Book Description:
Ehvah Rowe’s life is in freefall. Her teen queen status is long forgotten, and with a childhood of tragic loss, no family save a diabolical aunt, and no career prospects, her L.A. celebrity world holds no future. It will take a murder, an escape to the Australian tropics, and the friendship of an Aussie bodyguard, for her to discover healing, faith, and a way forward.
David Blake knows how to be a soldier. His army training equipped him to fight and protect. But when it comes to helping a fear-filled celebrity navigate the same post-traumatic stress symptoms he has suffered, David discovers the challenge in forsaking his own strength for God’s plan.
Rose Dee weaves a story of mystery, drama and romance, in her trademark tropical North Queensland Australian style.
Narelle’s Thoughts:
I really enjoyed reading Ehvah After and it’s now my favourite Rose Dee book. The story opens with Ehvah living in her L.A. mansion with her aunt and uncle. She’s an orphan of famous parents who lives off her trust fund and feels jaded with her shallow party lifestyle. Ehvah is frustrated by her bad press in the tabloids, her so-called friends who use her, and her inability to resurrect her Hollywood career. When she witnesses the late night murder of her uncle in her home, she flees to Australia with her aunt who is shooting a film in far north Queensland.
Ehvah has a complex relationship with her aunt that’s revealed during the story. The murder investigation is underway when Ehvah arrives in Australia. David, an Aussie ex-military soldier, is assigned the day shift as Ehvah’s bodyguard, and an unlikely romance unfolds. I like bodyguard romances, and I love how David and Ehvah’s unique and painful past experiences become the common ground in their developing relationship that draws them closer. Her life is in danger, and David takes on the role of her protector and hero.
The murder of Ehvah’s uncle provides a compelling mystery sub-plot that intertwines with the main romantic plot to add an exciting suspense element to the story. The serious issue of post traumatic stress is realistically addressed and handled with sensitivity. Rose’s books tend to be edgy, although Ehvah After is less edgy than her Resolution series. Ehvah’s lifestyle and experiences shape her thoughts and actions in the story, and she doesn’t start out holding Christian morals and values. We see her character growth and faith journey during the story.
The story has a strong faith element, and the gospel message is an integral part of the story. The exotic tropical North Queensland setting is gorgeous, and the minor characters add to the Aussie flavour in the story. I highly recommend Ehvah After to readers who are looking for a fun and exciting Aussie contemporary Christian romance with drama and mystery story elements.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
Read an Inspy Romance guest post by Rose Dee here.
Learn more about Rose Dee and her books by visiting her website.
A fun loving Aussie girl at heart, Narelle Atkins was born and raised on the beautiful northern beaches in Sydney, Australia. She has settled in Canberra with her husband and children. A lifelong romance reader, she found the perfect genre to write when she discovered inspirational romance. Narelle's contemporary stories of faith and romance are set in Australia and international locations.
This book sounds like a page turner, Narelle. Thanks for the recommendation!
Sounds fascinating! What an unusual setting for a celebrity-focused story. Must read!
I have not read anything by this author yet. This book sounds great! Thanks for sharing your review.
Sounds interesting! How suspenseful would you say it is, for those of us who generally prefer romance over romantic suspense?
Sounds like a great read! Thanks for the recommendation, I’m adding it to my wishlist!
Hi Jill, You’re very welcome. I couldn’t put it down and read it within a day or so. :)
Hi Lee, Yes, it is an usual setting for a celebrity story. We do have celebrities who visit Australia to escape the spotlight. Interestingly, I was only talking with my husband about this last night when we learned the sad news about David Bowie’s passing. Back in the late ’70s/early 80’s David had a house on Sydney Harbour and lived near one of my husband’s school friends. My husband has chatted with David Bowie a few times at the beach. :)
Hi Sally, I hope you’ll have a chance to read it and enjoy the tropical Aussie setting :)
Hi Val, I think the mystery element is a bigger part of the plot than the suspense element. If you read the sample, the beginning is more mystery/suspense heavy than the rest of the story. That said, the romance is the core plot and by far the biggest focus in the story. The hero and heroine aren’t involved in solving the mystery or chasing the bad guys. I hope that helps :)
Hi Beth, I hope you’ll have an opportunity to read Rose’s book and discover her gorgeous Aussie setting :)
Sounds like a great story, Narelle. Thanks for sharing it with us. Love the cover too!
Hi Sally, I love the cover, too. :)
I’ve not heard of this book until now, thanks for the review! Sounds like a good book :-)
Hi Trixi, I’m glad to introduce you to Rose and her books :)