Customer Reviews

Enduring Justice (Defenders of Hope Series #3)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Twenty years ago, the ugly incident that still haunts Hanna Kessler occurred. She somewhat walled it way, but recent events have made her realize what a lie she conveniently made for herself.

Crimes Against Children FBI agent Michael Parker struggled emotionally with the cases he has worked; even the trauma specialist offers him little help though he religiously attends their appointments. His current case involves a white supremacist who escaped the justice system. With an Asian child snatched he realizes his beloved Hanna's past has caught up with them as she is in the crosshairs.

This is not an easy read as the third Defenders of Hope inspirational thriller (see RANSOMED DREAMS and HEALING PROMISES) is extremely dark and gritty as pedophile and racial hate crimes take center stage. The story line grips the audience as time is running out to save a child. At the same time, Michael wants to execute justice so the perp cannot fall through the cracks. He and a hurting Hanna may be in love, but their future together looks grim unless they can heal; only God can help them achieve this, but neither seems ready to embrace the Lord as each feels deserted instead.

Harriet Klausner

Hanna Kessler has been running away from a secret that happened over 20 years ago. She has managed to keep her secret but with recent past events and a new case, her brother, Steven and boyfriend Michael are working on, it threatens to bring all her secrets into the light.

Michael Parker, Crimes Against Children FBI agent, is recovering from his last assignment, when a new case emerges of a missing white supremacist who kidnaps an Asian child. While trying to solve this case, Michael comes face to face with Hanna's past.

This is the third book in Amy Wallace's Defenders of Hope series (see Ransomed Dreams and Healing Promises). Enduring Justice is another multilayered FBI suspense novel that will keep you hanging on to your seat until the last page. While struggling with the fine line between revenge versus justice, Michael Parker learns to rely on God while the storms of life are raging. Amy does a beautiful job in bringing her characters to life that you feel like part of the family. I look forward to more of Amy Wallace's books!

christian fiction, series, suspense, washington dc, racism, photography, fbi, white supremacist, pedophile, child abuse

"Hatred is one of the themes in this novel. Because of her past, Hanna Kessler hates herself; she wrongly blames herself for all of the bad things that happen to those around her. Michael Parker hates his father for his abusive childhood. Sean Haines, a white supremacist, hates so thoroughly that those parts of the novel make for especially tough reading. Child abuse and racism are difficult topics. This is edgy fiction.

I found the pace slow from time to time. The characters are one-dimensional and not believable. Still, the book will be a good one to read, especially for those who read the first two in the series. All loose ends are neatly tied up. Some mild profanity. Discussion questions are included."

Hannah Kessler has a secret from childhood that she intends to keep hidden until she sees part of that secret on America's Most Wanted. If she reports the man she knows is guilty it will open up a part of her that has remained closed for 20 years. But what will happen if she doesn't? Her instinct has always been to run. Will her love for Michael and concern for her friends and family keep her grounded? She is trying to understand faith and prayer but with all she's been through it seems God has forgotten her.
Michael Parker is working on a difficult case in Crimes Against Children Unit at the FBI. They are after a white supremacist leader who is trying to "purify" the nation with ruthless killings of women and children of other nationalities. Michael struggles with faith as he sees one of the groups members released on a technicality. He struggles with prayer when it seems like God isn't answering and when his precious Hannah ends up in the middle of trouble he struggles with the issue of justice vs. revenge. How can he be what Hannah needs when he struggles with his own past issues.
How can Michael and Hannah's love survive when both have been so hurt? Can God truly heal those inner places enough to knit these two hearts together?

Book 3 in the Defender's of Hope Series keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Although not an easy subject matter, Amy does a excellent job in handling it. You also get to catch up with all the characters from Ransomed Dreams and Healing Promises. That's one thing I love about Amy's books is the way she keeps all the characters in all the books. That makes for a very fulfilling story. It's almost like one big story except the focus of each story is on one main character. I appreciate that style because you really come to know these fictional characters almost like real people.
I highly recommend this book. You could read this as a stand alone but recommend you read Randsomed Dreams and Healing Promises to give the complete story. Great work Amy!

Hanna Kessler thought she'd buried her past years ago, but when it claws its way to the surface, she tries to run from its ugliness and the support of family and friends. That includes handsome FBI Crimes Against Children Agent, Michael Parker, who's struggling to cope with his own wounded past. Add in the conflict of a racially-motivated killer, and this is a book you can't put down.
With Enduring Justice, and the first two books in the Defenders of Hope series, author Amy Wallace has raised the bar for Christian fiction writers. Not only has she drawn a riveting and thoroughly-researched suspense story, but she melds it with complex, true-to-life characters you truly care about, and wraps it all in redemptive hope. Most writers shine in one facet of storytelling, but few excel at both plot and characterization. I look forward to reading Amy Wallace fiction for many years to come.

While I've never read the first 2 bks, my understanding is the same characters follow through.However,just finishing this book, it is a fantastic book on it's own.

Amy's writing reminds me immediately of Dee Henderson or Brandt Dodson--Hard core suspense. It doesn't hold back. The action starts right from the get-go & draws you in immediately.

Enduring Justice is a dark & intense read, but worthy of the time. It is a uncomfortable read at times b/c it touches subjects that are real--racism, bigotry, rape,& family issues.BUT it also gives hope to these issues.I love that Amy shares her personal story in the end notes. It really adds to the story and makes it more empowering. She says "Enduring Justice grew out of my journey where I've come to see He is the one who puts shattered lives, hearts, and people back together again." Wow! Even though it is fiction, I can't help but feel honored to read this book... knowing that some of the emotions were very real and raw. :wtg Amy for putting forth such a scary personal area for all of us to see!

The other thing I love about this book is how Amy wrote this. Each character shares a different angle of the story, and you'll be able to find someone to relate to. I really appreciate the fact that the characters are Christan. It's like when you read a mainstream book, or watch a movie and think to yourself , "Oh! They should be praying!".. or "arghhhhhhh why don't they see God's way???" (or at least that's usually the way I feel when I'm watching/reading mainstream). The beauty in Enduring Justice is that it's there! Amy adds in God and it really makes the book so much more! The struggle with emotions in this book from the un-forgiveness, and the rage are well represented. But most of all it really shows the hope and the healing we have by listening to God and letting His truth release us.

This is a great read, and if you're looking for an edge of the seat thriller, this one is it!

When I first received the novel "Enduring Justice", by Amy Wallace, I really wanted to read it but was nervous because I had not read her previous works to the series. The summary intrigued me so much that I just went for it. While I may have had a better understanding of the back story and characters if I had read the first two books, I do not think having not read them ultimately took away from my understanding and enjoyment of the story. I could not put this book down!

This novel deals with so many pivotal issues in today's society. These issues range from sexual abuse to hate crimes that stem from racial discrimination. A main character's haunted past leads her to healing, truth, love, and the courage to save others from the same tragedy she has had to face. These hate crimes turn person, and a tight-knit group of FBI "families" struggle with the difference between vengeance and justice, leaving the reader to wonder if healing is still possible. Could these brutal attacks have ruined these friendships, co-working relationships, and romantic relationships? I am a reader that loves a good thriller, and Amy Wallace most certainly delivers.

ENDURING JUSTICE is Amy Wallace's third installment in her "Defenders of Hope Series". Characters Hanna Kessler and Michael Parker were introduced to us earlier in the series, but here we delve further into their relationship, jobs, and the personal scars from their pasts.
Hanna has kept her secret hidden for over twenty years. But, when a face from her past flashes on her T.V. screen, her past nightmares become front and center once again. Putting distance between her family and those who love her, Hanna tries to deal with her anguish on her own.
FBI agent, Michael Parker's current case files have him on edge. Times running out for a missing child, and the emergence of a white supremacist group has Michael stretched to his limits. When he feels Hanna growing more distance and detached, he struggles to figure out what has her pushing him away.
ENDURING JUSTICE runs the gamut between action, suspense, romance, and personal struggles. There's a lot of storylines to keep straight in this novel. I would've preferred Hanna's struggles being addressed more and not sandwich in between child abduction and white supremacy activity, but overall, it kept my interest.

The most disappointing thing about "Enduring Justice", the third part of the Defenders of Hope series by Amy Wallace, is that it gives a couple of hints that it's the final part of the series. I wanted more! But then, Amy Wallace is one of my very favorite authors, along with Randy Singer, Alistair MacLean, and Frank Peretti.

I will try to reveal as little of the plot details as possible. I will mention some themes that are dealt with, which will possibly either enhance your interest or will encourage you to pass. Those themes are child molestation and violent racism. As usual, Amy does a great job with sensitive issues.

For those who have read the previous two installments (which I recommend, because there are frequent allusions to the other parts), "Enduring Justice" has similarities in plot format to the first novel, "Ransomed Dreams". For those who haven't read any of the series, Wallace focuses on a different couple in each part of the series. In this one and in "Ransomed Dreams", the focus couple is prominent, with each having a villain they are affected by. (Steve Kessler, the lead character in the first novel, also has a major role in this novel, but considering he is the brother of the female lead and the boss of the male lead, one shouldn't be surprised.) In contrast, the second part ("Healing Promises") had more of an ensemble feel.

Another way this novel is similar to "Ransomed Dream" but dissimilar to "Healing Promises" is that you know pretty quickly who the villains are, without much mystery to their identity. This is no problem for a romantic suspense novel like this one. If you are a mystery lover, you'll need to wait until I get mine published! LOL

The best non-fiction authors are those you can trust; the best fiction authors are those you don't trust. Wallace fits in that category. There are no guarantees that everything will be okay for the people in her stories. She's the kind of author that might have Christian readers wanting to pray for her characters.

In case you are curious after reading this review and noting my five star rating, I'll let you know that I highly recommend this book.

Hanna never told anyone what happened to her when she was six years old. A trusted neighbor sexually abused her and it changed her life forever. Now a little girl named Katrina Chu has disappeared and Hanna's brother Steve. amd Michael Parker, the man she loves, are FBI agents trying to find Kat, as her family calls her, before he can harm anyone else.
A White Suypremacist group targeting minority women and children focus on Hanna because she has a black friend who is also an employee. As events unfold, Hanna has to tell her family about her past experience.
Enduring justice is a tough, emotionally driven story about the abuse and murder of innocent children, one of the world's most horrible crimes. I can't help hoping God has prepared a particularly hot place in hell for these evil monsters. And Jesus died for everyone, regardless of skin color, nationality, race, physical condition or anything else prejudiced fools might use in an attempt to divide us. As hard as it is to believe, He even died for white supremacists and child abusers. They just have to receive Him. I read this book in one night. I'm very happy to recommend this one.