Someone wants to kill her. She wants the killer to finish the job.
Spring Weston will do anything to rise in the ranks of pro cycling and prove she isn’t the one failure of the five Weston siblings. Anything except cheat. When she learns of doping on her cycling team, she’s determined to uncover the truth. But she can’t if she’s dead.
Sergeant Torin Cotter may not be the hero the public thinks he is, but he recognizes fear when he sees it. When he takes over the investigation of the collision that landed Spring in the hospital, he’s compelled to protect her from whatever danger she’s in, even though he knows he might fail. Again.
Spring’s faith in God isn’t enough to help her face the living nightmare she awakened to after the accident. But neither she nor the handsome sergeant see the greater threat that’s coming until it’s too late.
If they’re going to survive, Spring and Torin will not only have to confront their worst fears—they’ll have to find a reason to live.
Waylaid is the first installment in the thrilling Windy City Westons series that features five siblings who encounter danger and love in the city of Chicago. (Each book can stand alone or be read as series installments.)
Praise for Jerusha
"Jerusha Agen once again delivers top-level suspense and thrilling action. Fast-paced suspense at its best.” – DiAnn Mills, bestselling author of Concrete Evidence on Covert Danger
"Fast-paced, explosive thriller. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough." – Carrie Stuart Parks, award-winning, bestselling author of Relative Silence on Rising Danger
Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner, but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies.
Get a free suspense story from Jerusha and find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting novels at www.JerushaAgen.com.
“Sometimes we won’t listen to God until something hard happens. Sometimes that’s what it takes to get our attention.”
Author Jerusha Agen whisks readers away to Chicago and introduces them to someone whose career has been cut short due to an injury. It’s here that Agen works her magic; her character development is stellar! She takes her character from someone who feels like they’d rather be dead to someone who remembers what they have to live for. My heart ached when Spring thought that God had abandoned her and fought back the tears when she finally realized that her value, her life and her strength wasn’t in her legs. She learned where her real worth comes from ~ something we can all benefit from hearing again. Agen’s MMC, Sergeant Torrin Cotter, also had a fantastic arc. He felt a failure and responsible for his past losses. It’s nice to see a male character modeling healthy emotional growth.
In addition to fantastic character development, Agen uses her characters to model for us how to stand tall against evil. It’s not easy going against the flow, especially when one is threatened. I loved how the FMC prioritized courage, selflessness and protection of the innocent, knowing what it may cost her. Spring’s moral compass isn’t just a guide for the pro-athletes on the team, but it’s a beacon for us all teaching the importance of standing up for what’s right.
My takeaway: It’s o.k. to wait for miracles. Be patient. Love what you do and live for it.
If you love romantic suspense and a faith-centered pro-athlete story, this needs to be on your TBR list.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
What a stellar beginning to a new series by the talented Jerusha Agen! The story of Spring Weston, a rising star in pro cycling until she is paralyzed in a hit and run accident is heartbreaking and totally absorbing. The police officer assigned to investigate her case, Detective Torin Cotter, is suffering himself from a past that he can’t change and a future that he considers hopeless. The two of them have to come to grips with their present reality and decide if they want to accept God’s will for their lives or just give up on life. When Torin is faced with having to keep Spring safe in spite of his challenges with hearing gunfire, he is forced to face his demons or suffer another unimaginable tragedy. The choices in this novel are realistically portrayed and the characters and storyline are compelling. This is a story of forgiveness that seems impossible and self-discovery that leads to a chance at grabbing onto hope for the future. I loved every minute I spent with Torin and Spring as their characters popped from the page into my heart and I found myself giving both of them advice and even praying for their safety. The entire story was well written with compassion and a heartfelt understanding of injuries, both mental and physical. Fans of fantastic romantic suspense will want to dive into this book and not surface until the satisfying conclusion! Disclaimer I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book with no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are honest and my own.
Waylaid is a collision of suspense and survival, and it crashes right into the parts of us we’d rather keep hidden—the ache of not being enough, the weight of shame, the quiet lie that maybe we’re too far gone to matter.
And then—
“She was loved. She had forgotten how much. That was why she mattered... because Jesus loved her.”
That line didn’t just move me. It found a home in my heart. I paused. Reread. Breathed it in. Maybe you’ve forgotten too.
Spring Weston is bold and bruised, and honestly, I loved her for both. She doesn’t want pity. She doesn’t even want hope. She just wants the pain to end. And yet—Jesus Loves Me shows up in this story, not once but more than once. Not as nostalgia. As rescue. As truth. As a whisper worth holding when everything else falls apart.
And Torin? He’s hurting too. Not in the same way, but deep. And what got me wasn’t his strength—it was how scared he was. And still, he showed up. He walks into danger with shaking hands and a heart still bleeding from grief.
“Please, Lord. Give me courage to face whatever you have in store…” That prayer felt familiar.
The suspense? Sharp. The action? Fast. But underneath every twist, every shadow, is something stronger: the Gospel. Not watered down. Not tucked away. Alive and active. And it matters here.
There’s no fluff. No surface-level fix. Just raw moments, hard questions, and a Savior who never walks away.
“… she had Jesus right there with her, the Holy Spirit inside of her.” That’s what Jerusha Agen gave us—not just a story that moves fast, but one that moves deep. One that reminds us we are loved, even when we forget. Especially then.
Waylaid isn’t easy. It’s not soft. But it’s worth it. Because even in the wreckage, God still speaks. And He still saves.
I received a digital ARC of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours, LLC. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the excellent writing and story’s fantastic content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
Waylaid gave me everything I want in romantic suspense - great characters, unexpected plot twists and a wonderful faith message. I was immediately rooting for Spring - in the midst of her difficult family dynamics and tragic accident, she possessed an inner strength that helped her fight when she wanted to give up. I loved seeing the connection between Torin and Spring develop. There were so many twists and turns in this story, Agen kept me reading and guessing to the end. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more in this series.
I received an advanced copy for review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Great start to the series! I love a good suspense series based upon a group of siblings.
Waylaid focuses on Spring, who feels like an outsider since she is the only one in her immediate family that's not in the medical field. Spring's passion is cycling. She discovers one of her teammates is doping and before she can figure out how to best handle it, Spring is hit by a vehicle while out training. Living life without the use of her legs leaves her depressed and hopeless.
Policeman Torin Cotter suffers from PTSD following the tragic shooting of his wife. He's trying to do his job, but periodic triggers take him back to the fateful night of his wife's death.
Unraveling who hit Spring while both Spring and Torin go through character growth was a rewarding ride. I look forward to the next in the series.
My gratitude to the author for a complimentary e-copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
The entire book of Waylaid, by Jerusha Agen, was hard to put down!! Spring Weston thought she had the world by the tail – life in the way she wanted to live it, without being controlled or forced to choose a path that was not her own by her dad. As a professional cyclist, one night she peddled into her special zone as she flew into her best training yet, before tragedy struck. In life, mistakes can cause situations that people would rather not face, however, Spring faced her own private loss, loss of her faith, depression and doubts after the accident. Fear became more intense when calls were made to her, calls filled with threats of the loss of her own life, as well as the lives of those closest to her. Wow, I loved this book!! Its attention to detail, as well as the sibling love and their choices to assist Spring in her time of need, settled deeply within my heart. I give this ARC of Waylaid, 5 stars and wish I could do more. The depth to this book was amazing, as well as the story written between the pages!! I think with each book, Jerusha Agen gets better and better.
Wow! I had no idea what to expect when I started this book but it wasn't this! I have never read a book where the main character is paralyzed and in a wheelchair, but I loved it! Spring Weston was involved in a collision that left her paralyzed, but the nightmare is far from over. Can Sergeant Torin Carter protect Spring from the looming threat, even if it means his life? This book had such high suspense and intrigue, it was incredible! I loved how both Spring, who was battling her mental state and her paralysis, and Torin, who was battling his PTSD, both got through their struggles together, and through the faith of God. The storyline and character development between these two were amazing!
I loved this book and I will forever recommend it to any Christian romantic suspense lovers. I made the mistake of starting this book at one in the morning and I have no regrets! Waylaid delivers high action suspense, and an edge of your seat page turner! And the ending! My was jaw was dropped, nothing can prepare you for the twists that story holds!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Where, oh where is the infinite stars button? This book deserves far more than a measly five!
I came to this book, the beginning of a brand new series, with high expectations. After all, the conclusion to Guardians Unleashed was cataclysmic and mind blowing (if you haven’t read that series, do yourself a favor and get it NOW!).
Waylaid surpassed my expectations and I’m still ugly crying! Wow, what a redemption arc! Spring Weston is an amazing FMC, and the dynamic between the siblings is fun to watch.
The dynamic with Dad? Not so much. I’ve been thinking very not nice things about him!
The investigator assigned to her case, something on the surface seemingly a simple hit and run, has him very curious. About the case and about the woman in the hospital bed.
But will Torin’s baggage keep him from uncovering the truth and will he be able to keep her safe when the truth comes oozing out? I certainly hope so! (I can’t tell you or it will spoil the story!)
I cannot say enough about this spectacular, twisty suspenseful book with a light sprinkling of romance. It’s a heavy hitter when it comes to faith but Agen has an uncanny ability to not mince words, yet have it flow organically and jam packed with hope and love.
I just admire this author so very much, very much. Her stories are masterclass.
I received an advance copy from the publisher. My opinion and review has not been solicited. Highly, highly, highly recommended!!
I haven't read the suspense genre for a good bit of time now, so maybe that's the reason, but I could not figure out how this book was going to end! There were several matters I quickly nailed down, but the majority of the plot? I had a completely different theory going on and was trying to figure out how everything linked together when multiple cases collided. All of this to say, Waylaid had an incredibly unexpected twisty plot. A complete roller-coaster of who I thought the villain/villains were!
**spoiler alert**
I really appreciated Jerusha's portrayal of how it might be for a recently injured individual becoming a paraplegic, especially one whose whole life was sports centered. My heart broke for her relationship with her father and made me doubly thankful for the parents I have. Both Spring and Torin's characters were well developed and added layers to them in addition to the suspense of the book. Torin has never had life easy and has had his own share of grief. His gentle compassion towards Spring and yet reminding her that she was still a capable, beautiful, loveable woman was exactly what she needed, and she was perfect for him as well. I suspect Torin will fit in quite nicely with her siblings!
I enjoyed the strong sibling theme. I love books with siblings, and this was no exception. Jerusha did excellent work portraying realistic sibling relationships--frustration, meddling, pushing, teasing, compassion, trust, and at the base of it all, the love that fueled some of those actions. While they perhaps didn't go about showing their love the most expedient way in some matters, and they certainly would have frustrated me with their plots, their love nevertheless shone through. I am excited to see the siblings that aren't saved come to the Lord further along in the series. I also sense Victoria has a story that needs telling.
A main theme of this book was elevated through the suspense aspect, yes, but nevertheless, a thought to consider for all of us. When something difficult comes up in life, how do we handle it? Do we try to "deal with it" on our own because we blame God or don't trust him to carry us through? Or do we completely trust him and surrender our lives, plans, and worries to him as we ought? Trusting God may not be the "easy" choice, but it makes a world of difference in our own lives and those around us. We have a greater effect on those around us than we often realize in the moment. Jerusha Agen also clearly brought through a recurring theme in her writing, that of having the victory over fear through the power of Christ. Waylaid was a good beginning to the series and a wonderful introduction to the Weston family. I look forward to getting to know the family better!
I was given a copy of this book by the author with no obligation to post a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What a ride, starting from the first page!! Waylaid is a suspenseful story that just keeps getting more intense the further in you read. The story is well written and the characters have depth and definition, including the side characters. They all come to life as you read their stories! The plot is complex, with multiple storylines intertwining around each other, keeping you guessing right up to the surprising ending!! And, best of all, there’s a strong faith element throughout the story, from beginning to end!! Some are strongly rooted in their faith, others struggle while enduring trauma, questioning why things happen. And some start off unbelieving and yet find their way to the foot of the cross!! I’m giving this book 5⭐️ and I definitely recommend it!!
I received an advanced copy of the book. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.
Jerusha Agen’s new series Windy City Weston’s starts off spectrally with Waylaid. I’ve been a fan of Jerusha from the start with her Guardians Unleashed series and have yet to be disappointed.
Spring Weston a champion cyclist is injured in a hit and run. Sergeant Torin Cotter is assigned to determine if it was an accident or if she was targeted. Spring is continually threatened to not tell what she knows which frustrates Torin and hinders the investigation.
Will Torin gain her trust and find the truth. Who is behind the threats? You’ll want to keep reading for the answer.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
4.5 stars I could not put it down!!! Great inspirational page turner and wonderful start to a new series!
Waylaid is a Christian Romantic Suspense story complete with real struggles, family dynamics, threatening texts, a hostage situation and a twist I didn't see coming.
"Sergeant Torin Cotter may not be the hero the public thinks he is, but he recognizes fear when he sees it." "She wouldn't be fine. She'd never be fine or truly alive again." "And he couldn't know she was being threatened into silence about the little she could say."
I thoroughly enjoyed Cyclist Spring Weston and Sergeant Torin Cotter's story, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the Weston siblings stories in this new Windy City Westons series!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
Jerusha Agen sure knows how to plot and flesh out a romantic suspense story! She starts out her new series, Windy City Westons, with Waylaid, a novel that (dare I say it?) waylaid my intentions of doing anything else until I had reached the suspenseful conclusion. Spring Weston is a professional cyclist on a racing team. One minute she is on a training ride, the next finds her in the hospital, paralyzed from the waist down. Embittered and in pain, Spring refuses to try to help in her own recovery. Instead, fear and despair take center stage. “She couldn’t face the One who had allowed this to happen to her. It hadn’t mattered that she’d been praying and running praise songs through her head as she’d cycled to the beat. If this is where that got her, she was more scared of praying than anything else.”
However, the anything else is pretty scary, too! Spring cannot bring herself to cooperate with the handsome cop who takes over her case, due to constant threats via texts on her phone. Threats she discovers are very real.
Unfortunately, Spring suffers a different kind of threat in her ultra rich, ultra successful father. He constantly berates her for being less than her siblings before the accident. Even the accident doesn’t seem to change that.
Spring may not have her father’s support, but she certainly has her siblings’. While it’s a very serious matter, I almost wanted to laugh at the sibling relationships and the length the siblings would go to, to look out for Spring.
Discovering a needy little boy in the rehab hospital brings out the best in Spring. She begins to care about someone besides herself, becoming protective and as helpful as possible. “Do you know what I do when I’m scared?” He shook his head. “I ask God for help. He’s much stronger than any person.”
I loved the slow burn romance between Spring and Torin. But wow, both individuals are so hurt and have so much healing to do before they can consider sharing a love.
I enjoyed the twists that Agen incorporates. I did not see the ending working out like it did. But what a thrilling ride it is, as Spring learns that God has not left her!
I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher through JustRead Tours. I also bought a copy of the book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“God doesn’t stop existing because you don’t believe in Him.”
“Sometimes we won’t listen to God until something hard happens. Sometimes that’s what it takes to get our attention.”
“We’re Westons.” Robert grinned. “We can do anything we set our minds to.”
“The pain in your heart doesn’t always come at a convenient time.”
“Waylaid” is the first book in the Weston series. The main character, Spring, is one of five Weston siblings. She has always felt “less than”. Less than her siblings, less than her father expects from his children, less than worthy … well, you get the idea.
When she discovers competitive cycling, she feels like she’s found her niche. She’s good at it — really good. Until the night she goes out for a training ride that ends in disaster.
Spring wakes up, confined to a bed in a rehabilitation facility, unable to care for herself at all. If that’s not bad enough, she starts receiving threatening texts from an anonymous person. This person seems to know exactly who Spring is talking to and what’s being said and when. And the threats are frightening and specific. She doesn’t dare speak to anyone about these texts for fear of what her tormentor might do.
Sergeant Torrin Cotter is assigned to investigate Spring’s case. But he’s dealing with demons of his own. And they keep coming to mind at the worst times, leaving him paralyzed. Can he keep Spring safe while the investigation progresses?
Things heat up when a gunman comes looking for Spring. She can’t run, and she can’t exactly hide. Will she accept the help offered to her, or will she try to take care of things by sacrificing herself?
The twist at the end will take you by surprise. I didn’t see it coming at all.
I received an advance copy of the book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
I’ve just gotten into Jerusha Agen’s stories within the past year and believe me, she is phenomenal.
Waylaid is Book 1 in the new Windy City Westons series.
Someone or someones wants to keep Spring quiet when she discovers there are drugs cycling through her cycling team. Jerusha brought Spring and Torin’s to life beautifully. The only thing I found with Waylaid that I didn’t like is what I don’t like with all books. We have to wait for the next one whether it’s in a series or stand alone.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Waylaid is book #1 of the Windy City Westons series.
Potential readers need to know that the main character was a bike racer who a hit-and-run driver hit.
Spring Weston had seen Megan, who was on her team, popping pills.
Spring received a text message that read "You have a visitor. Don't tell him anything." What did this mysterious texter not want her to tell?
Torin Cotter was retired from the protection business, so how could he help Spring? Torin was my favorite supporting character.
The author's writing style was conversational. I recommend this book to fans of Christian romantic suspense. The title is emotion-grabbing and I give Waylaid 5*.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, the Libby app, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Another five-star story from Jerusha Agen and a great start to the Windy City Westons series.
Spring Weston is attempting to rise in the ranks of pro cycling. While on a training run, she is hit by a vehicle and winds up in hospital, where she is getting threatening texts.
Torin Cotter is the officer tasked with investigating the collision - was it just a tragic accident or a deliberate attempt to kill? And if so, why?
The plot is complex, with multiple storylines intertwining around each other. Add in a hostage situation, just to up the suspense.
I admit I had my suspicions about the texter at that point, but it did not take away any of the suspense right up until the end.
I received an advance copy from the author with no obligation to write a review. All opinions are my own.
Waylaid is the latest new series for Jerusha Agen. It’s a fast paced intriguing story of two main characters. Spring Weston, losing her trust in God following a collision that left her paralyzed. Torin Cotter, a policeman a non believer investigating Springs collision. You will find yourself saying one more chapter after every chapter you read. Who is closely watching and threatening to kill Summer? Who killed Torino wife? I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Waylaid is the first book in a new series by Jerusha Agen. Excellent book. Have you ever dealt with something uncomfortable on your own, rather than turning it over to God? I think it was very easy to relate to as I know I’ve done that. But the difference without God and finally with God really makes all the difference.
I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book with no obligation to post a positive review.
Waylaid is an intense suspense story from the first few pages and gets deeper the more you get into the plot. The first chapter hooked me. From there, I couldn't put it down.
Spring Weston and Torin Cotter's main characters were both incredible. As the story unfolded, many layers emerged, some of which were surprises. Multiple cases that just happened to intertwine took me on quite the roller-coaster ride. I was often on the edge of my seat, trying to figure out what was happening next. The mystery of who the real villain was kept me guessing until almost at the end.
The author put together a very good plot with many twists and turns. The Christian aspect enriched the story and was exactly where it needed to be. It's a great start to a new series.
I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
I finished this new first book in the Windy City Westons by Jerusha Agen in basically one day. I have so many things I want to say with not a lot of space here to write it about how much I loved this book.
I loved this first book so much. It stars Spring Weston, one of the 5 siblings of the series. Spring has been a cyclist for many years but now she’s been hit by a car and her life is turned upside down. Torin, police officer who’s seen his fair share of tragedy including the murder of his wife, Ivy. Spring is being threatened by an unknown assailant and her life is at stake. Torin is put in charge of her case to help find out who hit her. Jerusha keeps you on your toes and all the twists and turns keeps your head on swivel. The emotional parts of the book got me in my feels. I could totally relate to how Spring felt at the time of her injury. Suspense, danger, sacrifice and Gods overwhelming love is major in this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
This story is packed with intensity, just like Agen’s other novels. The plot is complicated, with several storylines that connect in surprising ways. Both Spring and Torin have their wounds—physically, mentally, or emotionally. I appreciated watching how their relationship grew, from distrust to trust. Faith plays a major role here; both characters learn to rely on God again. The message is clear—hard times don’t mean God has forgotten you. It’s a beautiful truth to hold onto.
A murderer is threatening Spring while warning her not to reveal the truth about her accident. Torin is determined to keep her safe. Spring worries that someone might die because of her. I admired how Torin was such a good man. Despite losing his wife, he still gives his best, even when he's hurting inside.
The buildup to the big reveal kept me on edge. I had my suspicions about who the villain might be. Naturally, as with all of Agen’s books, there are many twists and surprises. The story kept me guessing until the very end.
I’m eager to read more about the Weston siblings. It was fun to see them come together to support their sister, Spring. Their father, on the other hand, came across as mean and proud. I wonder if he will change as more books in the series come out.
If you’ve never read a book by Jerusha Agen, this one is a good choice. It has suspenseful scenes, family drama, and a sweet romance. Waylaid offers plenty of excitement for fans of Christian Romantic Suspense.⁰
This is the first in a series that I know will quickly become one of my favorites. The series is about the Weston siblings and starts with Spring Weston. She is an upcoming cyclist who has just learned that one of her teammates is taking pills. One night while she is out training someone runs her over and she winds up in the hospital paralyzed. As soon as she is awake enough to know what is going on, she starts getting text messages to keep her mouth shut. Spring's Dad has called in Torin Cotter to take over the case of finding out who hit her. With Spring having problems coming to terms with being in a wheelchair and receiving threats, will she tell anyone about the messages or keep her mouth shut? Torin is dealing with his own past after his wife was killed,will he be able to help Spring or will he let another woman get hurt on his watch? Grab your copy today for an uplifting story of hope and redemption. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you’re ok with dying, then why are you so afraid of living?
Spring Weston is a talented cyclist with lots of awards to show for her prowess. A freak accident leaves her paralyzed, depressed and ready to give up. Her father has never supported her choices and her siblings have all excelled in medicine. What could possibly bring meaning to her life? She may not be able to make her family proud, but she could protect them.
Threatening texts and the inability to dare for herself seem to force her to keep her mouth shut. However, there is no peace in fear. She needs to tell everything before more people get hurt. Sergeant Torin Cotter is trying to help her, but he has fears of his own. Will they finally remember that God is in everything?
You will read this incredible first installment in the Windy City Westons and never figure out who is behind it all until the very end. An early copy was received through SDG Words, LLC. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.
This is the first book in a brand new series by one of my favorite authors. Waylaid is a character driven story about Spring and her struggles with self worth and becoming paralyzed as a result of a hit and run accident. Sergeant Torin Cotter has his own past to deal with as well as his job as a police officer. When a hostage situation occurs can they survive and save each other? This is an amazing story with insightful observations about how we see ourselves and others, as well as how God sees and takes care of us. Jerusha's stories just get better with each book!
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
5 of 5 Stars Wow! Just wow! I wasn’t sure what to expect with this story, especially with the heroine in a wheelchair. But Jerusha Agen took me on an incredible journey filled with surprises—I never saw them coming! The ending was absolutely perfect. This is a must-read that deserves a spot on your TBR list!
Jerusha Agen crafted a gripping tale featuring suspense, mystery, romance and redemption. I look forward to seeing how God continues to work in the lives of the Westons.
Waylaid by Jerusha Agen is a wonderful start to her new Windy City Westons series. The main Weston sibling in this story is Spring Weston. She had a promising career in pro cycling ahead of her until she was struck by a vehicle and left paralyzed. Though a Christian, she wishes she had just died instead of being forced to live such a life. And it appears there is someone who would be willing to fulfil her wish of being dead, someone who has been sending her threatening text messages, warning her to be quiet and not tell anyone what she remembers. The confusing problem is. . . she doesn't think she knows anything worth being threatened over. Yet, there is one thing that may have caused someone or someones to be trying to eliminate her, but would they really resort to such tactics. So, she is now living in fear, as well as depression over her situation.
Police officer Torin Cotter has been put on her case to try to figure out who ran her over. Was it just an accident as it had been determined, or was there more to it? When he learns some of what may have been involved, he begins to wonder if the reason Spring isn't sharing details is because she herself is involved in something illegal. Of course, as we get to see both of their points of view, we know what her involvement truly is. And there are things from Torin's past that are affecting the situation which make Spring unsure of his feelings.
As events unfold, the author adds in some twists that truly took me by surprise. Both of the main characters had a lot to work through while dealing with an unknown villain and then an obvious villain who brings danger to multiple people. Yet, all is still not quite as it seems. Who is working behind the scenes? The final reveal was quite shocking. I love the way the author wrapped everything up and brought it together in the end. Thankfully the book did not end in a cliff hangar. I'm looking forward to reading more stories based on the Weston siblings, all of whom we met in this story.
I really appreciated that faith was a central part of this story. Spring was dealing with quite a bit of anger and depression, wishing multiple times in the story that her life would just end as she couldn't see living her life paralyzed. She wrestled quite a bit with not feeling worth loving. And Torin was dealing with his own demons. However, the Gospel message is shared along with the importance of truly putting one's trust in Jesus.
An awesome book and one I highly recommend. I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.
I loved this author's first series, Guardians Unleashed, which was totally awesome. I have been looking forward to this first book in her new series, very curious what it would be like.
This is going to be a totally different series. This one is about siblings, which I really like, and the setting is totally different.
I liked the two main characters a lot. Spring is a complex character that becomes paralyzed from the waist down at the beginning of the book, and she doesn't deal well with it for most of the book, but you can't help but like her. Torin is an emotional basket case, still struggling with the shooting of his wife a few years prior.
And then there are the other four Weston siblings. Man, could five siblings be any different than these five? Robert: the oldest brother, psychiatrist, quiet, serious, and the voice of reason, though his reason doesn't seem to include God. Victoria: one of Spring's physical therapists. Christian, trying to do the right thing Patricia: consistently late, very flighty, seems stuck on herself, but cares about her family. Henry (Hank): the youngest sibling. He only makes a brief appearance at the end of the book, so not a lot is said about him, other than the fact that he is thinking about doing something to disappoint their dad.
Speaking of their dad....what a pompous arrogant jerk. He seems to only care that his kids follow him into the medical field. Which Spring did not.
Anyway, what a great read. There is tons of suspense.....especially the rehab center scene that takes up a lot of the book - I won't give spoilers away - but the author outdid herself on that ordeal. And there is a big surprise on a bad guy that I never saw coming.
I loved the faith element in the book. Spring is a Christian, but very angry and bitter towards God because of what happened to her. I get the idea that only she and Victoria are Christians, so there is a little tension between the siblings because of that. (Hank may be..as I said, not much info is given about him so far).
The book had a great ending that left me wanting more of this family and series. I am looking forward to the next book, Wasted, which will be about Victoria. Coming waaaay out in October.
Special thanks to the author for an advance e-book copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.