“What are we going to do? Things can’t go on like this for ten days!”

Phil wasn’t the only one who was irked by cousin Millie’s disrespect and pride. Abby Baker had hoped that she and Millie would be good friends. Turns out, Millie isn’t easy to get close to, let alone show kindness towards. Worse yet, their peace is shattered when the girl goes in search of a lost horse…and disappears.

Hunting for their cousin, Phil, Andy, and Abby find themselves in the midst of a huge undercover heist. Daring escapes, fervent prayers, unexpected help, and bold plans leave the Bakers in a whirlwind of an adventure they won’t soon forget!

But, will they be able to rescue Millie unharmed? And, if they do, will Millie change her heart toward them?

This is Summer of Suspense, book one in the Baker Family Adventures by C.R. Hedgcock! It makes an intriguing family read-aloud and is great for teens who love adventuresome books!

The setting is contemporary, mingling American countryside with high-tech undercover buildings. At the beginning, the Baker farm feels very established. Once the troubles start, the setting shifts in multiple ways and the characters must adapt to new surroundings quickly.

All of the characters are well-spoken. Even with the villains, there is no cursing or slang. The sentence structures (especially of the adults) in dialogues are complete, well-thought through, and very informed.

Abby, her twin Andy, young Tom and older brother Phil, are closely-bonded siblings. They’re hardworking, sincere, and honest. I appreciated Abby’s desire to do what is right and her strong loyalty to family.

Despite their innocence, the Baker children were actually quite smart. They heeded wise counsel, prayed, sought the right authorities, and took cautionary measures. It didn’t read like one of those adventures where childish mistakes led into graver danger, which I liked.

One neat element is the involvement of the whole family in this novel! While the family is separated for a portion of the story, the authoress keeps us updated on each character’s journey. The ultimate goal is that they should be together because they are stronger and safer, very true to life!

The level of suspense is moderate, in that there are no injuries, deaths, or gun fights. There is chloroform involved to drug characters. Some scenes are more “on-the-edge-of-your-seat” as we hope for the best in tight circumstances.

Although Abby was much more of a main character, Millie’s arc showed the theme of the book very clearly. At first, she is difficult to put up with, but danger swiftly shifts her perspective and reveals the true, lost girl inside. As the story progresses, Millie is slowly conformed more to the image of Christ.

I’m raising a Hallelu Yah! Praise be to God our Shield, because He is at work all the time to make us more like His Son – for our greatest good and His glory! He rescues us unharmed from the battle. He allows fiery arrows to come, but shields us from their harmful intent, instead using them to work for good. Hallelu Yah!

Embark on a great adventure guided by the hand of a loving God in this Summer of Suspense!