His is a really good read. I enjoyed the characters a the mystery. It took Emma bit of time to really get caught up in this but it was well worth it. If you enjoy a good mystery you will definitely enjoy this book.

I would give this more of a 3.5. As a longtime reader of Terri Blackstock’s fiction - Aftermath was an enjoyable and quick read . Believable characters and an engaging story line that draws one in. If you appreciate a degree of mystery and suspense and a bit of ‘who done it?’ along with some current events tie in - you will enjoy this book. Perfect for a quick escape novel or beach/vacation read.

Thanks to Netgalley for a free review copy.

This is my first Terri Blackstock book but it definitely won't be my last! It was absolutely fantastic! I wouldn't even classify it as too much of a romance but it was certainly a thriller! A definite roller coaster ride! My emotions were all over the place too. It's not just a simple case of find out who the bomber is - the main theme of the story. There are a few characters that Blackstock focuses on and as the story weaves in and out of their lives, the reader has a hard time putting the book down! I totally felt like I was right there with Jamie as she was trying to defend Dustin who is being set up for a bomb that kills many people, and then there's Travis who is Dustin's business partner who is distraught because his wife is dying of cancer, and also Taylor who survived the bombing and the "aftermath" it causes with all these people. I loved this book!

Can they survive the Aftermath...?

If there's one thing Terri Blackstock is good at it's romantic suspense with psychological drama. Aftermath is proof of exactly that. I've been a longtime fan of Terri Blackstock, probably close to 20 years now, so I know what chilling reading delights are ahead of me and I'm always excited when I see that she has a new release.

Aftermath was a little different than I expected, but still very good. The psychological drama is well developed as even likable characters emotionally spiral out of control while trying to make sense out of tragedy. Trauma, grief, betrayal, loss, it's all here...plus a bit of romance and a deadly crime to solve before the clock runs out and it happens again...

Aftermath was a great read and it definitely lived up to my expectations. Terri Blackstock always seems to one-up herself a little bit with each new release and this book was no exception. That ability is what keeps me coming back and highly anticipating her work.

If you are looking for some edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense that at times reads like a high-stakes thriller you've really got to try Aftermath from award winning author Terri Blackstock. Don't miss it!

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

I love Terri Blackstock and look forward to each book that she writes. This one did not disappoint and quickly made its way to the top of my favorites list!

I was thrilled to get to read Terri Blackstock's latest, Aftermath. She never disappoints!
The story begins with Taylor and two of her friends at a political event where a candidate for president is to give a speech. But, they are there for the concert of one of their favorite bands prior to the speech. All of a sudden there is a huge explosion and Taylor is knocked to the ground. She is able to crawl her way out of the building, when she then realizes her friends aren't with her. What just happened?
Dustin Webb is found with explosives in the trunk of his car and he suddenly finds himself under arrest, and then suspected of the bombing which killed and injured many.
He calls his childhood friend, Jamie, who is now an attorney. Jamie is thrilled to finally hear from Dustin after all these years. But, why did he wait so long to call her? They had once been such close friends. He didn't even call when she lost her husband to a drug overdose.
She believes in Dustin's innocence is determined to prove it.
Taylor's OCD is getting out of control, but she tries to hide it from her sister. She can hardly function and her thoughts are running rampant. She has so much guilt over surviving while her two friends did not. She feels she can make things right if she eliminates the one charged with the crime.
This is just an incredible story that deals with so many things-trauma, OCD, cancer, family, friends, faith. I could go on and on. Just read this latest book of Terri Blackstock's. You will not be disappointed.
I was given an advanced ecopy by the publisher, Thomas Nelson and Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

It's been a while since I read a book by Ms. Blackstock and I am so thrilled I found this one! I had forgotten how much I love her writing! This story has great characters that will pull at your heart and possibly make you she's a few tears. There is also suspense at the situations they find themselves in. As friends that haven't seen each other in 15 years Dustin reaches out to Jamie the girl he knows has became a lawyer when he finds himself in a difficult situation. Dustin and his friend Travis run a security company together, but Travis isn't thinking about the company right now as he is at the hospital with his wife who has leukemia. The other main character is Taylor that we meet as she attends a concert with her friends that is opening for a presidential candidate. This story kept me reading straight through, I absolutely loved everything about it! Now I can't wait to read another of this authors books!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. This review is totally my own honest opinion.

This is my first Blackstock novel and it certainly won't be my last. It starts fast and doesn't let up. Using short sharp chapters (2-8 pages long) the author keeps the reader on their toes as the story moves from a random terrorist attack investigation, to dealing with the trauma associated with such, plus the familial grief associated with a battle with cancer. Across these challenging issues, the story has a covering of forgiveness, restoration and love.

Dustin Webb and Jamie Powell are childhood best friends who had grown apart through life's circumstances; he went to Afghanistan, she went to law school, got married and had a baby. When Dustin gets arrested in connection with the terrorist attack that opens the novel, he calls Jamie, the first time they've spoken in over a decade.

Dustin's best mate and business partner, Travis, is staying beside his wife's hospital bed as she fights leukaemia having started a new radical treatment. Travis is completely absorbed in caring for his wife and there are signs of desperation in some of his responses. None of which is surprising under such trying circumstances.

Meanwhile, Taylor is a survivor of the terrorist act which her two best friends died in. Blackstock does a great job of demonstrating the traumatic effect on Taylor, who already grapples with OCD, and is now suffering from both survivor's guilt and the sheer strain of being an innocent victim of the terror.

The majority of the story addresses Jamie's commitment to quashing Dustin's arrest and possible conviction by finding the actual culprits responsible for the attack. Through the process, they rekindle their friendship which is special to observe. Dustin is also suffering due to feeling helpless in support of Travis and his wife, both of whom are so dear to him.

The pace of the story is excellent and Blackstock manages to weave the various themes through the story while maintaining the pace. The identity of one of the contributor's to the incident was heart-wrenching as another reviewer stated but once again provides an opportunity for Blackstock to weave another theme regarding grief, loss and desperation.

I enjoyed how Blackstock used the themes to also demonstrate the power of prayer and faith. Dustin's faith shone through which encouraged Jamie to re-engage with God and I always enjoy a story that doesn't just talk about prayer but demonstrates it.

This was thoroughly entertaining and engrossing with some quality characters and suspenseful intrigue.

I look forward to reading another Blackstock story. Apparently there are many to choose from.

I received an early ebook copy as part of the First Editions Read/Review/Share program Thomas Nelson runs via NetGalley with no expectation of a favourable review.

Jamie has survived a bombing at a political concert, her two friends did not. While she is still reeling over this horrible event, she gets a call from a friend who need her help. He needs an attorney immediately. While she’s putting her career on the line by defending an accused terrorist, she’d never abandon him. She needs to find the truth even if she finds he did it! Mystery, intrigue, lies and action, loved it! I requested a copy through NetGalley, no review was required. My review is voluntary.

4.75 stars
As with all of Terri Blackstock books, Aftermath was a highly enjoyable, engaging, quick read for me. Her novels are Christian mysteries that have a balance of suspense, an intriguing, thought-provoking topic, a bit of romance, and a compelling, uplifting message.

The story starts with a explosion at a political rally and concert. We follow a victim who survives and her rapid decline into paranoia and madness as a survivor of such a traumatizing event. Meanwhile, Dustin Webb, the co-owner of a security firm is wrongfully accused of the bombing and calls upon his estranged childhood friend and defense attorney, Jamie Powell to help. To make matters more complicated, Dustin’s business partner is in hospital with his wife and crippled by grief as he faces the her impending death to cancer.

This story delves into some heavy, but pertinent topics of terrorism, fear and trauma, mental health, grief, loss, faith in trying situations and forgiveness. With likeable and relatable characters it hits all of the emotions. These issues are wrapped up in a message of hope and healing. Life is scary and hard, but we are not alone. How we live this life matters and having faith when it seems impossible provides not only the hope we need to persevere, but is also what will see us through.

The slow reveal of the perpetrator was heart-wrenching, though the revelation of the culprits was less shocking and definitely downplayed. They were perhaps, not really the point of the story. The title was apropos, in that we all have to figure how to handle the aftermath of trauma of some kind in our own lives. The summation was lovely and fulfilling. Aftermath was yet another story by Terri Blackstock that I couldn’t put down, but was sad to see it end.

Jamie Powell is a renowned criminal attorney fighting to help the wrongly accused get justice, but she never thought someone from her past would call needing her professional advice. Dustin is that guy from the past who didn't have the best childhood, but has risen above it all, but is accused of causing a bombing at a political rally.

I will always love the reuniting with someone from the past trope. For me it allows the characters to jump to a more familiar ground fast because there is a history that the reader may not see, but knows that it is there.

I have said this a few times (maybe a lot) on my blog, but I judge a mystery book based on the culprit and while I won't divulge the outcome here, I will say I was satisfied completely. The person didn't come out of left field, but I know there were clues that I missed that could have lead me to them and I loved how it all unraveled. I am thankful I didn't guess this one too early. The pacing was just right as from chapter to chapter I was hoping for a clue or the reveal - I loved it.

While the book is Christian fiction and it was evident in a few parts, the author didn't sacrifice plot to check the Christian fiction box. I love when an author can hold up their values while also writing a great story that all readers can enjoy.

Wow. This is quite the book. There are multiple characters involved with different plots going on. It moves fast and furious and I could not stop reading. Also. Whew. That ending. It really was not quite what I expected to happen.

This is one of my favorite authors so I knew that I’d love the book. I also knew that I needed to block out a few hours to read this book because I was not going to want to set it aside to make the kids food or do something silly like go to sleep!

There are a few points of view going on in this book. You have a trio of best friends at a concert. Only one survives the bombing. And she is not dealing well with it. So then she’s trying to figure out who’s behind the bombing and get revenge on the person she thinks is responsible. Only he’s not.

Next up we have Dustin. He’s stopped by police for an anonymous tip. Although it’s not so anonymous considering someone planted evidence that he’s behind the bombing in his car trunk. He didn’t do it and he’s not quite sure who could be behind this. But he knows he didn’t do anything and he knows he needs a lawyer. A good lawyer who knows he’d never do this.

That brings us to Jamie. She’s a criminal attorney who was once really good friends with Dustin. Maybe she could have been more too if only he would have stayed in contact with her. But that’s water under the bridge and she will do everything in her power to prove that Dustin did not do this.

But who did? And why did they frame Dustin?

Meanwhile, Dustin’s buddy and partner is in the hospital with his wife who is dying of cancer. Dustin has so much on his plate how can he help figure this out and stay safe.

This was an amazing read and I really hope that you give it a chance and read it.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust...”
{Psalm 91:1-2 ESV}

Taylor Reid and her friends had come for the concert, not the politician. When the concert was over, they still stayed to see what the politician might say. They never heard him. Before he could speak, the platform exploded and the venue erupted into chaos. Taylor managed to escape, but then she had to juggle the “Aftermath”.

Terri Blackstock, as expected, has written a compelling legal thriller that held this reader’s attention from Chapter 1 to the very end. Jamie Powell would need to use her skills as a lawyer to protect her client (and, at times, herself) from the police who were certain he was guilty and Taylor who believed what the police said and what she heard on the news.

Though the book was a normal 300+ page book, it is the first time I completed reading a book in a little over 24+ hour - I literally could not put it down. I easily give it 5-stars.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

There's an explosion at a concert venue just as the band is leaving the stage. Security firm owner and Army veteran, Dustin Webb, is accused of causing the explosion. He insists he's innocent and hires his childhood best friend, Jamie, to defend him. Even though they haven't spoken for years, she never questions his innocence, but will she be able to prove it?

I have been a fan of Terri Blackstock's for a while and as usual this book doesn't disappoint. It has revenge, which is something you would expect after such a traumatic event, it has some sweet romance, but nothing too over the top. It also has some closure and understanding, which being a Christian suspense novel, gives some peace to the reader. I would give this book a solid four stars and recommend it to anyone that likes suspense and doesn't mind a bit of Christianity mixed in.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

It's been a while since I have read anything by Terri Blackstock. Like YEARS. So it was refreshing to find that she's still got what it takes to make me devour a book in a day.

Aftermath jumps right into the action with an explosion at a political rally. Don't let that word "political" steer you away-it's worth it, I promise! Taylor, one of the characters we follow, struggles with her actions immediately after the explosion, and feels responsible for the loss of her friends.

Dustin is a man who has known adversity in life, and today is no different. Upon receiving an anonymous tip, the police arrest him after finding explosives in his car. Dustin turns to the only person he can think of--his childhood friend Jamie, one of few people he trusts. Can Jamie prove Dustin's innocence before its too late?

This book truly has everything I look for in a Christian suspense. A fast-paced plot that keeps me guessing, well-developed characters whose stories I'm invested in, an intense ending, and a perfect faith element that makes sense with the story, not a misplaced mini-sermon. There's nothing more I could ask for. Now I'm off to pick up one of Blackstock's backlist books to catch up on what I've been missing!

Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Aftermath by Terri Blackstock
Published May 11,2021

This author is one of our more requested authors in our library. I have read all or most of her work and enjoy it very much. This book was rather slow starting for me but it quickly engaged in quality and worthwhile read.
A devastating explosion.
Three best friends are at the venue to hear their favorite band. Only one makes it out alive.
A trunk full of evidence.
When police stop Dustin Webb with a warrant to search his trunk, he knows there’s been a mistake. He’s former military and owns a security firm. But he’s horrified when the officers find explosives, and he can’t fathom how they got there.
An attorney who will risk it all for an old friend.
Criminal attorney Jamie Powell was Dustin’s best friend growing up. They haven’t spoken since he left for basic training, but she’s the first person he thinks of when he’s arrested. Jamie knows she’s putting her career on the line by defending an accused terrorist, but she’d never abandon him. Someone is framing Dustin to take the fall for shocking acts of violence . . . but why? You will have to read this book! 5 stars

AFTERMATH by Terri Blackstock is a standalone Christian romantic suspense with multiple characters that pull you immediately into this fast-paced read.

Taylor Reid and two of her best friends are attending a political rally/rock concert when the stage explodes. Taylor, in fight-or-flight mode, is able to escape, but when she realizes her friends did not, she is immediately filled with not just grief, but also guilt. Taylor already is living with OCD and this tragedy sets her mind spiraling.

Dustin Webb is the co-owner of a security firm with a fellow ex-soldier. He is pulled over and the police on the word of a tipster and find the same type of explosives used in the bombing in his trunk. He is taken into custody and accused while knowing he is innocent. He calls his childhood friend, who is now an attorney for help.

Jamie Powell is shocked when she receives the call for help from her childhood friend. They have not spoken since he left for basic training even though she tried to keep in touch. She is willing to put everything on the line to defend Dustin because she believes in his innocence as they search for the real bombers.

Jamie and Dustin are strong main characters and their reconnection and faith in each other is strong even after years apart. This is a Christian romance with no sex, but strong emotional connections between the couple and their religious faith. Ms. Blackstock was also able to intertwine Taylor’s story and show her devolving and dangerous ideation yet I always felt empathy for her. The suspense plot eventually led to the real person who set the bombing into motion and was not a surprise which was a little disappointing. It was more of a mystery investigation than there being any actual suspense when you know who did it. There are many serious issues covered, and in my opinion handled well by the author throughout this story such as mental health, cancer, death, grief and forgiveness.

I enjoyed this character driven Christian romantic suspense.

There is no way that Blackstock could write an uninteresting book. This book is no exception, it holds your interest from the first chapter until the last words. Blackstock always has well formed, believable characters that we all can relate to. If you love suspense and action then you certainly want to get this one. Three woman  are at a rally taking selfies, next hearing an explosion and all chaos breaks loose. A family who wanted revenge for a past loss. All the makings of a great suspense/mystery with Christian faith mixed in the plot. I love how this author always mixes in Christian beliefs into her novels. Blackstock has another winner in Aftermath. It's too bad authors can't write novels as quickly as we can read them. We devour the book and then have to wait almost a year for the next one. Oh well, it will be worth the wait.......I was given an ARC by Net Galley and Thomas Nelson for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.

Sometimes I forget how great Blackstock's work is! "Aftermath," her newest thriller, brought back the reasons I love falling into an engrossing read--great characters, fast moving plots and a commitment to relatable faith journeys.

Blackstock delivers a relevant, current story of Jamie, a lawyer who ends up near the scene of a recent bombing, unaware of the connection she has with the man accused of the crime, her childhood friend Dustin. As Dustin tries to unravel the mess he's now in, Jamie must evaluate if she is the right person to help someone who she considered a friend. Can Dustin be trusted? Could she find a way to clear his name?

What began as Taylor and her friends attending a concert turned into a living nightmare when the explosion happened. Reeling from the loss of her friends and the trauma that followed, Taylor decides it's up to her to right the wrongs and begins her own search for the killers. Taylor also deals with the additional challenge of OCD, which I appreciated seeing in a novel. It's nice to see a diagnosis that is often misunderstood expanded on for the sake of educating readers.

Blackstock leaves the reader wanting more, so I hope this *might* become a series? The characters are well developed and relatable. The plot was thought out and resolved by the end of the book, which I appreciate.

I was an early reader, thanks to Thomas Nelson publishers and #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Terri Blackstock never fails to bring forth a story brimming with fast-paced action and delightful suspense. This newest from the author introduces us to two childhood friends who are brought together because of falsely accused crimes. Dustin is the typical neglected teenage bad boy who's shaped up in the army and has discovered who he is since his troubled childhood. Jaime is a defense attorney who is trying to keep her head above water at work and at home as a single mom. When Dustin is framed for theft, arson, and treason, Jaime puts everything on hold to help prove his innocence. In the midst of the action and suspense, the author sensitively addresses grief and suffering that come from watching a loved one deteriorate. The solid long-held friendship between Dustin and Jaime is sweet and tender and is highlighted more so than their budding romance, which I appreciated. I really enjoyed that the characters are deeply layered and that the author pulled emotions other than just suspense into the story line to create a full and well-rounded plot. If you enjoy romantic suspense, you will definitely enjoy this one!

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