I am really fussy about dialogue in fiction and this one did not flow according to my reading ears, I'm afraid. I was also less immersed in the story. But I know DiAnn Mills has lots of fans and will want to grab this one.

DiAnn's books are always on my to-read list because I respect her so much as a person and an author and because she sets so many of them in my beloved Texas! It's extra fun to read about events occurring right where I live. "Concrete Evidence" started at full speed, which I appreciated, and kept me wondering "what in the world?" for most of the book. DiAnn is good at hiding the culprits/bad guys from the reader and taking them on a wild ride while the FBI agents and victims try to solve the case.

Avery works on her grandfather's ranch until a mysterious murder sends both of them into hiding--separately. Confused and frightened, Avery follows directions to contact FBI Special Agent Marc Wilkins, who is investigating his own father's death. Soon the seemingly disparate story threads begin to come together--just as a hurricane approaches (I both cringed and appreciated this, as those are so much a part of life here). That's not even mentioning the dam threatening to give way and the unresolved feelings between Avery and Marc.

Clocking in at over 400 pages, "Concrete Evidence" has time to build more complex storylines with a full cast of characters whose behavior refuses to let you guess the ending.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis: When Avery’s granddad disappears under questionable circumstances, she seeks advice and assistance from FBI agent Marc Wilkins.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary eARC of the book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.
Scripture Connection

God is not a human, that he should lie, not a human being that he should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?

Num. 23:19
Spiritual Themes

The main characters, Marc and Avery, are both Christians who are growing in their walks with the Lord. Marc gave his life to the Lord during a junior high youth camp, but is now struggling to forgive his father, who abandoned Marc and his mom when Marc was still a kid.

Avery, who was raised by her grandfather, has based her faith on her grandpa’s relationship with the Lord. Now, in his absence, she begins to call upon God in a more personal way: praying and reading the Bible. She also learns that her granddad is fallible, but God is not.

I appreciate that the faith thread is apparent, throughout.

What I Liked

This was my first time reading a novel by DiAnn Mills and I enjoyed the experience. I feel that the mystery was well-paced, with the clues gradually teased out, over time. There were multiple twists and turns, along the way, and enough ambiguity that I kept going back and forth in my guessing. It was also neat to watch the pieces come together, in terms of the culprit’s motivation.

I really enjoyed the relationship between Marc and Tessa. Without giving away the nature of this relationship, I will say that I feel the author did a great job of portraying their dynamic in a fair and realistic way. I have often been disappointed by the way that authors treat this particular kind of relationship, and I would say that the way Mills handled this relationship sets apart Concrete Evidence.

I liked that the characters walked with the Lord and that their faith clearly informed their actions. They turned to God in their troubles and conflict. I also feel that the faith theme was strong, in that characters also learned about where not to place their faith.

Content Notes

The suspense plot line contributes to some violent moments, but nothing particularly graphic that I recall.

There are several kissing scenes, including one moment that just got on my nerves, a little. As with the violene, nothing is particularly descriptive. One element that I did appreciate, with the romance, was that there was a continued awareness that the characters had been thrust together in the face of urgent circumstances. They acknowledged, multiple times, that they would need to get to know each other better, once everything had calmed down.

Recommendation Status

This was a solid Christian suspense novel with some good themes. Recommended for readers who enjoy suspense and romance

Yes, I have enjoyed a leisurely read through this suspenseful mystery thriller cum romance novel. The multiple-award winning author DiAnn Mills knows how to write 'em! She kept Marc and Roden - two FBI agents - on their toes and on the sleuth for the culprit(s) of multiple murders and of creating dam construction faults. Senator and Grandad Elliot, Granddaughter Avery and Craig, the trusted ranch hand, looked to be rounded up as evidence seemingly accumulated against them. Could they have done it, or was it someone else?

Those who love horses, have engineering backgrounds, and/or who simply enjoy good, clean, faith-in-Christ reading that gets your heart racing at a "keeping-it-nimble" pace, should definitely find this keeps their interest simmering, I believe. See if you can figure out 'whodunnit' before the FBI agents do.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

June 2022

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent by NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers.

Great novel with deep characters who captured my attention from the start. Forever remember that God is good and in control of all of our lives.

When Avery Elliott sees her beloved grandfather standing over a dead body with a gun in his hand, her perfectly ordered life begins to fall apart. At her grandfather's request, she seeks help from FBI agent Marc Wilkins.

There were a lot of twists and turns in this novel, but the FBI spent so much time collaborating and getting advice from civilians that it felt more like a cozy mystery than a romantic suspense.

I did not connect with the characters. I felt as though I was being told what to think instead of being able to draw my own conclusions about the characters.

The plot also felt forced as though things were not unfolding in a logical way but was instead being done to create shock and awe. There were a couple of red herrings to distract from the real villain but when the explanations of their innocence came, it felt contrived.

The romance was very mild and did not evolve naturally. When Avery and Marc got together, I wasn't convinced that they would have a happily ever after.

Readers will be reminded that God is watching out for us and that we will make it through trials if we allow Him to carry our burdens.

I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher through NetGalley; a positive review was not required.

This book started out great! It had a mystery and action from the beginning. It held my attention, and kept the pages turning. But the farther it went, the more things felt contrived. The romance felt forced, and the conclusion just doesn't make sense to me. It just feels...I'm not sure. Just not quite right.

*I received this ebook from NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.*

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
This book was very intriguing and kept me guessing all the way until the end. Avery and Marc meet in unlikely circumstances when murders start happening. Avery is concerned her Grandpa may be involved.
Marc, an FBI agent, is investigating his fathers death and some of his fathers friends when Avery shows up with a mysterious story.
The two start working together to find the truth but are in danger every minute. Will they be able to solve the murders and hold on to the love that is blooming between them?

Concrete Evidence, the latest from author DiAnn Mills, is a great read! Filled with suspense, lots of twists and turns and misdirection, this one is hard to put down and kept me guessing right to the end.

Avery Elliot and her grandfather run a commercial construction company. Avery has always trusted her grandfather….until the day she didn’t. Is he to blame for all that has happened, or is he being framed for crimes he didn’t commit. Avery doesn’t know what to believe or who to trust. The case is being investigated by FBI Special Agent Marc Wilkins, who also has a personal interest in the case.

The suspense, intrigue, and mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat. And so will the growing romance between Avery and Marc. This is a story of corruption, accusations, and murder, but also a beautiful story of love, trust, and family. And there is a strong thread of Christian faith woven throughout. Don’t miss this one. This is Christian romantic suspense at its finest!

I received a copy from the publisher and Net Galley in exchange for my review. The opinions are my own.

Concrete Evidence is a modern-day thriller written by DiAnn Mills.

Summary: Avery Elliott and her grandfather have been a team ever since she was a little girl. Together, they run a successful ranch and a well-known construction business. She trusts him implicitly, and knows they have each others’ backs.

So when she finds her grandfather standing over a dead body, she knows there has to be some type of explanation. When he disappears and goes into hiding, it can’t mean he’s guilty. And when a suspicious billing error makes it look like their most recent dam building project wasn’t done properly and their business reputation might be ruined forever, surely, that’s a mistake too?

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this book. There is plenty of action, likable characters, a unique plot, and the mystery has plenty of twists and turns. There is also a good message about learning to stand up for yourself and what you believe. It was a fun read.

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review.

There's a lot to like in this novel... a fantastic heroine in Avery Elliott, her distinguished grandfather, and an FBI agent with a newly found half-sister. The mystery is solid and well woven - it just takes a while to get the story rolling. Avery and Marc are thrown together by a series of connected murders. As they work together, they find out there's a lot they didn't know about those closest to them.

Avery's grandpa is a powerful man, and she is shocked to see him standing over a dead body on the phone saying she can't know anything about it.
Marc's dad was well respected despite their estrangement.
Now Marc's dad is dead and Avery is running to stay alive.
They have to band together to figure out the connection between the recent deaths that are linked mysteriously.

Great book, full of suspense and twists.. Loved it

CONCRETE EVIDENCE by DIANN MILLS is an action packed thriller with great characters, an exciting plot and a strong Christian message. It is a story about unconditional love, forgiveness, faith and family, even when the families concerned could be seen as dysfuntional.
The story takes place on the Brazos River Ranch where Avery Elliott lives with her beloved grandfather, Senator Quinn Elliott. When she comes across her grandfather in a compromising situation, leaning over a dead body with a gun in his hand, she is shattered but cannot believe that the godly man who lives for Jesus and justice and who led her to the Lord would ever take a man’s life. She is determined to prove his innocence.
Her grandfather tells her to contact his old friend Abbot Wilkins’ son, FBI agent Marc Wilkins, as he knows she is in danger. Now that she no longer has her grandfather’s faith to rely on, her own relationship with the Lord becomes more real.
There is suspicion, possible blackmail and extortion, murder, a flood and a dam with defective structure, to make things really excting!
I highly recommend Concrete Evidence as a gripping and inspirational read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I finished the book today and am very happy with the way it ended. All the threads of the plot and sub-plots were nicely wrapped up so I didn't leave with any questions or dissatisfaction. I love the setting of this book: mainly, a ranch in Texas! Some chapters were in Houston, a city I have very little experience with. In any case, the ranch and horse culture are wonderful. They provide a way for us to understand the characters better.

Avery's relationship with her grandfather was especially touching and I didn't like that she was estranged from her parents but their actions explained why. They didn't seem to be very interested in her well-being. Sad! Meanwhile Marc had an extremely close relationship with his mother while his father remained absent throughout his childhood. All this is in keeping with the normal state of American families these days, however whenever there's a parental-child estrangement, it is a tragedy in itself.

You should wait to read this story until you can read it from cover to cover and all of your food and drinks are nearby :) Notify your friends and family that you can not be disturbed, that is how good this book is--you won't want to do anything else until you can figure out how the story ends.

I loved the strength of the main characters and the supporting characters were great as well I will be thinking about this book for quite a while.

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. the opinions are my own.

Excellent story with a lot of characters; many have motives to do damage. Murders, accidents, broken relationships, and misunderstandings abound, but all show the potential to be healed. Avery finds herself in the middle of a plot to implicate her and her grandfather in a dam failure. FBI agent Marc, who lost is father, gets involved as clues are scattered and the mystery solved.

Another great suspense by DiAnn Mills. This book has the perfect amount of mystery and edge-of-your-seat suspense that will keep you guessing until the end. I also throughly enjoyed Avery and Marc’s story and their journey of learning to forgive and rely on God through the hardships. Overall, highly recommended if you enjoy romantic suspense.

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own.

The latest DiAnn Mills book is a great read and I kept reading to find out who the main villain was - the story kept me intrigued. As a result, I read it very quickly! I liked that the heroine was a strong woman who wanted to be involved every step of the way.

I also liked that both the hero and the heroine had issues that they had to work to solve rather than them both being perfect. The side characters and the back stories of the villain also helped to create a better story.

I got this in exchange for an honest review. I am happy to review it and will be buying it for our library system.

Avery raised by her grandfather, on his ranch, he was a senator with integrity. Out riding, and a time for lunch with him. A problem she notice with an invoice. was lower than it should have been, to ask about.
Hearing a gun shot, and words being spoken, to keep her from finding out what had just happened. Wanting answers she contact a FBI agent and later finding someone is wanting to silence her permanently. Along with a hurricane coming.
A great flowing plot, of family, the trust and love she has for this person who raised her. Another winner for the author. Readers will definitely enjoy.
Given ARC by Net Galley and Tyndale for my voluntary review and my honest opinion

Avery Elliott and her Grandfather run a large ranch and a commercial construction business. Friends start being murdered and their last project on a big government dam is under suspicion. They ask Marc Wilkins, an FBI agent and son of one of the deceased to help solve the case. As in all DiAnn Mills books, there is lots of suspense and action and a mystery that keeps the reader riveted until the very end. There are a lot of interesting elements in this story and I literally could not put it down.

I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my own honest opinion.