Taken at Christmas by Jodie Bailey is the first book in the Trinity Investigative Team series. I found Taken at Christmas to be an emotional and suspenseful story. I thought the characters were realistic. Mia is a strong woman, but her husband’s death took a heavy toll on her. She has yet to recover and fears that something could happen to her daughter, Ruthie. Her fears are keeping her a prisoner. Hayden was Keith’s (Mia’s husband) best friend, and he is a constant in Mia and Ruthie’s life. You can tell that there is chemistry between Hayden and Mia, but it is something the pair are not acknowledging for varied reasons. There is tension between Mia and Hayden, but there is affection as well. Mia needs to get better, but it is hard to do when you are fighting for your life and trying to keep your child safe. Hayden struggles with feelings of guilt and grief over the death of his best friend. There is suspense, mystery, and a touch of romance. Taken at Christmas is an inspiring and suspenseful story about facing your fears, having faith despite doubts, having courage, finding a way forward, and opening your heart to love.

Taken at Christmas is a gripping blend of suspense and heartfelt emotion. Mia Galloway, a former soldier and deputy, is fiercely protective of her daughter, Ruthie, as they face a dangerous threat during the holiday season. However, Mia’s battle isn’t just external—she struggles with panic attacks stemming from the trauma of her husband’s death, adding a deeply personal dimension to the story.

At her side is Hayden, her late husband’s best friend, who has been a steady presence in her life. As danger intensifies, their connection grows, forcing them to navigate unresolved grief and the possibility of new love. Hayden becomes Mia’s anchor, offering support and safety as she pushes through her fears to protect her daughter.

This emotionally charged thriller explores themes of courage, resilience, and redemption, all set against a tense and chaotic Christmas backdrop. With compelling characters and a moving storyline, it’s a must-read for fans of suspense with emotional depth.

Mia is a young widow with a little girl. The death of her husband sent her life spiralling and suffering from severe PTSD. If it wasn't for their mutual friend Hayden....
Hayden's sole focus since his friend's death has been Mia and his goddaughter. He's in town for work when her life derails again. Someone is after her and her daughter. Will he be able to keep them safe? Who is responsible for everything? How does everyone react when they realize their feelings have changed? When will they be able to close her husband's case?
This book is part of an interconnected series. There is a HEA of sorts but it has some loose threads that will hopefully be tied up before the series ends.
I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.

(4.5)Book 1, always a great time to jump on board. I waffled with the honest human issues and emotion that Mia was dealing with, then I realized, its because it was honest, even though this is fiction I had gotten use to people being super human with a little emotion. Taken at Christmas gives you the raw, gritty dealings of panic attacks, second guessing and then the steel slivers through all the while dealing with faith, being angry at what the Lord keeps dumping on you. Her husbands best friend is dealing with his own issues, guilt and feelings of failure. As they struggle to find out who is after her and her adopted daughter you go on the journey with them. Surprise perp which makes it all the better. I am really looking forward to this series. #TakenatChristmas #TrinityInvestigativeTeam #JodieBailey #Harlequin #LoveInspiredSuspense #NetGalley

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This book gripped me from the first page, not just with suspense but with raw, messy emotion. Taken at Christmas is a perfect blend of thriller and heart, wrapped up in the kind of tense, thrilling, Christmas chaos that leaves you breathless. The thing is, Mia Galloway isn’t just dealing with someone wanting to harm her daughter, Ruthie—she’s fighting a silent battle inside her own head. The panic attacks she struggles with, lingering long after her husband's death, add a dimension to this story that’s rarely seen in thrillers. It’s not just about the danger outside—it’s about the fight to keep going, to keep functioning, even when your own mind feels like an enemy.

Mia’s not your typical damsel in distress. Sure, she’s tough—ex-soldier, former deputy—but it’s the way she tries to hold herself together despite the panic that truly shows her strength. And then there’s Hayden, her late husband’s best friend, who’s been a constant in Mia and Ruthie’s life. He’s steady, reliable—but there’s something else there, something more that neither of them is willing to admit, not yet. Their chemistry is just the right mix of tension and tenderness, especially as they navigate the emotional rubble of their shared past. It’s a tricky dance, balancing grief and new feelings, but Hayden is the rock Mia needs in the chaos of it all.

I loved how Bailey doesn’t shy away from the psychological weight Mia carries. The panic attacks weren’t just a plot device—they were part of who Mia was, influencing her decisions, her relationships, and ultimately her ability to protect Ruthie. Watching her push through those moments of fear was inspiring. And Hayden’s role in all of this? He protects them and he becomes Mia’s safe space, even when the world outside is trying to tear everything apart.

This story is about courage in the face of fear, faith in the middle of doubt, and healing in the midst of heartbreak. It’s about choosing to keep fighting for the things that matter, even when you don’t know how you’ll make it through. Jodie Bailey has a knack for crafting characters you can't help but invest in, and with Taken at Christmas, she introduces a heroine who instantly earns your support.

If you’re into stories that dig deep into the psychological and emotional side of suspense, Taken at Christmas will take you on a ride. It is a Christmas suspense story— a journey of strength, redemption, and the kind of love that holds on when everything else is falling apart. Grab your copy—you won’t be disappointed.

I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

Mia Galloway and ex-deputy is threatened and so is her adopted daughter. She turns to Hayden McGrath her best friend for protection. Hayden was her dead husband's best friend and is always there for her. Ruthie’s birth mother is found dead, and the threats keep coming; so he moves her to his home. They are tracked to Hayden's home and almost kidnap Ruthie, so they are moved again.
They more time they spend together they realize that there is more to their relationship then friends. Ruthie is abducted and now the hunt is on.

Taken at Christmas is another exciting Love Inspired Suspense from Jodie Bailey. After losing her husband in a violent crime 4 years ago, Mia has been living her life with a lot of fear; however, her best friend Hayden has been there for her since that horrible day. I loved reading this book and couldn’t put it down! Mia’s daughter is such a 4 year old…if you know what I mean! I loved seeing Hayden and Mia’s romance develop. They both felt that they were betraying Mia’s late husband since Hayden was his best friend, but they realized that life can’t stop when a loved one dies even though it does often feel that way. I appreciated the way the author dealt with Mia’s anxiety because it is very real! This inspirational romantic suspense has everything that I love: great characters, an exciting plot, romance, and page-turning suspense. I highly recommend it!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Taken at Christmas by Jodie Bailey snagged my attention from the first pages of the book. Within its well-written pages, I learned about a tragedy both former deputy, Mia Galloway, and her best friend and fellow officer, Hayden McGrath experienced. Yet their shared history threatens to keep them apart.

When Mia steps into the crosshairs of a potential killer, the two must work together as they attempt to outmaneuver an unknown enemy while protecting Mia’s young daughter from harm. Unexpected family ties, one woman’s death, and a kidnapping all create a read you won’t want to put down.
Taken at Christmas by Jodie Bailey may be the best Love Inspired romantic suspense novel I’ve read.
(You can pre-order the book on Amazon.)

Many thanks to NetGalley for sharing this book with me in exchange for an honest review.

This story had me at the edge of my seat with the suspense but also falling in love with the romance! The perfect balance!

When Mia is attacked and it seems that Ruthie , her daughter, is also in trouble Hayden has to step in and keep them safe. Hayden is Ruthies godfather, and Mia's late husband best friend. When Keith was murdered years prior Hayden stepped it up making himself a large part of their life. But now, someone is after Mia and Ruthie, and if he's honest with himself they ARE his life. But both Mia and Hayden are still full of grief and guilt over the loss of Keith. And now Ruthie is being targeted as well and its hard to juggle all that is going on. How can you heal , at the same time you are fighting for your life?! Add in feelings for each other that they don't want to acknowledge they have and it's a confusing time. But most important of all is to find out who is targeting them. So they can not only be safe, but finally slow down and plan for a future. Maybe together?!

Sweet, sweet story. I think this is the first book I've read by Jodie, but it won't be my last, I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Rated: 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5!

I received a complimentary copy. The review reflects my own opinion.

Taken At Christmas by Jodie Bailey
emotional medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0

It’s been a while since I’ve read a christian suspense so I enjoyed this one, even if some of the details hit a little close to home. I hope to read more by this author as the series continues.

This is a fast paced romantic suspense that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end. Though this is published as a Christmas story, I feel like Christmas is mentioned but isn't a focal point so this book can be read at anytime of the year. The story is intense and sad a times, but wraps up like you'd hope and expect a Love Inspired Romantic suspense book would wrap up.

This book has mentions of PTSD, murder and a person trying to take the main character Mia's adopted daughter Ruthie. Mia's husband was murdered many years before this took place and much of the PTSD that the two main characters experience is from the night of the murder.

For fans of romantic suspense, this is one to add to your TBR. It is a quicker read due to the length so may also check some boxes for readers that are looking for a shorter book. I

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Jodie Bailey knocked this one out of the park! Intense suspense and intrigue drew me in right away and didn't let go! Mia, a former soldier and cop, has been dealt a crippling blow when she lost her husband in a shooting. As a result, she deals with panic attacks while trying to raise her little girl, Ruthie. It's a daily struggle but with her best friend Hayden, a former cop turned investigator, she is working on building a new life. But suddenly the bottom drops out when she is supposed to meet a friend for lunch. Attacked and warned, Mia finds herself the target of a ruthless unknown. Can she and Hayden work together to find out who's behind the attack and subsequent threats? What will happen when Ruthie is threatened? You will definitely want to grab a copy of this Christmas mystery

Taken at Christmas, has such a compelling and tense psychological aspect with Mia’s panic episodes. This horrible mental and emotional hindrance played into her ability to keep her daughter, Ruthie safe. As an ex soldier and cop, she had the makings to be a strong female lead, and even as she struggles with the untimely death of her husband, she still manages to be strong, even if she doesn’t know it. She’s proof that sometimes us women are too hard on ourselves. Hayden was a tremendous support. I think mommy brains are different from soldier and cop brains, and he helped validate her feelings that she had every right too. When the unthinkable happened, the author’s writing style switched from action and amazingly descriptive car scenes to unimaginable pain. Super poetic and touching. Loved the talk with Noni. Ultimately, I recommend this story for fans of inspirational romance, suspense, mystery, and a good old fashioned whodunit. I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

Fast-paced, page turning action. Definitely kept me guessing as the plot twisted and thickened. Healing, faith, and trust in God woven into the story to show the characters reliance on God in the outcome.

Releases Nov.26th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

"Taken at Christmas" is a Christian romantic suspense. Mia has crippling panic attacks after responding to the scene of her own husband's murder. Hayden was Mia's husband's best friend, and Hayden and Mia had also worked together as deputies. They've grown close as they mourn her husband's death and now wonder if it's okay to even think about a relationship. They both supported each other and worked well together. The main characters were engaging and reacted realistically to events. The main suspense came from someone trying to kill Mia and someone trying to take her young, adopted daughter.

There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable romantic suspense.

Such an intriguing, grab you from page 1, doesn’t let you go book and you will find it hard to put down. Full of suspense, it was a very enjoyable book. This would make a great gift for someone just in time for Christmas. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. . It is scheduled to be released 11/26/2024 from the Harlequin Love Inspired suspense series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

Taken at Christmas is a well written romantic suspense. I enjoyed the edge of your seat plot. A good clean and quick read. I received an advance copy of the book from Netgalley and the publisher. This is my unbiased review.

This is a book where you will say, one more chapter and will get to the end of it, and need another one, and then all of a sudden the book is done!!!

This was a fast paced suspense story. I was engaged with the characters and the story line.

I loved how Hayden was so supportive of Mia and Ruthie but that he had such a great support system as well.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

An innocent child is at risk and it’s up to MIA and Hayden to keep her safe. Why would bad actors be after a child? And at Christmas?

Taken at Christmas is the first book in the Trinity Investigative Team series from Jodie Bailey. This has quickly become one of my favorites from Jodie. You will stay engaged from cover to cover.

I received an advanced reader’s copy from Harlequin/LIS and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.