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Adam Cross Suspense #1
Every Good Gift
WINNER OF THE 2021 ILLUMINATION BOOK AWARDS SILVER MEDAL FOR CHRISTIAN FICTION AND #1 AMAZON BESTSELLER IN CHRISTIAN MYSTERY & SUSPENSE
Find the truth, or die trying!A gripping mystery and suspense novel infused with faith that delivers a page-turning Christian suspense with twists and turns you won't be able to put down!
"Best Christian Suspense I've ever read! I couldn't put it down!"
"The plot had a divine purpose and strong characters. Loved the way the story unraveled and had you guessing until the end!"
"Wow, just wow! A poignant, suspense filled story packed with faith, doubt, hope and forgiveness."
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A childhood tragedy almost destroyed his life. A tragedy everyone thought was just an accident.
So Adam Cross rebuilds his life in a small coastal town on the East Coast, pastoring The Lighthouse mission. The close-knit community of Turtle Cove surrounds him, he has his beautiful wife, Ruth by his side, and the delight of their little girl, Abigail. And he has his faith. Life couldn't be more perfect.
Until another accident happens. Except, this time, all evidence indicates that something far more sinister is behind it.
And while Adam struggles to pick up the pieces once again, he sets off in search of the truth behind the accidents-oblivious to the danger that awaits him. But what he discovers during his soul searching journey far exceeds anything he could have ever imagined.
Lurking in the shadows is an enemy no one knew or saw coming. One who has been waiting decades to take what is his, to take revenge.
If you enjoy reading faith-filled suspense fiction that grips you from the first page, then you will love this inspirational, fast-paced Christian suspense! Full of mystery, twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end, this first-in-series will not disappoint!
Are you ready to see why readers couldn't put this book down?
Find the truth, or die trying!A gripping mystery and suspense novel infused with faith that delivers a page-turning Christian suspense with twists and turns you won't be able to put down!
"Best Christian Suspense I've ever read! I couldn't put it down!"
"The plot had a divine purpose and strong characters. Loved the way the story unraveled and had you guessing until the end!"
"Wow, just wow! A poignant, suspense filled story packed with faith, doubt, hope and forgiveness."
----------
A childhood tragedy almost destroyed his life. A tragedy everyone thought was just an accident.
So Adam Cross rebuilds his life in a small coastal town on the East Coast, pastoring The Lighthouse mission. The close-knit community of Turtle Cove surrounds him, he has his beautiful wife, Ruth by his side, and the delight of their little girl, Abigail. And he has his faith. Life couldn't be more perfect.
Until another accident happens. Except, this time, all evidence indicates that something far more sinister is behind it.
And while Adam struggles to pick up the pieces once again, he sets off in search of the truth behind the accidents-oblivious to the danger that awaits him. But what he discovers during his soul searching journey far exceeds anything he could have ever imagined.
Lurking in the shadows is an enemy no one knew or saw coming. One who has been waiting decades to take what is his, to take revenge.
If you enjoy reading faith-filled suspense fiction that grips you from the first page, then you will love this inspirational, fast-paced Christian suspense! Full of mystery, twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end, this first-in-series will not disappoint!
Are you ready to see why readers couldn't put this book down?
264 pages, Paperback
Published September 11, 2020
577 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
Urcelia Teixeira
33 books641 followersUrcelia Teixeira is an award-winning author of gripping Christian Mystery Thrillers.
You will enjoy her books if you like twisty mysteries tinged with clean action, page-turning suspense, and deep-rooted biblical truths.
All her books are free from profanity and unnecessary sexually suggestive scenes.
She made her writing debut in December 2017, kicking off her newly discovered author journey with her fast-paced archaeological adventure thriller novels that readers have described as ‘Indiana Jones meets Lara Croft with a twist of Bourne.’
But, five novels in, and nearly eighteen months later, she had a spiritual awakening, and she wrote the sixth and final book in her Alex Hunt Adventure Thriller series. She now fondly refers to The Caiaphas Code as her redemption book, her statement of faith.
And although this series has reached multiple Amazon Bestseller lists, she took the bold step of following her true calling and switched to writing what naturally flows from her heart and soul: Christian Suspense.
A committed Christian for nearly twenty years, she now lives by the following mantra:
“I used to be just a writer. Now, I am a writer with a purpose!”
For more on her and her books, please browse these pages or visit her website.
Sign up for updates, cover reveals, sneak peeks, and exclusive VIP reader discounts. https://newsletter.urcelia.com/signup
Never miss a new release! Follow her on BookBub
You will enjoy her books if you like twisty mysteries tinged with clean action, page-turning suspense, and deep-rooted biblical truths.
All her books are free from profanity and unnecessary sexually suggestive scenes.
She made her writing debut in December 2017, kicking off her newly discovered author journey with her fast-paced archaeological adventure thriller novels that readers have described as ‘Indiana Jones meets Lara Croft with a twist of Bourne.’
But, five novels in, and nearly eighteen months later, she had a spiritual awakening, and she wrote the sixth and final book in her Alex Hunt Adventure Thriller series. She now fondly refers to The Caiaphas Code as her redemption book, her statement of faith.
And although this series has reached multiple Amazon Bestseller lists, she took the bold step of following her true calling and switched to writing what naturally flows from her heart and soul: Christian Suspense.
A committed Christian for nearly twenty years, she now lives by the following mantra:
“I used to be just a writer. Now, I am a writer with a purpose!”
For more on her and her books, please browse these pages or visit her website.
Sign up for updates, cover reveals, sneak peeks, and exclusive VIP reader discounts. https://newsletter.urcelia.com/signup
Never miss a new release! Follow her on BookBub
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
August 29, 2020
This book is a clean book. No swearing. I would recommend this book to everyone who has faith with God. Five stars.
August 31, 2020
My rating is 3.5 stars
I enjoyed the suspense aspect of this story. It kept me reading to the end.
A clean story with no sex or swearing.
I'm not one to read Christian stories but I have liked Urcelia's Alex Hunt series because of the adventure and archaeological aspects.
If you enjoy Christian books with bible quotes then I would recommend this book...
I enjoyed the suspense aspect of this story. It kept me reading to the end.
A clean story with no sex or swearing.
I'm not one to read Christian stories but I have liked Urcelia's Alex Hunt series because of the adventure and archaeological aspects.
If you enjoy Christian books with bible quotes then I would recommend this book...
September 10, 2020
This is a new direction for Ms. Texiera and she has done a wonderful job of giving us an exciting Christian romantic suspense my absolute favorite genre. Most of this story takes place on an island called Turtle Cove, where most of the characters live at a mission. Elsbeth has a secret that she has never shared with anyone, but she prays that God will keep it that way. Adam is the pastor at the mission he is married and has a young daughter. Jim is an older man that is still in great shape, he is the caretaker of the mission but he is also someone that the residents trust and respect. The suspense starts right from the first chapter when there is a fire at the mission but no one has any idea how it started. The next thing you know Adam spots someone watching him, more than once. Is he a stalker or just a stranger? I had to keep reading to find out what Elsbeth was hiding because I wanted to know if her secret affected anyone else, I also wanted to find out about the fire and the things that started happening after it. This book has lots of suspense but it also turns us towards God when we run into problems we don't know how to handle. There is no preaching just the lives that some of the characters live. I enjoyed Ms. Texiera's first book within a new genre and I hope she will continue to write more.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion.
August 30, 2020
My thoughts about this book:
• In the opening chapters of this book, there was a lot of religious angst and struggles Adam was going through. His faith was in shambles.
• The suspense kept me glued to this story. There were some great twists and turns to this plot.
• The minor players in this story added depth to this storyline. This book had a great cast of supporting characters.
• The descriptions of locations and emotions were well done, easy to visualize, and to feel. I felt a part of the scenes.
• This was a clean read and I appreciated that fact.
I was given an advance copy of this book. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own. I highly recommend this book to readers who want suspense that incorporates a strong religiousness.
• In the opening chapters of this book, there was a lot of religious angst and struggles Adam was going through. His faith was in shambles.
• The suspense kept me glued to this story. There were some great twists and turns to this plot.
• The minor players in this story added depth to this storyline. This book had a great cast of supporting characters.
• The descriptions of locations and emotions were well done, easy to visualize, and to feel. I felt a part of the scenes.
• This was a clean read and I appreciated that fact.
I was given an advance copy of this book. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own. I highly recommend this book to readers who want suspense that incorporates a strong religiousness.
September 13, 2020
Strength from the depths of despair
This Christian novel is all about facing our fears head-on, dealing with a buried past and drawing strength from adversity. A clean read with loads of suspense and perhaps a miracle. Well written.
This Christian novel is all about facing our fears head-on, dealing with a buried past and drawing strength from adversity. A clean read with loads of suspense and perhaps a miracle. Well written.
September 11, 2020
Urcelia Teixeira has followed her calling to write a different kind of novel from her Alex Hunt series. Although this story has a lot of Christian references and scripture quotes, it doesn't lack in the usual suspense and adventure. It's definitely a page turner! However, the author's comfort level with Christian references make this novel seem much more genuine. She is in her element. The characters have depth and are developed nicely so that we really get to know them and care about them. Adam, the main character, has more than his share of trouble but his faith holds strong, even through doubt, as he wades his way through disaster after disaster. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Christian adventure novels! I'd say Ms. Teixeira has found a niche that is really going to work for her! Thanks for providing an ARC copy to review.
September 3, 2020
Great book to read. After reading all her Alex Hunt books and seeing her throw us a change up and change her writing, I was not sure what I be getting.
A great Christian suspense story. It was a very nice change of pace. I would have liked a little more "action" maybe being spoiled by Alex Hunt, but I had no problem not really getting any. You got people talking to God instead of using their fists! Very good. I had trouble putting it down, looking to see where she was going with the story line. I was not disappointed. Great job!!
A great Christian suspense story. It was a very nice change of pace. I would have liked a little more "action" maybe being spoiled by Alex Hunt, but I had no problem not really getting any. You got people talking to God instead of using their fists! Very good. I had trouble putting it down, looking to see where she was going with the story line. I was not disappointed. Great job!!
September 2, 2020
A different feel from the Alex Hunt series; but the author’s strong storytelling skill shine through. Although I found some of the dialog a bit stilted, it is a fast-paced read that grabs you on the first page and is powered by non-stop action and a taut, emotional narrative. A solid effort Urcelia!
Thank you to the author who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2020
really?:
p114: Against his better judgment, Adam's foot pushed harder on the accelerator until it was flush with the floor.
That was a surprising turn of events. I'm curious to see how this will turn out.
p114: Against his better judgment, Adam's foot pushed harder on the accelerator until it was flush with the floor.
That was a surprising turn of events. I'm curious to see how this will turn out.
May 2, 2021
Wow I loved this- the book had religious undertones which was refreshing and because it wasn’t competing to be the “grizzliest” or “most shocking” it really focused on the characters, the locations and the story line. I felt like I could envision the whole book in action
November 9, 2020
Wonderful new series
I really enjoyed this different read that I normally read, was well worth the read . Will read the next book in series.
I really enjoyed this different read that I normally read, was well worth the read . Will read the next book in series.
February 22, 2023
I liked this quick read. I am excited to read the second in the series because this one ended on quite a cliffhanger. I heard about this book from a booktuber, but I can't remember which one...I'm sorry. I liked reading Urcelia Texeira's writing story at the end. 4/5 stars.
February 4, 2024
This was an engaging and quick read. She is a new-to-me author and I’d definitely read more of her books. The ending did feel a bit abrupt but overall I enjoyed it. I think it would be good vacation reading 😜
July 29, 2022
This was the first book I’ve read by this author and I was intrigued because it had won an award. She certainly draws her readers in from the first page. I love this author’s writing style. I also loved the setting. Usually I don’t really care about book settings, but this author painted the picture so beautifully I felt like I was on the surfboard with Adam, I felt the presence of the stranger and I felt the grief of Elsbeth. I loved how the author summed everything up at the end too. An unpredictable ending which was exactly what this book needed! I would definitely read more from this author. My only regret is not getting to know Ruth and Abby more. I wish I’d had more time with them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was under no obligation to review it. All opinions are mine.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was under no obligation to review it. All opinions are mine.
September 16, 2020
Every Good Gift. Urcelia Teixeira
A young pastor has to say the least a very unsettling past. His parents were killed in a car crash. He miraculously survived. He doesn't remember anything. Then his wife and daughter die when their house catches fire. Then the mystery starts to unfold. His parents death was not an accident. The house fire that took his wife and daughter was arson. He was suppose to die in the fire but he has a morning routine of surfing at sunrise. His father and mother were murdered by enemies of America. His father unknown to family members and friends worked in a extremely important and covert role in the security of America. A fast paced whodunnit thriller which I enjoyed immensely!!! Another excellent read by Urcelia Teixeira.
A young pastor has to say the least a very unsettling past. His parents were killed in a car crash. He miraculously survived. He doesn't remember anything. Then his wife and daughter die when their house catches fire. Then the mystery starts to unfold. His parents death was not an accident. The house fire that took his wife and daughter was arson. He was suppose to die in the fire but he has a morning routine of surfing at sunrise. His father and mother were murdered by enemies of America. His father unknown to family members and friends worked in a extremely important and covert role in the security of America. A fast paced whodunnit thriller which I enjoyed immensely!!! Another excellent read by Urcelia Teixeira.
September 6, 2020
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ARC PROVIDED FOR AN HONEST REVIEW ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Urcelia for the opportunity of reading this book as an ARC.
Another well written Christian story by Urcelia and pleasantly surprised again.
Plenty of twists, turns, questions and all round mystery to be solved, which takes you right to the very last page and keeps you intrigued and spellbound.
A good read with no swearing or any explicit sex scenes etc, just straight up a good clean story with alot of mystery.
P.S. Stayed up late again to finish it and find out what happened, needs to be done when you're near the end of a good mystery, and finding out the answers to everything and how it all meshes together.
Thank you Urcelia for the opportunity of reading this book as an ARC.
Another well written Christian story by Urcelia and pleasantly surprised again.
Plenty of twists, turns, questions and all round mystery to be solved, which takes you right to the very last page and keeps you intrigued and spellbound.
A good read with no swearing or any explicit sex scenes etc, just straight up a good clean story with alot of mystery.
P.S. Stayed up late again to finish it and find out what happened, needs to be done when you're near the end of a good mystery, and finding out the answers to everything and how it all meshes together.
September 15, 2020
EVERY GOOD GIFT: A Contemporary Christian Mystery and Suspense Novel (ADAM CROSS Book 1) by Urcelia Teixeira was a terrific read. I might not have selected this book to read, but have read everything the author has written and have totally enjoyed them. This book is like nothing I've read before. The characters are well developed and the plot is fascinating. If you like a great mystery and suspense, you'll be swept away by this one! I strongly recommend Every Good Gift!
I was given an ARC of this book by the author and am voluntarily posting an honest review.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author and am voluntarily posting an honest review.
August 18, 2022
I wasn’t sure if I would like this book at first but I kept reading and the more I read the more invested I became and wanted to know what was going on.
The community the Urcelia creates is very good. You will come to love the people at The Lighthouse. The tragedy that grips the community from the first chapter will have you relating to Adam and his questioning of God. We have all been there.
Overall, it is a good, faith-based read with a good message.
A copy of this book was given to me through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
The community the Urcelia creates is very good. You will come to love the people at The Lighthouse. The tragedy that grips the community from the first chapter will have you relating to Adam and his questioning of God. We have all been there.
Overall, it is a good, faith-based read with a good message.
A copy of this book was given to me through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
September 16, 2020
A murder mystery, suspense novel wrapped it faith. A great read from start to finish. With a great plot twist. Urcelia, has done what she does best. Keeping you glued to your book wanting to know what’s going to happen next. I loved this book, as well as the new characters and even venturing out to bring a faith based format to her new series. I truly can not wait for the next book.
September 19, 2020
Entertaining
Taking the theme of why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?, Urcellia weave her story around a young pastor who loses his family to a fire? After losing his mom and dad in a car accident, it make him question why? It is a moving story about trying to find hope when there seems to be no hope.
Taking the theme of why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?, Urcellia weave her story around a young pastor who loses his family to a fire? After losing his mom and dad in a car accident, it make him question why? It is a moving story about trying to find hope when there seems to be no hope.
September 24, 2020
4.5 Stars Well-written
A fast moving mystery that is paced just right to both keep you guessing to find out what happens next and characters you like enough to actually care about.
A fast moving mystery that is paced just right to both keep you guessing to find out what happens next and characters you like enough to actually care about.
July 4, 2022
Not Bad
It started a little cheesy and melodramatic. It had that overly preachy feel that I don’t care for in Christian novels. But once the suspense kicked in the plot twists had a redeeming quality.
It started a little cheesy and melodramatic. It had that overly preachy feel that I don’t care for in Christian novels. But once the suspense kicked in the plot twists had a redeeming quality.
September 14, 2020
A very nice, clean story, with a good plot, no sex or foul language and a great book for those who believe in God.
Like all the books written by Urcelia Teixeira, wery well written
Like all the books written by Urcelia Teixeira, wery well written
July 31, 2022
From the first chapter on, burns with suspense
This book has several fantastic characters you get connected to. They have intense backstories and also insane trouble headed there where in the story, but they rely on their faith in God to survive, and in the end thrive! I read this book in two days! It’s a page turner and it’s also a beautiful illustration of how a Christian life pays off in the end no matter how hard life gets.
This book has several fantastic characters you get connected to. They have intense backstories and also insane trouble headed there where in the story, but they rely on their faith in God to survive, and in the end thrive! I read this book in two days! It’s a page turner and it’s also a beautiful illustration of how a Christian life pays off in the end no matter how hard life gets.
January 14, 2023
Fast paced, gripping book. This book sort of reminds me of Charles Martins book. I really enjoyed this one.
October 4, 2020
Wow, just wow! A step away from the Alex Hunt mystery adventures I’ve enjoyed so much. Urcelia Teixeira, a masterful story teller brings us a new and wonder filled thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. A tale about one man’s quest to solve the mystery of his life’s tragedies. This is a poignant, suspense filled story packed with faith, doubt, hope and forgiveness.
Urcelia’s characters are created with such depth it’s astounding. Their personalities are so real, so human you can feel Adam’s pain and agony, his doubt, his struggle and his faith.
There are so many great things to say about this moving, page turning story. Urcelia is a prolific writer who has crafted a well written story that keeps you in suspense. Her imagery and attention to detail is such that you can visualize each scene, hears the voices and feel the emotions of the characters. Her faith shines through her writing as she stays true to herself. She gives you pause to contemplate. She had me in tears.
Thank you Urcelia Teixeira for such a wonderful, thought provoking story and powerfully uplifting story. I eagerly look forward to your next story.
Urcelia’s characters are created with such depth it’s astounding. Their personalities are so real, so human you can feel Adam’s pain and agony, his doubt, his struggle and his faith.
There are so many great things to say about this moving, page turning story. Urcelia is a prolific writer who has crafted a well written story that keeps you in suspense. Her imagery and attention to detail is such that you can visualize each scene, hears the voices and feel the emotions of the characters. Her faith shines through her writing as she stays true to herself. She gives you pause to contemplate. She had me in tears.
Thank you Urcelia Teixeira for such a wonderful, thought provoking story and powerfully uplifting story. I eagerly look forward to your next story.
May 24, 2021
This was my first time reading a Christian suspense novel; our church's book club wanted something a bit on the lighter side after finishing a very deep and scholarly biography. The main difference between a Christian suspense vs. secular seems to be that the characters pray when under stress rather than get drunk, which is a good thing. The novel featured several mysterious story lines that were slowly revealed with glimpses into the past; there were some strong characters, powerful love, as well as some great evil. Without providing any spoilers, this pretty decent story was spoiled by the final chapters. It's as if the author wanted to use one clue or element from every spy story and murder mystery she ever read, and they were thrown together into several very unbelievable solutions to the questions that were raised. A fictional story still needs to follow the rules of logic and be true to the environment in which it takes place, and the author's conclusions and explanations for the story's events left us all shaking our heads in amazement. We don't plan to read the other books in the series.
August 15, 2022
I was pleasantly surprised by this truly Christian mystery and thriller. Some authors add Christianity as an influence. This novel had Christian faith as central in the plot. Adam is a good hero. I appreciated reading about his struggle to understand what God was doing when his loved ones died. There is a dual plot with two different suspense threads. I felt that much happening all at once in such a small community might be a little unrealistic.
I was a bit disappointed in the quick wrapping up of the sinister action toward Adam. We readers were built up on the importance of what Adam needed to find and in the end, are not told the actual significance of the item. I felt a little cheated, not knowing what Adam was sacrificing his safety for.
Teixeira's writing style is engaging and easy to read. Other than my disappointment in not receiving enough information to satisfy my plot curiosity in the end, an engaging and entertaining novel. I will be looking for more from this author.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I was a bit disappointed in the quick wrapping up of the sinister action toward Adam. We readers were built up on the importance of what Adam needed to find and in the end, are not told the actual significance of the item. I felt a little cheated, not knowing what Adam was sacrificing his safety for.
Teixeira's writing style is engaging and easy to read. Other than my disappointment in not receiving enough information to satisfy my plot curiosity in the end, an engaging and entertaining novel. I will be looking for more from this author.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
August 20, 2022
What a wild suspense! So many twists and entanglements and danger and discovery exist in this exciting novel. Pastor Adam Cross faces a tragic crisis that nearly destroys his faith. He determines to find and stop whoever is behind the threats on his life. This puts readers on high alert as they walk with him through the increasing attacks. The fast-paced story makes readers need to pay close attention so they won’t get lost or confused along the way. I wondered if the man who kept showing up was a guardian angel. Who would have ever thought that things from Adam’s childhood would so affect his life and future? The characters seem true to life but I didn’t feel a close connection with them. I enjoyed all the intriguing suspense and compelling plot. This is the first in a new series, so I wonder where the author will go next. It seems we’ve learned most of the secrets of the characters’ past so it must head into the future. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
September 16, 2020
Life in a small East Coast town is ideal for a Pastor at the Lighthouse Mission, until tragedy strikes.
Adam Cross has had heartbreak and tragedy as a child, and has found happiness in the community of Turtle Cove growing up at the Lighthouse Mission.
As a young father and Pastor Adam praises God every day for the blessings in his life. When a life changing tragedy occurs Adam starts to question his relationship with God and wants to just give up on life.
The mystery really gets going as secrets that other members of the community have kept for years start to become known.
Will Adam turn back to God and learn to forgive? This story has many twists and turns as the mystery unfolds. Enjoy the adventure as you tag along. I think you will really enjoy this book, I know I did!!
Adam Cross has had heartbreak and tragedy as a child, and has found happiness in the community of Turtle Cove growing up at the Lighthouse Mission.
As a young father and Pastor Adam praises God every day for the blessings in his life. When a life changing tragedy occurs Adam starts to question his relationship with God and wants to just give up on life.
The mystery really gets going as secrets that other members of the community have kept for years start to become known.
Will Adam turn back to God and learn to forgive? This story has many twists and turns as the mystery unfolds. Enjoy the adventure as you tag along. I think you will really enjoy this book, I know I did!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews