I enjoyed this story alot, it was very well written and I liked both Casey and Dylan. I forsee more suspense in the next book, just because Casey doesn't seem the type to be able to keep herself from getting involved with people who are in need of help and will, of course, still be running from the law. A good beginning for this new series.

"If I Run" by Terri Blackstock was a well-written mystery and adventure. The moral messages, and hints of Christian thought throughout the story were in context. But, the end was an extreme turn-off. Not only was the assault by a person claiming Christianity brutal, but sickened me. Terri Blackstock bemoaned the treatment of Christians being beheaded for their beliefs. Historically, whole tribes and communities have been destroyed by Christians pushing an agenda of God, Gold and Glory. Sane people don't care what someone else believes unless that person violently tries to shove it on society. The "few persecutor thoughts" she shared was while telling us about her million dollar vacation was ridiculous and untrue. . If people who claim Christianity would read the Bible, they would find that this is not their kingdom it is not their home.. She could have fed and clothed an entire town with what she spent on that vacation. Sick and sad.

From the very first lines of this book I was hooked. That doesn't happen too often. I could not put the book down. It's a finish in one day type. I couldn't predict what would happen next at any point in the book! High action, adrenaline soaring, on the edge of your seat, feeling of terror looming, irony, sadness, love and loss all in one. I was rooting for Casey the entire time. I loved how it started out and you knew nothing but that she was on the run. As the story progresses you learn more and more and are ever increasingly hooked and wanting to find out what happens next. It's like a tv show or movie. The details are incredible. The character development is amazing. The amount of detail in relation to the setting is just right. Not too much not too little. It doesn't distract from the story or make you loose interest out of boredom. Love this book. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I received this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review

Great suspense, murder, mystery type book with a strong female. She is willing to do whatever it takes to prove she isn't crazy. The PI hired to investigate her may have bit of more than he thought when he uncovers more twists and turns.

This book was so-so. It made me frustrated that both Casey and Dylan always only looked in the one place the secret was hiding. That's not real mystery or real conflict. The word choice was so simple it seemed like this book was written for children. As a teenager I read a lot of Terri Blackstock because they were easy to read and not too scandalous, but now as an adult it doesn't quite hold up. And to top it all off the story doesn't even have a conclusion. She should have just added a couple hundred pages from the next book to make a complete story in this one. Combined with her rant of political views in the notes about the book (that have NOTHING to do with the story) I call this one a hard pass. One star.

I love a good mystery / thriller. I feel like that is something I need to say, because I read them. A lot. When I started this book, I didn't realize it was the beginning of a series. I'm glad I found out in the midst of reading that it was. I can see how someone who wasn't aware of that could be disappointed by an ending that leaves some questions.

This books narrative is shared by two main characters: Casey & Dylan. Both of whom are likable and the back and forth point of view provides a tension that may have been lost if the story was being told by only one person.

I am very excited to read book two of this If I Run series to see where Casey & Dylan take me next.

LOVED this book and could not put it down. I did not read the first book in this series but had no problems following the story of Casey who finds herself accused of the murder of her good friend Brent. As she runs the story unravels and also opens up another mystery of a missing girl in another town. The only thing I did not like was the religious stuff posted at end of book. I'm an atheist and that does not interest me at all. Not a deal breaker for the book though. Just an unnecessary chapter about abortions in the us and body parts being sold??? I did not read it after that sentence but the author lost some merit with me on that. Could have left that out. You will lose fans on your personal religious beliefs.

Casey Cox's world is turned upside down when she finds her best friend murdered, and within seconds she realizes that someone has set her up to take the fall for their crime. Knowing the police will be no help to her, since they have failed her in the past before, she decides the only logical thing for her to do now is run. Soon after she sets out on her journey, and things about her friends murder begin to get pieced together she realizes that the past she has tried so hard to let go of is once again reeking havoc on her life! Now she must decide if she is going to continue to run from her past, and stand up fight back...

When news of his friends murder hits his ears Dylan Roberts wants to help in any way he can, he wants to see the killer caught and punished for taking the life of his friend. So, when his friends family informs him that the local police department has limited resources and the killer has fled town, he offers up his services, and soon finds himself chasing down the woman accused of murdering his friend. He starts digging into the murder's past, but the more he digs the more he realizes things aren't quite what they seem, and someone is willing to go to great lengths to keep her from bringing the truth to light!

This spine-tingling read captured my attention from the very first page, and held it captive right up and until the last page was swiped... it was so addictive, I just could not put it down! This was my first read from this author and I have to say she made quite the first impression, her inventive story line kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through, and now I can't wait to get my hands on the second installment in the series to see how it will all end!! If you like your reads packed with edge of your seat action, and brimming with breath taking mystery then I highly suggest you give this one a try, it's sure to have you completely riveted from the first page!!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.

Decent read. I saw that it was a first in the series but forgot. So there was less of an ending as a result. I am beginning to hate series because I didn't like this enough to go onward, but liked it enough I would have continued reading if there was just more to the book. Does that make sense at all? Heh.

Really loved Casey and was drawn to her. Wasn't all that crazy about how it ended but then again definitely would get the sequel.

The opening is irresistible- how could this have happened. All points show her to be guilty, and obvious solutions are always preferable to really digging to find the truth.
She runs, not sure totally why she thought this was her only option. There is a kidnapping, a baby, a murder, a traumatized veteran tasked with bringing in the supposedly guilty party. Who not only has to figure out how to solve the case, but remain at large and one step ahead of the people who framed her.

It was kind of a fun story, but the religious overtones and subtext got more and more heavy handed as the story went along, It became choking at a certain point when crimes were described as sins, and other broad brushes.
The afterward was really hard to read, and spoiled the entire book for me.

If I want to read Christian stuff, I will find it myself and all that stuffed into the story made it more about proselytizing than story telling. I do not believe that Christians in the US are being victimized for discriminatory practices. Sheesh.

This is a totally new genre for me, a Christian-based suspense thriller. I received this advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review. At the time I requested it, I didn’t realize it was Christian-based or Part 1 of a series.

The story begins with Casey Cox making her way out of town, and we are wondering why. We soon find out she is wanted for the murder of her best friend, and we are then left wondering why she has a distrust of the police. To say any more would be to spoil the plot for you, so let’s just say this was well-written and suspenseful. It was actually quite refreshing to read a book without any profanity.

If I had known this was part of a series, I probably wouldn’t have requested it. Normally, I don’t like the endings and the feeling that you are compelled to buy the next book to see how it ends (or if there is another continuation, heaven forbid!). As for the Christianity theme, it was really very much in the background and not overwhelming. There are only two characters that are central in this theme, and one is not Casey. If this had been a character with a New Age outlook, no one would think twice.

This was a good-paced, suspenseful story, and overall an enjoyable read.

Casey knows the truth.

But it won’t set her free.

Casey Cox’s DNA is all over the crime scene. There’s no use talking to police; they have failed her abysmally before. She has to flee before she’s arrested . . . or worse. The truth doesn’t matter anymore.

But what is the truth? That’s the question haunting Dylan Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. PTSD has marked him damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him. Though the crime scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren’t adding up. Casey Cox doesn’t fit the profile of a killer. But are Dylan’s skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective? If she isn’t guilty, why did she run?

Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than he has, but as Dylan’s damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices. The girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.



* * * * *



I really enjoyed the first part of this book. Casey is smart, very smart, and she knows how to hide. Dylan was hired to bring her back to face murder charges but something just doesn't add up. The boot kept me engrossed and rooting for both of them.



And then about midway through the book, this became a Christian book where Dylan has his therapist pray over him. All of a sudden, he is leaving the outcome in the hands of God. What the heck?? This book wasn't listed in the Christian category so this out turn was a huge disappointment. I was further disappointed by the author's afterword where she is stating things as facts when they have already been proven false.



I really can't recommend this book as a romantic suspense or even a thriller. If it had been put in the proper category, I wouldn't even have picked it up for review.



*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

"If I Run" by Terri Blackstock is the first in a series (If I Run). I have read several of the author’s books and enjoyed them all, so I was eager to read this one. She did not disappoint with this Christian Fiction thriller. If you enjoy Christian Fiction as I do, but get tired of sweet, sappy, “everything always works out perfectly” books, give Terri Blackstock a try! She portrays real life in her books; therefore life is not perfect for her characters, Christian or otherwise. People actually die in her novels… even nice characters!
“If I Run” tells the story of Casey who decides to run after stumbling upon her best friend’s (Brent) body rather than call the police. She does not call the police because she does not trust them. Enter Dylan, an old childhood friend, who is hired by Brent’s parents to find her. After searching the crime scene, Casey’s apartment, the vicious stab wound descriptions and doing a bit of research to learn more about Casey, Dylan begins to believe that perhaps Casey did not commit this crime. Still, he is determined to find Casey and get to the bottom of his best friend’s murder. Casey expertly evades Dylan throughout the book, but it is very believable.

Yes, they are both Dylan’s best friend, but do not know each other. This is explained by Dylan’s service in the Army and deployment to Afghanistan.

The author expertly weaves Bible truths throughout her story. She discusses being able to depend upon God throughout life’s trials and tribulations: “Jesus never promised to erase his believers’ burdens, but he did vow to help carry them.” Loved the character of Miss. Lucy, her beliefs and background; super supporting character. She tells Casey that “The Lord sometimes uses sorrow in our lives to deepen us” and when Casey asks “why do we have to be deep?” She answers, “Because what good are we if we’re shallow? He can use us when we have some depth. He had sorrows, so why shouldn’t we?” Such lovely faith and devotion.

A great read that left me searching for the next book in the series (If I’m Found) which comes out on March 21, 2017. Notice the book covers when they are side by side as they make a cool larger picture. Be sure to read the note from the author at the end of the book!

Absolutely love everything about this book! I felt a connection with the characters which really makes a great story for me. The book is beautifully written and has stunning plot twists.

Casey's life has been hard since finding her father's lifeless body hanging from the ceiling fan. Her soul tormented each day she struggles to let anyone get too close but her love of people may cost her own life. Years later as evidence points to Casey as being the murderer of her best friend she leaves town as quickly as possible which sets her on a journey to find truth and maybe a little piece of her soul along the way..

I fogot I had this one. I will read it and put it togehter with a review of If I Am Found. I am so excited to have them to read. I will come back and post a link to my review.

How does a nice girl end up with blood on the soles of her Skechers, running from the scene of the murder of her best friend? Casey is on the run. After leaving the scene of the crime, cleaning herself up, packing some stuff from her apartment, and leaving a check for the rent, she cuts and dyes her long blond hair, throws away her phone, and starts running from justice. Thank heavens for TV cop shows and suspense novels. That’s how she learned to cover her tracks effectively, so effectively, she cannot be traced…. That is, until she tries to help someone else in trouble.

This is a fun story with twists and turns along the way. You’ll love Casey and her alter-ego, Dylan, the two narrators of the story. Both try to combat the ghosts that have filled their horrific pasts, in order to make a difference in the present.

This book was recommended to by a fellow book reviewer but I was unsure because I don't normally read suspense/ thrillers. All I can say is "WOW!" I was tapping my kindle pages so fast, I read it all in one sitting, without even a bathroom break! This book had me on the edge of my seat.
I loved all the twists and turns. I really liked how the author wove the introduction to faith into Casey's life.
I especially loved the surprise twist near the end. I can't say what it is without giving it away.
I am anxiously waiting for the sequel.

This is the first book i have read by this author and I can honestly say it won't be my last. So happy I was allowed the opportunity to read this book through Netgalley. Girl on the run for a murder she didn't commit. Who can she trust? Is there anyone she can trust? Girl meets a man on the run but not from the law more from his own feelings. Can she be saved through all of this or will he find himself caught up in trouble he doesn't know how to get out of? Such a thriller with suspense at each and every turn. Also, some heartwarming moments as well. Excellent read. I will be searching this author to find anything else written to read.