Terri Blackstock is one of my favorite for mystery. I have read her books for years and she never lets me down. She is so good at writing wholesome books that I would never be afraid of my teenage daughters reading.

I love how Blackstock weaves themes of faith and family throughout her stories. Smoke Screen is a good example of this and at the same time many of her characters are relatable.

3.5 stars

I didn’t find Smoke Screen as intense as some of Blackstock’s previous works.

Nate Beckett has spent his life fighting wildfires instead of the lies and rumors that drove him from his Colorado hometown. Brenna Strickland is barely holding on as she fights a brutal custody battle with her ex and his new wife. Fourteen years ago, Nate and Brenna were in love. Will they find their way back to each other as they each fight their battles?

Smoke Screen read like an abridged version of an audiobook. Things are told and solved so quickly that I felt something was missing. It was missing a depth and full exploration of the characters. It was missing the meat. There were plenty of sides at this meal, but nothing that came completely together for this reader.

I consider all of Blackstock’s books Christian Fiction. While there are mentions every so often of the faith that Nate has and Brenna is struggling with, it is not over done and in your face.

While I’m a tad disappointed that this didn’t leave me on the edge of my seat, it was a quick enough read. Would I read it again? Probably.

This was my first book by Terri Blackstock. I was an early reader, thanks to Netgallery. The chapters in the story are told from the perspective of Nate and Brianna. The title, Smoke Screen is appropriate not only because, Nate is a smokejumper, but because there are alot of things in the town that are clouded as if by smoke. This story is Christian fiction, but it is not heavy-handed. The suspenseful aspects of the story are less important to telling the story of the romance that re-develops between Brianna and Nate. Brianna's ex-husband, Jack is painted as an uncaring father, and manipulated by his father. Despite the events that occur, the negative aspects show the development of new beginnings.

A fun romantic suspense with 2 characters on the opposite ends with one whose father was murdered and the other whose father was the murderer. The premise itself was quite intriguing.

Brenna, a single mother fighting for the custody of her kids, whose preacher father was killed and Nate, a smoke jumper who spent his life fighting fires, whose father had apparently killed the preacher and was now pardoned after 14 years of prison. Brenna and Nate were high school sweethearts whose love ended with their fathers. Now one was back proclaiming his innocence. Nate wanted to investigate into it as well as explore his feelings for Brenna.

My first book by author Terri Blackstock was a smooth read with clear emotions. The plot which could have been murky was treated with great suspense and I found myself slowly being pulled into the story. I didn't like Brenna she drank too much. A single mother who was near alcoholic put me off.

But Nate was equally endearing pulling my emotions in a positive way. I read his parts with great enthusiasm. He was intelligent and brave and had quite the guts to pursue his romance with Brenna as well as investigate into a crime which took place nearly 15 years ago.

Fast paced, thanks to Nate, the story was on point without meandering. Written in dual POV, I could get an idea of their emotions. The author was quite a story teller keeping a balance between romance and suspense without it becoming overly scorching.

I enjoyed it. A sweet read, would recommend it between intense books.

In Ms. Blackstock’s latest release, readers will find themselves immersed in this suspenseful page turner where it will be a race to see the conclusion. Ms. Blackstock’s writing continues to draw the reader in and feel as if they are a part of the story. This book focuses on Brenna, whose world seems to be falling apart. Her husband has divorced her and is trying to get full custody of her children. Her childhood sweetheart, Nate, comes home after staying away for many years. He left town after two events: his father was convicted of killing Brenna’s father and the church burned. After his father is released from jail, he returns home. Both Nate and Brenna spend time together to reconnect as friends. As time goes on, things began to occur that causes more questions as to what really happened to Brenna’s dad. As the title indicates, this story gives the illusion that all the facts are tied neatly in a bow, but could it all really be a smoke screen hiding the real story. This book will keep you reading all night! I highly recommend this book! You will not be disappointed!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, I have purchased her books before.

This book was so unique. Young love hits us like no other, and when it’s ripped away from us, it can effect the rest of our lives. Brenna and Nate were once in love, and although innocent, events of one night changed the course of both of their families lives. Nate’s father was accused of murdering Brenna’s father, who also happened to be the town preacher. Nate’s dad always proclaimed his innocence, but it was hard for his sons to believe that their drunk of a father wasn’t guilty. When he gets released, old wounds are opened and the past comes back to haunt them all.

Brenna had no choice but to move on after losing the love of her life, Nate. Feeling like they never had closure wasn’t an easy thing to live with, but now she has kids and they are the light of her life. Fighting for custody was not part of her plans. Her ex husband not only has a new and younger wife, but also has his eye on public office. With money and powerful people on his side, does Brenna have a chance at all? Seeing Nate again has reminded her that she was once happy, and that someone used to love her for herself. Can they work together to find out the truth? Or will everything come to light just a little too late?

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a suspenseful mystery. The characters were very unique and had things that they constantly struggled with. Brenna was a very unique character in that she was an alcoholic, but only when her kids weren’t around. Being away from them made her feel scared, alone, and hopeless. It was interesting getting a glimpse into a lifestyle that so many are forced to cope with. It was easy to like Nate and I enjoyed seeing a man who was a hero, but also humble about it. I enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what Hannon does next. I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

In the book Smoke Screen, author Terri Blackstock writes about Nate who is a fire jumper and returns home to recover from his injuries. But home does not bring good memories. He left home after being suspected of arson while his father was serving a murder sentence. But can he overcome his fears and find the real arsonist? Did his father really kill the preacher? Will Nate find love again?
I would highly recommend this book. It was a great read with lots of twists and turns. I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I received this book "Smoke Screen" from NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own. This book was okay. I really didn't find the story suspenseful. I'm not sure I liked the writing style, although I have read other books by this author. I struggled with the characters and how the storyline moved along. The end of the story felt rushed.

Full of suspense and romance, Smoke Screen held my attention until the end. If you prefer more realistic characters and struggles, you will enjoy Smoke Screen. While this book does have a satisfying conclusion and storyline, it is not your typical feel good romantic suspense, as it deals with heavy issues such as divorce and alcoholism. However, Smoke Screen is an satisfying read that I would recommend.

Smoke Screen is the first Terri Blackstock book I've read and I can't wait to read more! She balances the perfect blend of suspense and faith to produce a compelling novel up until the last page. Her main characters are equally flawed, sympathetic and resilient. You can't help but immerse yourself in the plot and wonder how you would've dealt with the same emotional issues. The perfect read for fans of Hallmark Movies and Mysteries!

The title the author gives this book is perfect, and shows up in more than one way, and it becomes crystal clear as you go further into this story.
There appears to be a lot going on here in this small Colorado town, but the action begins in another part of the state with smoke jumpers, and a horrible wild fire, lives are at stake here.
Things do not get more comfortable here, and there is a lot at risk, especially in the lives of young children.
You will be quickly immersed here, and you won’t want to put this one down until you know the answers

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelso

What if you were on a date and your Dad killed your girlfriends’ father who just happened to be a pastor? This happened to Nate and Brenna when they were 16. They went their separate ways for many years - Nate became a Hotshot firefighter and Brenna married Jack, who cheated on her and married a much younger woman, and was trying to get full custody of their children.
Brenna dealt with her anxiety by drinking on the weekends, Nate came back to town to heal from his injuries and started talking to Brenna to help her out.
Nate’s father gets released from jail and he says he is innocent,but can he prove it?
Can Brenna save herself and her family?
You will have to read the book to find out....

Nate Beckett has spent his life fighting wildfires instead of the lies and rumors that drove him from his Colorado hometown. His mother begs him to come back now that his father has been released from prison, but it isn’t until he’s sidelined by an injury that he’s forced to return and face his past. But that means facing Brenna too.
Fourteen years ago, Nate was in love with the preacher’s daughter. When Pastor Strickland discovered Brenna defied him to sneak out with Nate, the fight between Strickland and Nate’s drunken dad was loud—and very public. Strickland was found murdered later that night, and everyone accused Roy Beckett. When the church burned down not long after, people assumed Nate set the fire to get even for his father’s conviction. He let the rumors fly and left town without looking back.
Brenna is stunned to learn that the man convicted of murdering her father has been pardoned. The events of that night set her life on a bad course, and now 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 is barely hanging on, and she’s turned to alcohol to cope. Shame and fear consume her.
As Nate and Brenna deal with the present—including new information about that fateful night and a wildfire that’s threatening their town—the past keeps igniting. Nate is the steady force Brenna has so desperately needed. But she’ll have to learn to trust him again first.

This book is different than other books I've read by Ms Blackstock. I didn't find it had the suspense as her previous novels. That said, it was still a good book. Brenna is having a hard time coping with her ex-husband trying to get full custody of their children. She turns to alcohol to help her. Only thing is, it doesn't help. Nate is back to his home town recovering from burns he received as a hotshot smoke jumper. The problem is Nate's dad was put in prison for murdering Brenna's dad. I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to others.

I was given this book by Thomas Nelson Publishing via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

Smoke Screen is equally about uncovering lies as it is about learning to rely on Christ for guidance and assistance.

I love how the novel starts..."He left me for a size two selfie star and didn't want me to make a scene". Brenna Strickland thought she was happily married with two young children until her husband divorced her and married a much younger women. Brenna struggles to fight in the court system with her ex-husband, who has political aspirations and wants full custody of the children. As a result of her stress, she turns to liquor to numb the pain.

Nate Beckett returns to Carlisle to recover from wounds suffered during his job as a smoke jumper. He has a couple of negatives stacked against him due to a belief that he set a church on fire years ago and because his father went to prison for killing Brenna's father.

This was a good suspense novel with a fabulous ending.

Smoke Screen is different for the usual suspense novel that Terri Blackstock usually write. There was still some suspense toward the end but not the heart pounding danger that the heroine is usually in. This story is told from the viewpoint of two characters. Brenna Strickland Hertzog has been through a lot in her 30 yeas of life. When she was 16 her minister father was supposedly murdered by her boyfriend's father. Years go by and she marries Jack Hertzog. Jack is a jerk and dumps her to marry a much younger wife. He doesn't really want to spend time with his kids but under the pressure from his father, William Hertzog who takes every opportunity to make Brenna's life a living hell. The children don't really want to spend time with their father but she really has no choice. She didn't handle it too well when she was separated from her children and took to drinking too much when they were away from them. The other viewpoint is Nate Beckett. He was the one who was involved with Brenna when she was a teen and her father died. They broke up when this happened. He moved to another town and became a smoke jumper. He has injuries on the job and returns to his home town to recuperate. His father is paroled from prison and maintains that he is innocent. Meanwhile Nate reconnects with the divorced Brenna much to the chagrin of his father. Most of the book dealt with Breena spiral into alcoholism with Nate trying to help her. The the mystery was not really addressed until the last 10 percent of the book. I had a good suspicion on who the real murderer and it was confirmed toward the end but I had no idea of the motive.

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

I've read 33 books written by Terri Blackstock and must say she hasn't lost her touch.
I'm not going over the synopsis as most reviewers do. I have to admit that about 40% in I felt frustrated because I was expecting a much more suspenseful read.
The synopsis was a bit deceiving. The story was more about Brenna and her life than the mystery and suspense.
Even though I felt this way, I couldn't put the book down. The writing was excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The fire fighting scenes were excellent. Each character was well developed and they each had their story. There was a lot going on and I loved reading every single word.
Feeling a bit deceived is totally forgiven. I loved the story.
After all her books I've read, I believe her writing is better than ever.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Terri Blackstock has done it again. She has created another masterpiece of romantic suspense. Brenna is a mess after her divorce. With her two young children at their father's every weekend, she has turned to alcohol to help her cope with the emptiness she feels. Nate, a former boyfriend, is a smoke jumper who has come back to their hometown to recuperate after getting burned in a wildfire. I absolutely loved this book and was unable to put it down. I had to keep turning the page to find out what happened next. I felt such huge empathy for Brenna. Her former father-in-law is such a jerk. I loved Nate; he lived his faith and he was such a good and humble man. I highly recommend. Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

Smoke Screen was another great book by Terri Blackstock. Full of suspense, unexpected twists and turns, love, and redemption. It was written from an interesting point of view ging back and forth from being narrated in first person by two different characters.

Smoke Screen is a story about Brenna Hertzog, a recently divorced mother of 2 young children, and Nate Beckett, a smokejumper who is recuperating from injuries sustained while fighting a fire. Nate returns home to the town of Carlisle, Colorado for some rest while he’s healing and is reunited with his former love, Brenna who in the midst of a custody battle with her ex-husband and his new, much younger wife. The two have a complicated past that has driven their families apart, and Brenna’s life seems to be spiraling out of control, until Nate steps in to remind her of her once-strong faith and of how strong she really is.
I really loved reading Smoke Screen. The story offers excitement, mystery, and unexpected twists, and it’s a touching example of second chances and redemption. I appreciated how the author incorporated Brenna’s struggle with alcohol, her need to medicate her pain, and Nate’s desire to help her, not enable her addiction, but also not be codependent and try to fix her. I found the struggle between Brenna and her ex-husband over the custody of the children to be especially compelling. As a mother, I could easily identify with Brenna’s need to protect her children at any cost. Overall, I felt the story was well-written and very enjoyable.


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

Terri Blackstock is one of my favorite authors.
This stand alone book met all my expectations. The characters were well developed and the christian theme is always present and comforting. Filled with many secrets and lies it was hard to put down. The suspense was intense and wrapped up in a very satisfying ending.