The Prodigal (The Crimson Legacy - Book 1)

Kat wants answers. And those answer are only going to be found in Russia. Hopefully. So, Kat, an American, hops a plane to Russia to find answers. But the only thing she finds, easily too, is trouble. She no sooner lands in Russian than she finds herself being taken by the FSB. Yep, trouble.
Vadeem is a seasoned FSB agent and has been following a known smuggler. And he is convinced that Kat is is partnered with the smuggler.
It doesn't take long for him to realize that instead of pursuing Kat, he needs to protect her and get her out of Russia safely.
This book threw me a big with all the name tossed about but as soon as I got them in my head all was well. I enjoyed this first book of the series and am looking forward to the rest. Kat and Vadeem have a world of trouble confronting them. Kat leans on her faith in her heavenly Father to help her through but still has doubts about finding out about her family and her past. Vadeem wants nothing to do with God. He stopped caring long ago. But Kat's determination to find the truth about her family brings Vadeem face to face with that God that he wants nothing to do with.
I enjoyed the struggle between Kat and Vadeem, that brought them closer together. And the struggle Vadeem had fighting God. Definitely recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The review is honest and my own thoughts.

This story takes hold of you at the start and doesn’t let go through all the twists and turns of Kat’s adventures in Russia. It’s got a great combination of faith, history, action, mystery and romance. Definitely recommend!

My thoughts:  The Prodigal was previously published wondering different title (From Russia With Love). I have read it years ago, but it has been so long I really didn't remember it. This story is stocked full of romance, adventure, and drama as the heroine, Kat, steps off the plane into a nightmare that never figured into her plans to track down her ancestors.  It is great for a book that is sure to keep you glued to the pages but I sure would hate to be the heroine.  The hero clashed with Kat at every turn and the feisty Kat get a lot of courage, strength, and willpower I am not sure I would possess if I landed in the same situation. I enjoy getting to know these characters, learning their secrets, and wondering what on Earth could possibly happen next. There's a really strong faith message which is one thing I really love about Ms Warren's books.  Full of characters that you will fall in love with - even secondary characters you will love - this is a book you will finish reading and pick it up and start reading it over again because it really is that good. This will make a great Christmas gift for yourself or someone you love. It is also not a Christmas theme books so you can read it anytime or gift it at any time of the year.  This is the first book in the series however this book is set in more modern times, and each book goes back further into the family history so if you like to read stories in chronological order, you might want to start with the last book first and read the first book last.  Highly recommended.  Pick up your copy today. I was given a copy free, and all opinions are my own. 

When I heard Susan May Warren's book was out, I knew I would want to devour it. I didn’t waste any time reading this book, and I was captured and taken to another culture and life.
Her books are full of amazing pictures of life in places I’ve never been, and they are always packed with events and adventures I’d never get to experience. But then again, I might not want to experience some of the things she has her characters experience. I’ve said it before, but I don’t think I’d like being one of Susie May Warren’s characters because she has them go through so many things. I was holding my breath the whole book while I was reading. Wow!
Susan May Warren is one of those authors. When I hear she has a new book out, I will climb the highest mountain and forge the deepest valley to get it.
Her books are rich with wonderful life lessons and amazing scenes.
Every book I read of hers has filled me with so many thoughts and personal lessons. They are not just words but profound, touching, relatable examples of what God can do in our lives! They flow with fantastic images so vivid that it’s easy to get swept away and believe it’s real. Even though this story was set in another country and culture, it was still relatable to me.
Whatever Ms. Warren writes, I know I'll be captivated and blessed in a life-changing way.
I highly recommend that you pick this book up.

The Prodigal checks off all the boxes a good suspense book should have. Hidden treasure, secret identity, big Russian cities and cozy cottages fit with a Babushka and hot chocolate.
But what I love most about Susan May Warren’s books is how she weaves God into the story. While I love all the things about it I mentioned before, her books would not be complete without the Biblical element. I love the story about both Vadeem and Kat looking for a place /people to belong to when all along their place is with the Lord. The way it is written you can almost tangibly feel what the characters are going through and that makes this book stand out even more and the redemption come to life.