WHAT LIES WITHIN by Karen Ball

Nothing’s going to stop Kyla…

until the ground crumbles beneath her feet.

Kyla Justice has arrived. Her company, Justice Construction, is one of the most critically acclaimed, commercially successful companies in the Pacific Northwest. And yet, something is missing. Not until she’s called on to build a center for inner-city kids does she realize what it is: her sense of purpose. Now nothing can stop her, not the low budget, not supply problems, not gang opposition, not her boyfriend’s suggestion that she sell her business and marry him–and most especially not that disagreeable Rafael Murphy.

Rafe Murphy understands battle. Wounded in action, this Force Recon Marine carries the scars–and the nightmares–to prove it. Though he can’t fight overseas any longer, he’s found his place as a warrior in the civilian world. So he soldiers on, trusting that one of these days, God will reveal to him why Rafe survived the ambush in Iraq. That day has arrived.

Kyla and Rafe both discover that determination alone won’t carry them through danger and challenges. When gang violence threatens their very foundations, there’s only one way to survive: rely on each other, be real–and surrender to God. In other words, risk everything…




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Karen Ball , bestselling novelist, is also the editor behind several of today's bestselling Christian novels. Her love for words was passed down through her father and grandfather - both pastors who shared God's truth through sermons and storytelling. Blending humor, poignancy, and honesty, Karen's writing style is a powerful force for revealing God's truth. She lives in Oregon with her husband, Don, and their "kids," Bodhan, a mischief-making Siberian husky, and Dakota, an Aussie-terrier mix who should have been named "Destructo."


MY REVIEW:

Having already read the first two books in the Family Honor Series, Shattered Justice, and Kaleidoscope Eyes, I was anxiously awaiting the third installment, What Lies Within. (You can enjoy each of the books individually, but having read the first two does lend added depth to the story.) Karen Ball writes in a style that is really beautiful and stays with you long after you finish the last page. What Lies Within was no exception! The first page grabs you and doesn’t let go! There is plenty of suspense and romance, as well as many unexpected plot twists interwoven among real personal relationships between the main characters and Christ.

Kyla Justice has to learn firsthand what the phrase “there but for the grace of God go I” means in her life. As she begins working among a gang infested neighborhood, she learns to cling to God’s direction with a tenacity and courage she has almost forgotten in her climb to corporate success. However, she reaches an epiphany moment when she comes face to face with the gang leader. I won’t spoil the story, but I can say it is a scene that will cause you to examine your own faith in a new and deeper way. It was powerful!!

This story sort of clings to you for a day or two after you finish the last chapter. I actually dreamed about some of the characters last night! I know I will probably go back and revisit the Justice family, because their characters struggle and ask many of the same questions of life that I do. They ring true. So does Karen Ball! Thank you, Karen! I look forward to your next book!

Buy your copy today! What Lies Within