Terri Blackstock was the first Christian suspense novelist I ever read. Now twenty years later, I found her latest novel SMOKE SCREEN as engaging to read as the first. Fire jumper Nate Beckett returns to his hometown to heal after receiving extensive second degree burns while rescuing a family. Within hours he finds himself enmeshed in problems he left behind 14 years earlier. First, he must meet his father, newly released from prison by the governor. While his mother has always believed her husband was innocent of the murder he was convicted of, Nate only remembers his father's drunkeness and meanness. How can they build a new relationship? Is it necessary for Nate to believe is innocent for them to begin again? Then Nate finds that his former girlfriend, now newly divorced, lives across the street from his brother's modest house where Nate is crashing. It only takes one encounter for Nate to realize that Brenna is still as lovely as ever, but that her recent divorce and oppressive husband has left her shattered. Can they put aside what happened in the past and rekindle a young love that went so wrong? And most importantly, why did a simple teenage romance end in the murder of Brenna's father? Although much of this novel is predictable, the story flows easily and the messages are solid. I received a copy of this novel from Netgalley. All opinions are mine.

Terri Blackstock's suspense never disappoints!

Years ago, Nate Beckett and Brenna Strickland fell in love. Nate was the son of the town drunk, and well on his way to a permanent spot in jail, but Brenna saw the hurt he hid behind the bravado. When her father is murdered, Nate's dad is convicted of the deed, and the church Brenna's father pastored is burned to the ground. Nate leaves town to begin a career as a smoke jumper, leaving the town to believe what they want about him.

Brenna and her family have spent the intervening years believing the worst about Nate and his father. After Nate left, Brenna married the son of the richest man in town. Her life should have been wonderful, except her husband was a serial cheater, and instead of relying on the faith she learned at her father's knee, she dove into a bottle. Now that her husband has dumped her for someone half his age, she's in a custody battle for their daughter. Can she stay sober long enough to prove that her home is the best place for her daughter to grow up?

Injured on the job, Nate returns home. His father has been pardoned after spending years in prison for a crime he has claimed all along he didn't commit. When Nate discovers that the house he is renting is across the road from where Brenna is living, he does his best to stay away but it becomes obvious pretty quickly that she needs his help. Can the two of them work together to find her father's real killer? Can working together give her the strength she needs to stop drinking, and stand strong against her ex-husband's manipulations?

I am such a fan of Terri Blackstock's writing. She is probably in my top five as far as suspense writers, and since that's my favorite genre, I have quite a list! I absolutely recommend Smoke Screen to anyone who loves romantic suspense. Blackstock is right up there with the best!

Terri has once again weaved an incredible tale of heartache and redemption. I love her writing style, and enjoyed this entire book. When Brenna or Nate were frustrated, I was frustrated. I loved this story so much. The plot was incredibly intriguing and held my interest the entire time. I will continue to read every single book Terri writes.

Smoke Screen is a wonderfully woven story about family, past events and triumphs. I enjoyed reading about Brenna and Nate as they had a second chance love. My struggles with Smoke Screen came down to my expectations. I grew up reading Terri Blackstock and I am used to a suspense filled plot with darker elements. This was not that kind of book. It was a bit slower and more domestic than I thought it would be. I enjoyed this one but it did not have the “Wow” factor that I am used to from Terri Blackstock.
I received a copy via Netgalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

I have been a big fan of Terri Blackstock books for a long time and Smoke Screen is a reminder of why.
She is a master of not only page-turning suspenseful plots, but also writing well-developed characters. Nate and Brenna, the main characters, were high school sweethearts that were driven apart when Nate's father was sent to prison for murdering Brenna's father. 14 years later, Nate's father has been pardoned and Nate also returns home. The big question all along is if Nate's dad didn't murder Brenna's father, then who did? Not only is the book suspenseful, but it also explores the themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, divorce, depression, and addiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Net Galley. Opinions stated in this review are completely my own.

I love Terri Blackstock’s stories and think she’s an extremely talented author, but I find myself torn about this particular book. I liked the story, especially the last few chapters, as there was a plot twist that I never saw coming. The author brought all the different elements together in an amazing way. My confusion with the book comes with the main character, Brenna. I felt compassion for her, but I never connected with her. I actually cared more for her children than I did her. I liked Nate, and I admired how he tried to help Brenna.

This book is more of a family drama rather than than a true suspense novel, and I think I was expecting more “action”. But all that being said, I was still glad I kept reading and finished the book. It’s not a five star rating from me, but it’s still worth reading.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

So this was one of those books I really liked but disliked all at the same time. Let me explain... it was action packed and heart wrenching... couldn't put it down and yet I was mad at the main characters quite a bit. I kept getting mad when things were going wrong because of choices that were being made. Isn't that how it is though... we watch people go through things because they've put themselves in those positions and we can't force people to make the right choices.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

Secrets, ruined lives, murder, and mystery - Smoke Screen by Terri Blackstock has it all. Our lead characters deal with family drama and the consequences of choices made in the past while struggling in the present and trying to uncover the deeds that ruined more than one life. You're pulled into the tangled web of emotion and uncertainty.

I didn't find this tale to be remarkably fast-paced, but it was intriguing. The characters are incredibly flawed, but it's remarkably easy to feel sympathetic towards them for responding how they do. The overall story is difficult at times - it's not a pretty story. There is a lot of judgement, pain, and heaviness throughout the book. Fortunately, there's also hope and healing, leading to a well-spun journey and tidy conclusion. Recommended for an engaging, conspiratorial, inspiring read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have no idea why I waited so long to get this book read. Have you ever looked forward to reading a book and almost didn't want to start because you were afraid that the hype might not prove worth it? I think this was that kind of book for me. I believe I have read the last 4, now 5, books that Terri Blackstock has written and they have been excellent. But I wasn't sure about this one, maybe it would let me down and so I put off reading it or at least that is the mind game I think that I subconsciously played. It just wasn't pulling me in. But then....

I picked up this book on Sunday and I finished it this morning, two days later. It did not disappoint at all and I will definitely have my eyes out for the next book by Terri Blackstock.

A murder and a fire take center stage as the underlying themes of the book, but there are so many facets of the story that streak out from that central theme. A few things I came away with is that community can be hurtful or it can be helpful. Nate experienced what he perceived as rejection when he was a teenager, but then he also got to watch the community come together 12 years later and surround the woman he cared deeply about and support her in her greatest hour of need. He also was able to see the community applaud him and his heroism. The challenge I take from that part of the story is what kind of community am I part of? Am I one who encourages and comes alongside someone who needs my help or am I someone who judges and makes false assumptions without digging down through the layers of facts and feelings to find the true story? It's so easy to be the latter person and that is not who I want to be.

I really enjoyed the story. It was pretty fast-paced, what I would call plot-driven. There were a few big events that the entire book was built around and while the time frame of the book was only a couple of weeks, it feels like it should have been a few months more realistically. The only downside for me was the divorce and remarriage issue; otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

I received this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Smoke Screen
by Terri Blackstock

Thomas Nelson–FICTION

Thomas Nelson

Christian , Mystery & Thrillers

Pub Date 05 Nov 2019

I am reviewing a copy of Smoke Screen through Thomas Nelson Fiction and Netgalley:

A Father was murdered, another was convicted of his death, simply because there children fell in love.

Nate Beckett decides to spend his life fighting wildfires instead of the rumors and the lies that drove him from his Colorado Hometown. After his Father is pardoned by the governor and released from prison his Mother begs him to come home, but it isn’t until he is sidelined by an injury that he is forced to make the trip home and return to the past.

Nate was in love with the preachers daughter fourteen years ago. When Pastor Strickland discovered Brenna went against his wishes and snuck out to see Nate the fight between the Pastor and Nate’s Dad was both loud and very public. After Strickland was found ran off the road and shot everyone blamed Roy Beckett for his murder. When the church burned two years later it was Nate that many accused.

After the man convicted of her Father’s Murder is pardoned and released Brenna is stunned. The events of the night of her Father’s Murder set her life on a bad course and she’s fighting a brutal custody battle with her ex and his new wife where he’s using lies and his family’s money to sway the judge. Brenna has turned to alcohol to cope, and is barely hanging on. She is consumed by alcohol and fear.

Nate and Brenna are trying to deal with the present including new information about that fateful night and a wildfire that’s threatening their town, they find that the part keeps igniting. It turns out that Nate is the steady force Brenna needs, but can she learn to trust him again?

I give Smoke Screen five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Terri Blackstock just happens to be one of my favorite authors of suspense so I had very high expectations when I picked up this book. Smokescreen certainly did not disappoint. Her unique talents to weave a detailed, complicated tale while at the same time developing her characters in a deep, realistic way, is that of a master storyteller.

From the first chapter, I found myself walking alongside Brenna and Nate, feeling their every emotion. They both had experienced rocky roads in their lives with many ups and downs. The past haunts them both as does the thought of the future. I was constantly questioning,"How can they ever make peace with the past, with themselves and each other? Painful memories that are so hard to deal with cause the future to appear very dim. The pain and struggles that the characters experienced made them very realistic. Who doesn't have problems?

The plot moves quickly with many unexpected twists and turns. Just when you think Nate and Jenna are finding some peace in their lives, another obstacle suddenly appears in their path. The reader is kept guessing from the first to the last chapter. Who was the murderer who caused all of this pain?? Faith, courage and second chances is the underlying them throughout the story. Learning to listen and wait upon the Lord is strongly felt as you read this novel. God forgives and gives second chances. Are we able to accept His help?


This five star book is one that anyone would enjoy! Relationships can be healed but only if we allow God to be in control.


This book was received from CelebrateLit. The thoughts and opinions expressed, are honest and my own. A positive review was not required.

Thanks to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC for an honest review.
When I first started reading this book, I thought it started out slowly, perhaps it was just me. But the further I got into the book, the more I wanted to keep reading. Terri Blackstock has the talent of giving us Biblical truths in such subtle ways. While the characters continue to pray for resolutions to their problems, they realize that God is working in the background for their ultimate good. This may be a truth you don't realize until the end of the book because it seems that the bad hits just keep coming. If you like to see the buy guys get what's coming to them, you'll love this book. The author doesn't tie everything up in a new bow quickly. She explains the resolutions and lets the reader rest in them.

Smoke Screen is a richly layered story of murder and arson, of lost love, and of second chances. Blackstock grapples with the timeless question of why we continue to do the very things we know will end up hurting us and stealing what we love most. It’s a novel of twists and turns that will leave you wondering who is innocent, who is a murderer, and what forgiveness really looks like.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is one of those books that you will want to finish in one sitting. The two main characters are sympathetic, the situation, possible. Nate's father was accused of murdering a preacher. Brenna's father was murdered - he was the preacher. Nate and Brenna have been drawn to each other since they were in high school. Now this. Add to this mix a manipulative ex-husband and some alcohol abuse. By vocation, Nate is a firefighter. Not only does he fight physical fires, but in this story he must also try to extinguish personal and societal fires.
I highly recommend this fast-paced Christian story of redemption, forgiveness, and possibilities.
Thank you #NetGalley and #SmokeScreen

It was an okay story. The mystery part of it was good but I didn't care for the characters. It's the story of Brenna and Nate, they had dated as teenagers and then his father was accused and convicted of murdering her father the town preacher. Now 15 years later his dad is out of prison and trying to prove his innocence. Brenna is divorced and fighting her ex husband for their children, she handles it by becoming a drunk. Nate returns to the town to heal from burns he suffered from being a smoke jumper. They rekindle their romance while trying to prove Nate's dad's innocence and help Brenna get her kids back.

Another fast paced thriller by Terri Blackstock. This novel will captivate you from page one...and will not let go until the final sentence. Enjoy it!

Smoke Screen by Terri Blackstock – Likable Characters in a Compelling Story

Terri Blackstock is on my shortlist of authors, who when they write a new book, I want to read it. I was excited at the opportunity to read Terri’s newest book Smoke Screen. She has a way of drawing the reader into the story with an honest portrayal of likable characters with broken lives.

What makes Smoke Screen a good book? In this book, it was the main characters, Brenna and Nate and an interesting storyline. Brenna is in a rough season of her life. She’s had a divorce that she didn’t ask for or want and now she is battling a weak but powerful and strategic ex-husband for the custody of their children. Nate, an admirable man with proven character, a hero who along with his teammates puts his life on the line to save lives and protect communities when wildfires are burning.

Both characters bring their history of brokenness to the table. One whose father was murdered and the other whose father was convicted of that murder. Imagine what losing a father does to a family with children. It tears them apart and leaves scars that take a long time to heal. Can the love between two teens possible survive? What if the man who served 14 years for a crime that he didn’t commit is set free? How will that impact the families involved as well as the community? Will the truth ever be made known and will justice be served?

Nate was my favorite character. A strong man of courage, who lives out his Christian faith with grace and forgiveness. Yet, even he will have that faith tested. Brenna, a woman who has been through a lot of tragedy in her life. Her faith is wavering and her walk is stumbling along. The secondary characters, especially Nate’s brother and mother were likable too.

There were a few things I struggled with. One being Brenna’s alcohol problem. I understand that she was overwhelmed and just trying to get through, but as a Christian how did she get there. Nate was very solid in his faith walk, except for a couple of areas where his response didn’t seem fitting. One, when testifying in court he waffled and played loose with the truth. Two, when Brenna is out of control with her drinking one night, he just lets her drink, to her very public detriment. I didn’t understand that response. It didn’t seem fitting of his character, especially when Brenna had so much to lose.

I appreciate that the story included the Christian faith. There were some good examples, but I would have like to have seen it portrayed deeper and stronger.

I liked this story and the characters, even with some of the messiness and brokenness of their lives. I really like Nate’s commitment and faithfulness as a son, brother, friend, teammate, and firefighter.

If you like Terri Blackstock, or mysteries and suspense, give Smoke Screen a read. I found myself thinking about the characters even when I wasn’t reading the book and I was challenged to ask how I would respond if I faced similar situations that the characters faced.

I would like to thank Thomas Nelson Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Smoke Screen by Terri Blackstock. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

4.5 stars

Smoke Screen was a very good suspense read from Terri Blackstock. I've read and loved several of her previous novels, so I was eager to read this one. It didn't disappoint. While I didn't certain aspects of the story (not a fan of stories with divorce), I did enjoy the story overall.



I liked how the main characters were sweethearts in their youth, so they had a second chance at love...that was cute. Also, the mystery was entertaining and held my interest. I didn't expect everything that happened.



All in all, Smoke Screen was a great read and I recommend it to fans of Christian thrillers. The book does deal with alcoholism.



*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

This is my first time reading a book by this author author and it was an excellent read to me. The characters were well developed and you can see and feel the emotions of what each character was going through. It was an emotional rollercoaster ride for me of happy, sadness, anger, trust, pain, inspiration and suspense.
I love how Nate and Brenna love as teenagers was always felt by them through the years that they were separated from each other because of Nate’s father being convicted and jailed for killing Brenna’s father.
Nate has come back to his hometown to recuperate from injuries he received from fighting a fire and also to see his father who has been released from jail and still claims his innocence. Breanna is going through a nasty custody court battle with her ex-husband who wants full custody of their two small children.
There are a lot of plots twist and turns some I did not see coming. I don’t want to give any spoilers so I highly recommend this book to read, you will not be disappointed.
Cassandra H.

I received a ARC from Netgalley and this review is of my own honest opinion.

I received an ARC copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. I could not finish because I found the main character annoying. Who in the world would be drinking excessively while in a custody battle with their ex husband?