Elizabeth Goddard’s Present Danger–First Line Friday is “Chance Carter should have known this last delivery wouldn’t go down without a hitch.”
But first the photo and verse. When I stepped out into my yard earlier in the week, the sun was shining brightly against the clouds. I ran back inside and grabbed my phone. And I thought this verse went perfectly with the photo.
Now for the cover and back cover copy:
Former FBI Special Agent Jack Tanner is working as a detective in Montana. He comes across a body in the national forest during a search and rescue mission. He’s committed to finding the killer. Even if it means working alongside his old flame, US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors.
Terra discovers that the murder victim had ties to a powerful and dangerous trafficker of archaeological artifacts. The investigation takes a deadly turn–one that hits too close to home. As Terra fears she lacks the courage to face what comes next, Jack is more determined than ever to protect her. But he’s failed her before. And if he fails this time, it will cost them far more than just their hearts.
Join bestselling and award-winning author Elizabeth Goddard as she plunges you into a web of deceit made of hidden crimes, open threats, and long-buried family secrets in this gripping first book of an explosive new series.
My Take:
I loved this story. And I believe a quote from Terra’s mom sets the tone for the whole book: “The direction your life takes can often come down to one decision, one moment in time.”
Both Terra (don’t you love the name!) and Jack grew up in Grayback County and made decisions in the past that split their relationship up, sending them away from the area. Jack chose the FBI over Terra who is now a U.S. Forest Service Special Agent. Now they’ve both returned to Grayback County and a murder investigation draws them together again with a victim involved in stolen ancient stolen artifacts. I loved learning the ins and outs of the trafficking of archeological artifacts!
Both are dealing with unresolved personal issues that get in the way of their relationship. But when Terra is almost killed by one of the traffickers, Jack realizes how much he loves her. It takes Terra longer to decide if she’ll give him a second chance…after all he left her without so much as a goodbye.
This is a story full of twists and turns, each related in some way to the murder. Fans of romantic suspense will love this story!
Leave either a comment or the first line of the book you’re reading and I’ll enter you in a drawing for the book (winner announced next Friday)
Winner of June’s drawing for a $10 Gift card: Erika Luther!
Elizabeth Goddard's Present Danger--First Line Friday! Leave a comment with the first line of a book you're reading and I'll enter you in a drawing for Present Danger! Share on X
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Comments 49
This does sound like a “must read.” Thank you
Author
It is, Delores! Thanks for stopping by.
He was coming for her and he was close
Author
Sue, that’s a great opening line? From Susan Sleeman? Thanks for stopping by.
Lovely photo and verse. Present Danger sounds like a good story! Here’s a first line from my current read, Almost Dark (a ghost story) by Letitia Trent: Claire and Sam went out to the factory that Friday night because they’d heard from Archie that high school kids went there to party on weekends.
Oh, you just know going to the factory at night is not a good idea!
Author
Absolutely, Priscilla! That sounds like a good story!
I am currently reading Obsession by this wonderful author named Patricia Bradley. The January warm spell had definitely ended in South Mississippi.
Author
Aww! Thank you, Dawn! I hope you enjoy it!!
I honestly haven’t found a book of yours that I haven’t enjoyed. Thanks also for the review of EG’s book–I enjoy her books as well!
Author
Aww! Thank you, Dawn. Can I let you in on a little secret? I’m loving Deception–usually by this point (after reading the story at least 10 times) I’m usually sick of it. So that’s a pleasant surprise. 🙂
Great pairing of Scripture and photo, Pat. AZ is now in the “interesting skies” season; also known as the monsoons. Keeping my eyes on the skies.
“Present Danger” is a first rate read. You can count on Elizabeth for the best Christian suspense and romance.
“‘Drop the shoes!
‘”No! Get away from me,” Dee Kelley screamed the five words, the sound tearing at her throat the way the trees around her tore at her body.”
The first lines of “The Taking of Carly Bradford” by Romana Richards. Yet another great story from Ms Richards.
Author
Thanks, Tim…and I’ll bet there will be some great opportunities to snap photos of the AZ skies! I love Ramona’s books…don’t think I have this one, so I’ll have to get it.
This has a great story line. I got it on Audible so I could listen while driving.
Author
It really is, Maureen! I loved this story.
Patricia, I like to listen to your books as well while I’m driving. Kindle is also helpful when I am reading at night so I don’t have to turn on the light and wake up my husband.
“The direction your life takes can often come down to one decision, one moment in time.”
I actually had to stop reading the post for a second because of that line. I can trace my current circumstances back to such a moment in time. Less than a second of time, really. I made what felt like a terribly difficult choice, but if I had chosen differently I wouldn’t have met my husband, wouldn’t have seven kids, and (knowing what I know now) I wouldn’t be happy. I think I need to read “Present Danger.” 😉
I have a couple books going right now. Obsession is one (enjoying it!), but since Dawn already shared it, here’s the first line from “The Rhise of Light” by Max Sternberg.
“Leon Rhise had always felt a sense of freedom when he was flying– even if it was on a warship.”
Author
Elizabeth, that line stopped me, too and took me back to several places, one of which was the day I decided to put the stories in my head on paper. Literally with a portable, manual typewriter. So thankful for computers. lol Thanks for stopping by.
Present Danger is a great read. I am reading The Unexpected Amish Courtship by Rachel J Good.
When a knock sounded on the front door, Sovilla Mast sloshed the mop back into the pail and hurried to answer.
Author
I like that opening, Gloria! And Present Danger is great!
This sounds like a really good book.
Author
It is, Patricia! Looking forward to the next one. Thanks for stopping by.
So, your have got me ordering more books with you first line idea. I just received Kellie VanHorn’s Fatal Flashback and started reading it. However, I am also reading Elizabeth Goddard’s Stormy Haven: first line- Rain pelted Jonna Strand as she jogged the wintry Washington shoreline.
Author
Oh, Oh, Sally Jo…I have to get Stormy Haven! Love that opening line. Thanks for stopping by.
I need to start looking for Elizabeth Goddard’s books at the library. This sounds interesting.
The closer Rafael Stanford came to the back entrance of the Puerto Sierra National Museum where his wife worked as the curator the quicker his pace. From Into the Fray by Margaret Daley.
Author
I think you’d really enjoy Elizabeth’s books, Edward! And Into the Fray sounds very interesting! Thanks for stopping by.
When Mark Wallace left Gringolet two days ago to deliver a prize gelding to a wealthy rancher west of Lllano, he never dreamed he’d be called upon to deliver a baby to. From The Heart’s Charge by Karen Witemeyer. I see my name was chosen for the gift card. Thank you! The picture is very pretty and perfect for the verse.
Author
Erika, this sounds very interesting! And I’m glad you enjoyed my photo and verse. Blessings!
congrats on winning the gift card!
Thank you! Thanks again Patricia I got the email with code.
Sounds really good.
Author
It is, Megan! Thanks for stopping by.
“Chaos assaulted her as soon as she opened the door.” Rising Danger by Jerusha Agen. Elizabeth’s books are great! really enjoyed this one too!
Author
Shelia, I’m so proud of Jerusha Agen with her new release! I read this one and endorsed it. 🙂 And love Elizabeth’s books, too! (Endorsed it, too. 😉 )
Merely curious re: endorsing, does your publisher/ agent suggest titles or authors to you, or do authors sometimes approach you personally? I know so little of how it all works but am looking to learn all I can!
I just picked up one of Elizabeth Goddard’s books…looking forward to reading!
Author
It works both ways, Elizabeth. Sometimes my publisher will ask another author if they will endorse my books or if I’ll endorse another author’s book they are publishing. More often than not, though, authors ask each other about an endorsement, always with the caveat that only if we have the time and would like to endorse. Elizabeth and I have the same publisher and acquisitions editor…and lately, we’ve had the same release dates. lol Also, my agent has asked me to read another author’s manuscript she represents in view of endorsing.
I hope that’s not TMI. lol
Not TMI at all, thank you!
Author
🙂
At six thirty, when all the cigar rollers sat at their desks before their piles of leaves and the foreman rang the bell , Maria Isabel bent her head, traced the sign of the cross over her shoulders, and took the first leaf on her hands.”Of Women And Salt” by Gabriela Garcia
Author
Ohhh, that sounds so intriguing, Alicia! Thanks for joining in.
I have this on my wish list. Love the photo and scripture. Have a blessed Independence Day .
Author
Thanks, Lucy! It’s a great book!
Patricia, I like to listen to your books as well while I’m driving. Kindle is also helpful when I am reading at night so I don’t have to turn on the light and wake up my husband.
Author
Maureen, I’m glad you enjoy listening to my books! That’s something I haven’t tried very much because I’m so adhd that the least thing will distract me and I lose where I am. lol Thanks for stopping by.
Sounds like a page turner!
Author
It is, Caryl! Thanks for stopping by.
I’ve not read this series yet, but I sure have enjoyed Elizabeth’s other full length books with Revell (Uncommon Justice).
First line from the book I’m currently reading : An Heiress at Heart by Jennifer Delamere
New South Wales , Australia, February 1846
“Beyond this breach, my friends, lies the great Bathurst Plains!”
Author
I love Elizabeth Goddard’s books, Trixi! And the first line you posted sounds intriguing!
I am looking forward to reading “Present Danger” by Elizabeth Goddard. Please enter me in the giveaway.
Author
Hi Linda! Welcome to my blog. I love Elizabeth’s books!