"Unforeseeable" by Nancy Mehl Book Review

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Unforeseeable Bethany House Publishers (September 1, 2013) by Nancy Mehl

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband Norman and their dog, Watson. She’s authored thirteen books and is currently at work on her newest series for Bethany House Publishing.

All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “It’s a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”

She and her husband attend Believer’s Tabernacle in Wichita.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Mystery, Romance, and Suspense Seamlessly Combined in a Mennonite Small-Town Setting Callie Hoffman knows she has a good life in Kingdom, Kansas. She's thrilled to be engaged to Levi Housler, the new pastor of Kingdom Mennonite Church, and she spends her days working with her friend and soon-to-be sister-in-law, Lizzie Housler, at Cora's Cafe. However, Callie's idyllic life is interrupted when a body is discovered on the road outside Kingdom and the deceased turns out to be a victim of a serial killer. As Washington County's new sheriff begins questioning Kingdom residents, Callie and the rest of the town are appalled at the prospect of a killer among them. The very reason Kingdom exists is to protect the people from the temptations and dangers of the outside world, but all the town founders' attempts to plan ahead couldn't prevent a threat like this. Unsettled at this unforeseen danger, Callie is concerned when it appears Levi knows more than he's telling. Desperate to find answers for herself, Callie never expected that she'd have to face some of her own past's skeletons. As Callie and the residents of Kingdom fear this danger for which they never planned, they must learn anew that only God knows the future and their trust must always lie in Him.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Unforeseeable, go HERE.

MY REVIEW:
   I have really enjoyed this series by Nancy Mehl. It is always bittersweet to read the 3rd book knowing that the series is coming to an end and you won't be able to visit these characters anymore. Nancy writes such engaging characters that I will miss them. The setting is what really set these books apart from other Amish/Mennonite series that I have read. This series takes place in Kingdom, Kansas. A small (tiny...) village that is run by the Kingdom Mennonite church basically. You can only live there if you have been invited or accepted by the church board. Over the first two books we saw the community get rocked by murder and outside influences. In book #3 we see them get targeted by a serial killer - the question becomes... is it one of their own or an outsider putting a bullseye on them. Callie and Levi are right in the middle of everything as they end up questioning whether they are really meant for each other after all, or did Levi only get engaged to her because he became the pastor and pastors are supposed to be married. Will Callie live long enough to get married anyway!
     This was a good wrap up to the series and a great way to revisit the wonderful characters. The very end was a little abrupt for me in the decision made by the characters but it certainly did wrap up the series. Overall, I really enjoyed this entire series and have loved discovering Nancy Mehl!