Byrnes crafts an edge of your seat romantic thriller with "Purple Knot." A contemporary inspirational, Reyna Cruz is a private investigator who has left Seattle to establish a life in California. When her childhood friend, Summer Evans, dies from injuries received in an assault, Reyna puts herself on the case, but solving it will take all her wits and faith in God.
Reyna is working when she receives a phone call from her former fiancé, Jimmy Carbeau, Summer's twin brother. Jimmy is frantic. Summer has been assaulted and she's eight months pregnant. Reyna rushes from San Francisco to Seattle. When she arrives at the hospital, she discovers Summer has left her a medical power of attorney. Making the best decision she can with the doctor's advice and assessment, Reyna elects to save the baby and Summer dies.
Despite the pain from Summer's loss, Reyna reconnects with Jimmy, who is just as passionate about finding Summer's killer. Jimmy, however, doesn't necessarily approve of Reyna's methods, but he can't deny his heart. He loves Reyna and he's willing to give their love another chance.
The case heats up when Reyna is attacked in her office and her house is ransacked. The danger doesn't deter her. When a drug angle is introduced as a motive, Reyna is appalled. Summer did not do drugs.
Reyna calls in all her favors to get answers, but will those answers destroy the rekindled love she's found with Jimmy?
Byrnes infuses the story with just the right mix of suspense and romance. The story is told in the first person from Reyna's perspective and Byrnes does a fine job giving Reyna her own unique and distinctive voice. The descriptions are balanced and nuanced, never lingering, yet painting vivid pictures of the setting.
I enjoyed how Byrnes handled the inspirational message of the story, making it feel like a natural, organic element and not forcing the religious overtones.
Reyna and Jimmy are compelling characters. Both have to overcome the pain of loss, but each do it in their own way. What allows Reyna to really grow as a character is a scene in which she reaches for Jimmy's hand and asks him to pray. It's a very somber, yet poignant moment for them and defines them as a couple.
The story is sweet for romance readers with Reyna and Jimmy sharing a kiss or two. "Purple Knot" draws the reader in effortlessly and doesn't let go until the last page.
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![Purple Knot (Shades of Hope Book 1) by [Raquel Byrnes]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51HZlZVbHvL._SY346_.jpg)
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