Before opening this book, brace yourself. Elizabeth Goddard has a knack for leaving you breathless, while stealing your heart at the same time. Quite a talent, that.

Harper Reynolds has hit the wall, and at the advice of her therapist has stopped photographing crime scenes, and began photographing wildlife. Her talents have been recognized, and rewarded, enabling her to invest in top-notch equipment. Just in time to become an eyewitness to a murder.

Lovely.

Writing at a rapid – fire pace, author Elizabeth Goddard has also managed yet another feat of creative writing skill: she has packed her pages with memorable characters, engaging themes, and breathtaking settings which she skillfully weaves together in such a way that the reader has the impression that he or she is walking side – by – side with the characters.

This can be quite disturbing when one realizes that one is being hunted down like a rabid animal. I mean, even the villain is memorable . . . and gains a sop of sympathy from the most callous and careless of readers.

5 stars for fast-paced suspense with a romantic twist

I received this book free of charge in exchange for my open and honest review.

Always Look Twice by Elizabeth Goddard was a book that, to be perfectly honest, I discovered based on the front cover (Gasp!). I know, not the best way to choose a book. But I actually decided to read the book based on the description and ended up greatly enjoying it. Anyway....this is the second installment in Ms. Goddard's series Uncommon Justice, which is easy to pick up without having read the first in the series.  I absolutely could not put this book down!  It was a fast-paced, adventurous, suspenseful tale of faith, love, hurt, healing, crime, and family. It was excellently written and I plan to read more of Ms. Goddard's writings. 

Always Look Twice focuses on Harper Reynolds a crime scene photographer currently on a break from her job, vacationing in the west with her sister in an attempt to find some peace and healing in the beauty of nature.  Harper certainly has a traumatic past, yet she has overcome her difficulties and led a productive life as a crime-scene photographer; however, the day-to-day trauma of her job recently had overwhelmed her.  Harper and her sister Emily have traveled in Emily's remade camper for  several weeks, yet once Harper accidentally witnesses a gruesome murder in the woods of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, their plans drastically change. 

Harper had captured a murderer on camera, and then had the murder's eyes spot her on his rifle scope.  Harper is in danger and is the sole witness to a wilderness crime. Quickly reporting what she saw to the sheriff, Harper is shocked that others have a hard time believing what she witnessed.  When Harper takes the Sheriff back to the scene of the crime, she is dumbfounded by the complete lack of evidence, not to mention the absence of her camera and memory card, which she lost in her escape.  Although not everyone is quick to believe her, Harper still has one friend in Jackson Hole, Heath McKade, her childhood friend.    

Heath McKade is a hard-working rancher who is also a deputy on reserve in a very small county in Wyoming.  Heath has his own past that haunts him and fears of failing to protect the people he loves, yet he has succeeded in his business, running Emerald M Guest Ranch, a rustic group of cabins set in the beautiful Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  He runs into Harper in the woods as she is fleeing the terror of the crime she witnessed and is drawn back into her life.  Heath is determined to protect Harper, yet as danger continues to haunt Harper and anyone she is close to, Heath is reluctant to allow his feelings for Harper grow.  
Will Heath and Harper be able to prove that a murder actually occurred?  Will they be able to find the murderer?  Will they survive the continued attempts to silence their quest for justice and truth?  Can their friendship continue despite the many threats and dangers?  Can their faith lead them through the fires and allow their past scars to be fully healed?  

I hope you have the opportunity to read this excellent work. Ms. Goddard keeps her readers spellbound with a constantly changing plot and an interplay of deep characters with intriguing pasts. I definitely enjoyed Always Look Twice and would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a wholesome, entertaining, fast-paced adventure filled with faith, family, love, and suspense.

Harper Reynolds is a crime scene photographer, but the horrific scenes eventually got to her so she took a break, got counseling, and went on a road trip with her sister, Emily, who is a writer. Pulling the vintage camper behind them, they went back to the area where they had lived as children.
As Harper was out walking in the woods, enjoying nature and taking pictures, she was zooming in on a bear when she saw a woman running, obviously very frightened. Harper blames herself for hiding and not watching when her father was murdered, and his killer was never caught. So, this time Harper vowed to not look away and continued to take pictures as the woman was murdered. Then, she realizes the killer is watching her from his high powered rifle scope as she's watching him through her camera lens and taking pictures.
After reporting the murder, Heath McKade is asked to protect her. Just so happens she and Heath were childhood friends until the age of twelve. Both had experienced tragedies.
High suspense and action.
While my favorite genre for reading is suspense/romance Christian fiction, the romance was a little much for me. I don't care to know all the thoughts of those involved. I'm not sure most men even think like Heath.
Overall, it was a great story and if you also like this type if genre, you must read this one!
I was given a free ecopy of this by the publisher, Revell and Netgalley. I was not obligated to leave a positive review.

I’m just going to lay it out there — I’m not a Romantic Suspense fan. Typically, this genre is not my cup of tea. It’s not because I don’t like romance or suspense, it’s because it’s always been a hit or miss genre for me. I find that some authors write romantic suspense amazingly, and some do not. Always Look Twice by Elizabeth Goddard is a novel I both appreciated and enjoyed, but also struggled with.

What I appreciated and enjoyed:
I love Heath and Harper, the hero and heroine of this novel. I found them to be unique and relatable. On the one hand, they are strong, capable, intelligent characters who I knew could solve the murder mystery and every other conflict thrown at them. But I really appreciate their flaws and weaknesses. It is their flaws and weaknesses that made both Heath and Harper relatable to me.

There is a moment in the story where Emily, Harper’s sister, tells Harper, “When we were still living in Jackson Hole … we’d see Grand Teton all the time especially if we had to drive into town. That mountain is so big, and as a kid anyway, it made me think of God. And I used to think if I was that mountain, nothing could move me or scare me. Nothing could hurt me. Now I think I’m finally getting it. God is like that mountain for us and we can hold on to Him.” I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!!! What a great perspective change for me. I often pray to God that He grant me His strength as if He’s the ultimate charger. If I plug into God in prayer, He will fill me up for the day with all the strength I need and I’ll be able to handle everything that comes my way. But this implies that I leave the mountain after I’m done charging. Emily’s revelation implies that I stay connected to God by bringing Him with me throughout my day. This tiny little story in the middle of the book is my most favorite thing about this novel. I LOVE when an author shows me a Jesus Truth is a whole new way.

I really loved the first 1/4 and the last 1/4 of this novel. The beginning and end of this book are intense, and in these pages, I could not put the book down. I was completely engaged.

What I struggled with:
My number one issue with the Romantic Suspense genre is that often authors do way more telling than showing in their narratives. When I pick up a Romantic Suspense novel, I want to become Sherlock Holmes. I want twists and turns and shocking moments I didn’t see coming. I want clues! I want foreshadow. And, I want to be stumped a little. With Always Look Twice, I had things figured out rather quickly. With so much telling, not showing, I felt the suspense lost its edge and it became simple for me to know where things were going next. I didn’t get to be Sherlock Holmes while reading this book.

The middle 50% of this book became slow, and I lost some interest in the novel.

Even with my two struggles, there is a lot that I found appealing about Always Look Twice, and I fully recommend it, just to fans of the Romantic Suspense genre. In fact, fans of this genre are giving rave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. If you are a Romantic Suspense fan, then this is the book for you.

I received an eBook copy of this book from the publishers, Revell, via NetGalley in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Great suspenseful and romantic story by Elizabeth Goddard. The premise was good and the characters engaging. I felt that the story had a few stretched coincidences, but all in all I enjoyed the book. Recommended.

This book was one thrilling ride that held me spellbound from the start and didn't let me go and I loved every minute of it.
Harper and Heath are two people who have been touched personally by tragedy. As former military, Heath's strong desire to protect sometimes "gets in the way" because he fears anyone who is close to him always gets hurt. Harper on the other hand becomes a crime scene photographer hoping to compensate and relieve the guilt she feels not knowing who killed her father. When she witnesses a murder while on vacation she's put in a position she's not sure she wants to be in. After surviving near death experiences, she's more determined than ever to get the killer caught.
The author draws readers in on this exciting journey letting us know more about Harper and Heath and the pasts that have shaped their future and the fears that still too real in their lives. Through this suspense filled journey, they learn to trust God more and more.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are mine.

What if you saw someone being murdered and you took pictures of the killer and the victim? Harper Reynolds was visiting Jackson Hole Wyoming with her sister Emily when she witnessed the murder - Harper had been taking pictures of a grizzly bear eating berries and she was startled by the gunshot and the sight of a woman being shot at by a hunter. Harper is sighted by the killer and she runs away, dropping her camera along the way. She is rescued by an old friend, Heath, who joins her in trying to identify the killer - but he is ruthless.....

Stumbling on a murder is never easy, especially when you become a target! fairly action packed and fast moving. a sweet romance with second chance elements and a few twists .

With a harrowing opening and continuous action, this newest romantic suspense novel from Elizabeth Goddard does not disappoint. After reading Never Let Go, book one in Goddard’s Uncommon Justice series, I thoroughly enjoyed Willow and Austin’s story. So upon picking up this action-packed page-turner where we find the story of Austin’s brother Heath and his childhood friend Harper, I was again entertained and thrilled.

Goddard does an excellent job of holding a reader’s interest with a twisting, turning plot and a subtle romance brewing between the two main characters. This novel was exciting, captivating and introduced a likable cast of characters. The handful of things that kept me from a full five star rating were simply personal grievances. Goddard’s way of writing can be abrupt and short at times, using short sentences pieced together. As a result, the beginning of the book didn’t seem to flow as smoothly as the middle and ending (perhaps by then I was simply more used to her style!). There was a lot of repetitive information in the beginning surrounding Harper’s story and I felt myself rushing through that. Lastly, there was a part in the copy I read where a woman named Netta was mentioned as the mother of the woman who had been killed, coming in from out of town to speak with police about her daughter’s death. A few pages later, when Heath calls in to dispatch, the dispatcher, also named Netta, came on the line to answer his call (author noted her familiar voice). That was confusing to me and neither woman had been mentioned prior to this, or ever mentioned again.

Overall, this was a great read and one I recommend to readers who enjoy romantic suspense and thrillers or mysteries. Goddard keeps her readers guessing and while the ending was somewhat predictable, it wrapped up with a bang! Readers will enjoy Heath and Harper’s story and will be looking forward to Liam’s story, just as I am now!

“Harper Reynolds inches forward, hoping she hadn’t made a mistake in coming there.” - Opening line of Always Look Twice by Elizabeth Goddard

Always Look Twice by Elizabeth Goddard is a continuation of the Uncommon Justice series following on from book one, Never Let Go so I sat down to enjoy reconnecting with characters of which I was already fond. Heath McKade is our leading man in this one and he reconnects with his childhood friend, Harper, as she flees the scene of witnessing a murder.

Whilst the sheriff doubts Harper’s story, there is no supporting evidence, Heath comes to her aid and they continue to investigate. The small town is also besieged with mailbox bombs and, between the two cases, the local police force is stretched thin.

Harper has returned to the town with her sister, the last stop on a year long road trip to help her recovery from the trauma she suffered in childhood and on the job as a crime scene photographer. As a character, she is easy to relate to and rout for! Her fear of the murder is palpable.

Heath is equally stalked by past traumas, one of which is in the previous book. It’s not essential to have read it to enjoy this one but it’s equally good so I recommend starting at the beginning.

My favourite aspect of this series is the supporting cast, it’s rich and creates the small town feel which I so enjoy. In doing so, Elizabeth creates a place to which I want to keep returning. Full of suspense and action, I didn’t put it down until I reached the ending. Harper’s murder story is wrapped up but I do hope there is another in the Uncommon Justice series.

If romance suspense novels are your thing, this is one not to be missed! Christianity is a part of both our lead characters and I enjoyed how Elizabeth included Biblical principles in the story, I highly recommend it, five out of five on the enjoyment scale!

The romance in this story was tender, and the suspense was the right amount for me without getting over the top gruesome during the crimes committed. It kept me hooked as I tried to figure out who was the bad dude. Wonderful woven, I give a 5 star.

This was quite an adventure! Just like the first this book had me hooked fast! The pace at the beginning was absolutely thrilling.

It slowed down a little for me in the middle and I felt a little bogged down by drama and details, but I still loved the story.

Once again I was thrilled with a unique career for the leading female character. A crime scene photographer was a new one for me and very intriguing.

Goddard is also excellent at keeping you guessing. She doesn't make it easy to figure out who the bad guy is and even at the end surprised me with how everything wrapped up.

I'm pretty sure Liam's book will be next and I'm looking forward to it!

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

this is an exciting page turner of a story. she has seen a lot of danger and is on vacation with her sister. while out taking photos of nature she sees something she should not have and the other person sees her. while see is running away she falls and is found by her old boyfriend can he protect her and find out what is going on. this is the town she grew up in but had to leave. if you like suspense and romance you will want to read this story, it will get you at the start and not let go till the end. I was given a copy of the book but this is an; honest review.

This novel has quite a bit of action but generally concentrates on character development. It starts out with Harper taking photos in a national forest. She spots a running woman who is then shot. The long range shooter then turns his sights on her. She scrambles away, falls and loses her camera. She is rescued by Heath, a local dude ranch owner who also happens to be a childhood friend. This sets up the dual plot lines of romance and trying to find the shooter.

The reason Harper, a forensic photographer, is out in the forest is because she is on leave due to PTSD issues. She sort of saw her father killed when she was a child. The trauma of photographing criminal scenes has re-traumatized her. Oddly enough, Heath's mother died in a house fire when he was young. Both of them have issues to work through. The book contains long passages of character thought.

The plot is a bit complex. It has roots in the past, information we readers are not privy to. There are several red herrings in the present too. I was a bit puzzled when the FBI had so much information on the bombing culprit why they had not found him. If Emily could find out the information, certainly the FBI could!

This is a good novel for readers who like a concentration on character thoughts showing character development with action and suspense thrown in.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

This is the second book in a series, and it's just as good, if not better than the first!

The action is there, right from the very first page.

I loved Harper. She is a character you can't help but seeing as a new friend.

She's had a hard life. Not only does she carry guilt from the past, her occupation as a crime scene photographer has given her lots to process. So she takes some time off, goes on vacation...and then...witnesses a murder happening right before her eyes.

The feelings she has when nobody believes her. You will want to reach out and reassure her. And then, there's Heath.

This entire story is filled with twists and turns, and I never knew quite what to expect next! If you like mysteries, at all, this fast paced suspense novel will captivate you and keep you riveted until the very last page. Elizabeth Goddard is quickly becoming one of my 'must read' suspense authors!

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Always Look Twice
by Elizabeth Goddard


Revell

Christian

Pub Date 01 Oct 2019


I am reviewing a copy of Always Look Twice through Revell and Netgalley:



Following the advice of her therapist, Homicide survivor Harper Reynolds traded in her career as a crime scene reporter opting for a more peaceful life, she decided to take pictures of the natural beauty surrounding her. Her hopes to have a life surrounded by the serenity of the outdoors are dashed when she inadvertently captures a murder being committed in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She flees the scene in fear and ends up losing the camera.


Heath Mckade is a former Green Beret who now is a reserve Deputy in the overstuffed county and he has been called to protect Harper, a childhood friend he is surprised to learn is back in the area. When Harper learns that the sheriff's department can't find evidence of the murder she witnessed, she is determined to do what she can to see that justice is done. What neither Harper nor Heath could know is how many explosive secrets from the past will be exposed--or how deeply they will fall for each other.


If you are looking for a page turner that will make you want to devour the story on one setting then Always Look Twice is just the book for you.


Five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

At the advice of her therapist, homicide survivor Harper Reynolds has traded her job as a crime scene photographer for a more peaceful life taking photographs of the natural world. But her hopes for a life surrounded by the serenity of the outdoors are dashed when she inadvertently captures a murder being committed in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She flees the scene in fear--and loses the camera.

Former Green Beret Heath McKade is a reserve deputy in an understaffed county who has been called in to protect Harper, a childhood friend he is surprised to see back in the area. When Harper learns that the sheriff's department can't find any evidence of the murder she witnessed, she is determined to do what she can to see that justice is done. What neither Harper nor Heath could know is how many explosive secrets from the past will be exposed--or how deeply they will fall for each other.

This is book 2 of the Uncommon Justice series. There are a few references to the first book in this book. It's not necessary to read the first book to enjoy this book.

Harper is trying to get her life back on an even keel. She is on a leave of absence from her job to do just that. With her sister they are traveling the country in an RV. While in her hometown she witnesses a murder and runs for her life. Heath McKade, an old friend from years ago discovers her. As a reserve deputy, he is put in charge of her protection. There are several attempts made on her life and Heath keeps thinking he is failing her. Harper is learning to stand and fight back against her survivor guilt complex. Health doesn't want to be classed as a hero because he thinks he always fails. This book has lots of twists and turns for the mystery lover. I can't wait to read Liam's story.

I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

I found this novel to be infinitely better than the first book in the series. Goddard has definitely hit her stride in publishing with the “big dogs”, so to speak. Placed in the mountains of Wyoming, the setting does not lack for beauty. Heath is a former Green Beret and now owns and maintains a guest ranch. Harper is a crime scene photographer who is currently using her lens to capture more beauty, at the suggestion of her therapist. While photographing a grizzly, Harper witnesses a murder of a woman through her camera lens. Will she be next?
This book kept you turning the pages. The characters were well thought out and believable, which was what I found to be most improved from the first book in this series. It felt like Goddard really fleshed these two out and made sure they were compatible. Her attention to detail with both the profession of photography and the realities of crime scene protocol also helped authenticate the story. All in all, I wish this was where the series began. The suspense, scenery, and story structure are all breath taking. I would absolutely recommend this book and will pick up future Goddard titles without hesitation.

I was given an early copy of this manuscript through NetGalley for my honest review. I also received a completed print copy from Revell on behalf of the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

Harper Reynolds was a forensic photographer - but too much exposure to the horrific scenes she had snapped over the years required that she take a break. As her break was coming to an end she found herself in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, south of Yellowstone National Park. As she was photographing the grizzly bear on the banks of the Grayback River something caught her eye. It was a hunter. But he was not hunting deer or bear, he was hunting that woman. And Harper watched as she was murdered in the moments that followed. Thus begins Elizabeth Goddard’s latest book.

In a story that takes the reader from Missouri to Wyoming to Texas, we are presented with a life and death drama that involves first responders from the national government and from multiple states and agencies. It is a gripping tale that holds the reader’s attention from the first chapter to the last - this reader’s heart could not stop pounding. The author does a wonderful job of describing the wildness that is found in the National Forest - whether seen on horseback or on foot. She is less successful in describing the downtown Dallas theater where the story finds its resolution, this reader’s only disappointment in reading the book.

A faith-based novel, Elizabeth Goddard book will find a willing home in the church library. But given its exciting and riveting story, it also belongs on the public library shelf. For the reader looking for a good fall story from a colorful writer, Always Look Twice may just fill the bill.
______________

This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Crime scene photographer Harper is taking a well-deserved mental health break from her job and photographing wildlife in remote Wyoming when she accidentally witnesses a murder - and catches the whole thing on camera. Fleeing in fear of her own life, she runs into Heath, a local ranch owner who she knew as a child before her family moved away from the area.

Things get complicated when local law enforcement can’t find a body, Harper’s lost camera or any trace that a crime has even been committed. Heath believes Harper, but he seems to be the only one… and then the bombs start going off.

There’s a lot going on in this story and it was possibly a bit too much for a romantic suspense, because at the end of the story I realized while we knew who the murderer was, we never actually really found out why he killed the woman whose death Harper witnesses at the opening. That death didn’t fit with the rest of the pattern explained to us, and we didn’t really get an insight into the murderer’s psyche, why he committed certain crimes, why he took a significant break and then why he started killing again. I enjoyed Heath and Harper’s story but there were a few too many elements skimmed over on the suspense side of things for me to really love this. Four stars.