Book Review: Watch Over Me by Christa Parrish

"Head down, he tracked the speckles of blood until they turned to drops, then splotches, leading him along a thin, heat-eaten stream. Something yellow was tucked in the slough grass on the near bank of the muddy pond. He strode forward, needle-and-tread awns snagging his pants, trying to stop him from finding what he knew he'd find. And then he was there, at the pond's edge, staring at a white grocery sack, yellow smiling face printed on it, two tiny feet twisted in the handles." Watch Over Me, page 8.

Deputy Benjamin Patil has changed since his military tour. After losing several toes and his best friend, Ben finds himself back home, unable to connect with his wife Abbi. When the Deputy discovers a discarded baby, only a few hours old, his life is drawn to the child and her case. While the search goes on for the baby’s mother, Ben and Abbi take the child in as foster parents. This little girl brings them closer together, but their marriage still teeters on the brink, when new evidence comes to light.

I was drawn into the story from the first page. Christa Parrish’s characters are so real and believable. Ben and Abbi have distinct character flaws, like all people, and they learn to overcome them through the story. It is a story of hope, and the search for truth. The plot kept the story moving, as new clues and struggles come into the character’s lives. I appreciated the way that Christa let the characters see their own flaws, and then try to fix them. The futile attempts didn’t work until they allowed God to work through them. I wouldn’t classify this as a fast pace suspense, but the story will keep you on your toes. I would recommend this book.

(I received this book as a free review copy.)