Member Reviews
I love reading one of Elizabeth Goddard’s books. She is a great writer And this last one that she has written is a winner in every way. I love the spunky heroine who is dedicated to her job as police chief, she knows that she has an enemy on the city council and her father is no help with his drinking. And then comes alone Grier Brenner and he has such a way about him plus he is very good looking but she knows that he is not who he claims to be. She knows that he will not stick around very long in Alaska. He’s just one of those that have come here to hide out. So she stamps down any attraction that she feels for him. Added to that is several murders, something that just does not happen in her town. You’ll be flipping through the pages to see what happens next. If you are a romantic suspense reader you will absolutely love this book…….I was given a complimentary copy of Cold Light of Day. My grateful thanks to the author and publisher. My review is entirely my own opinion.
"You're here now, in this place and in this position, because God put you here. You need to believe that and know you're the exact person needed for this hour" (location 3618). Though I'm sure she doubted it as the body count began to rise and her job is threatened, Autumn relentlessly pursues the perpetrators so she can keep her town safe. The question is...which side does Grier belong on? He always seems to show up at the crime scene without being called.
The action is intense. There are several mysteries percolating. There were parts that made me want to scream. "Don't get on the train!" I enjoyed the people and look forward to getting to know them more in the next book. It was a great start to a new series. I can't wait to read the next one.
Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Elizabeth Goddard’s new series is off to an explosive start! Autumn Long's job is already on shaky footing due to political pressure when a crime wave hits her small community. Alaska is an unforgiving place - the tough terrain makes it easy to go missing, and the wilderness is the perfect place to hide.
Grier knows that all too well, as he is there to hide from people in his past who want him dead. As he slowly trusts Autumn with more of his story, it turns out his past is intertwined with hers in a way neither of them could have imagined. Both their lives are on the line as danger closes in. Secrets, betrayal, and corruption all play a role in this fast-paced, wild ride of a story. I can’t wait to return to Alaska in the next book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, Revell!
This was definitely a fast-paced story and intriguing, but a little more confusing than I would have liked. The setting in beautiful, rugged Alaska captured my attention, as did the main characters. The ending was satisfying and wrapped up the story nicely.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for review purposes, but all opinions are my own.
~3.5 stars~
'Cold Light of Day' is an intense, action-packed suspense set in the normally peaceful, small-town community of Shadow Gap, Alaska. The author beautifully utilizes descriptive imagery to describe the lofty, snow-capped mountains, glaciers spilling into the waterways, and forests exploding into a multiplicity of colors—oh, how I long to visit!
Autumn Long is a strong woman and the capable police chief of Shadow Gap—the chemistry and romantic tension between her and hero, Grier Brenner, is so palpable you can cut it with a knife. I never got too attached to the other characters—they were simply just.....there.
I'm not a huge admirer of a lot of "shoot 'em up bang bang", but 1/3 of the way through the book there were already quite a few bullets whizzing by...some hitting their targets. However, truly a well-written, exciting read that appears to be a fan favorite. Looking forward to her next novel which promises to be just as exhilarating!
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a favorable review.*
4.5 stars This is book one in the Missing in Alaska series, so what a great place to start. This book is full of mystery, intrigue, romance and so much more. I look forward to reading more from this series. We get to know small town Alaska and how many who want to be lost and start over like to go. Like Grier, whom I just fell in love with, finds himself doing things he really should not but just can't help himself. Police Chief Autumn Long is not sure what to do with Grier, and when her small Alaskan town is finding dead bodies, all while she is fighting to keep her job, she must trust someone. I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion.
Hats off to Elizabeth Goddard for this deeply satisfying Christian romantic suspense novel! It will hit a warm spot for fans who enjoy mystery and suspense while fighting the bad guys. From my warm home, I really enjoyed the beautiful setting described, especially the aurora borealis! Police Chief Autumn Long steps into her retired father's job and struggles to keep focus there, while political opponents raise barriers. This is especially challenging due to the dramatic rise in serious crimes. Why are so many people found dead and who is responsible? She notices a newcomer, secretive Grier Brenner, and senses that he is trouble. Yet he is respected in town for saving the lives of several residents. He is hiding in this small town for a reason. Also, can there be more to the story about Autumn's mother's death? How the story comes together is masterfully written!
I appreciate being able to read this reader's advanced copy from the publishers. My thoughts are my own honest opinions.
This was a thrilling, on the edge of your seat, clean action and suspense story set in a small Alaskan town. I enjoyed getting to know Police Chef Autumn and her family, along with characters Grier, Hank, and their dogs.
I absolutely loved the clean suspense storyline, characters and Alaska setting. I cannot wait to read more from this amazing, non stop action series! Once you start reading, you won’t want to stop! I can’t say enough good things about this book!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
This is the first installment in Goddard's Missing in Alaska series. If it's any indication, it's going to be a great series!
Police chief Autumn Long is an interesting character who's easy to root for and connect with in this action-paced story. I really enjoyed the small-town Alaskan setting (and it makes me want to visit!). There's just the right amount of clues to keep the reader guessing. While there is a romance angle, it's not overpowering. Characters are flawed, which makes them relatable. There's a faith element woven throughout, with a key reminder being that God has a purpose for each of us, and it's better than we can imagine.
One of my favorite quotes: “God put you here. You need to believe that and know you’re the exact person needed for this hour.”
Cold Light of Day by Elizabeth Goddard is a high octane thriller that takes the reader to a small Alaskan town where criminals suddenly crawl out of the woodwork; and murderers, kidnappers and newcomers vie for the Police Chief's attention. As the body count rises, who will be left standing is no sure thing!
Elizabeth Goddard has written an intricately woven story with significant attention to detail as her characters face off against each other. Who is Grier Brenner, good guy or criminal? Autumn Long has her own headaches with a politically motivated campaign to oust her from her position as police chief. Tossed together, will they find the answers both so desperately need or will they sink into a mire of deceit before uncovering the truth?
5 stars
Autumn takes her duties as police chief seriously and when a series of events causes trouble in her small Alaskan town she draws on the help of Grier who knows how to handle such a situation. Grant has left his old life behind but feels drawn to help Autumn out even though it could cause trouble for both of them. Each day as the draw closer to finding out what is really going on they must depend on each other even more.
I really liked the characters in this book and it had enough twists and turns to keep you reading. I look forward to seeing what happens next in this series.
I saw the cover of the book several months ago and have been anticipating this read ever since and let me tell you it did not disappoint.
This is the first book in a new series by Elizabeth Goddard, called Missing in Alaska. There is something special about books taking place in Alaska, it’s such a beautiful place, you need severe weather preparedness, avalanches can happen, and things can be hidden in the snow.
Our main character is a woman Police Chief, Autumn Long. She is desperately trying to hold onto her job, but she has a lot going against her and in her town.
There’s a stranger in town, he seems to be following her turning up everywhere she is, the criminal activity increases, and her father is almost fatally wounded.
Is it connected to the stranger’s appearance or just a coincidence?
A brilliant and cleverly written novel. I have long enjoyed the author’s writing style; she hooks you right from the start of the book and keeps you well entertained.
I eagerly look forward to the next book in this series.
Pub Date: 07 Feb 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
I love a romantic suspense from Elizabeth Goddard. The books I have read are always set amidst stunning natural beauty. In Cold Light of Day, the reader is transported to the panhandle of Alaska, home to deep fjords, a rain forest, and the wildness that is only found there. I visited Alaska almost 4 years ago, and this novel brought back all the images and memories of my trip. Of course, I didn’t encounter anything like main characters Grier and Autumn did. LOL. Autumn is the chief of police of small town Shadow Gap, a normally quiet place. Although many come there to escape or disappear, danger doesn’t usually follow them. Not the case in this book. The action starts from the very beginning and doesn’t let up. Bullets fly and bodies start to pile up. Added to the challenges facing Autumn is small-town politics that seeks to undermine her position. Luckily she has the very heroic and mysterious Grier to help her. I liked that they worked as unofficial partners — Autumn can certainly hold her own! At first I had no idea what was going on, and neither did the characters. Goddard does a good job of leaving clues along with the many twists. In addition to the action-packed suspense there’s a well-balanced romance. As with all of Goddard’s books, faith has a strong presence, but don’t worry about this book being preachy. The characters’ journeys are natural and unforced. Reconciling one’s past with hope for a future is a strong theme.
Cold Light of Day delivers what fans of romantic suspense want — characters to love and root for, a twisting plot to keep you guessing, and a promise of happily-ever-after (with some bumps along the way 😉 ).
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Cold Light of Day
Elizabeth Goddard
3.5 stars
Autumn Long is fighting to keep her job as Police Chief in her quiet Alaska town of Shadow Gap. An unexpected uptick in criminal activity leaves her understaffed while investigating murders and even an attack on her own father. Though normally wary of outsiders, she turns to newcomer Grier Brenner, who seems to have the skills and training needed to help her face this threat to her community.
Grier is in Alaska for one reason--to disappear. When Chief Long requests his help, he agrees, but his presence could be deadly for both of them. If his secret is exposed, he's not sure even Autumn could save him.
We found this story slow-moving at first with a lot of backstory being introduced. However, it did keep us guessing until the final pages with surprising twists. It showed how devastating family held secrets can be on the self-image of a child into adulthood. However, it also illustrated how God can take our pasts and weave them into a promising shared future. Goddard created a resilient female lead and a strong male counterpart who was willing to support while privately protecting.
We received an advance copy from the publisher. This is our honest review.
Cold Light of Day by Elizabeth Goddard is a brilliant and captivating novel. The main character Autumn is at risk of losing her job as police chief, but none of it matters because she is wrapped up in solving cases and protecting her community. The plot and villains in this novel were really unique. Readers of romantic suspense will love this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
Cold Light of Day is going to be one of my top reads for 2023. It has all the best in suspense with a remote location in Alaska, past secrets and a little romance.
Police Chief Autumn Long has taken over her new job from her father in Shadow Gap, Alaska. It is usually a small town of little violence until dead bodies start piling up and Autumn needs to find out how the murders are connected to each other, and to her! New resident Grier keeps showing up to help her and seems to have more knowledge than an average citizen in police work. Together they learn the secrets in town-and each other's.
I am looking forward to the second book in the series. As an Alaskan, I was impressed to the details that the author got correct, many don't!
I received a complimentary copy of this book thanks to Revell and NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.
I have come to expect an action packed, suspenseful romance story with plot twists each time I read one of Ms. Goddard’s books and this book did that and more. The pacing was perfect and the mystery behind the newcomer, Grier, kept me guessing throughout the story. Who really was he? How did he play a part in what was happening?
Chief of Police Autumn Long is “beautiful, tough, and determined”. She needed to believe that God put her at Shadow Gap for a reason and that she was the exact person needed for their town to solve this case. Her perseverance led to an exciting and satisfying ending.
The secondary characters of Grandpa Ike and Birdy as well as Hank add an extra dimension to the story. I hope I get to see more of them in future books. If you enjoy books by authors Lynette Eason, Lisa Phillips, and Susan Sleeman, you are going to love this.
I received an advanced reader copy of the book. I was not expected to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I love reading new series. This one did not disappoint. I really enjoy Elizabeth Goddard’s writing style. She hooks the reader in from the get-go and then keeps us turning the pages from start to finish. I’m disappointed that it’s over and I have to wait for the next in the series, but it will be worth the wait. I thought she developed the characters really well and the suspense, mystery and a touch of romance was the perfect blend. There was nothing predictable about this novel and that is another aspect of it that I really enjoyed. I am definitely waiting with excitement for the next in the series.
I was given this book as a complimentary copy but was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
STAYING UNDER THE RADAR
Cold Light of Day, the first book in Missing in Alaska, may be one of the best books Elizabeth Goddard has written, and I’ve read a lot of them.
Autumn Long, police chief of Shadow Gap, Alaska is under scrutiny from the city council due to a council members vendetta. Now there seems to be a crime spree, murders and abductions.
Grier Brenner is in Alaska to hideout and is trying to stay under the radar. Circumstances bring them together and he is trying to help keep her safe.
Suspense, mystery and romance all in one, who can resist. Elizabeth hits it out of the ballpark with this one, I loved it and can’t wait for the next one, only bad thing about a series is the waiting.
I received a complimentary copy and have reviewed it voluntarily.
Cold Light of Day is a great start to this brand new series from Elizabeth Goddard! Grier Brenner came to Alaska to disappear, but he didn’t count on the unforgettable police chief Autumn Long or the crime spree in peaceful Shadow Gap. With danger all around, is it his past haunting them? Or hers?
Fast-paced and with a complicated suspense story to keep you guessing, you’re not going to want to put this one down! Autumn is smart and determined and fights the good fight despite all the forces out to derail her. And Grier is mysterious in the kind of way where you know he’s a good guy, but man, you just want to keep reading to find out why he’s hiding out in a cabin in Alaska.
The characters are complex, the suspense is exciting, and Grier and Autumn’s romance is sweet and forged in the fire. Goddard delivers everything the romantic suspense reader is looking for, set against the stunning backdrop of Alaska.
I also loved the overall theme of Justice, Mercy, and Humility based on Micah 6:8.
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my copy of this book. I was not asked to leave a positive review and my opinions are my own.