least, in between lathering on the sunscreen, walking the beach, and entertaining her feisty rescue pup, Weezer.
A member of Romance Writers of America for fifteen years, now, she's the President of an American Christian Fiction Writers chapter. She's lived her own Happily Ever After for over thirty years.
Want to stay in touch with Laurie?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlaurie...
Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/25728...
Newsletter: https://www.authorlaurielarsen.com/re...
Website: https://www.authorlaurielarsen.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lauri...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Laurie-Larsen/...?
A multi-award winning author, she's won the EPIC Award for Best Spiritual Romance, the Illumination Book Award for Inspirational Romance Fiction and the eLit Award for Religious Fiction.
Laurie began her writing career back when she was juggling a challenging day job in Information Technology Management. Bewildered as to how an English major who loved to read discovered herself in a highly technical career path, writing became her creative release. Because "all good things come to those that wait," her reward finally arrived: retiring from the day job, moving to the beautiful South Carolina Lowcountry and writing novels full-time; at least, in between lathering on the sunscreen, walking the beach, and entertaining her feisty rescue pup, Weezer.
A member of Romance Writers of America for fifteen years, now, she's the President of an American Christian Fiction Writers chapter. She's lived her own Happily Ever After for over thirty years.
Want to stay in touch with Laurie?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlaurie...
Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/25728...
Newsletter: https://www.authorlaurielarsen.com/re...
Website: https://www.authorlaurielarsen.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lauri...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Laurie-Larsen/...?
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 12, 2019
Loving this new book in the Murrell’s Inlet Series! The characters in this book Gloria and Alejandro were interesting because their story was so down to earth! We all love attraction, faith, mystery, and intrigue in Laurie’s books! Plus a bonus of catching up with other people from previous books is always nice since they feel like family! Read this book, you’ll find it hard to put down!
July 1, 2019
This is a fantastic new book by Ms Larsen. It is full of page turning suspense with a bit of sweet love story mixed in. It has a faith based plot as well that has many heartfelt scenes. This is definately a must read!
July 14, 2019
Gloria is thrilled at the success of the two nephews whom she has raised since their parents' death, but finding the empty nest that they have left behind hard to deal with. Attending a cooking class with her best friend Renee was just meant to be a fun outing, but their instructor turns it into something more... Alejandro, stand-in cooking instructor, has been in law-enforcement for years, but moved into CSI after his failure to catch one particular criminal fast enough resulted in several people being seriously hurt. Now, the Seashore Snatcher, his nemesis, has escaped from jail and Alejandro is certain he'll soon be back at Myrtle Beach, the scene of his former triumphs - and trying to get even with the cop who put him in jail. Will Alejandro be able to help catch him again before someone else gets hurt or killed? And when the relationship Alejandro's been building with Gloria puts her in danger, the stakes are rising...
As usual, well written and clean, with some humour, some suspense, and the odd bit of falling in love. It was good to see Gloria getting her own happy ending after selflessly taking in and bringing up her two nephews - is Brent's story next? This was an enjoyable follow-on from the earlier books in the series, but can be read as a standalone. 4.5 stars.
Note that I received an ARC from the author.
As usual, well written and clean, with some humour, some suspense, and the odd bit of falling in love. It was good to see Gloria getting her own happy ending after selflessly taking in and bringing up her two nephews - is Brent's story next? This was an enjoyable follow-on from the earlier books in the series, but can be read as a standalone. 4.5 stars.
Note that I received an ARC from the author.
July 4, 2019
What to do? What to do indeed, now that the boys are grown and doing well the house is empty. Now it's time for her to do something she put on the back burner raising her nephews. She never regretted supporting them and taking them in when their parents died, but now they are on their own and she's . . . well now it's time to find out what she is. The thing I love about this author is the way she brings Christian values, based on biblical theory, clean, exciting without preaching. This time dealing with being unequally yoked, believer with non-believer, whispers from the spirit, it's all done and done well. The book not only is a thrilling nail biting suspense but also deals with every day issues that people of faith deal with and how the Holy Spirit can guide you through it. Her characters deal with real life issues in real life situations. Okay maybe a little more over the top than our daily lives but you get it. We also get to hook up with some old friends and a few new additions. Loved it!!
July 8, 2019
This is Alejandro and Gloria’s story. She has an empty nest now her nephews have both left home. He is a policeman who is struggling with the knowledge that someone he helped put away has now escaped. Their lives intersect when they meet at a cookery event. I loved this story as it wasn’t a straightforward, simple romance. Alejandro doesn’t have a faith and Gloria wrestles with her attraction knowing he’s not a believer. He doesn’t understand the need for a Saviour and is resistant to learning more. However, when the escaped convict begins to affect the lives of those he cares about, Alejandro has choices to make. And not just about his work. This is a dramatic story which took twists and turns I wasn’t expecting. The conflict about faith was realistically portrayed and, I felt, added to the drama of the novel. Highly recommended and it’s always good to meet old friends and see what’s happening in Murrells Inlet.
July 11, 2019
Gloria is adjusting to being alone. Her nephews have left the nest. Gloria is considering dating. She's an independent woman who is busy with her daycare and taking care of her home, but she'd like someone to share her life with. I liked that. When she meets Alejandro Rojas, she's drawn to him. He's a dedicated police officer as well as a kind man. She hopes that their relationship might grow, but there is a problem. He doesn't have a relationship with God. As Gloria struggles with this, Alejandro projects her from a dangerous criminal. Can he save her? Seeing them together made me happy. They complete each other. I really wanted them to find the path to happiness. I loved the setting. Murrells Inlet is beautiful and peaceful. A perfect background to their daily stress. Laurie Larsen wrote a romantic and touching story. I hope to visit this beautiful location again.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
July 2, 2019
This was the story of Gloria and Alejandro. Gloria has been existing in the empty nester life and with the help of her "bestie" decides to try dating once again. She meets Alejandro in a most unconventional, but sweet, setting! From there the story is filled with so many emotions that it is hard to put down. I did the straight reading for a few hours and was delighted with the ultimate ending. This was another beautiful story by Ms. Larsen and the final one in the series.
These are stand alone books, but there are points where characters from other books make an appearance and it's like catching up with an old friend. Wonderful Series!
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
These are stand alone books, but there are points where characters from other books make an appearance and it's like catching up with an old friend. Wonderful Series!
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
July 4, 2019
I really enjoyed "Seized" by Laurie Larsen. It is the story of Gloria who features in another of the Murrell Inlet Series. She has just raised her two nephews as her sister was killed in a car accident. She is facing an empty nest and looking for new love in her life. She meets Alejandro at a cooking class and they "click". It is the story of them getting to know each other. Gloria is a Christian but Alejandro is not. Gloria helps him to come to know Jesus. It is also a very exciting story as Alejandro is a cop involved in trying to recapture a previous "bad guy" who has escaped from prison.
June 29, 2019
This is my favorite book written by Laurie! Wedding, cooking, mystery...all tied into this book with much more. Gloria and Alejandro and beautiful characters that Laurie has created; they are realistic, loving and kind. I also love how Laurie ties in characters from precious stories so we can see how they are doing! Highly recommend this book...if you haven’t read the other books in this series then you should. Great job, Laurie!
July 1, 2019
Seized is an edge of your seat, suspenseful romance. I was captivated by Gloria and Alejandro. This book stand alone, but it was better because I have read the others. Blake and Haley are an important part of this story. Gloria is suffering a bit with empty nest syndrome. Alejandro has realized that maybe there is more to life than just being a cop. This is a sweet, clean, heart warming romance complicated by a vindictive criminal who wants revenge. I could not put the book down.
July 1, 2019
I loved this book! Laurie Larsen has outdone herself with this one! Seized is the fifth book in the Murrell's Inlet Miracles series and my second favorite. It's got mystery, romance, danger.... But it's also teaches reliance on God. Alejandro and Gloria are such great characters and as their story plays out, you find yourself rooting for them! A Great Read you won't want to miss! I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 17, 2019
This book is one of the best , if not the best I've ever read. It was gripping from start to finish. I liked the two story lines and how they merged together. This author is so good, I love all her books, but this one tops the lot. Keep up the good work Laurie and congratulations
January 21, 2021
Oh, wow! Loved Alejandro and Gloria's story!! Alejandro is a police CSI, after being a beat cop and a detective. After being a detective took its toll, he changed to a CSI. When he finds out that the criminal involved in the last case he closed as a detective has escaped from prison, he realizes he led him straight to Gloria. Gloria is dealing with now having an empty nest since her two nephews have moved out. When she meets Alejandro, she thinks she's found a good match. Until she finds out that he doesn't believe in God. She thinks their romance might be over before it has a chance to really start. Gloria decides to talk to Alejandro about God, and see if he's open. When she uses an analogy on him that he can relate to, he becomes more open. As they work together to bring the hunt for the escaped convict to a close, Alejandro learns that a relationship with God can be a very good thing, and that Gloria just might be a gift from God. Then, Alejandro just has to find out how much is real with Gloria, and how much is acting?
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
January 25, 2021
Very good...love her books
October 12, 2019
Gloria Lockwood's best friend, Renee, thinks she needs to start dating now that both of her nephews are grown and have moved out. After the death of her sister, Gloria took in the two boys, sacrificing her chance of getting married and having her own children.
Alejandro Rojas has spent his career protecting others, first as a police detective and now a crime scene investigator. He also helps his niece, Elena, teach cooking classes when she needs him.
Gloria and Renee take one of Elena's classes and meet Alejandro. Gloria and Alejandro begin dating and all is going well until she discovers he does not share her faith in God.
This is Laurie Larsen's fifth and final book in the Murrells Inlet Miracles series. It will be the last one I read by this author. Alcohol is prevalent throughout as well as a couple of sexual references. When Gloria and Renee get together, they drink, even while talking about God. Renee gets drunk at the cooking class. Later, they discuss Alejandro's body. After Gloria prays for the right man, she begins dating Alejandro and they drink. One night, after drinking and thinking of going to bed with him, she tells him she is a good Christian woman and breaks up with him. Afterwards, Gloria reads her Bible and prays while drinking. I can honestly say I have never read a Christian fiction novel quite like this.
I received a free copy of this book. I volunteered to read it and write a review.
Alejandro Rojas has spent his career protecting others, first as a police detective and now a crime scene investigator. He also helps his niece, Elena, teach cooking classes when she needs him.
Gloria and Renee take one of Elena's classes and meet Alejandro. Gloria and Alejandro begin dating and all is going well until she discovers he does not share her faith in God.
This is Laurie Larsen's fifth and final book in the Murrells Inlet Miracles series. It will be the last one I read by this author. Alcohol is prevalent throughout as well as a couple of sexual references. When Gloria and Renee get together, they drink, even while talking about God. Renee gets drunk at the cooking class. Later, they discuss Alejandro's body. After Gloria prays for the right man, she begins dating Alejandro and they drink. One night, after drinking and thinking of going to bed with him, she tells him she is a good Christian woman and breaks up with him. Afterwards, Gloria reads her Bible and prays while drinking. I can honestly say I have never read a Christian fiction novel quite like this.
I received a free copy of this book. I volunteered to read it and write a review.
July 8, 2019
Gloria deserved her own happiness after changing her life to raise her nephews when their parents died in a house fire. There is an immediate attraction when she and Alejandro meet in one of his niece’s cooking classes. Bachelor Alejandro was a sexy CSI police officer, but he didn’t share Gloria’s faith. Plus he was focused on catching an escaped convict from one of his previous cases as a detective; a criminal who wants revenge and to make it personal. There was plenty of suspense in this Christian novel. It was great to catch up with Blake and Haley and follow up on their happily ever after.
July 9, 2019
Wow! Be prepared to be pulled into this story. The well-developed main characters, Gloria and Alejandro, are likable and easy to relate to. I loved the close relationship that Gloria had with her best friend. The fast-moving plot has twists and turns that I didn't see coming. The dialogue flows naturally. I did have some minor theological differences with the characters, however, the way that Gloria lived out her faith is encouraging and makes me want to show that same kind of sacrificial love. There is a fantastic HEA. I hope to read more of Laurie Larsen's work and highly recommend Seized. I received an ARC. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this outstanding book.
February 24, 2020
Heartwarming, suspenseful, great message about accepting God in your life.
July 9, 2019
A wonderful suspense filled, Christian romance novel from Laurie Larsen. I loved the characters in this book. They pulled me right into the middle of their story and kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened next. I love the setting of Murrells Inlet, SC and love how Laurie incorporates real places into her novels. Definitely recommend this book, and all of Laurie's other books too!
July 18, 2019
What a Powerful Book Showing God's Love and Protection
What a powerful book showing God's love and protection.
I really enjoyed the storyline,the awesome characters and the beautiful locale.
This book is recommended for those who love Christian romantic fiction with a strong inspirational message.
What a powerful book showing God's love and protection.
I really enjoyed the storyline,the awesome characters and the beautiful locale.
This book is recommended for those who love Christian romantic fiction with a strong inspirational message.
September 19, 2019
Easy Read
Quick story. Probably not this author's best, but enjoyable enough. There were a couple unanswered questions in my mind. Why is it called "Seized" when no one in the story is? Perhaps because a main character is captured by faith? Some descriptions were a bit long for me (details about food, clothing worn, etc.). Good tale to pass the time or see the end of the series.
Quick story. Probably not this author's best, but enjoyable enough. There were a couple unanswered questions in my mind. Why is it called "Seized" when no one in the story is? Perhaps because a main character is captured by faith? Some descriptions were a bit long for me (details about food, clothing worn, etc.). Good tale to pass the time or see the end of the series.
July 7, 2019
I've read and enjoyed many of Laurie's books. This was definitely my favorite. Not only does it have family relations and a developing Christian relationship that I've come to expect, but an element of suspense. Wow!
July 24, 2019
This book is filled with suspense, inspiration, and love.
From the first page, I couldn't put it down
The characters are powerful and the plot is intense.
Laurie Larsen has added a 5-star story to her books.
From the first page, I couldn't put it down
The characters are powerful and the plot is intense.
Laurie Larsen has added a 5-star story to her books.
July 18, 2019
An empty nester meets a policeman. All seems fine until the matter of belief arises.
At the same time she is inadvertently dragged into his investigation.
A good storyline
At the same time she is inadvertently dragged into his investigation.
A good storyline
July 23, 2019
I really liked this book and the characters were older in life. I could easily relate and the story was believable. Another great book by Laurie Larsen.
August 11, 2019
Great summer read for me
I have read all of Laurie Larsen's books and enjoyed them all. This was a nice mix of romance and intrigue. Can't wait for what's next!
I have read all of Laurie Larsen's books and enjoyed them all. This was a nice mix of romance and intrigue. Can't wait for what's next!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews