Fraser (The Minnesota Marshalls: Book 1)

"But the good thing is that feelings do not define truth. God's word defines truth. Don't try to bend the truth to justify your feelings. Instead, stand on the truth you know."

What an incredible start to Susan May Warren's new Minnesota Marshalls series! I am totally enthralled that the author's books/series are weaving together to incorporate old and new characters in the continued search for a global villain. If you've never read the author's books, that's ok - you'll still love the action, adventure, suspense, romance, and faith that align perfectly in these pages. But if you're a fan of the author, you'll scour her previous books to revisit the events alluded to in this book and appreciate how everything and everyone fits so nicely together.

Fraser, the oldest of the Minnesota Marshalls, is a former soldier now working with private security company but wounded from his last job and haunted by failure, worthlessness, and restlessness. Pippa is a capable and straight-laced secret service security detail from Lauchtenland, guarding Princess Imani. Meeting of Fraser's youngest brother Creed and Princess Imani sparks an international intrigue and race for survival - and this brings Fraser and Pippa into close proximity as they use their abundant skills to find and protect their loved ones. Fraser is a worthy Susan May Warren hero - formidable, capable, funny, tender, and loyal. Pippa is an excellent partner and counterpart to Fraser with her matching capability and strength. Seeing my other favorite characters like Ziggy, Roy, Ham, Jake, and Aria was the icing on the cake. I can't wait to get to know Jonas Marshall better in the next book and I'm holding out hope for a book about Winchester Marshall though he isn't technically part of the Minnesota Marshall family.

I received the book from publisher via JustRead Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

I think you do an outstanding job of writing your books I have enjoyed all of them on audio. It makes my work day go very fast by getting to enjoy your books on audio.

Thanks for starting this new branch of the family. Really great story line about how to define your life and actions through Jesus. Good lead characters who needed to rely more on The Lord for strength to get the job done.

Oh my word, I have no idea how to even begin with this book. Fraser by Susan May Warren has blown me away! This book IS. SO. GOOD!!! I must admit that I am extremely behind in Warren’s backlog. I feel a little overwhelmed by how fast Warren is able to release stories. But I saw Fraser and said to myself, “You will read this series.” So, here I am, done with book 1. And what a ride. This book is engaging from page one. Very early on there is a moment on a hanging gondola — yeah, I was TERRIFIED. And the intensity just kept ratcheting up from that point forward. The characters are fantastic. At first, I was quite confused with all the name dropping and cameos — it made me feel a bit lost because I haven’t read too many of Warren’s books lately, so I didn’t know who people were or the events they were referencing. But once the story got to just Pippa and Fraser, Imani and Creed, it was smooth sailing and I had no problem with following the plot. Fraser is my absolute favorite character in this story and my heart hurt for him big time. What a hero! To be a true Alpha male and then to suddenly be sidelined with no sort of grand purpose must be excruciating. I love the message Warren weaves in regards to Fraser and his identity. So many of us get wrapped up in our identities that we make them our whole lives. Maybe, without being aware of it, we even turn these identities into idols. Fraser struggles with being sidelined because he loved being the Alpha, the man in control, the man who could always do. I mean who doesn’t dream of being super capable at something and then being loved for it? But once Fraser can’t do, he flails because what’s his purpose? And that is totally expected, but it’s in the not-capable moments where he realizes that he has become reliant on self and not on God. WHOA! I had to stop for a minute and really think about all the hats I wear. Do I make idols of my identities? Do I rely on my abilities and not on God? I love, love, love that this absolutely excellent story had me self-reflecting and turning to God.

There is actually so much more to be said about Fraser. I can’t do this book justice in just this one review. In fact, I’m not sure I’ve done anything in this review. But I do highly, highly recommend this well-written and intense Romantic Suspense. If you haven’t yet read it, do yourself a solid and purchase a copy today. You will be very happy you did!

I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from the author, Susan May Warren, on February 14, 2023, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I love Susan’s books and now I can listen while I get things done. Awesome narrator for a great story.