The Ones We Trust (Book Review)

NOTE: I received this book free from the author requesting an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's rules and guidelines.

"Anger can be like a buoy. Sometimes it feels like the only thing holding your head above water, but you have to let go of it at some point. Otherwise, you'll never make it back to shore." ~ The Ones We Trust

I was introduced to author Kimberly Belle in January when I participated in a blog tour for her debut novel, The Last Breath which I declared would be one of my favorite books of the year. Needless to say, I was eagerly awaiting the release of her second novel, The Ones We Trust, on July 28th. 

Thrilled to have received an advanced copy, I immediately sunk my teeth into the book.  I am happy to say that Belle's fans will not be disappointed. The Ones We Trust will capture the reader's interest right off the bat and will keep it with just the right amount of suspense, unpredictability, and real-life themes that will touch a personal nerve. 

Once again, Belle creates a strong female protagonist who readers will cheer for.  Abigail Wolff is a former journalist who left her career after a target of one of her investigative reports meets an unfortunate demise. Stricken with guilt, Abigail swears she will be never write again. That is until classified U.S. Army documents regarding the suspicious death of a soldier in Afghanistan land on her doorstep.  Complicating the matter is the fact that her own father, a retired Army General, seems to be involved. She is quickly swept up in a web of high-stake cover-ups, betrayals, and emotions leaving her to question where her loyalty and trust lies and learning some truths are best left unsaid. 

As she tries to pull away from involvement, Abigail finds things she wasn't expecting, including love and atonement. Can this be the story that forces her back into journalism - on her own terms? Will she find a way to clear her conscience and correct the "karmic imbalance" that has consumed the last few years of her life?  Reminded that "words can be just as deadly as warfare," Abigail soon discovers they can also heal those who are broken. 

"....maybe it's not where we land that counts. Maybe what's more important is how we get there, and with whom." ~ The Ones We Trust

With similarities that are ripped from today's headlines, The Ones We Trust is not only a light political crime story, it is also a gripping look at post-traumatic stress disorder and dealing with loss, a journey of forgiveness, and a commentary on the ethics of journalism.  I love Belle's style of writing and her ability to make intelligent heroines that are also witty and charming. 

The Ones We Trust will capture your attention from the first page and hold it to the last. As with The Last Breath, it doesn't fall neatly into one genre. Therefore, I can confidently recommend this book to fans of women's fiction, family drama, contemporary romance and suspense/thrillers. 

Read more of my Book Reviews.