The second book in the Desert Justice series chronicles the lives of Mara Castillo and Levi Davis and their friends and family. This suspense novel includes a missing sister presumed dead, accidents, and more. A secret could claim Mara’s life. The author creates a compelling and suspenseful novel. I could not put this book down. This book grabbed and kept my attention from the very first page until the very last word on the last page.

Levi and Mara’s brother are best friends who go into business together owning a ranch. The horses and other animals Levi cares for at his ranch prove to be interesting and unexpected friends. Truly, this book creates a book worth reading.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but it in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

This is one book that I couldn’t put down. Oh I know people say that about a lot of books, but this one is different. It has elements of intrigue, secrets, surprises and yes a bit of romance. You put all those qualities together and you have a story that accelerates with each page. Get ready for a book that will have you bitting your nails, sitting on the edge of your seat or whatever you do when something you are reading gets your adrenaline going.

Imagine driving on the road with a family member and suddenly a shot shatters the windshield. You feel yourself losing control of the vehicle and then everything is dark. Mara is in for a shock as she tries to piece together what just happened. Is her brother okay? Does it have something to do with her missing sister? She remembers seeing someone just before she lost consciousness but her memory is clouded. The author illustrates with depth the sheer panic Mara feels as she awakens in a hospital bed.

Let’s talk about Mara and her past for a moment. She has not given up hope that her sister is still alive even though she has been missing for quite awhile. I think coming back to the town where her sister disappeared will once again give Mara a push to look for clues that the police might have overlooked. I loved this part of the story because I wanted Mara to get closure so she could at least find peace.

Levi was a great character but he sure has no business sense. Well maybe he just bit off more than he could chew. Trying to help his buddy out who just happens to be Mara’s brother does complicate things. Has he let his friend down? Can he save the ranch while helping Mara uncover a secret that has been hidden for years?

Their interaction was refreshing because it shows real emotions that anyone could have when unresolved issues stare them in the face. Oh yes these two could either walk away from each other once again, or they could find a way to forgive. I couldn’t wait to see how the author untangles the past as Mara and Levi work together to not only try to save the ranch, but expose someone who has caused a family to grieve.

I loved that the setting of the story is set in Death Valley with unforgiving terrain that is hard to adjust to. The author has definitely done her research by the description of the trails that horses travel and the feel of emptiness across the area. I think I would like to visit the place and learn more about its history.

Before I end the review I must give special recognition to three very special characters. Banjo, Rabbit and Tiny you have captured my heart and I loved every moment of your appearances in the story. Thank you for reminding me that animals are a gift.

Well my time is up and I hope I have enticed you enough to pick up a copy of this book. It will deliver excitement, danger, secrets and an ending that I was not prepared for.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

Mercy me! Missing in the Desert is a roller coaster ride that takes off at full throttle speed and never lets up! Author Dana Mentink has written a story with fascinating characters, intense action, and many questions needing to be answered. Who ambushed, and almost killed, Mara Castillo and her brother Seth? Why is Mara receiving clues that suggest that their sister may still be alive, even though she hasn't been seen in five years? Will Mara ever realize just how special Levi Duke really is? Levi, who has a steadfast devotion for Mara, Seth, and the menagerie of rescue animals at his Rocking Horse ranch, and is willing to put himself at risk to keep them safe!

Threats, danger, and hidden agendas add to the drama of Missing in the Desert, but the strong family connections and the sweet romance increase its appeal. I recommend this book to all who enjoy romantic Christian suspense.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author. I was never obligated to share a positive review. These are my own thoughts. ( )

What I think you should know:
Missing in the Desert by Dana Mentink is an Inspirational Romantic Suspense. It is the second book in the Desert Justice series. The series is contemporary and set near Death Valley. This book contains some of the same characters as the first book in the series , however it is a standalone. This book features Levi Duke and Mara Castillo.

What you might need to know:
Mara’s sister Corinne disappeared five years ago and was presumed dead after some of her clothes were found in the desert.

What I think about this book:
I seriously think that every book that Mentink writes is better than the last, just when I think things can’t get any better it does! The book starts with someone attempting to kill Mara and her brother Seth. While I don’t think I would enjoy Death Valley in real life I really enjoy reading about it! It is so easy to love Levi who is busy trying to not lose his ranch or his heart to the girl he has always loved. It was harder for me to like Mara who returns to Furnace Falls thinking Levi is a villain who is once again taking her brother away from his duty to his family. However as time passes she realizes that everything is not as it appears both with Levi and her sister Corinne who disappeared in Death Valley five years ago. This was such a great story that kept me on the edge of my seat as Levi and Mara faced unexpected danger as they sought the truth of who is out to kill Mara and why! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

“Was this real? Was she in the grip of a heinous nightmare?”

The second Desert Justice story by Dana Mentink, “Missing in the Desert,” shoots out of the gate with a gripping first chapter that sets the pace for the rest of this Love-Inspired Suspense installation. While technically it could be a stand-alone, I recommend reading “Framed in Death Valley” first; I did not have a chance to do so, and I think that if I had, I would have had a richer understanding of the relationships between the characters. Nevertheless, this did not at all detract from my enjoyment of this novel.

Suspense relies, naturally, on action and plot, but carefully developing the characters and how they interact with one another is likewise imperative. Mentink introduces them here in a rapid-fire style and then proceeds to explore them throughout the narrative, an effective technique that underscores the power of first impressions and demonstrates that people are not always as they appear. Everyone has something in their past that they regret, and for some, the past becomes the present. Five years after her younger sister Corinne disappears and is presumed dead, Mara Castillo reluctantly steps in to help Levi Duke on his ranch, only to find herself in the crosshairs of a killer. Her name stood out to me immediately, and as Naomi called herself Mara in Ruth 1:20, the forename is fitting here, also; Mara Castillo is bitter and sad about her circumstances at the beginning of the story, but as she begins to see things differently, her heart changes.

As a dog and horse lover, this cover caught my eye before I knew anything about the story itself. I enjoy the inclusion of the ranch animals in the narrative, often offering a bit of comic relief during or after tense scenes. For instance, in an amusing twist, Banjo the dog goes from stalwart guard to unlikely mother. The animals also signify the importance of home as a place of belonging, refuge, and freedom to pursue dreams. Even when those dreams end up looking differently than expected, which is when faith must truly believe that the Lord will keep His promise to “make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19).

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. ( )