Code Word by Traci Hunter Abramson – Countdown to Christmas 2012

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas, Special Features
Dec 132012
 

12 days until Christmas

 

Originally from Arizona, Traci Hunter Abramson has spent most of her adult life living in Virginia. She is a graduate of Brigham Young University and a former employee of the Central Intelligence Agency. She enjoys writing what she knows and considers it a bonus when her research includes travel and attending sporting or cultural events.

Since leaving the CIA, Traci has written several novels including the Undercurrents trilogy, Obsession, the Royal series, and the Saint Squad series. Her next novel, Deep Cover, will be released in March 2013.

When she’s not writing, Traci enjoys spending time with her husband and four children. She also enjoys coaching North Stafford High School’s swim team.

Visit Traci:  WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOOGLE+ | GOODREADS

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LDSWBR: Do you top your Christmas tree with a star, angel, or something else? Does it have special meaning to you?

TRACI: When I was a kid, my sister and I took turns putting an angel on top of the tree and we both considered that to be the best part of decorating for Christmas. For my family, we don’t have really have a traditional tree-topper. For us, it’s the decorations that go on the tree that are special. When my oldest child was born, my mother decided to give each of her grandchildren a new ornament each year from somewhere she had traveled recently. We now have miniature Eiffel towers in four different colors, ornaments made from Hawaiian seashells, and all manner of eclectic adornments that the kids treasure hanging from the tree branches.

LDSWBR: What is your favorite Christmas movie? Why is it your favorite?

TRACI: I admit that I love all of the Hallmark Channel Christmas movies and enjoy watching a wide selection of those each year, but my all-time favorite has to be It’s a Wonderful Life. The message that each of us send ripples through countless lives is humbling and I think brings out the best in all of us, especially this time of year.

LDSWBR: What Christmas gift have you been most excited to give?

TRACI: A few years ago, a family I had become close to was facing their first Christmas without their twin boys who had recently passed away at a very young age. To get away from the difficult memories and the incredible pain the loss had caused, they had gone out of town for Christmas. At the time, they didn’t yet have a marker for the boys’ gravesite. I hated the idea of them coming back after the holiday to visit the grave, knowing they would face only the barren piece of ground.

With the help of a friend, I went out and got a large ceramic urn and filled it with different little toys and goodies that might have been given to the boys had they lived to see that Christmas. Then on the outside of the urn, we wrote the boys’ names along with the dates of their birth and of their death. We wrapped it all up in plastic wrapping, making it look like some sort of gift basket, and placed it on the grave.

Shortly after the family returned, they went to the gravesite and found the offering. Their four-year-old son delighted in the toys that had been left for his younger brothers. The other family members relayed afterward how touched they were that their precious little boys had been remembered. The question of who had left the gift became a frequent topic of conversation over the ensuing days and weeks. Often my silent partner and I sat in their home, listening to them try to figure out who could have been behind the anonymous gesture. Nearly a month passed before they finally figured out the truth.

The ceramic pot with the boys’ names written on the side marked the grave for several months following the holiday. I was always amazed at how strong the Spirit was there every time I visited and I found myself drawn to go to the cemetery often when I was in the area. The experience became a reminder to me of how many people in my church and community had poured out their love, time and energy to help this family deal with such a devastating tragedy. It also served to prove that people want to open up their hearts to those around them and are ready and willing to do so when needs arise.

LDSWBR: What a touching way to show your love and support for your grieving friends. Thank you, Traci.

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Purchase Code Word: 

AMAZON | KINDLE | NOOK | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK

The media portrayed the military operation as a complete success, but Navy SEAL Jay Wellman wouldn’t describe it that way. He was there. As he tries to come to terms with his role that fateful night, he notices something different about his teammates and wonders if there may be more to their beliefs than he first thought. When she heard the gunshots, Carina Channing knew the past had caught up with her. She may have changed her last name, but she can’t change who her father is. Carina understands the evil that lurks in The Family, and she is determined to steer clear of that life and any other emotional connections. When they meet, it seems Jay and Carina have only two things in common, mutual attraction and the fact that they are both struggling to overcome devastating trauma. But when a member of The Family arrives and upsets the delicate balance in Carina’s life, Jay chisels away at the barrier Carina has erected around her heart and offers himself as her protector and friend. But can Jay’s Navy SEAL skills, military connections, and loyal Saint Squad friends keep Carina and her sisters safe? And with their different beliefs, can Jay and Carina’s friendship grow into anything more?

 Do you have any ornaments on your tree that came from far-off places? 

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To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2012, leave a thoughtful comment below.

Be sure to comment on each Countdown to Christmas 2012 post for more chances to win. Please click through to the website as only comments submitted directly on this post will be accepted.

Prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and the author-donated books listed below. This is raffle-style drawing where all entries throughout the contest period are entered into the same “hat” for all prizes. US only. 18 years and older please. See all contest rules and restrictions below.

If you don’t already follow LDSWBR through email, Facebook or Twitter (those cute little book buttons on the sidebar) you may want to consider doing so during the contest so you don’t miss any posts or chances to enter the drawing. Following LDSWBR is not required but it is nice to know that our book reviews are useful to other readers. :)

If one of our LDSWBR reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, perhaps you would consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2012. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks!

By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2012, you agree to the contest rules below:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins December 3, 2012 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight December 23, 2012 Mountain Time; to enter, complete the required entry on each post and any additional entries of your choice if listed; LDS Women’s Book Review reserves the right to determine what is considered a thoughtful comment as per each posts required entry; giveaway prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and a variety of book prizes donated by featured authors; the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning; LDS Women’s Book Review is not liable for technical problems which may affect entry into the giveaway; winner identity will be verified by email address; winner will be selected December 27, 2012 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until January 3, 2013 to claim their prize; if any prize winner forfeits or does not claim prize, prize will be re-awarded to next winner in sequence; all prizes will be awarded; limit of two prizes per entrant; this contest/giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other entity unless otherwise specified; by entering the giveaway you give LDS Women’s Book Review the right to publicize your name on the LDS Women’s Book Review blog; winner agrees to release LDS Women’s Book Review from any liability as a result of winning; email comments & questions to LDS Women’s Book Review – ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com; giveaway subject to Utah regulations; VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Book Prizes (as of December 10, 2012 – many more to be added to this list!)

  • Tres Leches Cupcakes by Josi S. Kilpack (signed paperback copy)
  • Not Your Average Fairy Tale by Chantele Sedgwick (paperback or ebook)
  • Deadly Undertakings by Gregg Luke (personalized paperback)
  • Turning Pages by Tristi Pinkston (personalized paperback)
  • Athena by Heather B. Moore (autographed paperback)
  • The Kindling by Braden Bell (paperback, signed if desired)
  • Sudden Darkness by Margot Hovley (personalized paperback)
  • Code Word by Traci Hunter Abramson (paperback)

Previous Countdown to Christmas 2012 posts:

 

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Royal Secrets by Traci Hunter Abramson

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Jun 042012
 

Royal Secrets

Author: Traci Hunter Abramson

Published Date: February 2012

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Softcover; 288 pages

Genre: Romantic Suspense

ISBN# 978-1-60681-868-2

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Alora DeSanto and her sons, Giancarlo and Dante, survived the fire that killed her husband and extended family, but life would never be the same. When her friend, Janessa, needs a personal assistent with Alora’s security skills to help her plan her wedding to Prince Garrett, Alora and her sons move to the royal chateau in Meridia. Also at the chateau is Prince Stefano, on orders to relax as he recovers from a car accident and suspected attempt on his life.

Alora is awed by her surroundings and the warm welcome she receives from everyone at the chateau. A friendship soon develops between Alora and Prince Stefano, one that the prince wants to further into a relationship but Alora isn’t sure her heart can handle it. With someone out to destroy the royal family, can she and her boys risk losing someone they love again?

Review

Royal Secrets is the long-awaited sequel to Royal Target and picks up shortly after Royal Target ends. Those of you who follow the blog know that I am a big fan of Traci’s Saint Squad series and how Traci weaves romance into her suspense. Royal Target and Royal Secrets are my guilty pleasures, though, based more in romance yet with enough of Traci’s classic suspense to keep things moving at a good pace.

Royal Secrets (and Royal Target) appeal to me because for a little while, I get to suspend reality and experience something very different from my normal life. For example:

  • Meeting and falling in love with a handsome prince. (What woman hasn’t wondered what THAT would be like?)
  • A faithful LDS woman as a main character who speaks several languages, travels the world and knows how to handle a weapon.
  • A strong, well-trained security operative who can protect herself AND her man.
  • Life in a Mediterranean beach-side chateau with a closet full of ball gowns and plenty of opportunities to wear them.

Something I appreciated in Royal Secrets was that though the focus is on Alora and Prince Stefano, the reader gets enough of a continuation of Janessa and Prince Garrett’s story to tie them all seamlessly together without detracting from Alora and Stefano’s budding romance. We get to see how things go when Prince Garrett meets Janessa’s parents (though I think Janessa should have clarified with Prince Garrett much earlier the importance of keeping her CIA employment status a secret from her family), as well as how the royal family handles things when the truth of Prince Garrett’s conversion is revealed.

Because I read 100+ books a year and it’s been a while since I read Royal Target, I took the opportunity to re-read it before reading Royal Secrets and I’m glad I did. It was nice to have the characters fresh in my mind as I read through Royal Secrets. If you have not read Royal Target yet, I suggest doing so first as the characters and plot in Royal Secrets rely heavily on the continuation of events from the first book.

Royal Secrets is an enjoyable read that I would recommend to any fan of romantic suspense.

Royal Secrets is available for purchase at AMAZON | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK

 

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Smokescreen by Traci Hunter Abramson

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Mar 122012
 

Smokescreen

Author: Traci Hunter Abramson

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: January 2011

Softcover; 249 pages

Genre: Mystery-Supense

ISBN# 978-1-60861-183-6

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: reviewed a library copy but will be purchasing my own copy as soon as possible

Summary

From Goodreads:

Taylor Palmetta has spent the past year in Europe building her art career and hiding from Navy SEAL Quinn Lambert, the man who broke her heart. But Taylor can’t seem to hide from trouble. When Taylor seeks safety with her family in Virginia Beach, a series of threats puts her on high alert- and puts Quinn into protective mode.

Despite the private loss that continues to haunt him, Quinn can’t deny his renewed attraction to Taylor. But just as the romance heats up, a plot against the very foundation of the American way of life surfaces, and Taylor’s paintings may hold the key. The Saint Squad is back in action as the team frantically tries to protect their nation’s security-and Taylor and Quinn search for courage to unlock the troubled past.

My Review

Smokescreen is another great book by Traci. I have enjoyed every book in her Saint Squad series, but I especially liked this one. There’s something about Quinn that makes him so easy to love, and I really liked Taylor. She was a great match for Quinn. There was a great amount of suspense and mystery, and the description during the Saint Squad’s mission made it feel more like I was watching a movie than reading a book.

The romance between Quinn and Taylor was paced well and felt very natural. I really liked seeing the previous Saint Squad members and their wives throughout the story. I was (mostly) surprised by the twist near the end and I really loved how it played out. The suspense had me ignoring everyone and everything until I finished the book.

I highly recommend Smokescreen. Well done, Traci!

Buy Smokescreen: AMAZON | DESERET BOOK

 

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Guest Author Thursday: Traci Hunter Abramson

 Posted by  Guest Author Thursday, Special Features
Feb 232012
 

Please help us welcome author Traci Hunter Abramson to the blog.

She is the author of several suspense novels, including her newest release, Royal Secrets, which is available now. Traci is a talented author, supportive wife and mother, and hard-working swim coach who  also used to work for the CIA. How cool is that?

Don’t forget to leave a comment!

Royal Secrets is available for purchase here: AMAZON | SEAGULL BOOK | DESERET BOOK

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Publication is the dream. I have it. The authors in my writers’ group have it. Millions of prospective authors have it. And no, I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say millions.

Every published author who has ever interacted with fans can give you multiple accounts of someone asking the question, “How did you get published?” More often than not, the real question hovering between the lines is “How can I get published?”

I remember all too well wondering that exact same question. In fact, many authors who are already published still worry if their next creations will find their way into print or if they will face a dreaded rejection letter… or rejection email or phone call.

So how does one get published? It’s an excellent question, one I really don’t know how to answer. I got published by going to the nearest LDS bookstore and browsing the shelves in search of a publisher. Okay, maybe it was a little more complicated than that, but this really is where I started.

This is also when I had a revelation of sorts. At the time I was looking for any publisher that might help my work get into print, but what I needed to do was look for the right publisher, the publisher that would best fulfill my needs.

So what was I looking for? First, I wanted a publisher that was strong in fiction. Even as a beginning writer, I knew I was a novelist first and foremost. Second, I looked for a company who was open to sequels. I already had a sequel started and knew that I wanted to write a series. Third, I searched for a company that produced products similar to the novel I had written. The only LDS publisher that was a perfect match at the time was Covenant Communications. That was eleven books ago.

I’d love to say that I ran home that day, packaged up my book and sent it off, but that isn’t exactly how things happened. Even as an unpublished, inexperienced novelist, I knew I wasn’t ready yet.

I did rush home, within the posted speed limits of course, and start preparing my book for publication. I looked up Covenant’s publication guidelines, prepared the required submission materials, and edited my novel for the thousandth time. With a lot of prayers and anxiety, I finally put my beloved manuscript into the mail.

And then I waited. And waited. And waited some more. The four months that was posted as the turn around time came and went. Every day for months I watched and waited for the mailman to arrive, always rushing out to the mailbox hoping for news.

Finally, after my patience was long gone and my nerves were strained beyond all reasonable stress levels, I forced myself to pick up the phone, determined to find out where my book was in the review process. As it turned out, I spoke with our beloved Valerie Holladay who the publishing world was saddened to lose this past year. Valerie said that my book had just reached the top of her pile and promised to take a look.

We spoke a week later and I was a little unsure how to take her mixed reviews. She told me that my story was captivating, but that my characters needed work. She likened them to a ditch. I had taken them two feet down into the ditch, but she wanted to see what they looked like if I dug that ditch ten feet deep. So I started digging. And digging. For a year I dug, rewriting and editing until I felt like I couldn’t edit any more.

Finally, with the blessing of my longtime editor and sister-in-law, I put the manuscript in the mail. Exactly one month later, I received a phone call from Shauna Humphreys, Valerie Holladay’s successor at Covenant. Good thing I was sitting down, because I definitely hadn’t expected her to call me after only one month to give me the news. The publisher I had chosen had also chosen me.

That is my little success story, and here is the advice I have given to others based on my limited experience of trying to get published:

1. Find someone to read your work, someone who will give you HONEST feedback. If you only want people to tell you how good your writing is, only show it to your mother and then put it back in a drawer.

2. Edit, edit, and edit some more. Make your work the absolute best that you are capable of creating. An editor’s job is not to teach authors how to write, but rather to improve those who have already taken the time to learn to write.

3. Research the market to find a publisher who meets your needs, and one you think will be a good fit for your work. It is a waste of everyone’s time to send your fabulous novel to a publisher who doesn’t produce work that is in your genre.

4. FOLLOW THE PUBLISHER’S SUBMISSION GUIDELINES. This should be so obvious, but I often hear people in the publishing world tell me that authors frequently think they are the exception to the rule. Following the published guidelines is your first opportunity to show your prospective publisher that you are a profession, one they might be interested in developing a future.

5. Finally, enjoy the journey. No matter what the publishing world thinks of what you’ve created, the miracle of starting with an idea and ending with a completed manuscript is an accomplishment, one to be proud of regardless of what follows.

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Thank you, Traci!

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Do you have the dream of getting published? What steps are you taking to achieve that dream?

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Obsession by Traci Hunter Abramson – Countdown to Christmas 2011

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas, Special Features
Dec 222011
 

3 days until Christmas

 

Originally from Arizona, Traci Hunter Abramson spent much of her childhood exploring the little town of Pinewood. She is a graduate of Brigham Young University and a former employee of the Central Intelligence Agency. Since leaving the CIA, Traci has written multiple novels, including the Undercurrents trilogy, Royal Target, and the Saint Squad Series.

When she’s not writing, Traci loves spending time with her husband and their four children. She also enjoys cooking, although she prefers an electric stove to the wood burning variety. Traci says, “I can add to this that after going through a major kitchen remodel, I am REALLY appreciative of kitchen sinks and the idea of having my stove, microwave, and refrigerator all in the same room again!”

Connect with Traci: WEBSITE | BLOG | Twitter | Facebook

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LDSWBR: What Christmas-related activity would you like to do this year that you have never done before?

TRACI: One thing that I always wanted to do was visit the White House when it was decorated for Christmas. I actually was able to do that with a group of friends earlier this month. The best part of the tour was right at the beginning shortly after we entered and everyone was given the opportunity to write a card for a service member overseas. It was great seeing everyone stop and give some thought and thanks to those who are sacrificing their time to serve and protect especially knowing that these men and women will be away from their own families this Christmas. The funniest moment was when the “First Dog” was taken out for a walk. A lot of people got really excited about seeing a dog. The most gratifying moment came as I exited the gates with a few of my friends. One of my friends turned to one of the guards and with complete sincerity said, “Thank you for doing your job.” The guard goggled at her for a moment. Then he thanked her and said something about how rare it is for someone to show their appreciation for their service. Those few kind words really made me appreciate the women I’m fortunate enough to consider friends.

LDSWBR: If you could find one book under the tree this year, what would it be?

TRACI: Oh, the agony to choose just one! I think the one I would most love to find is Be Your Best Self by President Thomas S. Monson. The title alone inspires me.

LDSWBR: What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory?

TRACI: I am fortunate to have a lot of great childhood memories of Christmas, but I think one of my favorites was when I was a teenager a bunch of us from church were given the opportunity to do 12 days of Christmas for a family. The first few days were a lot of fun, picking out presents and then ringing the doorbell and hiding before anyone could open the door. By about day 5, the family was on to us and was getting to the door a little too quick for comfort. What were we to do? We couldn’t get caught delivering the gifts, of course. Yet, we couldn’t stop before we had completed our task. We discussed our options, about six of us who had been working together. A solution was arrived at and was unanimous. We would let my little sister deliver the gifts to the door for the last few days. She didn’t go to church with us and they might not recognize her if she was caught. Wouldn’t you know, that little kid was FAST! She never did get caught, but we sure had a great time watching her sneak up to the door like a spy in an old comedy and then hide in places she shouldn’t have logically been able to fit. The hardest part was holding back our laughter until we were all a safe distance away from our recipient’s house.

LDSWBR: Thank you so much, Traci. Merry Christmas!

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Buy Obsession by Traci Hunter Abramson

DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | AMAZON

Read our Combined review of Obsession.

Have you ever been fortunate enough to visit the White House at Christmastime?

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To enter the Countdown to Christmas 2011 contest, complete the following and then tell us what you did:

  • **Required entry (+1) - Leave a thoughtful comment on this post. (More than just “Great contest!” please.) You must leave a comment on this post for your other entries to count. If you are reading this post through email or an RSS reader, please click through to leave a comment.
  • Bonus entry (+1) – Visit Traci’s blog (link above) then send us an email  at ldswbr(at)gmail(dot)com telling us the title of Traci’s next book. (Don’t tell us in the comments, please. Thanks! :) )
  • Additional entries (one time +1 entry each) – 1) Subscribe to LDSWBR through email 2) Follow @LDSWBR on Twitter 3) Like LDS Women’s Book Review on Facebook (all found at the the top of the right sidebar on the LDSWBR blog). NOTE: If you already subscribe through email, follow us on Twitter, or Like us on Facebook you must tell us in a comment for the extra entries to count.
  • By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2011, you agree to the contest information found here.

 

***If you haven’t read the contest rules and info, read them here.***

 

Book prizes donated by their authors:

  • Winners choice of  Divinely Designed, Luck of the Draw, or Minor Adjustments by Rachael Renee Anderson
  • Winner’s choice of Secret Sisters, Dearly Departed, or Hang ‘em High by Tristi Pinkston
  • Montana Summer by Jeanette Miller
  • Ribbon of Darkness by Julie Coulter Bellon
  • Not My Type by Melanie Jacobson
  • Cinder & Ella by Melissa Lemon (ebook)
  • Pride & Popularity by Jenni James
  • The Kissing Tree by Prudence Bice
  • Rearview Mirror by Stephanie Black (paperback or Kindle)
  • The Next Door Boys by Jolene B. Perry
  • Winner’s choice of one of the books in the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery Series by Josi S. Kilpack (including Banana Split which will be released in February 2012)
  • Seeking Persephone by Sarah M. Eden
  • Obsession by Traci Hunter Abramson
  • Circle of Secrets by Kimberley Griffiths Little (autographed hardcover!)
  • Indelible by Lani Woodland and a swag bag!
  • Identity by Betsy Love
  • The Hainan Incident by D.M. Coffman (autographed copy)
  • Count Down to Love by Julie N. Ford
  • Geek Girl by Cindy C. Bennett
  • The Breakup Artist by Shannen Crane Camp
  • Seers by Heather Frost
Don’t forget to comment! Merry Christmas and happy reading!

 

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Obsession by Traci Hunter Abramson – Combined Review

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Combined Reviews
Oct 262011
 

Obsession

Author: Traci Hunter Abramson

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: Sept 2011

Softcover; 220 pages

Genre: Mystery-Suspense

ISBN# 978-1-60861-392-2

Reviewed by: Shanda, Sheila & Mindy

FTC FYI: free review copy in exchange for an honest review as well as a library copy.

Water shimmered behind her, nearly the same color as her dress. Only a sliver of light cut through the darkness, but it was enough for him to see her delicate features and the way her blonde hair flowed past her shoulders. A slow smile crossed his face, one of appreciation and anticipation.

He took a step forward.

She took a step back.

His voice was low and eerily calm. “Don’t be afraid.”

Obsession, page 1

Shanda’s Review

How creepy is that?

Kendra, a famous music star and daughter of an even more famous actor, is tired of the bodyguards that have hovered over her all of her life. When a small bomb explodes back stage during a performance, she knows the chance of any privacy in the future is gone.

Kendra calls her grandfather, a former FBI agent, desperate to get away from everything. He sends her up to the Arizona mountains where she can get some privacy at the family cabin, but secretly arranges for the “son” of a “friend” to stay at their cabin across the street.

Those who read Traci’s first books will recognize Charlie Whitmore, the FBI agent who is assigned to watch over Kendra, as the brother of Matt Whitmore (Undercurrents, Ripple Effect, The Deep End) and Amy Whitmore (Freefall). There is no need to read these books first as Obsession does a great job standing on its own.

I really enjoyed both Kendra and Charlie’s characters. The romance between them developed naturally with a maturity and perspective I appreciated. Kendra possessed a certain naiveté in regard to romantic relationships that was believable and endearing without being immature.

Charlie’s own past experiences dealing with the limelight as a senator’s son gave he and Kendra common ground on which to build their friendship. He wants more but knows that a romantic relationship with Kendra will distract him from his duty to protect her. Though Charlie does his best to keep their relationship on a certain level while on the job, Kendra slips easily through the barriers of his past and right into his heart.

Obsession was definitely a page-turner for me. The pace was consistent, and I was always wondering what would happen next, whether in the serial killer investigation or Kendra and Charlie’s relationship. I had a suspicion of who the killer was but didn’t feel confident about it until closer to the end.

I give Obsession 4.5 stars out of 5 and recommend it to anyone who likes a clean, well-written mystery-suspense with a nice romantic element. I look forward to reading it again.

Sheila

Obsession is another great novel written by Traci Hunter Abramson. This book is more mystery than action. It also is a novel about relationships and learning to love and trust again.

Some of the things I liked the most in this novel were the main characters Kendra, the pop singer being stalked and Charlie, the FBI agent assigned to protect her. Both characters have baggage in their past that threatens a possible romance between them.

Traci always does a great job with character development. She writes characters that the reader learns to care about quickly. Kendra, even though she is famous, is sweet and vulnerable. Charlie, though deeply hurt in the past from a failed engagement, is caring and willing to open his heart. Watching Kendra and Charlie interact is not only fun, but you will be cheering them on to connect.

Traci sets up many possible people as the stalker and possible serial killer. Either I am getting better at figuring who the bad guy is, or this one was easier to solve. But I knew over half way in who Kendra’s stalker was. Fellow reviewer, Mindy, told me she had also figured out the stalker early on. The main mystery for me was how he would attack and if Charlie would be able to protect Kendra. There is great action at the end that resolves the novel nicely.

I recommend Obsession to readers that love a novel filled with a blooming romance, mysterious stalkers, FBI agents and finding God again in your life. Nice job to Traci on another well written novel that her fans will not want to miss reading.

Mindy

Kendra Blake is in danger, and she doesn’t even know it. She is a beautiful, talented singer from a Hollywood family. She is used to being the spotlight, and being watched under a microscope. Kendra knows all about security and the privacy invading problem is it. That’s why when a bomb goes off at her concert, she flees to her ex-FBI agent Grandpa, who will protect the best way he can, in secret.

Kendra’s dad is a famous actor and has distanced himself from the LDS church. She always adhered to the gospel’s teachings and values. Kendra loved visiting her grandparents and going to church with them when she was younger.

Charlie Whitmore is an FBI agent in need of an escape as well. Because he is a member of the LDS church, he is given the special assignment to “guard” Kendra. Only she doesn’t know it. The two develop a friendship that is much needed for the two of them. Only Charlie feels guilty, should he tell her the truth? And what will happen when he does?

While this is going on, we also have the psycho that is after Kendra. Several girls have been killed and authorities are thinking their deaths may be involved in the Kendra Blake case. This guy is very creepy, and he gave me the chills.

Traci can sure write crazy well! The stalker was very disturbing and determined to have Kendra at all costs. All the characters jump off the page, were written well, and believable. There is action, romance, and a nut job possible serial killer, what else do you need in a book?

4 out of 5 stars for me. All the book’s I’ve read of Traci’s are awesome! This one is no different.

 

Do you have a favorite Traci Hunter Abramson book?

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