Taken at Christmas - (Trinity Investigative Team) by Jodie Bailey (Paperback)

Taken at Christmas by Jodie Bailey is the first book in the Trinity Investigative Team series. I found Taken at Christmas to be an emotional and suspenseful story. I thought the characters were realistic. Mia is a strong woman, but her husband’s death took a heavy toll on her. She has yet to recover and fears that something could happen to her daughter, Ruthie. Her fears are keeping her a prisoner. Hayden was Keith’s (Mia’s husband) best friend, and he is a constant in Mia and Ruthie’s life. You can tell that there is chemistry between Hayden and Mia, but it is something the pair are not acknowledging for varied reasons. There is tension between Mia and Hayden, but there is affection as well. Mia needs to get better, but it is hard to do when you are fighting for your life and trying to keep your child safe. Hayden struggles with feelings of guilt and grief over the death of his best friend. There is suspense, mystery, and a touch of romance. Taken at Christmas is an inspiring and suspenseful story about facing your fears, having faith despite doubts, having courage, finding a way forward, and opening your heart to love.

This quick read is perfect for this time of year with a Christmas setting and a length that is manageable amid the holiday rush. Readers will be easily sucked into the story because who can't empathize with a mom whose child is threatened and in danger. Fortunately, Mia Galloway has a great support system in place, including her late husband's best friend and his coworkers at Trinity Investigations. Even with that, Mia continues to wrestle with PTSD following her husband's murder. The situation unfolding this holiday season is almost more than she can bear. The author does a wonderful job of demonstrating how Mia's relationship with Christ, while fraught with anger over her husband's death, is essential in aiding her to cope and to hang on to her sanity. The story is realistic and addresses mental health issues from trauma and unrealized expectations. Unfortunately, for the most part, it is actually something that one would not be surprised to see play out on the evening news. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Taken at Christmas from Love Inspired via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.