This book deserves 10 stars!
This book was simply breathtaking. From the non-stop action, adrenaline, love, God's love and the friendship.
I loved every minute of this book, even the hard parts were written so well. This book will change you and for the better.
Eliza was such a beautiful character. I loved her. I wanted to hug her when she was a child and be her friend when she was an adult! Her story was heartbreaking and amazing! Shows what God can do with a heart!
Jack was one of the best guy heros I have met, his story will stick with me a long time. I loved his conviction and that he pretty much had no fear! His story also shows what God can do with a broken heart!
I won't tell you because it will spoil the story but there is a character that shows up from another book and it had me squealing and jumping, I was so excited!!
This book will make you want to read it again and again to catch everything.
I highly recommend this book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I recommend people 18 years and older read this book!
This was, without a doubt, the most intense fictional book by Karen Kingsbury, that I have ever read. The plot is a bit more intense than her other books, yet it keeps you going until the very end. While this book was intense for me, I did like it and it was nice to read a different type of love story.

I graciously received an advance e-copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review. All opinions are my own.

A Distant Shore by Karen Kingsbury was a highly satisfying read for me and felt different than the last couple of books of hers that I read. It seemed more substantial, more realistic, and a little bit gritty. The two main characters were well developed and both experienced a foundation of childhood faith that was lost and then found. There are elements of an unallowable but inevitable romance but also an international crime fighting storyline with a bit of action. Most notably the story addresses the very real sex trafficking crisis in a way that was not sugar coated but also not overly graphic. This part of the book sticks with me and has prompted me to think about what I could do. Thanks to Net Galley and Atria Books for the advanced copy to read and review; all opinions are my own.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Lizzie had a great life as a child until her dad moved out. Her dad insisted they visit him in Belize. When the visited Lizzie's dad was involved in drugs and other crimes. Lizzie was forced to live in her dads house. I liked the different characters. This book was well written.

I love a good Karen Kingsbury book and this one has to be one of her best books I have read to date. Very different than her normal style and I think she nailed it! These characters will grab your heart from the beginning and leave you longing for more. Such a great read that you will not want to put down once you start it.

Eliza is very young when we meet her and has a father that has left them for some type of work. Her mom and brother, along with Eliza soon make the journey to see their father, but tragedy strikes and Eliza is left with an Aunt raising her and living with her dad in his corrupt ways. Eliza is heavily guarded and watched because of who she is. No one is allowed to "touch" her at all. When Eliza is used for her dad's corrupt business, she knows that she has to do something to get away from the lifestyle that he is living. When Eliza turns of age, she is going to be made to marry a man that will help benefit her dad's business.

In comes Jack, the FBI agent that is tasked to investigate some human trafficking charges. Jack is going to have to play the part of the supposed man that Eliza is going to marry. When Jack tells Eliza that he is there to help her escape, it take a whole lot to convince her that he is there to help her.

Jack has had a rough past in that he has lost his brother who was his best friend and his parents. He really has no one left. He focuses on his job and is determined to be the best FBI agent around. jack has done a great job with that in the years that he has worked with the FBI, and thinks that he will die in the FBI business.

When Jack and Eliza meet, it is not the first time they have met, but Eliza has no idea that she has meet Jack before. Does Jack tell her right away or does he wait until he has her trust to reveal the truth to her. You will not regret reading this book at all. The plot flows so smoothly and will grab your attention from the first chapter until the very last chapter. Job well done on this one and I can't wait to read more from Karen Kingsbury!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all opinions are my own. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book! Go read it!!

A Distant Shore by Karen Kingsbury A suspenseful, romantic, faith based story that incorporates the difficult topic of human trafficking and child abuse. More edgy than Ms Kingsbury's previous works.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

Such a different Karen book but one still enjoyed.

Jack is a FBI agent and his target is the father of Eliza. Karen does a great job of telling their story and as always love the faith aspect.

As I am a great fan of Karen Kingsburg's book, I was delighted when I received an early read from netgalley of A Distant Shore. I was so surprised by the genre of this book since I am so use to her family stories. This book takes on the subject of sex trafficking. and the emotional and physical abuse of young girls. If you are a fan of suspense stories, you will enjoy this book. I was enthralled with it from the beginning to the end. You get hooked on knowing what the future is for Eliza and Jack. I will be interested to see if Kingsburg returns to her family style writing or if she continues with a new genre.

Karen Kingsbury has always been a favorite author of mine, so when I was given the opportunity to read this ARC I couldn't wait to start reading it! I was intrigued instantly by 10 year old Lizzie and the story of her family. Then came 16 year old Jack Ryder at the right time during a terrifying incident on the beach in Belize. Fast forward 10 years to find both Jack and Lizzie's separate lives turned upside down. This book kept me on the edge of my seat, sometimes filled with tears, other times with excitement or fear. What a page turner! This is a must read! It will fill you with hope, faith and everything in between. It was definitely worth losing sleep over, as I could not put it down!

A new book by Karen Kingsbury will always be on my must read list. I was looking forward to this one. The cover drew me in. This was a page turner and I finished it one night.

This book is a little different than her regular books. I found this one being a little difficult to read. It was about child trafficking. The topic alone is hard to read about but necessary.

The characters, Jack and Eliza, were two young people who were determined to conquer evil. What was behind their determination? The book explores this and what is needed for them to heal from their loss and pain.

Each chapter started with a Bible quote. I found this to be uplifting and encouraging. There were many that were my favorites. This is the one that I have held onto all my life.

Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

A Distant Shore is a must read. I received this book for free from Simon & Schuster to give a honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review this e-book. This title was no less than five stars! The author took me on a heartfelt and emotional journey that offered mystery, suspense, romance and inspiration in God.

The main characters, Eliza (Lizzie) and Jack were quite the duo in this title. As I watched their story unfold, I knew I did not want to put the book down. This title took research and devotion from the author and I feel she delivered it with ease.

This title is highly recommendable to anyone who loves mystery, suspense, minimal romance, but most importantly, inspiration in our God.

Well done!

The topic of human trafficking is an extremely difficult topic to read about. The author does a fantastic job of not going in to gruesome details about the horror of this practice but weaves grace in to the story.

Eliza was raised as a Mennonite in Belize but then her father went away when she was around the age of 8. He requested for her and her mother and brother, Daniel to come to him. Later, Eliza is told that her mother and brother drowned in the ocean. At the age of 10, she is swimming in the ocean and is so despondent by the life at the Palace that her father has created, that she gives up when the riptide pulls her down.

Jack is a teenager when he is on vacation with his family in Belize. He and his brother, Shane, are playing football and having a great time when they hear screams from the ocean. Jack and Shane run to investigate. This is the pivotal moment in the story as Jack jumps in to save Eliza and both of their lives are changed.

Fast forward 10 years. Eliza is approaching her 20th birthday. Her father has been saving her for an arranged marriage. The rest of the girls at the Palace are sent away at the age of 20. Jack has become an special agent with the San Antonio FBI seeking out drug and sex trafficking.

The story evolves from here as Jack and Eliza work together to stop sex trafficking.

Both of the characters have changed so much since they were on the shore of Belize when they were young people, can God heal all of the hurts that have taken place?

Thanks so much to netgalley and Atria Books for the arc. The opinions are my own.

True to her style, Karen Kingsbury thoughtfully fuses adventure, love and relationships, and faith in her newest novel: " A Distant Shore". Readers will not be disappointed! To begin each chapter is a Bible verse that foreshadows and links the story. The narrative juxtaposes the love of Eliza’s fathers, one earthly and one Heavenly. It is also a great love story; one that readers can become encouraged by. Eliza must navigate what true love really is. Not only that but how to accept such affection. It is reminiscent of stories like Hosea and Gomer and Boaz and Ruth. It is an easy read, but don’t glance over these important themes! Additionally, “A Distant Shore” showcases that every woman, every man, every child is significant to our Heavenly Father. No experience is wasted or nor is anyone unworthy in His eyes. Everything works for our good. Wonderfully crafted is this novel by Kingsbury! Be sure to snag this one!

I received an ARC copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. I normally enjoy everything by this author but this one was a disappointment. I didn't like any of the characters or the storyline and could not even finish it.

I received an advance copy of, A Distant Shore, by Karen Kingsbury. I usually love Kare's book, but not this one. I did not care for the characters at all. This is not like her other books, which are really good.

Who knew Karen Kingsbury could write romantic suspense?

This book is different from the usual fare that the author writes. This one is darker and deals with a heavy subject. Human trafficking is a disturbing topic but the author handled it well.

Eliza had a tragic past. Without giving too much of the story away Eliza lives with her father. She was aware that her father was evil but she was trapped. So far she had been spared but she knew her days were short and that one day her father would sell her out to the highest bidder. Her only comfort is remembering what her godly mother told her about God.

Jack comes to Belize as an FBI agent with an assignment to break up the sex trafficking operation that Eliza's father has set up. He has to gain the trust of Eliza but she does not trust men.

There are many twists in this story that keep it interesting. Readers who enjoy romantic suspense will definitely enjoy this compelling story.

Thanks to netgalley and Atria Books for allowing me to read and preview this book.

Another well-written easy to read book by Karen Kingsbury. The trafficking chapters were very disturbing, however this is what's going on in the world right now. The love story was predictable, but the ending was fantastic! Did not see any of that coming. I'm always a fan of Karen's work, but the topic itself was not my favorite.

Definitely a Christian romance. A sweet story that is very heavy on faith (God actually talks to one of the main characters) and romantic cheesy declarations. Nothing naughtier than kissing. There are still some dramatic scenes with the FBI trafficking work. My grandma would probably really like this one.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love reading Karen Kingsbury’s stories, especially her Baxter family books. However, I was very excited and intrigued when I first heard about this book. A Distant Shore breaks from Karen’s usual style and tells a much darker, grittier story that’s more complex and suspenseful. But the result is just as wonderful as her other books. I really enjoyed reading about the determination of the characters in this story as they pushed though the circumstances they were in. This is a book not to be missed!

What an incredible book! It makes you want to go out and help someone. It makes you want to be a better person. This book may not be the actual story of someone's life, but I am sure it accurately portrayed many young women's lives. This is the story of Eliza "Lizzie James", whose family consisted of a loving mother, younger brother, evil father and cruel aunt. Eliza's father left her mother and went to live near the beach in Belize. He convinced his wife and kids to come visit him. There he held Eliza in "the Palace" for ten years after telling her that her mother and brother were drowned in the ocean. The Palace is a place were young girls are trafficked for sex and drugs are sold. Eliza is untouched because her father needs a bargaining chip, but she is forced to help bring in other young girls. When Eliza almost drowns as a young girl she is rescued by Jack Ryder. Years later she is reintroduced to him when he goes undercover to bust the drug and sex trafficking ring. Jack feels there is something special about Eliza but he doesn't know what at first.

This book will stir up all kinds of emotions in you. There is anger that sex trafficking could happen, compassion for all those who are or have suffered. I laughed and cried all through this book. I was scared at times for the characters, but they came through. I felt the peace of God as Jack talked with God. I loved this book and I hope others do too. I would like to thank Karen Kingsbury and Simon and Schuster for allowing me to read this book.