Unintended Witness, D. L. Wood’s won the 2019 Illumination Book Awards Gold Medal Winner for General Christian Fiction. It’s the second book in the Unintended Series and was every bit as good as the first book, Unintended Target! I reviewed that book earlier this year and you can read that review here. Here’s the back cover copy, and then my take.
Seeing is deceiving.
Eight months after her harrowing experiences in Miami, Chloe McConnaughey leaves the comfort of Atlanta and a burgeoning romantic relationship to reunite with the father that abandoned her twenty-five years ago. But when she reaches his quaint southern town she quickly learns that he’s still keeping secrets. Unable to face the mounting tide of lies, she resolves to head back home. But when a murder investigation entangles her father and tragedy strikes, she finds herself partnering with her father’s law associate, who may have more than murder on his mind, to uncover the truth. As Chloe struggles with trying to forgive, and a killer moves closer, they scramble to find answers before the mystery destroys the only family she has left and forces a wedge between Chloe and the man who loves her that is impossible to overcome.
My take:
First line: When all else fails, use a bomb.
With a first line like that, you know the book is going to be good! Eight months have passed since Jack Bartholomew was shot in the leg while rescuing Chloe from the men trying to kill her. His leg is not healing properly, leaving Jack using a cane. For a retired SEAL, this is a blow to his ego and sets them up for some romantic turmoil.
Chloe has rebuffed her dad’s attempts at reconciliation, but Jack encourages her to meet him, hear him out. She does and learns she has half-siblings, a sister and brother. More truths that have been kept from her. Disgusted, she plans to return home until someone attacks her dad, leaving him in a coma. Chloe can’t leave the sister and brother to fend for themselves and offers to stay. There are more attacks on the family, and then Jack becomes jealous of her dad’s assistant, a handsome lawyer.
The story is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. I loved the way Wood led both Chloe and Jack on a journey of self-discovery. This is a book you will have a hard time putting down.
While this is the second book in the series, you don’t have to read the first one to know what’s going on. It’s a stand-alone. I like that the book follows Chloe onto a new adventure. And that’s my question.
Do you prefer a series with the same heroine and/or hero, or do you like series to have a different hero/heroine? Or does it matter? 🙂 Leave a comment and I’ll enter you in a drawing for a book from my library.
And now for a commercial. 🙂 If you haven’t read Justice Betrayed, the third Memphis Cold Case novel, here’s your chance to get it for $1.99!
Here are the links.
Comments 32
It doesn’t matter, but it is enjoyable to follow the same hero/heroine. You get to know them.
Author
I agree, Lisa, and I’m hoping Revell agrees to let me write a series with one heroine. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Your book sounds intriguing and like a must read for sure! I like the cover also. I think a series is nicer having the same hero or heroine, because you get used to that one and you get to know them more and you get used to them, so for me , I would prefer the same one in a series. have a Great weekend. God Bless.
Author
Great, Alicia. Maybe I can use these comments with Revell. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
I like new stories with new heroes and heroines. However if it has to have the same hero throughout, then a secondary couple is a good add on
Author
Thanks Jane. Everyone’s comments are helping me to decide how to pitch my next series!
I have enjoyed both types of series. I remember vaguely the first book series from my childhood: The Hardy Boys. I don’t know if I ever read the entire series, but I enjoyed each book I read with the same key characters but each was a standalone. In more recent years, I have enjoyed some series in that vein but have also enjoyed those where each story built on the previous one. In many of these, the lead characters change from book to book but certain characters are still part of the ongoing story.
Author
Thanks for your input, Edward. I’ve enjoyed writing the series of stand-alones but for some reason I want to write one with a continuing character.
Cozies have the same main character but I enjoy a series where there is a group and each get their own story, connected but different. But when you get down to it, either works for me.
Author
Yes, Gloria. That’s what I’ve been writing. Thanks for stopping by!
I love a series where you see each character get their own story, but incorporate characters from the previous stories, so that you can get a glimpse of how theirs lives are currently going.
Author
Patricia, I like to do that as well, but my editors don’t want me to give away too much of the former story. 🙂 It’s like walking a fine line. Thanks for stopping by!
I enjoy reading a series, since the characters become more developed. However, I’m grateful when the books can stand alone as well, since I haven’t always had the chance to read the books that might come before.
Author
I definitely like for the books to stand alone, Betti. That way you can read them out of order. Thanks for stopping by.
It doesn’t matter much but if they are different, I like to know what the rest if the story is for the first couple. Just to keep up with what they are doing. Because if there is a connection, it would be like real life. You don’t abandon them because their story concluded in the other books.
Author
I agree, Paula. For me, it depends on the story and I never know how that’s going to go. lol Thanks for dropping by!
I like a series with a different H&H in each book but have characters from the previous book or books. Say a family saga or a group of friends or even a team of some kind (military, law enforcement, etc). I haven’t read too many where the characters don’t connect in some way. In that case, I’d rather have complete stand-alones.
I love a good suspense and a new-to-me author, D.L. Wood would fit the bill! Plus it’s a series so those are my favorite. Thanks for featuring “Unintended Witness” in for you reader Friday post. I think my want-to-read list is getting as long as my TBR pile, lol!!
I have all but Justice Delivered on my bookshelf, which I’m hoping to add soon! I don’t mind ebooks, but if I already have part of a collection in paperback, I really love having them all
Author
Trixi, all of my books so far have had different H&H, usually with characters from previous stories showing up. Even if I write a continuing series with one main character, there will be familiar characters showing up. Thanks for stopping by!
Doesn’t really matter to me! Thanks for the chance to win!
Author
Thanks, Faith! And thanks for stopping by.
It doesn’t matter to me… This books sounds fascinating & I’ve added it and book 1 to my book list! 🙂
Author
I love this series, MS Barb. Thanks for commenting!
Doesn’t really matter. I have enjoyed series of both types.
Author
Good to know that, Joni! Thanks for commenting.
I prefer the same one
Author
Great, Joan! And thanks for stopping by and commenting.
doesn’t matter if the characters are the same in each book. Enjoy either way.
Author
That’s good to know, Shelia. I’m pretty well that way. Thanks for stopping by.
I really like a series that puts characters from other books in the series into the current book, but which highlights either new characters or ones that got honorable mention in prior books of the series. I’ve even found authors, like Susan Sleeman, who have spawned a new series from a prior one, where the character emphasis has moved to a new organization, but with some of the characters introduced in the first series. I like the continuity, and let’s face it, we like to follow characters we like. Just look at successful TV series. But, what it comes down to is a good book is a good book.
Author
I so agree, Tim. Thanks so much for your input and thanks for stopping by.
Hello Pat! I enjoy reading a series with the same hero/heroine. I also enjoy reading a series that spins off from other characters within the story.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Author
Thanks, Caryl. If I write a series with one main character, it will be a departure for me. Thanks for stopping by.