relzreviewz.com Willow by Ronie Kendig

Synopsis:~

To save her, he must become the evil he fights.

Aftercare specialist Willow Metcalfe joined Mission: Liberate Everyone to help trafficking survivors navigate the healing process. When MiLE’s Obioma Compound is attacked by the Nigerian mafia, she’s taken hostage. Against nightmarish odds, she and the victims attempt an escape—and are thwarted.

A decade after leaving his beloved homeland, Chijioke “Chiji” Okorie returns to find his sister and fight for his own country. Believing a global trafficking ring behind her abduction and a string of kidnappings across Nigeria, he goes undercover to find the head of the serpent and his sister. Chiji is stunned to discover among the hostages a familiar face—a friend’s sister, Willow. The woman he vowed years ago to marry.

The man who has interfered with her escape attempts seems … familiar, kind—but Willow knows better. He reeks of the warrior ethos that has devoured many a good man. Engaged in an impossible battle and losing at every turn, Chiji is determined to complete his missions—all of them. Even if it kills him.

Necee’s take:~

“On one hand, the trafficking syndicate seems one small thread in our chaotic world, and on the other, it is so vast that thousands vanish into it every day, never to be seen again.”

There is so much heart to this story, all while teaching about the soul wrenching world of human trafficking. Kendig draws out the hope of those who are fighting to free the captives. She infuses a story of hope into the midst of fighting for survival and freedom from captivity, This book will challenge you, leave your heart pounding, and yes make you want to hurl the book at times. However, it is a gripping story from beginning until the very end. This is a cause that is close to my heart and I am so glad more is been being written about it until this fight is being won. Thank you Ronie Kendig for shining light on a topic that is written with such heart and soul.

“His character reminded Willow of her brothers. Of her father. Real men. Godly men. Men of character, passion, and patriotism. Men … heroes. Yes. Chiji was a hero. Her hero.”

The romantic element seems almost impossible in the midst of such evil and chaos. However, Chiji’s positioning with Willow Metcalf makes for a beautiful and touching storyline. The Metcalfe family interactions are awesome, too. The spiritual aspect is deeply contemplating and really delves into the heart of such volatile circumstances. The entire story is filled with action, suspense, and the ending really packs a punch. Seriously, this will be a new favorite series on my bookshelf.

“The purpose, the hope, kept them going. Kept them engaged in the fight against this devouring evil.”

Okay friends, I will say this is a hard read because of such a tough real-world subject. There is a mature element, but, it is handled with intentionality and sensitivity. However, Kendig writes it so well. She adds real world organizations that are helping in this fight that we can support, too. The romance, humor, and relationships, with prior characters popping in really made this book a great read. I can’t wait to delve back into some earlier series, but this could be read as a standalone.

“Do not let anger and bitterness steal from you the peace and power found in Him. We stand on a battlefield that is far greater than you or I.”

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own and have been given honestly.

Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author of over twenty-five titles. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband live a short train ride from New York City with their twin sons and their fur-son, Benning the Stealth Golden. Ronie’s degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.