Dana Mentink writes suspenseful, yet inspiring stories, and I loved this one! The characters are great and there was so much action it was difficult to put it down. If you love Christian suspense, you’ll love this one.

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

I have enjoyed every book that Mentik writes and this one is no exception!
I'm like just wow! It's over before you know it It's so fast paced!
I love this author's writings. She certainly knows how to make you keep turning the pages and keep your adrenaline a going!
The story of course has many twists and turns that has your head turning in all directions at once.
A few times this book had me looking over my shoulder but only cause I read it at night.
I really enjoy Mentik's books and I can't wait to see the next one!
I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own. I was NOT required to write a positive review.

What I think you should know:
Missing in the Desert by Dana Mentink is an Inspirational Romantic Suspense. It is the second book in the Desert Justice series. The series is contemporary and set near Death Valley. This book contains some of the same characters as the first book in the series , however it is a standalone. This book features Levi Duke and Mara Castillo.

What you might need to know:
Mara’s sister Corinne disappeared five years ago and was presumed dead after some of her clothes were found in the desert.

What I think about this book:
I seriously think that every book that Mentink writes is better than the last, just when I think things can’t get any better it does! The book starts with someone attempting to kill Mara and her brother Seth. While I don’t think I would enjoy Death Valley in real life I really enjoy reading about it! It is so easy to love Levi who is busy trying to not lose his ranch or his heart to the girl he has always loved. It was harder for me to like Mara who returns to Furnace Falls thinking Levi is a villain who is once again taking her brother away from his duty to his family. However as time passes she realizes that everything is not as it appears both with Levi and her sister Corinne who disappeared in Death Valley five years ago. This was such a great story that kept me on the edge of my seat as Levi and Mara faced unexpected danger as they sought the truth of who is out to kill Mara and why! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

My Goodness! This book comes in with a bang and never let’s up. Mara wants answers after she receives a one word text from a phone that has to know something about her sister who has been missing for five years. But she is headed head on into a danger she has no idea what or who it is. Or what they want with her.

Dana Mentink writes a story that is sure to have your head spinning by the time you finish reading this book. When I started reading Missing in the Dessert, I didn’t put the book down until it was finished. And I’m telling you I had to find out what this wild mess was that was chasing Mara and trying to kill her. With characters that are believable and realistic, I felt as though I was living the story with Mara and Levi. I felt bad for Levi because Mara’s family blamed him for everything, when it came to their son, and he wasn’t at fault. The story is so twisted that it’s impossible to know who is doing what. It seemed as though this person was everywhere. And the almost ending, I don’t want to give anything away so I’ll just say I actually had parts of it figured out but not the worst parts. Then for the final ending, it is something that will make the whole story worthwhile. Wow! What a story! This gets a Five Stars from me and I wish I could give it more!

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

This is the second book in the series, but it can stand alone. It's dramatic, and engaging. Five years ago, Mara suffered a major loss. Her sister, Corrine, vanished into the desert. Now she's come home to help her brother, Seth. No sooner does she arrive than she starts getting creepy text messages. Levi is also at the farm. He's her brothers BFF. He also might wind up being her future husband, but not if she winds up missing like her sister did. Who? Why? What motive? Can they save the Rocking Horse ranch/farm and solve her sister's disappearance without dying?

So beyond a great story, tons of stunning horses, we also have a dog, a cat and a rabbit. The book has everything, including Christian themes. This story in Death Valley was fantastic!

Thank you to Celebrate Lit for my copy of this book. This review is what I thought about this book. A positive review is never required.

"Bullets flying. Cars rolling. Danger from an unknown source hounded Mara as she searched the clues to explain a text she received.

Once again, Dana Mentink has written a sweet, gripping, sensitive, and romantic mystery. The story worked and flowed well.

Levi and Mara were great together! Each had a secret crush on the other in the past, but their relationship started out on rocky ground as the story began. Mara's distrust of Levi and his motives was clear...

I really enjoyed the other aspects of the story as well but wanted to point out how much I loved Banjo, the wounded dog who adopted Levi. And Tiny, the kitten Banjo adopted. And the shy, injured Rabbit who came for food but kept away from Banjo!

Readers of inspirational romantic suspense will enjoy the Desert Justice series. Be sure to read all the books in order!


I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own."

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I loved this book! It was the first time I read a book by this author, and it won't be my last. I loved that the characters were ordinary. No fancy cop or FBI falling in love with a victim or suspect. Just a poor rancher and a girl desperately wanting answers about her sister's disappearance. I love sibling stories, and this novel shows the messy unconditional love within families and also between a girl and her brother's best friend. Also I fell in love with the animals and was brought to tears at the end as my heartstrings were pulled.

Mara's sister went missing awhile ago and everyone thought she was dead except her. When a random text comes in she can't help but want to know what's going on. Then something happens to her brother and it seems that the person might come for her next and shouldn't be alone. So while things are happening her brothers best friend will watch out for her while she help him out on the ranch.

I enjoyed this book. I really like that there was plenty going on to keep me interested. Many mishaps happening that may seen coincidental or accidental kept cropping up and you can't help but wonder what's really going on. I mean the sister is missing presumed dead so is it tied to her? Who would hurt her brother and why. There was just so much that I couldn't put the book down I just wanted more plus that romance blooming between Mara and Levi was loving that. Overall really good book I really enjoyed it.

Mercy me! Missing in the Desert is a roller coaster ride that takes off at full throttle speed and never lets up! Author Dana Mentink has written a story with fascinating characters, intense action, and many questions needing to be answered. Who ambushed, and almost killed, Mara Castillo and her brother Seth? Why is Mara receiving clues that suggest that their sister may still be alive, even though she hasn't been seen in five years? Will Mara ever realize just how special Levi Duke really is? Levi, who has a steadfast devotion for Mara, Seth, and the menagerie of rescue animals at his Rocking Horse ranch, and is willing to put himself at risk to keep them safe!

Threats, danger, and hidden agendas add to the drama of Missing in the Desert, but the strong family connections and the sweet romance increase its appeal. I recommend this book to all who enjoy romantic Christian suspense.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author. I was never obligated to share a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

Another great book by Dana. It was great to meet these characters, so of which we were introduced to in the first book. From the beginning we are thrown into one tense situation into another. There really is never a dull moment.

Dana did a great job set up the romantic tension early on as well.

The big question of what was really going on, was Mara’s sister really still alive will also keep her flipping pages and reading.


A copy of this book was given to me through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own

This is one book that I couldn’t put down. Oh I know people say that about a lot of books, but this one is different. It has elements of intrigue, secrets, surprises and yes a bit of romance. You put all those qualities together and you have a story that accelerates with each page. Get ready for a book that will have you bitting your nails, sitting on the edge of your seat or whatever you do when something you are reading gets your adrenaline going.

Imagine driving on the road with a family member and suddenly a shot shatters the windshield. You feel yourself losing control of the vehicle and then everything is dark. Mara is in for a shock as she tries to piece together what just happened. Is her brother okay? Does it have something to do with her missing sister? She remembers seeing someone just before she lost consciousness but her memory is clouded. The author illustrates with depth the sheer panic Mara feels as she awakens in a hospital bed.

Let’s talk about Mara and her past for a moment. She has not given up hope that her sister is still alive even though she has been missing for quite awhile. I think coming back to the town where her sister disappeared will once again give Mara a push to look for clues that the police might have overlooked. I loved this part of the story because I wanted Mara to get closure so she could at least find peace.

Levi was a great character but he sure has no business sense. Well maybe he just bit off more than he could chew. Trying to help his buddy out who just happens to be Mara’s brother does complicate things. Has he let his friend down? Can he save the ranch while helping Mara uncover a secret that has been hidden for years?

Their interaction was refreshing because it shows real emotions that anyone could have when unresolved issues stare them in the face. Oh yes these two could either walk away from each other once again, or they could find a way to forgive. I couldn’t wait to see how the author untangles the past as Mara and Levi work together to not only try to save the ranch, but expose someone who has caused a family to grieve.

I loved that the setting of the story is set in Death Valley with unforgiving terrain that is hard to adjust to. The author has definitely done her research by the description of the trails that horses travel and the feel of emptiness across the area. I think I would like to visit the place and learn more about its history.

Before I end the review I must give special recognition to three very special characters. Banjo, Rabbit and Tiny you have captured my heart and I loved every moment of your appearances in the story. Thank you for reminding me that animals are a gift.

Well my time is up and I hope I have enticed you enough to pick up a copy of this book. It will deliver excitement, danger, secrets and an ending that I was not prepared for.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

“Was this real? Was she in the grip of a heinous nightmare?”

The second Desert Justice story by Dana Mentink, “Missing in the Desert,” shoots out of the gate with a gripping first chapter that sets the pace for the rest of this Love-Inspired Suspense installation. While technically it could be a stand-alone, I recommend reading “Framed in Death Valley” first; I did not have a chance to do so, and I think that if I had, I would have had a richer understanding of the relationships between the characters. Nevertheless, this did not at all detract from my enjoyment of this novel.

Suspense relies, naturally, on action and plot, but carefully developing the characters and how they interact with one another is likewise imperative. Mentink introduces them here in a rapid-fire style and then proceeds to explore them throughout the narrative, an effective technique that underscores the power of first impressions and demonstrates that people are not always as they appear. Everyone has something in their past that they regret, and for some, the past becomes the present. Five years after her younger sister Corinne disappears and is presumed dead, Mara Castillo reluctantly steps in to help Levi Duke on his ranch, only to find herself in the crosshairs of a killer. Her name stood out to me immediately, and as Naomi called herself Mara in Ruth 1:20, the forename is fitting here, also; Mara Castillo is bitter and sad about her circumstances at the beginning of the story, but as she begins to see things differently, her heart changes.

As a dog and horse lover, this cover caught my eye before I knew anything about the story itself. I enjoy the inclusion of the ranch animals in the narrative, often offering a bit of comic relief during or after tense scenes. For instance, in an amusing twist, Banjo the dog goes from stalwart guard to unlikely mother. The animals also signify the importance of home as a place of belonging, refuge, and freedom to pursue dreams. Even when those dreams end up looking differently than expected, which is when faith must truly believe that the Lord will keep His promise to “make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19).

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

Missing in the Desert is a very exciting book. The ending was very unexpected. I loved the friendship between Mara and Levi and the gradual romance. The dog Banjo and the kitten were so sweet. The book got my attention from the first scene. Missing in the Desert would make a great movie.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.

“You are a good man, and you wouldn’t manipulate Seth. I can see why he’d want to jump into the Rocking Horse. It’s…a special place...But special isn’t going to pay the bills.” Just why has Mara Castillo agreed to help Levi with the struggling Rocking Horse Ranch at the edge of Death Valley? Both she and her parents resent her brother Seth’s financial involvement in the ranch, and their animosity only seems to increase. Indeed, “Horses were so much easier to read than people...” thinks Levi Duke as he puzzles this out.
I love seeing the family loyalties as both the Castillos and the Dukes are fiercely protective of their own, to the point of rudeness(unfortunately) and judging either Levi’s or Mara’s motives. I love seeing them being forced to work together, despite misgivings, and some grow beyond their distrust and cruelty.
I have to admit, Dana Mentink’s Missing in the Desert achieved favorite status for me. Perhaps the western desert locale affected that. Definitely, the large part horses played helped. The importance of sibling close relationships probably also influenced that status. Twists and turns affected my choice. Mentink’s inclusion of a young child also probably swayed me. If any of these factors, plus faith, forgiveness, gentleness, loyalty, and romantic suspense call to your reading spirit, pick up Dana Mentink’s Missing in the Desert, #2, Desert Justice, today. (While part of a series, and you will recognize friends from the first book, it is not necessary to read book one first.)

I enjoyed Dana Mentink’s first book from her Desert Justice series, Framed in Death Valley. I was excited to get my hands on her newest release, Missing in the Desert. It was so very good. It has a lot of mystery and suspense, as well as, adventure and action. I loved the two main characters, Mara and Levi. The twists and turns of their story was not easily predictable and kept me on the edge of my seat.

Missing in the Desert will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy a quick, clean and romantic suspense. I can not wait to read book two from the Desert Justice series to see what will happen next.

I loved Mara and Levi and the ranch he owns. Levi seems to have a soft spot for misfits on his ranch. He and Mara were long time friends but she is upset because of her brother Seth. This story has romance, suspense and inspiration. I did not want to put the book down until I knew what had happened to Mara’s sister. This definitely kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what was happening. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Missing in the Desert is the second book in the Desert Justice series, but can be read just fine as a standalone with no issues.

From it's action packed beginning to the final pages, this is a story that will keep you wanting to read more, more, more right through to the very end. The action started off very early and didn't let up through the story, keeping me at the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. It kept the pace going well, and made it a rather quick read too. I enjoyed the suspense in the story and was kept guessing throughout. The romance between Mara and Levi was enjoyable as well, but certainly took a backseat to the suspense in this particular story for me. It was definitely more of a slow burn romance, but it worked nicely for the story and I enjoyed getting to know these two characters. The author also really did a great job of setting the scene and really making you feel like you are right there with them too... which certainly adds to that sense of suspense too, I'm sure!

Overall, I found this to be a quick and enjoyable read and one that fans of romantic suspense are sure to want to add to their TBR.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Actual Rating: 3.5

I've read an earlier book by Dana Mentink in the LIS line, and remembered enjoying it as well! I've seen this one around, and while occasionally check NG for LIS books, this one happened to be one of the current available. (there are usually 3 LIS titles listed at a time, and they cycle out periodically.)

I started of loving this one, and I adored Levi and Mara and getting to meet their families. The trouble came early in the mystery though, as there was a hint and a detail that seemed lacking, and the more I read, the more it frustrated me. So, on the one hand, I loved the slow-burn relationship the was budding between the MCs, and I also really enjoyed the suspense and how they handled things, with plenty of themes of character growth, forgiveness, saying 'Sorry' when needed, and many others including family and friendship ties. But this one clue made the reveal and a couple other scenes almost, cringe worthy?

I don't know, and I'm known to over analyze and look too deeply sometimes, so overall this is a great one from the LIS line, and if not for the one blip, would likely be one of my favorites, so I highly recommend it for LIS readers! I also would have easily given it at least a 4.5 star rating if not some the one thing, as it was a reoccurring point of focus in the book, yet didn't seem to add up as the story progressed and the characters just accepted it without question?

Yet, I was glad to meet these characters and to get to enjoy Levi and Mara's story, and I look forward to reading Beckett's (previous) story and any upcoming installments in the series!

This is book 2 of the Desert Justice Series a Love Inspired Suspense Inspirational Romance read. This book takes you on the journey with Mara and how she is looking for her sister that was pronounced dead 5 years ago. Mara received a one word text that only she knows could be from her sister, leading her to believe her sister is alive and somewhere. She starts to look for her sister and finds herself in danger and having to live at the ranch with her friend Levi. She doesn't plan this but due to circumstances out of her control (don't want to be a spoiler). Is her sister alive? Is Mara in danger? How does all the characters and situations come together?

Want a quick fast paced, suspense packed and twists and turn plot, then read this one. This is book 2 of the series, but can be read as a stand alone. Reading book 1 gives alot of the background and personality of some characters in this book. Book 1 covers alot of the background of the ranch and family togetherness. Good addition to the series. If you like book 1 then you will really like book 2.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.