Ehvah Rowe’s life is in freefall. Her teen queen status is long forgotten, and with a childhood of tragic loss, no family save a diabolical aunt, and no career prospects, her L.A. celebrity world holds no future. It will take a murder, an escape to the Australian tropics, and the friendship of an Aussie bodyguard, for her to discover healing, faith, and a way forward.
David Blake knows how to be a soldier. His army training equipped him to fight and protect. But when it comes to helping a fear-filled celebrity navigate the same post-traumatic stress symptoms he has suffered, David discovers the challenge in forsaking his own strength for God’s plan.
Rose Dee weaves a story of mystery, drama and romance, in her trademark tropical North Queensland Australian style.
Narelle's Thoughts:
I really enjoyed reading Ehvah After and it's now my favourite Rose Dee book. The story opens with Ehvah living in her L.A. mansion with her aunt and uncle. She's an orphan of famous parents who lives off her trust fund and feels jaded with her shallow party lifestyle. Ehvah is frustrated by her bad press in the tabloids, her so-called friends who use her, and her inability to resurrect her Hollywood career. When she witnesses the late night murder of her uncle in her home, she flees to Australia with her aunt who is shooting a film in far north Queensland.
Ehvah has a complex relationship with her aunt that's revealed during the story. The murder investigation is underway when Ehvah arrives in Australia. David, an Aussie ex-military soldier, is assigned the day shift as Ehvah's bodyguard, and an unlikely romance unfolds. I like bodyguard romances, and I love how David and Ehvah's unique and painful past experiences become the common ground in their developing relationship that draws them closer. Her life is in danger, and David takes on the role of her protector and hero.
The murder of Ehvah's uncle provides a compelling mystery sub-plot that intertwines with the main romantic plot to add an exciting suspense element to the story. The serious issue of post traumatic stress is realistically addressed and handled with sensitivity. Rose's books tend to be edgy, although Ehvah After is less edgy than her Resolution series. Ehvah's lifestyle and experiences shape her thoughts and actions in the story, and she doesn't start out holding Christian morals and values. We see her character growth and faith journey during the story.
The story has a strong faith element, and the gospel message is an integral part of the story. The exotic tropical North Queensland setting is gorgeous, and the minor characters add to the Aussie flavour in the story. I highly recommend Ehvah After to readers who are looking for a fun and exciting Aussie contemporary Christian romance with drama and mystery story elements.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
Learn more about ACW author Rose Dee and her books by visiting her website.
Excellent review, Narelle. Looks like a good one. Great to see the diversity in Aussie christian fiction. Well done, Rose Dee. I have it on my Kindle, fingers crossed I can get to it soon.
ReplyDeleteBoy, do I know what it's like to be behind on my reading too, Ian. I can honestly say that I am years behind. How can life be so fast and yet some of the 'to do' piles that bring us the most pleasure (like my reading list) are so neglected? Thank you for downloading this new one - It's a great support.
DeleteThanks, Ian :) I hope Ehvah After rises to the top of your Kindle list soon!
DeleteRose, I'm always way behind on my tbr list. One day I'll catch up! :)
Thanks for that Narelle. Looking forward to reading Rose's new novel which sounds like another great story with plenty of light and dark.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carol. It was a long time getting there, but I'm really happy with it. xo
DeleteCarol, you're very welcome. It's a pleasure to share Rose's book with you all :)
DeleteThanks Narelle for the review. Loved Rose's Resolution series. I look forward to reading Ehvah After. The PSD angle and murder mystery interweaved with the romance sounds intriguing. (I have a murder mystery as a subplot in my second book Rasel's Song which does add an edge to the story).
ReplyDeleteLove a little mystery and drama with my romance. :-) It's nice to have that twist to the story. Absolutely adds an edge. xo
DeleteJeanette, your book sounds interesting, too! I'm sure you'll enjoy Ehvah After :)
DeleteA nice teaser, Narelle. Yes of course, I'll add this book to my Kindle. I love well-written Australian stories with a great plot line and intriguing characters. AND so original, Rose!
ReplyDeleteYou know there has to be some Pacific Ocean in there too, Rita. ;-)
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Thanks, Rita :) The North Queensland setting is stunning. Enjoy!
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