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Someone is determined to finish a murdered hit man's final assignment.

Her father's gone. Her diner's closing. Her car's in the lake. Cat McPherson has nothing left to lose. Except her life. And a madman's bent on taking that away.

Her former boyfriend, Ray Alexander, returns as a hero from his foreign mission, bringing back souvenirs in the form of death-threats. When several attempts are made on Cat’s life, she must find a way to trust Ray, the man who broke her heart.

Keeping Cat safe from a fallen cartel leader might prove impossible for Ray, but after seeing his mission destroyed and several godly people killed, he knows better than to ignore the man’s threats. Cat’s resistance to his protection and the stirring of his long-denied feelings for her complicate his intentions, placing them both in a fight for their lives.

Can she survive when ultimate power wants her dead?

315 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2016

43 people are currently reading
58 people want to read

About the author

Marji Laine

19 books422 followers
Marji is a "graduated" homeschooling mom who's thrilled to avoid the empty nest for a while longer. She lives in the Dallas area with her hubby of 35 years, her twin daughters, and a rescue pup named Rosie (or Madam Barksalot, depending on the day).

When Marji isn't editing or formatting for her authors or writing on her own projects, she leads a ladies' Bible study, works with the women's ministry at her church, and sings alto in the adult choir. As often as possible, she's playing strategy games and card games with friends and family.

She prefers mountains to beaches, dogs to cats, Tex-Mex, white roses, and the Pumpkin Pecan Waffle candle from Bath & Body Works. Her watching preferences include Hallmark mysteries, NASCAR, NFL games, and Perry Mason reruns.

You can find her here on Goodreads or at her website MarjiLaine.com

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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,808 reviews196 followers
November 2, 2016
Counter Point was an exciting story and the start of a new series. This novel has so much going for it: action, danger, romance, as well as questions of faith. There were many great characters in this book and I really enjoyed the hometown the the author created for Ray and Cat.

Counter Point had bunches of action and got off to a very exciting beginning right from the start. Not knowing who to trust, what the extent of the danger was, and uncertainty about Ray’s feelings for her made things pretty complicated for the main character, Cat.

It was interesting to see the difficulties both Ray and Cat had with understanding what God had in store for them. They both struggled with seeing how He was using them and the way He wanted them to move forward.

I enjoyed Counter Point and look forward to reading future books in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Joan.
4,272 reviews113 followers
December 10, 2019
I mostly enjoyed this Christian romantic suspense novel. I did have trouble liking Cat. In the face of being in grave danger, she made some strange decisions. She seemed immature and very stubborn. Ray was an interesting character in that he braved being in a dangerous place to do mission work yet could not articulate how he felt to those close to him. And I never understood the two percent deal on the diner and why Cat's dad would have made such an arrangement. It was a voluntary adjustment to the initial contract that hurt Cat terribly. While it made for a good subplot, it just didn't make sense to me that her dad would do that.

I think the strength of the novel is in the discussion of what it means to be in mission for God. Is it only going to a very dangerous foreign place to spread the gospel or can it include feeding the hungry homeless nearby?

There is quite a bit of suspense in the novel. There is also a very good Christian message included as the characters discuss issues. The author's writing style is one that kept my interest. Overall I enjoyed the novel and look forward to the next in the series.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Profile Image for Maureen Timerman.
3,183 reviews489 followers
December 14, 2019
This story shows a lot of love and compassion for our fellow man, but there is also evil lurking, determined to take it all away.
Talk about wolves in sheep’s clothing, well this story sure has one, but you will be guessing right to the end whom the culprit is.
There are a lot of people hurt here physically, and you will wonder who will survive until the end, even when you think it is over, watch out!
I loved how obstacles happened, and then the Lord provides, and wow! How he provided!
A little bit of romance and trusting here, but a lot of family love, and friends that are like family!

I received this book through Celebrate Lit. and was not required to give a positive review.
Profile Image for Sarah.
639 reviews56 followers
December 11, 2019
Christian suspense is a genre I gravitate toward as someone who has always enjoyed mysteries. Trying to find a clean thriller or mystery in secular fiction is often like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially among those published within the last few decades. Reading Christian books instead (hopefully!) removes the profanity and vulgarity while still conveying the darkness of this world and, most importantly, shining the light of Christ and the joy of salvation. Rarely do I pass up an opportunity to review a book from this category, and most of the ones I’ve read have lived up to my expectations, so I was eager to read this first book in the Heath’s Point Suspense series.

Marji Laine’s “Counter Point” contains interesting elements that make this story in some ways different from others I have read. I try to stay away from plotlines about drug cartels because they don’t appeal to me personally, although I understand that they are an important topic to consider and approach from a Christian viewpoint. Something that really stood out to me about this book is the missionary aspect. Although it is not difficult to consider the dangers that the missionaries themselves may face, I had not really considered that their families and loved ones back home might also be endangered. As in this narrative, sometimes missionaries break up cartels or otherwise threaten the livelihood of corrupt authority figures. Prior to reading “Counter Point”, I did not realize that the risks might extend beyond the missionary station itself.

Each chapter opens with a Scripture verse epigraph, which keeps the focus on God through trials, loss, and frightening situations. That in itself is a lesson worthy of recognizing. Multiple times throughout the narrative, the Lord’s divine intervention becomes evident, drawing awareness to how often He intercedes for us through “coincidences” and in ways we don’t even realize. One issue I did have with the novel, however, was the characters. I did not feel much of a connection with any of them and found them incongruous and somewhat stereotypical. They do not seem to have much depth or dimension and more or less follow foreseeable paths. The interactions between Cat and Ray seem to go in circles, with Cat being too puerile for her age. Cat’s late father’s will does not make sense with what we are told of his nature. Nevertheless, the characters do have redeeming qualities and do lead others to Jesus. I love the ministry of sunset dinners, feeding the homeless suppers and letting them know they are seen, and how Laine makes it clear that this can be missionary work as well. You don’t necessarily have to travel to be one of Jesus’ disciples; He can and will use you no matter what your circumstances!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
1,115 reviews7 followers
August 14, 2020
This was an exciting suspenseful read. Ray is a missionary in Mexico who returns home thinking his mission village was destroyed by Sevilla the drug lord. Then he discovers that his ex-girlfriend, Cathy, is being threatened by Sevilla as a form of revenge for telling about his drug activities in the villages. Ray determines to help protect Cathy. Several attempts are made on her life. She just recently lost her father and now she faces the possibility of losing her father's diner to his silent partner. Not to mention someone is trying to kill her and harm some of those around her! What will she do? Can they figure out who the hitman is and stop him before it is too late?
Profile Image for Shelia Hall.
76 reviews19 followers
March 10, 2022
Interesting book

Marking has written a interesting book! Shows how that if you trust God with your life, he will protect you! Also showed how that one you think is a friend can be your worst enemy!
38 reviews
September 20, 2021
Enjoyed the book

I have really enjoyed the story line. The book flows well and I have a hard time putting it down and look forward to picking it up again!
Profile Image for Julia.
774 reviews28 followers
October 27, 2020
I really loved “Counter Point” by Marji Laine; I could hardly put it down. It is a suspense novel, full of intriguing twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. It is interwoven with clean romance, questions about one’s purpose in life, what friendship and loyalty look like, how our actions can affect others even half a world away, and how our faith interacts with all those areas. I will definitely be reading more of Ms. Laine’s work!
Profile Image for Iola.
Author 3 books27 followers
February 25, 2017
I didn't enjoy this as much as I enjoyed Marji Lane’s previous Grime Beat series. The writing and editing might be better in Counterpoint, but the characters didn’t have the same enjoyable quirkiness as those in Grime Beat (hey, I think there is something intrinsically interesting about someone who makes a living cleaning up crime scenes). And it probably didn’t help that I guessed the identity of the evildoer too early, so spent half the book wondering when Cat and Ray would catch on (frustrating!)

The other frustrating thing was it was obvious Cat and Ray should be together, but Ray has male issues i.e. don’t sit down and have a sensible conversation about why you left your high school sweetheart without telling her. Just be the strong, silent type and tell yourself it’s never going to happen. Of course it’s never going to happen if you don’t do anything! Men. No matter whether it’s fiction or real life, they’re always last on board with the idea of talking about problems. On the other hand, it’s that frustration which kept me turning the pages. Will they or won’t they? Is this suspense, or am I going to get the romance hit I’m looking for?

However, there was plenty of suspense and that kept me turning the pages. There was the obvious—was someone trying to kill Cat (yes), and who? Then there was the question about the diner, and the ministry it supported—would Cat get to keep the diner? How would she keep feeding the homeless?

Then there were Cat’s own feelings of inadequacy, which were a classic lesson in how other people always see us differently to how we see ourselves. Cat worried that she wasn’t the minister her father was, that she wasn’t doing a good enough job in sharing the gospel of Jesus. Yet it was obvious to me, the reader, she was doing more than most of us, and she was using her gifts to the best of her ability. That’s all God asks of any of us.

Overall, a solid thriller with excellent characters, lots of action, and a strong underlying Christian message.

Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.
Profile Image for Deana Dick.
3,024 reviews125 followers
December 17, 2019
I enjoyed this story which was suspenseful, faith filled and had good characters. Ray was someone I liked instantly because he had a heart for God and followed his calling. The missionary work he did was remarkable and he touched many lives.The author does a good job of laying the groundwork for the intrigue in the book, but for me two other topics were more defining for me. Missionary work is hard, dangerous and rewarding. The author shows how much someone can impact lives by doing missionary work. I don't want to forget to mention Cat and her missionary work. She runs her father's diner but also gives food out to the homeless in the area. It is something that she has a big heart for.

At the end of each chapter the author provides a scripture. I loved reading them and how they impacted the story with encouragement. It was nice to see characters praying and never giving up. Another very important part of the book was a character that was struggling with their faith. I thought the author did a good job of letting several characters minister to this person without being pushy. It was a nice addition to the story and I liked following the character to see if they would give their life to God.

The intrigue in the book is good but I did figure out who the bad guy was halfway through the story. The author didn't quite hit the mark in masking who the person was and needed to work on not letting the person be so obvious. The book has lots of twists and there is a lot of violence in the book. Maybe the author can tone that down in the next book. Overall a good story that is rich in faith, keeps readers on their toes with the twists and a great message about trusting God and listening to His calling on your life.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
1,094 reviews10 followers
December 14, 2019
Marji Laine is a new author for me and I am happy to say that I enjoyed her latest novel Counter Point. The story of a foreign missionary who had a role in breaking up a drug cartel and the girl he left behind in the U.S., this book was both action-packed and filled with important life lessons about how God sees his children.

The tale is filled with multiple twists and turns and when I thought I had it all figured out, up jumped another surprise. I found the characters interesting but would have liked them to have a bit more depth. Cat was somewhat naive and took way too many chances, especially considering the multiple attempts on her life. That girl could also hold a grudge that wouldn’t quit. Ray was more mature but he had his own hangups as well as typical male behavior and lack of communication skills when it came to the woman he loved. As can be predicted, all the problems end up resolved with a probable happy-ever-after in store – but Cat and Ray had to jump quite a few dangerous hurdles to get to that point.

I particularly liked the idea of the Sunset Suppers that Cat provided to the homeless of her town and the relationships that were formed as a result. Numerous conversations about their faith and more than one escape from certain death kept the story focused on the Lord. It was gratifying to watch both Cat and Ray grow in their faith and for Cat to understand that she was already serving in the ministry God had for her.

Counter Point is a book worth reading and I do recommend it.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Erin.
2,058 reviews19 followers
December 16, 2019
My Thoughts on Counter Point:

This was such a fun book! I loved reading it and it was definitely a fast read. It didn’t take me long to get from start to finish and I have to say I figured out who the bad dude was pretty early on. I didn’t realize all of his badness but I knew he was bad! How’s that for leading you and making you want to give it a read?

Cat is such a strong independent woman and her ex-love Ray is back in town. How should she respond? Well, she doesn’t get the time to respond on her own because now her life is in danger just because he loves her. Yeah, loves, not past tense here.

Ray got in the way of some bad men when he was on missions. He didn’t use his real name so he had hoped no one would know where he was from. That was his mistake of course because he did keep a photo in his wallet. A photo which disappeared from his wallet and now has his love in danger. They’re going to kill her to get back at him.

Such a great read that everyone is going to enjoy. It’s fast-paced and action-packed. You’re going to feel for Ray and Cat and also just want to smack around a few people.

Don’t read this one in the dark on a stormy night if you’re prone to scare easily. Leave those lights on! But do read it! And enjoy. I’m now off to binge on some of her other books because I loved this one.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Profile Image for Donna C.
484 reviews11 followers
January 1, 2020
What I think you should know:
Counter Point a Christian Romantic Suspense, it is the first in the Heath’s Point series by Marji Laine. Cat McPherson has lived a quiet life working at her father’s diner and helping serve the homeless. Ray Alexander left Cat behind without a word to become a missionary years, when he suddenly reappears in her life he brings with him a danger greater than she has ever known.

What you might want to know:
This book contains violence, while it fits in the story, parts of it can be very intense.

What I thought about this book:
This is the first book I have read from Laine, but it will not be the last, she captured my attention on the first pages and kept me hanging on until the last. Cat was such a complicated character, not all of her choices and actions made logical sense, and for me that added to the story. When someone has lost their family, their livelihood and find their own life is in danger if the character did everything right it would not feel realistic. Ray was a harder character to love, I felt Cat’s pain that he left her behind, that didn't even give her a chance, then when he came home he held back from her. He did redeem himself, but it took time. I loved this book and I cannot wait to see who the next book in the series features.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Patricia.
2,952 reviews16 followers
October 24, 2017
I made it to about the 40% mark and just decided to pack it in. This is a DNF. While I didn’t notice anything amiss in the middle of the night last night as I read, this afternoon things just stood out at me. I really wasn’t drawn to Ray or Cat. By 40%, I hadn’t warmed up to them,yet. Also, there were some illogical things. Someone is trying to kill Cat and she stubbornly insists on going places and telling things to people. I suppose that is so she can seem brave but she seems foolhardy. Why, when she is hiding at Ray’s, does she tell her friends where she is and ask them to come visit? They would be like homing pigeons leading the bad guy right there. Why is Ray a competent bodyguard? No training in keeping someone safe, no training in spotting danger and he has no gun. Why if they are hiding out from harm do they go on a horseback ride? Why, if the bad guy has trailed her and knows she is staying with friends, does he think putting a message on the mirror at her old house will get the message across? Also, if the name of the high school is on Cathy’s picture that Ray carried, why does he think using an alias last name will make such a difference? Technically, Ray is in as much danger from Saville but the whole focus seems to be Cat. These little things just began to get to me.
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,504 reviews4 followers
December 18, 2019
I enjoyed "Counter Point by Marji Laine. Through this is a love story and a suspension , I think the main focus of the story is being a missionary in a foreign place or feeding the hungry and homeless the right way to serve God.

I like that each chapter opens with a Scripture.

I really had no idea how bad the bad guy would end up being! It truly was a surprise.

This book was full of twists and turns and really kept me reading till the end.

This book was not what I call a fun read but I did enjoy it, which is really weird to say because it deals with attempted murder. I think I like it because I do it was fiction and didn't feel like it was real life to me like the other books I have been reading lately. Yes, I know drug cartels are real and the danger is real but I liked the fact that it wasn't about someone dying that had cancer. ( I know not very nice but it is a honest fact.)

I really recommend this book to anyone that likes suspension without curse words in the books or bedroom scenes.

I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Carol Keen.
Author 9 books122 followers
December 21, 2019
Humm. Well, Cat and Ray are a bit hard to get to know, or are they? Maybe it's just that Cat is kinda real. When she is told don't do this, she goes and does just that! Arggg! Lots of action in this book, and some suspense. It brings to light how people back home are often in danger, as well as what is and isn't happening with the main character's mission wise. Who will they follow and how will that turn out? What is God really calling them to do with their lives? I love how each chapter has a verse. That part was fun. I appreciate the twists. I think Cat's Dad is a nut in some areas. Ray aggravated me being like some men and not being as Christ-like as I wanted him to be. That's just realism. I didn't want Cat to face what she was facing and yet, that's life.

Overall this book reads you through many realistic life issues within the lives of Cat and Ray and does it's best to draw the reader and the characters to godly outcomes.

My copy came through Celebrate Lit. This review is mine, left here because I can do so and share with you!
Profile Image for Stella Potts.
516 reviews6 followers
January 15, 2017
I have definitely found a new author. This is the first time I have read a Marji Laine book and I don't plan on it being the last time. This is her first published novel and my opinion is she hit a home run. She deals with the power of a drug lord and his determination to destroy everything that the Missionary Ray Anderson (Johnson) loves as he blames him for his wife and unborn son being killed. So Cathy, with whom Ray is on love, is especially in his crosshairs. Without letting slip any spoilers I will just say that this book kept me enthralled from the first page. If you are a fan of romantic suspense you will for sure want to get this book. I recommend it very highly and it deserves it's 5 star rating. I won this book in a contest with no requirement for a review. All views are my own.
Profile Image for Shirley.
Author 22 books160 followers
December 31, 2019
"Counterpoint" is Book 1 in the Heath’s Point Suspense book. Marji Laine writes a well-woven story that builds a sense of mystery and expectancy. Just about the time you think you’ve figured it out, something else happens and you’re left guessing again. I found myself holding my breath as I read to see how Cat, the main character, would get out of the situation she was in. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns.

I love Marji’s writing style. The story flows well and is easy to read. Her descriptions of the characters, emotions, scenes, and food are wonderful. You will not want to put this book down.

This is a great suspense-filled story. I highly recommend it to you!

NOTE: I received a complimentary digital copy of this book for reviewing from Marji Laine. I was not required to provide a positive review. Thoughts in “My Two Cents” are my own opinion.
Profile Image for Betti.
1,324 reviews33 followers
December 10, 2019
..I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread. Psalm 37:25 NIV

What an incredible story! The author drew me in and never let go - I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, trying to figure out who really was trying to kill Cat.Ray was a missionary his ‘mission’ did not seem to be what we were told. Cat was not a missionary...or was she?

I must admit there were times I had to remind myself that this is a book and the main characters are not usually killed off, but I certainly began to wonder if I could be wrong. The danger was very real, and the hate for all that is good was almost tangible! Would evil triumph?

I received a copy of this ebook through Write Integrity Press and CelebrateLit. The 5 star rating, impressions and comments were in no way solicited.
Profile Image for Katie.
330 reviews6 followers
December 30, 2019
Counter point was everything a Christian fiction suspense should be. Twists and turns amidst characters that are fully developed and dealing with challenge after challenge come together in this action packed novel. There's also a nice romance that finds a second hope inside. You really had no clue how the story would end, and you worried for the protagonists more than once. The faith element was incorporated naturally, and I appreciate the author's effort to include it. I felt the book was a little lengthy and tedious for a suspense at times, but for the most part the book kept me interested. This newer author shows a lot of promise, and I look forward to future books. Check it out suspense readers!


I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions given are entirely my own.
1,837 reviews
December 23, 2019
As a homeschooling mother, I always enjoying seeing books written by either homeschooling parents or homeschooling/homeschooled students. So when I saw the opportunity to review this book, I knew I wanted to read it.

This book is the first book in the Heath’s Point Suspense series. Truly this book provides excitement, danger, adventure and more. I have to say I quickly became caught up in the story. Having to rely on someone you used to love to keep you safe would have to be hard to do.

Desperate and angry people do desperate and angry things while trying to exact their revenge. Yet faith and love can provide hope and more. Sometimes you need a second chance to get things right.

So check out this book for yourself.

I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Janice Sisemore.
1,621 reviews15 followers
December 21, 2019
Counter point

Counter point is suspenseful, never did figure out who the bad guy was. I didn’t get into the book very much until about half way through. I am glad I kept reading. I loved the verses at the end of each chapter. I really loved Cat’s character, she is so determined to get her dad’s restaurant going and things are working against her. Will she be able to get it up and going, will she escape the killer?

Overall, I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Sandra.
Author 18 books155 followers
November 22, 2016
This one starts off creepy (in a good way) and keeps on charging with suspense and yummy twists. While I had an idea of the “whodunit” (won’t say if I was right or not), I have to tell you Marji Laine threw in various twists, but came up with one at the end that took me by complete surprise. And she doesn’t play nice with her characters. She makes them earn their place in the story.

I received a copy of this book from the author.
Profile Image for Beth.
127 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2019
This is the first in a series. Cat's father has died and she is about to lose the diner. Then a former boyfriend returns and life becomes dangerous for her. Will he help? Can he save her and repair the damage of the relationship?

I enjoyed the book but there were a few things that left me with questions -- surprised that such a small town had a hospital that could handle serious cases, and a few other things.
Profile Image for Sara Jane Jacobs.
Author 6 books28 followers
December 22, 2019
You know those kinds of books you get all excited about because they are sooo good? Well, Counter Point is one of those books! (Yay!) I could not stop reading. You'll fall in love with the people in this small town and the suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat. Don't miss this one!



I was given a copy of this book for free. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.

1 review
January 21, 2018
Miind off surgery.

This was a good book to keep your mind off what is going on. The intrigue is such that you can't put it down. Very well written. The villain is not known till the last moment.
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