I originally read If I Run by Terri Blackstock when it released. After watching the movie version, I just had to reread it to see what changes had been made. As with any book to movie, there were several however, the plot of the book did not change nor did the characters. I have no problem with the movie version but love the book version (which is always better). One thing does perplex me - the hummingbird feeder in the movie. It was not mentioned in the book. Absolutely loved it the second time, which is something I rarely do.

Released Feb. 16, 2016. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I read this series years ago when it first came out and loved it so much. When I saw there was to be a movie, well, that called for a reread!

Casey is such a dynamic and interesting character. She knows staying put spells certain death, even though running makes her look guilty. She’s caught between such a rock and a hard place and you really feel for her- all the emotions and questions. Being the daughter of a cop puts her in a unique position to be able to successfully go on the run until she can hopefully prove her innocence. I love her journey to faith, step by baby step. I love the huge dilemma she faces whether to do the right thing and expose herself to potentially getting caught or to walk away.

Dylan is also a fantastic character. He’s got his demons but he’s working to overcome. Despite it all he’s still rooted in faith and is able to see that things aren’t always what they seem. His integrity and dogged pursuit of the truth above all else is incredibly endearing.

As Dylan and Casey don’t know who to trust, the reader gets a twisty, page-turning mystery with a doozy of a cliffhanger- so make sure you’ve got the next one lined up!

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. I was not asked to leave a positive review and my opinions are my own.

This is a fast paced thriller that is part of a series of which I cannot wait to continue. The characters are believable and engaging. I highly recommend this book. Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.

Written by a talented popular author, this story moves quickly. Realistic characters…I really like this author. Page turners…thought provoking…this book is somewhat different. Enjoy…thanks Netgalley

Did not finish or start. Unfortunately i want to release the hold j have this book so someone else can read and enjoy the story. The right audience is waiting. Just not for me

This was a great book. I loved every paragraph, every sentence and every word of this masterpiece! I read it in 12 hours, which is a lot for me to do! It had everything and more laid out in the novel! I sure hope There is more to come from this author! I am totally hooked!

I always enjoy Blackstock’s books!
Great characters, a little bit of suspense, and great storylines.
I encourage you to read this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

Typical Terri Blackstock book....fabulous!!! I love her writing style. It's a breath of fresh air to not have a vulgar storyline. So good!!

If I Run hooked me from the beginning. If you love fast-paced, clean thrill rides free of foul language, this is the book for you. I cared about the characters as soon as they were introduced and was fully invested with each twist and turn. I didn't realize this was a series, and when I finished, I was a little disappointed...I wanted more. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.

I very much enjoyed this book. The writing was great and the characters were well developed. I hope to read more from this author in the future.

This is one of my favorite books and I have read it a few times. It follows a girl named Casey on the run after it looks like she killed her best friend. It's full of suspense, twists and turn, but also a lot of heart. I highly HIGHLY recommend this!

Thank you to NetGalley and Zondervan Fiction publishers for the ARC copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. The thoughts and opinions are all my own.

This was a great story, full of enough suspense to keep you captivated. Terri has a unique writing style; her characters appear human and they become your friend. I love reading suspenseful novels but get tired of all of the profanity and sexual expletive content. You do not have to worry about that with a Terri Blackstock novel!

Although I'm not usually into reading series, I will read this one completely because it is fabulous.

⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Terri Blackstock’s If I Run kicks off like a shot and doesn’t let up. When Casey Cox finds her best friend murdered—and her own DNA at the scene—she bolts. Not because she’s guilty, but because she knows the police won’t believe her. With a traumatic past and deep distrust of law enforcement, Casey is on the run with only her instincts.

Enter Dylan Roberts, a war vet with PTSD, hired to bring her in. At first, he believes she’s guilty. But as he digs deeper, the story doesn’t add up—and neither does Casey.

Told in alternating points of view, the book builds tension and empathy as the stakes climb. Both characters are compelling. Casey is smart and resourceful without feeling superhuman, and Dylan is flawed but principled.

This isn’t just a chase story. Blackstock weaves in themes of justice, trauma, and trust. Some moments stretch believability, but the emotional weight keeps it grounded. With fast pacing, clean writing, and a plot that grabs hold, If I Run earns 4½ stars.

This is book one in a trilogy—and after that cliffhanger, I’ll be grabbing book two ASAP.

** Thanks to NetGalley and Zondervan Fiction for a cop of the eBook and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the audiobook. All opinions are my own.

This story is about Casey, a girl who finds her best friend’s body at a crime scene. She’s then on the run because of things we find out later in the story contributing to it. We also get a POV of Dylan, someone who is working on the case to find Casey. But even he sees that the details of the case aren’t adding up.

I loved the story, loved the characters, and loved the pacing of it all. I also loved that the author included her faith into the story. I definitely want to continue the rest of the series!

(read with audiobook & e-book)

Y’all, If I Run starts at a sprint and never slows down. Casey Cox is on the run—not because she’s guilty, but because the system’s failed her. Her DNA’s at the scene, and her past is full of shadows.

Enter Dylan, a war-torn vet hired to bring her in. But the more he digs, the less the pieces fit. Is Casey a killer—or the only honest person in the mess?

This one smells like danger, tastes like motel coffee, and reads like a prayer whispered on the run. With dual POVs, breakneck twists, and a steady beat of heart and faith, this story grabs you and doesn’t let go.

⭐ Verdict: If you like thrillers with brains and soul—run, don’t walk.

Well...shiver me timbers! I am surprised at how much I enjoyed this book! Often times when reading Christian Suspense it is very surface level, pretty lame and just akward. I say that as Christian who enjoys clean books but recognize that sometimes the writing is just not what you usually see in mainstream media.
Terri Blackstock is an author I have heard so much about and was so excited to be granted an Advanced Reader's Copy of "If I Run" . She hits the ground running in this heart pumping fast paced thriller. This was such a fun journey following Casey try to evade the FBI as she is wanted for the murder of her friend. As she is changing her identity and wrestling with her childhood trauma I could not turn the pages quick enough.
The author's note at the end of this book solidified my love for this book and author. I cannot wait to discover more books by Terri Blackstock.
Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to review this advanced copy of If I Run. I was not paid for this honest original review.

I've been reading Terri Blackatock's suspense novels for years. This one was fresh, innovative and wonderfully written.when Casey finds her best friend murdered, the plot really takes off. Beautifully crafted

This was a very good book. It was well-written. I would highly recommend this book. It's very easy to read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

If I Run
By Terri Blackstock
Publisher: Zondervan Fiction
Series: Book 1 of If I Run Series
Rated: 5
Back of the Book: “Casey didn't kill her friend Brent. She discovered his body, but she'd never try to hurt him. He's the only person she's ever trusted enough to tell the truth about what happened to her father . . . and there's no doubt in her mind that Brent was killed trying to help her prove it. She has to run before they get to her too.
Dylan Roberts was hired to find Casey and bring her back so that justice can be served. As a former Criminal Investigator for the Army, he can't imagine that tracking down one girl will be that difficult.
But the more elusive Casey turns out to be, the more Dylan digs into her past to try to determine what she might be thinking. What he finds there doesn't fit the profile of a killer at all. She's unlike any other fugitive he's ever seen.
The police refuse to discuss any other possibilities. There's something more going on here. Something more to this fugitive who has captured his attention. Now he just has to figure out what it is . . . and Casey just has to stay one step ahead of everyone who's after her.”
Impressions: This is really a review of the whole series as this is not stand alone novel and you’re not going to want to miss the rest of the story. This was written in first person which was a change up for me. I enjoyed the suspense and characters of this story. This was a page turner with a wild chase. Finishing this book had me rushing to get into the next until there were no more pages to turn. This is one of those series that you get invested in and when it’s over it is bittersweet. I loved it though.

Quotes: “You can’t just check out and think it will all be over. It won’t be over for anyone who loves you.”

“The Lord sometimes uses sorrow in our lives to deepen us,’ Miss Lucy says. ‘This is one of those times.’ ‘Why do we have to be deep?’ I wondered aloud. Miss Lucy looks at me as if she’s never considered that question. ‘Because what good are we if we’re shallow? He (God)can use us when we have some depth. He had sorrows, so why shouldn’t we?”

Thank you, NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book!

If I Run is the first book in the If I Run series by Terri Blackstock. This well written Christian suspense story starts out with action, suspense and mystery that never ends. This story has so many twist and turns, it kept me reading just to find out what would happen next.

Casey finds her friend Brent murdered. Fearing she’ll be blamed for his death and sent to prison, she flees. Casey is a very intelligent person who thinks things through. She is very detailed with trying to out smart the police with buying tickets under different names, getting off before her scheduled stop. Yet she has a conscience that she struggles with when she buys another person’s name.

Dylan has been hired by Brent’s parents to find Casey. Being apast Criminal Investigator for the Army, he is very skilled in what he needs to do to find her. Yet he finds resistance from the police force to supply him with the information he feels he need.

I enjoyed reading this story. I always struggle with why the innocent run away instead of calling law enforcement when the find a crime. Yet this story points out reasons Casey would fear for her safety. I appreciate the background information the author provides on what happened years earlier in Casey’s family and why that has affected her actions now. I like how determined Dylan is to find Casey as fast as possible. I found it interesting that he would also try to solve the crime, even when it was not his place. It was enjoyable to see how the two interacted and how Dylan was drawn to Casey to keep her safe and find the real killer. It was interesting to see how this crime was connected to Casey’s father’s death.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review.