There's nothing more terrifying than feeling like your daughter's in danger at Christmas time. But that does make for page turning suspense because you keep turning pages because you can't wait to find out what happens.

I didn't like the tone of this book from the very start. I like many of the love inspired suspense series but I just couldn't get into this one. The characters just didn't inspire me to want to read it when there are so many other books to read. I didn't finish this one so my review isn't fully valid. I just didn't want to read it.

This book is full of non-stop action, drama, and suspense. It's well written and hooks you on the first page. Once you start reading it, you can't put it down. If you are looking for a clean romantic suspense, grab this book!
I received a complimentary copy from Harlequin - Romance | Love Inspired Suspense via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Taken at Christmas grabbed my interest in the beginning pages and held my interest throughout. It was heavy on the suspense and mystery and lighter on the romance. I am not complaining with the sentence previous to this one. I love a good mystery/suspense. I love it even more when I don’t have to read through swearing and highly sexual writings. The storyline was thought - provoking and it showed how ptsd can really affect not only the person that struggles with it but how it affects all those around them. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced peek at this book. Opinions are my own.

This is the first book in the Trinity Investigative Team series centering on Hayden and Mia. There is a lot of redundancy in the back story but overall it is a good story of redemption and second chances. Plenty of action and twists to keep your interest!

I am learning that this author is excelling in writing exceptionally good faith based Christian suspense books that I love to read! Mia, an ex-deputy, is horrified to discover danger to herself and her young daughter at Christmastime. With the threat of murder, her late husband's best friend steps in to help keep them safe without destroying Christmas and all the traditions important to the little girl. The danger starts early and does not let up! Cana there possibly be a happy ending?
I appreciate being allowed to read this book, compliments of the editors. The views expressed are my own.

Taken at Christmas was the first book in a start of a new series. I absolutely loved it! It is a friends to more love story. I absolutely love those because their history is already established, making thr story feel more real! This book had me guessing story every turn. I look forward to reading more about the characters in the story!

Taken at Christmas is written by Jodie Bailey. I am a huge fan of this author and was super excited to read this. This is book one in the Trinity Investigation Team series. Mia Galloway is a former deputy. She has adopted a little girl and finds herself being assaulted at a Christmas Parade. It becomes clear that someone is after her daughter. Enter investigator Hayden McGrath. He is her late husband's friend. He arrives right on time. Together they need to try and keep Ruthie safe.

Mia is dealing with some crippling panic attacks. She was one of the first to respond to the scene of her husband's murder. However, the mama bear in her is fierce. I loved seeing her grow throughout the book.

This book is packed full of action and suspense. The blend of suspense and romance is perfect.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

Mia is assaulted at the Christmas parade and she is convinced someone is trying to kidnap her adopted daughter. Her deceased husbands best friend, Hayden, has been helping her since her husband was murdered in a robbery gone wrong. Mia, her husband, and Hayden were police officers. Mia and Hayden came upon the robbery where her husband was killed. They both are having difficulties forgetting that. As the story progresses, are more attempts to kill Mia and kidnap her daughter. Hayden will do anything to protect them both. This was a great mystery that I didn't figure out till the end of the book.

I was given this book by Love Inspired Suspense via Net/Galley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

Time is running out for Mia and Hayden….can they figure out what is going on before it is too late?
Suspense
Romance
Kidnapping
PTSD
Grief
Mental health issues
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I enjoyed the storyline. The suspense is fast and exciting. The story is well written, the characters are fleshed out well. I did feel the romance was a little light though, but other than that, a good read.

While a good murder mystery I think to much focus was put on Mia's PTSD. It overshadowed the story for me.

Mia Galloway is a widowed single mother to her adopted daughter Ruthie. When things start happening to her, it seems that not only is she the target but so is her four-year-old daughter. Even though she is a former military and deputy sheriff, she has to lean heavily on her best friend Hayden McGrath.

Hayden, the best friend to her late husband, Keith, and Ruthie's godfather, is a large part of their lives. Hayden, who also holds the same credentials as Mia, works as a private investigator and has the skills and resources to help. Being in such tight quarters during this ordeal has forced Mia and Hayden to evaluate their feelings for each other.

Mia has PTSD and suffers from panic attacks. Bailey either has experience in this area or researched because you can truly feel Mia's fear. Ruthie was a well-written four-year-old. She had temper tantrums and needed frequent reminders from Mia and Hayden about her behavior. It was nice that she was written as a real child and not a perfect angel.

Hayden's character was good. His entire life revolves around Mia and Ruthie, leaving him without one of his own. In some ways, Hayden's grief over Keith's death overshadowed Mia's. The author did a wonderful job of connecting his grief with the suspense and romance.

I had some issues with the suspense. The book was action-packed from beginning to end but there were no characters to hint at the perpetrator’s identity or to mislead and add intrigue. While a unique ending, it felt tacked on to the end of the romance making the suspense portion feel anticlimactic.

𝑻𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒕 𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒎𝒂𝒔 is well written and researched with enjoyable characters.

I enjoyed this friends to love story. It had sweet affection, suspense, and a spirited child that I could relate with raising. The honesty of dealing with trauma, and how it affects one in the aftermath was relatable. . Due to my schedule it took me a few days to read, but based on your schedule could be a one sitting read.

Taken at Christmas by Jodie Bailey is a romantic suspense occurring during the Christmas season. The book is well written and has a good mystery. Personally, I had trouble relating to Mia. Her PTSD and personal struggles overwhelmed the storyline for me. She was a victim for 95% of the story. If you enjoyed drama and angst, you will probably enjoy her character and struggles.
There is also a faith element to the story.
The author did a good job with the mystery and suspense. It is a good story it just wasn’t for me.

This quick read is perfect for this time of year with a Christmas setting and a length that is manageable amid the holiday rush. Readers will be easily sucked into the story because who can't empathize with a mom whose child is threatened and in danger. Fortunately, Mia Galloway has a great support system in place, including her late husband's best friend and his coworkers at Trinity Investigations. Even with that, Mia continues to wrestle with PTSD following her husband's murder. The situation unfolding this holiday season is almost more than she can bear. The author does a wonderful job of demonstrating how Mia's relationship with Christ, while fraught with anger over her husband's death, is essential in aiding her to cope and to hang on to her sanity. The story is realistic and addresses mental health issues from trauma and unrealized expectations. Unfortunately, for the most part, it is actually something that one would not be surprised to see play out on the evening news.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Taken at Christmas from Love Inspired via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

I do not believe I have ever flown through a book so quickly. I was hooked from the first chapter. The action was non-stop. The mystery was very well written and kept me on my toes as I tried to solve the mystery myself.

Mia's story will bring you to tears. Now she is in danger, which means her daughter is also in danger. All of this is only adding to her psychological stress and fears. Hayden McGrath is a great friend and has been there for her since the loss of her husband, who also happened to be Hayden's best friend. He promises to keep both of them safe until they can find the culprit while also fighting his growing feelings for his best friend.

It was a quick paced mystery set at Christmas. But it was also story of healing and admitting vulnerabilities while also letting go of guilt. This faith infused romantic mystery was gripping and left me wanting me more of the Trinity Investigative Team. I look forward to more installments in this series.

Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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.