OH MY GOODNESS THIS BOOK TORE MY HEART OUT!!! RTC ( )

Shaken is the debut novel from Kariss Lynch. As such, it is a little of what you’d expect from a first time author — perhaps a little stiff stylistically, the characters a little too good – but their are a lot of positives that kept this reader turning the pages. Lynch’s passion for her subject and the excellent research create a really good book. I expect really good things from Kariss Lynch in the future.

Kaylan is a new college graduate set to change the world. She goes to Haiti with her best friend, Sara Beth, determined to make an impact on the impoverished residents of the slums. Met with hostility from the local voodoo practitioner and the overwhelming obstacles of a country filled with despair and desperation, she still embraces the challenges. But then the earthquake hits, and Kaylan’s world is changed.

There are a lot of positives in Shaken. Kaylan and her love interest, Navy SEAL, Nick, are both wounded by their traumatic experiences. Their reactions to the traumas are realistic. Their romance is also very sweet. I loved Nick’s sacrificial nature. Many of the secondary characters, including Rhonda the Haiti aid worker, Kaylan’s grandfather, and Abe the Haitian interpreter, speak truth to Kaylan at a time when she needs it. Lynch shows how God works through circumstances and others to grow us into what He has planned. Lynch also does a good job of bringing the reader to the devastation of the earthquake in Haiti. Nick’s SEAL mission seemed a bit out of place, but I suspect it will be a main feature in the next book of the series.

Filled with romance, suspense and a strong faith message, Shaken is a good debut for Kariss Lynch.

Recommended.

(Thanks to Booketeria for my review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )