Kaleidoscope Eyes

Family Honor #2

by Karen Ball

Wilderness and Weather Are Easily Overcome. But Betrayal?

Annie Justice sees things differently. Her unconventional condition, synesthesia, helped make her one of the most sought-after stained-glass artists in the country. And teamed with her German shepherd, she’s just as successful in her work with the K-9 Search and Rescue Team, finding people seemingly hidden from others’ eyes. But no one knows her expertise for hiding the childhood insecurities that plague her—until Jed Curry comes along. Then the search for a missing child goes awry, and Jed must reveal his true identity. He’s prepared for Annie’s anger, but not the hurt. And neither of them is prepared for the real trial ahead—something far more sinister and dangerous than their search. Can Jed and Annie overcome their unknown enemy—and the insecurities and secrets keeping them apart—before it’s too late?

Someone wants Annie to fail…



either that, or he wants her dead.

Annie Justice has always been different, thanks to a rare condition allowing her to see things others do not. It’s a blessing and a curse. The blessing? Annie and her dog, Kodi, have become one of the most effective search-and-rescue teams ever. The curse? It’s kept her from the only thing she to fit in. But she doesn’t. Not anywhere.

Jed Curry, a producer of hit reality TV shows, likes that Annie’s different. Different sells. Which is why he wants her on Everyday Heroes . But Annie has no interest in the show. Or the man.

Then threatening e-mails kick off events that send Annie and Kodi—and the irritating Jed Curry—straight into the path of danger. Joined in a race against time and a cunning adversary, Annie and Jed struggle to work together. Because if they don’t, it could cost them—and a lost little girl in the Oregon wilderness—everything.

READER’S GUIDE INCLUDED

Story Behind the Book

“After my mother died, I realized that the way I lived my life was essentially her legacy. This book grew from that realization. Annot (“Light”), known as Annie, has always felt like the ‘odd man out.’ For all her success, Annie still doesn’t feel like she really belongs. To give the story realism, I drew on my own experience as a member of the Jackson County Search and Rescue organization; on a friend who has Annie’s condition of synesthesia; and on my own struggles to find my place in life and to understand God’s calling and purpose for the gifts He’s given me.”

—Karen Ball

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Suspense

380 pages, Paperback

First published February 17, 2005

About the author

Karen's latest full-length novel, What Lies Within, has been nominated as the Best Inspirational Novel of the Year. Readers regularly call Karen's writing powerful, uplifting, and fun. She writes from her home in Oregon, where she lives with her husband, Don, and their two "kids": Dasha, a mischievous 4-month-old Siberian husky, and Dakota, an Aussie-Terrier mix that should have been named Psycho.

Next to working with words, Karen's greatest joys are playing with her dogs, laughing, savoring nature and wildlife, and finding wonder in everyday life.

Reviews

[Oceana Reads Co. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish I liked this more. I found it so slow at most times. The building of the relationship was a good read but the rest felt like filler. I'm not a super fan of mystery either.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find comfort in quotes. There’s often a lot of wisdom packed in a small number of words. It strikes me that they were the original tweet! (But somehow infinitely more fulfilling than today’s technology enhanced staccatos.) I used to think chapter quotes were a superfluous addition. I read quickly over them (or skipped them) to get to the ‘real stuff’. But, as I’ve gotten older, I love it when an author takes the time and care to highlight the tone and direction of a storyline with perfectly matched quotes. Ball pairs hers well with the theme of each section of narrative and the character’s emotions. I can’t imagine the hours of research and debate that lead to the 90+ quotes she uses. Here are some of my favorites from this book:

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. (Mark Twain). 

The heart has eyes which the brain knows nothing of. (Helen Keller). 

None of us knows what the next change is going to be, what unexpected opportunity is just around the corner, waiting… to change all the tenor of our lives. (Kathleen Norris)

There seemed to be endless obstacles…it seemed that the root cause of them all was fear. (Joanna Field)

The wise man in the storm prays to God, not for safety from danger, but deliverance from fear. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking, only to learn that is it God who is shaking them. (Charles C. West)

In the midst of our dark and foggy times, all sorts of voices are shouting orders into the night, telling us what to do, how to adjust our lives. Out of the darkness, one voice signals something quite opposite to the rest-something almost absurd. But the voice happens to be the Light of the World, and we ignore it at our peril. (Paul Aiello Jr.)

Show me a man who knows his own heart and to him I shall belong. (Jewel Kilcher) 

Once again, Ball has created an engaging story with characters you root for. The plot is not intricate or veiled. You can predict “who done it” early. But you still want to ride it out and see the pieces all come together in the end. I especially enjoyed learning about search and rescue. What dedication. And, synesthia. What a fascinating condition!

[Leonca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very hard to rate this one. There are many interesting elements that give it texture, especially the exploration of synesthesia and the process in Search and Rescue. I’d never heard of the type of wilderness search training where the dog doesn’t focus on a specific person’s scent, so that was cool. The author’s portrayal of dog behavior is excellent, and shows close observation. The character’s relationships with God stay in strong focus throughout, and some of the family dynamic is entertaining.

One thing that took it down a notch for me was the way it kept repeating itself, making sure you’re clear on character’s thoughts. A bit too much tell and not enough show. The romantic element also relies on plenty of clichés. Example- a very implausible setup, the “liar revealed.” I also can’t imagine that commercial ever airing. Surely there are consent forms required for legal reasons, or it would at least not look very compelling having been filmed from a distance and just showing people walking around.

[Jo Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and fast mystery read. Stained glass artist and Search and Rescue volunteer with her black German Shepherd, Kodi, Annie should be at the top of her game. But she has synesthesia, a rare condition that makes her sees things in color. Green was the color of anticipation. she sees herself the color of marigolds and her sister a red rose. You would think that is a rare gift, but it makes Annie feel apart from others.
The book was good but I had a hard time liking Annie, who I saw as a wimp. My father, my nephew and I all have synesthesia and we don't even think about it. It just is. But I realize we need a story so I let it by.
Readers, know that this a heavily Christian-themed book. I enjoy rescue dog stories so I was able to scan over the religious stuff. It may be too much for some.

[Holly Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Karen Ball book I've read and I immediately went looking for more. Yes it is Christian Fiction, and Yes, there are references to God and praying and Church...If this is not your thing then you won't like this book BUT...This book is a well written story filled with Love, Hope, Family, and Acceptance. It also is a story featuring a Canine Search and Rescue team. Annie the main character and her German Shepherd Dog Kodi who is based on a real dog from the author's life. So, if you'd like to read a book about something good coming out of something not so good please keep Ms. Ball a try.

[Carol Round · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am reading the final one in this 3 series book. The author is excellent at developing characters, using description, and building suspense. I would like to give this one 5-stars but evidently it did not receive a final proofreading or else it was a problem when it was converted to an eBook. Punctuation marks are missing or in the wrong place and I found a few misspelled words. There were also incidents where a few sentences didn't fit, as if the writer changed her mind, changed the sentence, but didn't delete the original. Otherwise, I loved the characters and the story line.

[Heather Crutcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how each of the chapters starts out with a quote, and a Bible verse. I greatly loved this book. It was fresh, cute, and intriguing. Karen Ball get on the ball, and write us some more great doggie stories. I’m a sucker for romance novels that include a dog. This was cool to read about a rescue team.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just okay for me. A gung-ho reality TV show director wants to do a segment on Annie Justice and her dog Kodi, the search and rescue canine. She says no, so he sets out to gain her trust by lying to her (always a bad idea). Add in a psycho who is trying to get Annie and Kodi to quit searching for lost people.

[jaimedannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚my ratings:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Loved it. Couldn't put it down. I will probably read it again and it has a place in my library.
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Enjoyed it. Good characters, great story. if nonfiction, great information, interesting topic.
⭐⭐⭐: Liked it. Glad I read it, but won't read again.
⭐⭐: okay, I won't read it again, it will not be kept for my library.
⭐: I didn't like it, don't recommend it.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎵 The girl with kaleidoscope eyes... 🎵

(Sorry; as a classic rock fan, I couldn't help myself.)

Seriously, though: This is one of the most engaging novels I've read in quite a while. The plot drew me in, and kept me wondering what was going to happen next.

[Leni Moore Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow start, but very compelling at the end, that makes you want to hurry to finish. The suspenseful ending is my reason I gave this book a rating of four.

[Nancy Peverill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved how her life played in solving crimes.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one more than the first one. The storyline was good and believable.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

More readable than the first book, but only just. Still wouldn't recommend the series.

[Kenzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite book of the series such a creative storyline and I just love a good cheesy romance which a bit of mystery.

[Mellanie C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed his book a lot. I'm fascinated by search and rescue stories, and the subplots with Annie's stained-glass window creations was interesting. Jed's mother and stepfather were a little too perfect, but I enjoyed the quotations exchanges between Jed and his mother. I am planning to order the next book in this series, about Annie's daughter.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this was the second of the Family Honor Series, I did not know that when I picked it up. I could tell that there was a history between the characters, but not enough to keep me from keeping up the pace with the story.

This is the story of Annie Justice. Her passions are her art, her work her dog Kodi as a search and rescue team, her family, and her faith...not necessarily in that order. Her life is constantly affected by her condition known as synesthesia which allows her to see numbers and letters in colors. She can also see colors around people that often reveals their true character when based upon actions and words may be deceiving.

The story is a light, easy read and has all the elements you could ask for. There is mystery and betrayal, deception and danger, love and faith. Some parts of the story made me laugh out loud and some made my heart pound with anxiety. In some ways, the story line was predictable, but there was enough drawn out drama that made me wait for what I knew was about to happen sooner or later. This was a warm and well-written story that kept me engaged and entertained, and I learned a great deal about those wonderful search and rescue teams.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by Karen Ball that I"ve read, but it won't be the last.

The book was fast-paced and heartwarming. Annie and Kodi were good together. Kodi is an awesome dog. The first sentence from the back cover blurb hooked me and I wanted to read on to find out what happened.

From the back cover-

Annie Justice has always been different, thanks to a rare condition allowing her to see things others do not. It's a blessing and a curse. The blessing? Annie and her dog, Kodi, have become one of the most effective search-and-rescue teams ever. The curse? It's kept her from the only thing she wants: To fit in. But she doesn't. Not anywhere.
Jed Curry, a producer of hit reality TV shows, likes that Annie's different. Different sells. Which is why he wants her on EVERYDAY HEROES. But Annie has no interest in the show. Or the man.
Then threatening e-mails kick off events that send Annie and Kodi-and the irritating Jed Curry- straight into the path of danger. Joined in a race against time and a cunning adversary, Annie and Jed struggle to work together. Because if they don't, it could cost them- and a lost little girl in the Oregon wilderness-everything.

[Margaret Chind · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a really fabulous read! So much better than the first one, the first one was good, but just too much traumatic events for one book or one life for that matter for my taste. Annie, the main character is different, and through her life of loves and challenges a reader is really able to go on a great adventure. This book is about really love that makes you giggle and feel giddy. It is also about the important and serious jobs in the world that make a difference in other peoples lives. On top of that is is about the crazy people out there, who's actions just do not make sense in any mind. This book had me smiling, laughing out loud, and screaming at the characters to do or realize what I wanted them to. Karen Ball did really well with this one, every time I thought it was one way, something else jumped in to show me a different direction. It is quite the mystery that you really do not know until the end. Very glad I read this one.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this 2nd book better than Dan's story.
Search and rescue dog stories are so interesting; Annie and Kodi make a great S and R team.
This reader also liked the bits about stained glass--though Annie's final product was too large and elaborate to be believed.
Annie's synesthesia was a definite plus to this story too.
The suspense was drawn out and kept me reading.
I have a few problems with believability eg. the romance, and shallowness..but overall this was a good read.
Since I now own the book, I will add more to this review when I highlight my favorite spots :).
Shakespeare fans will enjoy all the quotes from Jed and his mother.
The chapters are short and "headed" with interesting quotes.
I think Kylie's story, the third and last book in this series, will be even better and plan to read it soon.

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not the book I was expecting. I, unfortunately, had it confused with another book that I've read and enjoyed much more. (I would love to read that book again except for the fact that I can't remember the title.)
Just like the first book in this series, the characters are static, the plot line (though much more condensed...a small point in its favor) trite and cliché and the overall conclusion rushed and predictable from the outset of the book.
I think I'll skip the third book in the series. It's not worth the torture.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

The characters are intriguing, and the author makes you care for and understand the not-so-heroic main male character. He changes throughout the story. The mystery in the story kept me guessing a bit, though it may not be Sherlock Holmes or Agatha Christie. Quite a bit of romance and lack of wisdom, but not written in a terribly harmful way, I suppose. I like that each chapter includes a Bible verse at the beginning, like all in this series.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read this 2nd book in a three-book series, I was unaware I was not starting at the beginning. However, the story line, and even more the characters, kept me captivated. I then HAD to go get the remaining books and a few other books by the same author since I like her style so much. I was even impressed by the author's style in her posts at Amazon.

[Marlene Mesot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much I've already read it a half dozen times in audio. I learned a lot about the difference between air scenting and tracking rescue dogs. This author has a unique technique for allowing a deceased character to leave something behind to help another in the book. The romance is wonderful and the characters are uniquely individual. I love this author's Family Honor series.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karen is a wonderful writer. Her books are never boring. This one had an interesting flavor and I enjoyed it. I love books that use story to draw people to where they need to be with the Lord. A good book about forgiveness issues. The dog part of the team was interesting to experience as was the heroine's synesthesia. An all around good read.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far so good. I'm sure it will be as good as the first one.

I finished this book a few weeks ago. I loved the book. I loved everything about it. If anyone's looking for a new book to read you should try this series. I have now moved on to book #3.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book more than the first one in this series - less tragedy. Characters are real. Story line is good. Ending is real too.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyed learning about synesthesia

[Linda Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

great mystery, decent love story, wonderful animal story!!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings about this one. I didn't realize it was part of a series, and I just read this one. It worked fine as a stand alone, but I just didn't love the book, but I didn't dislike it, either.