A random choice? A reckless plan? Or an unmerited opportunity? You be the judge.
Today she is Jezebel. She has had many names, and this one is temporary. Call her a survivor, a beautiful woman who avoids retribution for her crimes by transforming into someone new. Her latest escapade almost cost her everything, including her life, but the future looks promising. She has escaped from Melbourne with a precious suitcase, and it's time to disappear again.
She's an expert at hiding, a mistress of disguise - her many victims have never been able to identify her. The people who demand justice are unable to find her, the police remain oblivious to the connections between her crimes, and her previous allies are left searching for someone who no longer exists. Her origins are a mystery and she intends to keep it that way. Lies, betrayal and deception have been her currency for too long, and the list of people seeking her capture is extensive.
Samson Davidson is a promise keeper. This hardworking mountain man has dedicated his life to serving others. Reliable and trustworthy, he gave up his personal ambitions long ago when he made peace with his past. He strives tirelessly to benefit the people he loves, and he is honourable and righteous.
His faith is important to him, and he prays in every situation. He never makes a decision without considering the repercussions, which is why his conscience is troubled by his secret mission to Sydney. There are unanswered questions which will only be resolved when he finds the unknown woman God has sent him to collect. He doesn't know what she looks like, nor anything about her past. All he has is a location, a troubling name, and a sense that his secure and predictable life will change when he finds her.
As her enemies close in, she needs a new victim. This righteous man seems the perfect candidate. She implements her plans with confidence, rejoicing in how easily she has persuaded Samson to help her. She doesn't question his motives. It is too late when she realises her mistake...
***A note of explanation from the author***
Which Promise This Time? is the fourth book in my River Wild Romantic Suspense series. Each book stands alone, but the central cast of characters make cameo appearances at key points within this volume. There will be seven books in this series. At the back of the book, I include information about the other books to assist readers who want to know what came before.
This is a work of fiction, and my choice of character names, and the events that are encluded in this story, do not reference any actual people or historical events.
I write from a Christian world-view, to explore the possibility for character transformation. But not all the characters in this story identify themselves as Christian. Some of them are still trying to decide whether God has a role to play in their lives, while others have dismissed that possibility. They will make their decisions and interact with the other characters from their chosen position, but they always have the prerogative to change.
Because I don't want my readers to be taken by surprise when God turns out to be a significant character, I introduce Him early, by including a small quote at the start of each chapter. He also speaks directly to some of the characters, and sends them dreams and visions to guide their decisions. Not every character appreciates His intervention, and some of them reject His advice.
The Christian characters included in this book are far from perfect, and make mistakes. Some readers will question the decisions that the characters make, and I ask for their patience. Forgiveness, mercy and compassion are also being explored within this series.
