Review of Ashes to Ashes by Hannah Hood Lucero

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Kim Griffin's review:

This coming of age Christian military romantic suspense by Hannah Hood Lucero delivers everything fans of the Christian romantic suspense genre want: faith-filled character growth, twists and turns that leave you on the edge of your seat, realistic hope, and a clean romance.


Phoenix Flynn has just graduated high school when revelations about her past collide with present danger. Will, a college student still processing his own difficult upbringing with an alcoholic father and an often-absent mother, finds himself drawn to Phoenix even as both face situations that force them to grow up fast. The story opens with a gorgeous beach setting before launching into intense twists that kept me engaged throughout.


What makes this book shine is how well Lucero balances darkness with light. Phoenix's spunk and intelligence make her a compelling character, and watching her faith deepen while she learns to accept her worth and place in her family was moving. Will's spiritual journey runs alongside his learning to care for those he loves in mature, sacrificial ways. I appreciated that not every character becomes a Christian and not everything wraps up neatly, yet the ending radiates genuine hope. Lucero weaves faith naturally through both intense moments and lighter scenes, never letting either dominate. Fans of the Sons of Vigilance series will enjoy seeing familiar faces, though this works perfectly as a standalone. Phoenix's family rallying around each other and these young people provides beautiful moments of support.


My only heartache is knowing what these characters endure at such young ages. Their pain feels real and sometimes heavy, but it is always with purpose and balance with lighter moments.


Highly recommended for Christian romantic suspense readers who want authentic faith journeys, realistic hope, and an HEA. 


Get Ashes to Ashes here.

Read the blurb:

Betrayed by a sickening secret kept by those closest to her, Phoenix Flynn flees her own high school graduation and never looks back. But when tragedy forces her to reunite with her family, she quickly discovers that the secrets go far deeper than any of them realized. Now the target of a mysterious kidnapping ring and forced to overcome impossible odds, Phee will have to fall back on the faith and vigilance that made her a Flynn.


Will Sanders is spending a lonely summer at Pensacola Beach trying to manage his alcoholic father in the absence of his career-driven mother. About the only thing interesting is the comings and goings of the extended Flynn family next door, especially the intriguing dark-headed granddaughter. Their budding friendship is accelerated when Will is thrust into the middle of the dangers surrounding Phee even as he navigates his own family crisis.

The family that has given Phee an identity and Will a purpose now faces its greatest challenge. As tensions escalate and threats intensify, will the next generation of Flynns rise to embrace their legacy?


This blog is brought to you by Kim Griffin, author of Christian fiction with romance and Bible studies. Find out more about Kim and her books and sign up for her newletter for free books, Bible studies, updates, and more at KimGriffin.org .


Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the page above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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