With its engaging characters, non-stop action, and a uniquely gritty plot, I couldn’t put this book down.

Cold Light of Day is the first book in author Elizabeth Goddard’s new Christian romantic suspense series, Missing in Alaska, and I must say that I was taken completely by surprise by the fast-paced, gritty action and naturally expressed faith-forward narrative. This story hit the ground running and never stopped.

I loved the two main characters, Police Chief Autumn Long and Grier Brenner. They both are good, strong individuals with burdens to carry and secrets to keep. I was behind their relationship from the first exchange of dialogue, but to be clear, the story is more the suspense over the romance, once again making this unputdownable. The author slowly and tantalizingly revealed their stories amidst the danger and tension, and I didn’t want to put the book down.

Like many readers, just the mention that the setting of a book is in Alaska, and I’m on board. What is the lure of The Last Frontier? Is it the remoteness? The inherent danger? The sheer challenge of absolute self-reliance? I don’t know, but it is like catnip to a cat, with just so much that can go terribly wrong in a blink. Something makes this location uniquely compelling, and this book delivers all of these feelings and the wild beauty besides.

In addition to the broader Alaskan setting, the story unfolds in the small town of Shadow Gap. While there is an underlying assumption that the people who make their way to the 49th state are a different breed from those in the lower 48, people are still people. The small-town feel is front and center, amusing at times, even comforting, and everyone knows everyone else and, inevitably, all their business. The disgruntled and vindictive city councilman naturally causes Autumn trouble, but the author has a unique spin, and I found the ramifications very interesting.

With its engaging characters and non-stop action, I recommend COLD LIGHT OF DAY TO READERS of Christian romantic suspense who enjoy a grittier storyline set in “The Land of the Midnight Sun.”

Wow! What a great story! The setting of Alaska was so amazing and I loved that!

I also loved the mystery behind the characters and that opening chapter.

Very well done!

My friends and I interviewed Elizabeth Goddard about this title at StoryChats here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8oCSZDZVag&t=31s

I like Goddard's romantic suspense stories. This is only my 2nd or 3rd but they have all the ingredients of top shelf rom/suspense stories: fast pace, multiple plot lines, fascinating lead characters who have chemistry and a thrilling run to the end of the story!

Autumn Long is the acting police chief having taken over from her father in the small Alaskan town of Shadow Gap. There's not usually a lot of crime in this small town until now! This happens to coincide with the mysterious Grier Brenner who Autumn has an attraction to. Who is this guy? And what's he doing in her town?

It's not long before Grier and Autumn's worlds collide in the form of some baddies who have arrived, for what purpose, no one's quite sure. But people are being killed, all in a similar fashion, and Autumn is determined to stop these killers. If she can find them.

It's a thoroughly enjoyable story that keeps you guessing and I found it easy to keep turning pages. Both Autumn and Grier have backstories that we want to discover and Goddard keeps us wondering about both until it's the right time to reveal them.

I enjoyed the chemistry between our two leads and they're good characters. The supporting cast are strong: Tanya, Nolan, Autumn's dad and Hank. I also enjoyed having a couple of dogs having solid parts.

We don't see a lot of the bad guys but we do eventually discover what it is they want and why. Goddard is clever how she weaves Autumn and Grier's backstories into the story and the objectives of the bad guys. Some of the action is a bit clunky but that doesn't detract from the overall story.

I'm looking forward to the next story in the series.

I feel fortunate to have received an early ebook copy from Revell via Net Galley with no expectation of a favourable review.

New author to me, a romantic suspense that you could comfortably recommend for fans of the genre . Will keep an eye out for book two .

This book left a lot to be desired unfortunately. . . I was floundering to keep up with the confusing plot and the mystery was overly twisty which took the enjoyment from what would usually be a good mystery The characters had no chemistry whatsoever and felt forced together and frankly, I liked their characters better when they were platonic. The setting was beautiful and I love a good Alaska survival story which is what drew me to this book, Goddard's descriptions are incredibly lifelike and I did enjoy that aspect of Cold Light of Day. Overall, not a new favorite for me unfortunately

What a great start to a new series! Police Chief Autumn Long is fighting the town council for her job. The main guy who is gunning for her wants his nephew in the position, and the recent crime wave in the community gives him plenty of ammunition. Can she solve the mystery surrounding the unexplained murders, when she can't even trust all of the officers she works with?

Grier Brenner came to Shadow Gap to get lost, but he can't help stepping in when someone is in trouble. Finding a woman about to drown in the Alaskan bay, he swims to her rescue, putting himself further on Chief Long's radar. He knows she's under fire for the crime wave that seems to be sweeping through the town, but helping her endangers the anonymity that is keeping him alive. Can he use his skills to help her, while remaining in the background?

As the body count mounts and Autumn grows closer to Grier, will their relationship be the final blow that destroys her career, or will it be the catalyst that takes down the killer in their midst?

This book begins a series, so it left a few storylines a bit open ended, but overall, it can be read as a standalone. There is non-stop action, intrigue, and some definite attraction between Autumn and Grier, so there's plenty for the suspense reader, and the romance reader to enjoy.

I loved being in the world of Shadow Gap. Chief Autum was a wonderfully developed character who we saw battle her way through various situations and come out stronger. I love how she challenged herself and came through the situations on top but not without struggle. I felt all the characters were connected well and the storylines flowed. It was enjoyable to see her relationship with her father as the previous police chief and how he tried to keep her safe.

The storyline with her mom and the resolution with it was joyful and one of the best parts of the book. I loved that at the end of some of the chapters it left you completely on edge and guessing what would happen.

This was such a good book with lots of suspense, action and mystery. I love books set in Alaska and this one was a read that kept me interested all of the way though. Great storyline and characters, too!

An action packed read that kept me on the edge of my seat with all of the twists and turns.

A great start to a brand new series from one of my favorite suspense authors. Autumn Long is the police chief in small town Alaska working hard to stay on top of the sudden influx of crime and bodies being found, all while a local dissenter is gunning for her job. I admired her faith and determination to keep pushing despite everything that seems to be working against her.

Grier is looking to keep a low profile, but he he can't stand idly back and not help Autumn when she asks. But his secrets are putting them all at risk.

A high stakes read with non-stop action, great characters development and non-stop action throughout. I loved how the book kept me enthralled and holding on tight to find out what would happen next. I will warn readers that if more grisly suspense reads are not your thing, then be warned there are a fair amount of murders, bodies found, and intense moments.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this thrilling adventure and I can't wait to see what comes next in the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Cold Light of Day was a great romantic suspense novel that keeps the reader guessing from beginning to end. There were a lot of twists and turns which made it impossible to figure out the ending. Who of the characters can be trusted? Who are the bad guys? It is anyone’s guess. The description of Alaska was amazing. I felt like I was there .
Full disclosure that I almost didn’t finish this book. It did not catch my attention at the beginning. But I kept reading because I felt obligated since I had received a free copy from NetGalley. The first few chapters are focused on the feelings of the two main characters as they were attracted to each other. And that just didn’t hold a lot of interest to me. But wow- I am so glad I continued reading because it was nonstop action once things starting rolling. So the reader who appreciates romance will be thrilled. But Cold Light of Day will be equally savored by those who like an action packed suspense novel.

Posted on BN , Amazon, Goodreads

Cold Light of Day was an amazing read! I was hooked from the start and had a hard time putting it down. The angst is there and it's very intense with non-stop action. Author Elizabeth Goddard is a new author for me and I know I want to read more of her books and series she's written.

The story takes place in a small Alaskan town called Shadow Gap. It's a place where people go to relax, get away from the hustle and bustle of life, and hide away. Police Chief Autumn Long has a lot going on in her small town. City council members want her fired and there are many unsolved crimes popping up around her. Grier Brenner has found Shadow Gap a good place to hide away while figuring out a mystery. Grier gets involved in helping Autumn solve several mysterious deaths and tracking down the criminals.

This book doesn't give you much rest as things happen quickly from one event to the next. There is a perfect balance between great characters, descriptive writing with vivid details that transport you to cold Alaska, and a fabulous slow-burn romance. I love this author's writing style and how easily readers connect to the characters and jump into the plotline. Even knowing the outcome of Cold Light of Day, this romantic mystery-suspense is one I loved so much that I'm excited to read it again.

Police Chief Autumn Long in Alaska is having trouble hanging onto her job. One council member wants his nephew to have the job. All of a sudden, the small town has a near drowning victim; 3 murdered bodies and stranger in town.
Grier is in town hiding out and is supposed to keep a low profile. Grier has made lots of friends in town and the Chief is one of them. He seems to show up when there is police work to be done.
It seems all the murder victims; the downing victim and her father the former police chief being shot are all tied together and also tied to Autumn and Grier.
I loved all the twist and turns of this book. Can't wait for the next one.

Cold Light of Day
by Elizabeth Goddard
Pub Date 07 Feb 2023
Revell
Christian | Mystery & Thrillers | Romance


For the purpose of this review, Revell and Netgalley provided me with a copy of Cold Light of Day:





Autumn Long, the police chief in Shadow Gap, struggles to keep her job after an unexpected string of criminal activity leaves her with a wounded officer, unexplained murders, and her own father attacked. Despite her mistrust of outsiders, Autumn turns to Grier Brenner, a newcomer who seems to have the skills and training she needs.




When Chief Long enlists Grier's assistance, he is in Alaska for the same reason so many others are--to disappear. He emerges from the shadows and proves his mettle, but his presence in her life could prove deadly. In the event that his secret is revealed, everything will be lost. Even Autumn may not be able to save him.



To extinguish the deadly threats, Autumn and Grier must rely on each other as stakes rise and dangers mount.


I give Cold Light of Day five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

The details of the beautiful setting and diving were expertly written. Perfectly planted seeds of past stories from these amazing characters I wanted to know more about. The author definitely knew what she was doing. I had to keep reading until it all was revealed.

Elizabeth Goddard is a master-woman of bringing a small town on a thrill ride of any reader's life. You'll feel that tingly feeling deep in your veins over the body count and methods of deceit.


Autumn's character is well-written and completely realistic in her reactions to the chain of events. I loved how her past was unfolded before us in bits and pieces, the scenes bringing a mountain of emotions for everything she's overcome. Grier is such a phenomenal hero and adds a new layer of depth to their relationship beyond romantic. As for the secondary characters, I'm amazed at how much Goddard could make you feel for people without having a lot of information on them. Like a puzzle piece, each one pulls the main picture together.


As soon as you get a few pages in, you'll want to clear your schedule for the rest of the day because this book is all-consuming! The suspense keeps you on your toes and the romance is soft - like a breeze that shows up at precisely the right moments. Even with all of the atrocious activity going on, this is a place I could see myself wanting to escape to as well. I couldn't put this down and absolutely can't wait for the next book!

Cold light of Day by Elizabeth Goddard was a rip-roaring ride from start to finish. The mystery, murder and mayhem was constant. A page-turner you don’t want to miss!!

I was given a complimentary copy by the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.

What a start to a new series!!!

There is so much excitement - not all of it happy, mind you - going on in Shadow Gap, Alaska. I had a hard time puzzling it all out, so I was left with nothing else to do but to just keep devouring pages... until the last page was turned!

Now I can't wait for the next book, Shadows at Dusk, to be released!

If you enjoy books by authors such as Natalie Walters or Lynette Eason, you're sure to love Cold Light of Day!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Gripped me from the prologue and did NOT let go until the end. Loved the faith content, the pacing, the atmosphere, and the twists. Looking forward to more from this author!

Escaping to Alaska sounds like fun until people follow.
The connection between Autumn and Grier is apparent at the start and develops throughout the story. The adventure was page-turning worthy and I stayed up late to find out what happens next.
Excited for the next installment


Thank you NetGalley, Revell, and Elizabeth Goddard for this advance read.
#ColdLightofDay #NetGalley.