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Peril in the Park #1
Avalanche
When Park Ranger Jenny Snowfeather runs into Deputy Marshal Chase Matthews at her brother's Fourth of July barbecue, she suspects there is more going on in Eagle Valley, WA than fireworks. After Chase confides that he believes the fugitive who killed his partner may be hiding out in the area, Jenny is skeptical at first. But when her peaceful town is besieged with a sudden crime spree, she realizes Chase's theory may be true.
As the manhunt advances to the rugged backcountry of North Cascades National Park, Jenny is confronted with her past mistakes. But she soon discovers the greatest threat of all is losing her heart to Chase, who is obsessed with capturing the fugitive at all costs.
Risking everything to help Chase find the man who could kill them both, Jenny's faith is put to the test. Like an avalanche waiting to happen, their path is fraught with danger. Will the enemy get away with murder? Will Jenny and Chase reach freedom and safety, or be buried alive? They must tread carefully. One step in the wrong direction could mean the difference between life and death.
As the manhunt advances to the rugged backcountry of North Cascades National Park, Jenny is confronted with her past mistakes. But she soon discovers the greatest threat of all is losing her heart to Chase, who is obsessed with capturing the fugitive at all costs.
Risking everything to help Chase find the man who could kill them both, Jenny's faith is put to the test. Like an avalanche waiting to happen, their path is fraught with danger. Will the enemy get away with murder? Will Jenny and Chase reach freedom and safety, or be buried alive? They must tread carefully. One step in the wrong direction could mean the difference between life and death.
298 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2017
About the author
Gayla K. Hiss
7 books36 followersAward-winning author Gayla K. Hiss began her writing journey painting landscapes. In her imagination, characters and scenes came to life as she painted beautiful natural settings. Her inspiring novels combine her love for the great outdoors with romance, suspense, and adventure. Her book WILDFIRE won the Faith, Hope, and Love Reader’s Choice Award for romantic suspense, and her book COLD PURSUIT was a finalist in the romantic suspense category for both the Faith, Hope, and Love Reader’s Choice Award and the Selah Awards.
Gayla and her husband often tour the country with their RV, visiting many state and national parks. She enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling, and lives in the Pacific Northwest.
Gayla and her husband often tour the country with their RV, visiting many state and national parks. She enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling, and lives in the Pacific Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 7, 2022
3.5 stars!
Characters: Jenny and Chase were both relatable characters. They struggled with their faith and grew closer to God over the course of the book.
Language: Clean.
Moral: Jenny's father had died before the book started. She blamed God for her father's death. As the book went on, she realized she was wrong for doing so. Chase wasn't a believer at the beginning of the book (at least I don't think he was). Near the end, I think he became a Christian.
Plot: I love suspense books in a wilderness setting! The author kept the plot moving. But I wish more time had been given to the ending.
Romance: Clean. Just a few brief kisses.
Writing: I enjoyed Gayla Hiss's writing style.
Overall: I wavered between 3 and 4 stars for this book. I think I'm going with 3.5. :) I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction and romantic suspense.
Characters: Jenny and Chase were both relatable characters. They struggled with their faith and grew closer to God over the course of the book.
Language: Clean.
Moral: Jenny's father had died before the book started. She blamed God for her father's death. As the book went on, she realized she was wrong for doing so. Chase wasn't a believer at the beginning of the book (at least I don't think he was). Near the end, I think he became a Christian.
Plot: I love suspense books in a wilderness setting! The author kept the plot moving. But I wish more time had been given to the ending.
Romance: Clean. Just a few brief kisses.
Writing: I enjoyed Gayla Hiss's writing style.
Overall: I wavered between 3 and 4 stars for this book. I think I'm going with 3.5. :) I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction and romantic suspense.
September 30, 2016
This story was a very enjoyable read as suspense, romance, and faith were interwoven throughout. Jenny was struggling in her faith because of the sudden death of her father. Like many of us who have struggled at one time or another, she did not think her “vacation” from church would affect anyone else. She learned much quicker than many people do that her lapse did affect others. Some would suggest that faith was merely a minor aspect of the story as one suspenseful event after another played out. I suggest faith in the lives of several of the key characters had a significant bearing on how they faced the situations that seemed at times to come hurtling down on them like an avalanche. In an understated manner, the author uses suspense and romance to share a message of faith and hope that sadly is often missed as we go about our daily lives. Unlike Jenny, Chase had completely turned from even a pretense of faith because of circumstances in his life, but he cannot ignore the importance of it in the lives of Jenny, Joel, Lori, and others. In addition to the action and suspense, I totally enjoyed the descriptions of the beautiful setting for the story. I would not say that I would be enthralled enough with the scenery to live where bears, cougars, and other wildlife seemed to be fairly common but it sounded like a beautiful place to visit. Gayla Hiss did an excellent job of bringing together the multiple aspects of this story to hold my interest from beginning to ending, starting with a Fourth of July barbecue and fireworks display at Jenny’s brother’s house and continuing through numerous exciting events involving Jenny and her family, Chase and other marshals, local residents, and some bad dudes. I recommend this book for your reading enjoyment. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
February 20, 2017
Jennifer Snowfeather meets Chase Matthews at a Fourth of July picnic, and immediately her antenna goes up. Something doesn’t feel right to her. How does he know her name, and what about the gun he carries? Will she be able to discover why something seems off with Matthew?
Beautiful scenery exquisitely described, suspense that causes you to hold your breath as it plays out and danger around every corner are just of a sampling of the richness illustrated in this story.
I figure out the “whodunit” early on in most mysteries I read. However, with Avalanche I was so caught up in the story, I didn’t even try to guess! I was completely surprised by the villain.
The characters in this thriller will endear themselves to you. You will come to care for them, catching yourself wanting to warn them of imminent danger and feeling their pain.
Gayla K. Hiss is a new author; however, you would never guess it. She has done an excellent job of interweaving Biblical applications into her story without being preachy or belaboring a point.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Avalanche. There were a few scenes that were a little difficult to read due to my past history, but overall it was an exceptional book. I can’t wait to read the sequel!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Beautiful scenery exquisitely described, suspense that causes you to hold your breath as it plays out and danger around every corner are just of a sampling of the richness illustrated in this story.
I figure out the “whodunit” early on in most mysteries I read. However, with Avalanche I was so caught up in the story, I didn’t even try to guess! I was completely surprised by the villain.
The characters in this thriller will endear themselves to you. You will come to care for them, catching yourself wanting to warn them of imminent danger and feeling their pain.
Gayla K. Hiss is a new author; however, you would never guess it. She has done an excellent job of interweaving Biblical applications into her story without being preachy or belaboring a point.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Avalanche. There were a few scenes that were a little difficult to read due to my past history, but overall it was an exceptional book. I can’t wait to read the sequel!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2017
I'd like to rate this one more highly, as it is Christian fiction, and well copy edited. However, the author and editors missed that it was far overdone with multiple perils and bad guys. The heroine was portrayed as talented, but then made too many mistakes. There were also several points to the plot that didn't make sense. For example, search and rescue hikers and the bad guys also seemed to haul far too many items on an extended trek. I expect to suspend my disbelief to some degree, but there were far too many coincidences and unlikely occurrences in this one.
October 11, 2017
Murder in the Mountains
I enjoyed the suspense and action in this story. It is so refreshing to be able to read a good romantic story with no sex and a murder without foul language. It is an added blessing when the story line is so interesting.
I enjoyed the suspense and action in this story. It is so refreshing to be able to read a good romantic story with no sex and a murder without foul language. It is an added blessing when the story line is so interesting.
March 12, 2020
What a terrific romantic suspense. The plot is very well written with good character development and lots of action. This is a real page turner. I definitely will be reading more books in this series.
March 13, 2017
Originally posted to https://christianshelfesteem.wordpres...
Gayla Hiss’ debut novel Avalanche is equal parts adventure, mystery, and romance. When Park Ranger Jenny Snowfeather becomes entangled with the local sheriff’s investigation of area break-ins, she never could have predicted the dangers she would face. Readers, prepare to take to the trails of North Cascades National Park on the hunt for a fugitive.
Hiss maintained tension start to finish by quickly escalating the crimes which were committed and casting suspicion on a growing pool of suspects. The presence of an armed Deputy Marshall in Eagle Valley raised Jenny’s suspicions as well as my own, yet it wasn’t a spoiler. To the contrary, Hiss’ timing with respect to romance and resolution of the crime felt organic. She avoided the pitfall of insta-love by allowing Chase and Jenny to build trust before really opening up to one another. In the end, the author capitalized on her setting—crafting multiple “man vs nature” moments.
Avalanche is a quick and satisfying read from a promising new Christian author. Grab a copy and perhaps you will #findyourpark!
With thanks to the author/publisher for providing me with a review copy. All opinions are my own.
Gayla Hiss’ debut novel Avalanche is equal parts adventure, mystery, and romance. When Park Ranger Jenny Snowfeather becomes entangled with the local sheriff’s investigation of area break-ins, she never could have predicted the dangers she would face. Readers, prepare to take to the trails of North Cascades National Park on the hunt for a fugitive.
Hiss maintained tension start to finish by quickly escalating the crimes which were committed and casting suspicion on a growing pool of suspects. The presence of an armed Deputy Marshall in Eagle Valley raised Jenny’s suspicions as well as my own, yet it wasn’t a spoiler. To the contrary, Hiss’ timing with respect to romance and resolution of the crime felt organic. She avoided the pitfall of insta-love by allowing Chase and Jenny to build trust before really opening up to one another. In the end, the author capitalized on her setting—crafting multiple “man vs nature” moments.
Avalanche is a quick and satisfying read from a promising new Christian author. Grab a copy and perhaps you will #findyourpark!
With thanks to the author/publisher for providing me with a review copy. All opinions are my own.
February 4, 2017
This was a great story full of action and suspense. There’s more than one story line, but they work together well. I enjoyed the characters and plot development. Underlying motivations of the characters kept the story interesting. The author’s writing flows smoothly through the action scenes and plot twists and surprises.
I was given this book by the publisher as an advance copy, with no expectation of a review, positive or otherwise.
I was given this book by the publisher as an advance copy, with no expectation of a review, positive or otherwise.
April 24, 2018
One of those stories I found too predictable in many areas, unrealistic in many others.
November 24, 2018
This novel is packed with suspense, high adventure, murder, and romance.
Jenny Snowfeather is a park ranger in the Pacific Northwest. When she meets Deputy Marshal Chase Matthews, she soon learns he is in the area with a purpose far more sinister than a vacation visit to her brother, Joel.
I was intrigued by the mysterious events that came together to create a compelling story. The author portrays her characters well, establishes realistic relationships, and develops a journey of spiritual growth.
In addition to the strong hero and heroine, I enjoyed reading about college student Wendy, who makes poor decisions, Reggie, the shady veterinarian, and the lovesick Billy Norton. These characters all add to the atmosphere of a small town where people share a deep concern for the welfare of each other. The wilderness setting served as an excellent backdrop for the adventures and trials the characters faced.
This is my first encounter with author Gayla K. Hiss. I will definitely seek out more of her work.
Jenny Snowfeather is a park ranger in the Pacific Northwest. When she meets Deputy Marshal Chase Matthews, she soon learns he is in the area with a purpose far more sinister than a vacation visit to her brother, Joel.
I was intrigued by the mysterious events that came together to create a compelling story. The author portrays her characters well, establishes realistic relationships, and develops a journey of spiritual growth.
In addition to the strong hero and heroine, I enjoyed reading about college student Wendy, who makes poor decisions, Reggie, the shady veterinarian, and the lovesick Billy Norton. These characters all add to the atmosphere of a small town where people share a deep concern for the welfare of each other. The wilderness setting served as an excellent backdrop for the adventures and trials the characters faced.
This is my first encounter with author Gayla K. Hiss. I will definitely seek out more of her work.
October 22, 2018
This isn't the usual story for me, but I enjoyed it more than I expected to. Jenny and Chase are both broken souls who meet and their friendship brings them to a place of healing. Jenny is a park ranger who is tough but also sensitive and has a heart for stray animals. Chase has a secret and is on "vacation" with Joel, Jenny's brother.
There's an escaped murderer and two suspicious men in the book. I couldn't figure out who was causing what trouble and there are many instances. I couldn't even guess how the end would turn out, but it was satisfying overall.
There are two avalanches in the story, but only one of them happens to the main characters. The mountain climbing and other activities felt authentic and the views were breathtaking. I loved how protective Joel was of Jenny, didn't like how defensive she always got with him. No matter how capable and tough you are, your sibling should feel that way. A really good story!
There's an escaped murderer and two suspicious men in the book. I couldn't figure out who was causing what trouble and there are many instances. I couldn't even guess how the end would turn out, but it was satisfying overall.
There are two avalanches in the story, but only one of them happens to the main characters. The mountain climbing and other activities felt authentic and the views were breathtaking. I loved how protective Joel was of Jenny, didn't like how defensive she always got with him. No matter how capable and tough you are, your sibling should feel that way. A really good story!
October 9, 2017
I obtained this free e-book from Amazon and I am voluntarily writing a review. Jenny is a Park Ranger in the North Cascades National Park. Chase is a US Marshall on forced leave after losing his partner who was murdered while guarding a witness waiting to testify at a trial. He got away and Chase is following a strong hunch that he is around the North Cascade National Park where the guy grow up. So happens he has an old army buddy Joel, Jenny's brother, that lives I the area and he is staying there. There has been a recent surge of crimes in the immediate area increasing in intensity and lot of them directed against Jenny. This is a fast paced Christian Romantic Suspense that is hard to put down from beginning to end.
October 2, 2018
There's something about a Christian romantic suspense that feeds the book hog inside me like nothing else. This one, set in the beauty of the Cascade Mountains in Washington, really fills the bill. Er, snout. Excellent quality writing and editing. Five stars. Avalanche is the first of the Peril in the Park Series.
Jenny Snowfeather is a law enforcement park ranger, and she carries a SIG sauer 9 mm semi-automatic handgun.
Chase Matthews is a friend of her brother Joel, a US marshall, and he packs a Glock.
Both of them together may not have enough firepower to stop a murderer loose in the park. Or the avalanche barreling in their direction. God help them.
Available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Get it while it's hot. (Or cold, as the case may be.)
Jenny Snowfeather is a law enforcement park ranger, and she carries a SIG sauer 9 mm semi-automatic handgun.
Chase Matthews is a friend of her brother Joel, a US marshall, and he packs a Glock.
Both of them together may not have enough firepower to stop a murderer loose in the park. Or the avalanche barreling in their direction. God help them.
Available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Get it while it's hot. (Or cold, as the case may be.)
January 26, 2017
Avalanche is a perfect balance of suspense, intrigue, romance with notes of faith throughout. There are many twists & turns that held my attention. I grew a fondness and appreciation for each character, particularly Jenny & Chase. I could easily relate to where they were in their Christian walk and how they used their faith to deal with circumstances that came their way. Additionally, Gayla Hiss beautifully described the Northwest settings, I felt like I was there. Gayla is a gifted the author and it was an absolute pleasure to read her work. I was given a complimentary copy of this book to give an honest review.
July 30, 2018
My first Hiss-story. ;) I liked it. Gayla Hiss is great at setting the scene, introducing interesting, credible characers, and weaving an engaging tale filled with mysterious plot twists and tons of adventure. The fact that she also brought us readers a sweet romance based (untimately) on a personal faith in God was the icing on the cake.
Another thing: I'm one who likes to learn, so her capable habit of tossing in interesting facts about the area and the creatures that inhabit it was a plus.
Well worth your time and money.
Her teaser chapter for the next book in the series was a good addition. Pretty sure I'll be getting that one, too!
Another thing: I'm one who likes to learn, so her capable habit of tossing in interesting facts about the area and the creatures that inhabit it was a plus.
Well worth your time and money.
Her teaser chapter for the next book in the series was a good addition. Pretty sure I'll be getting that one, too!
August 1, 2022
How could you not love Jenny Snowfeather! She is independent and accomplished. As a Park Ranger, she has to be on her toes! Chase Matthews, a Deputy Marshall and a former soldier with her brother, brought much drama to their quiet Northwest town. Though basically following a fugitive, no one knows but the instincts that Jenny possesses give her an inkling into what Chase might be up to on this so called vacation! When she finds out it was a former boyfriend you had used her to rob a bank, she becomes invested in finding him as well. Secrets are uncovered and rescue from an avalanche seemed destined.
January 29, 2018
I enjoyed it from start to finish and am looking forward to reading more from this author. This is a refreshing (not just for the snow and mountain backdrop) clean suspense story that will hold your interest throughout. Not only are the characters real, their relationships ring true – from the older brother looking after his sister to the sister’s frustration in being looked after by the older brother, from the slow, realistic development of the love story to the frustrating roadblocks that pop up from time to time. Highly recommended.
July 20, 2018
I really wanted to love this book since it is set in the beautiful Cascades. However, I never really connected with any of the characters. I actually found it a bit difficult to remember who the characters were and at times had to backtrack in the story to re-familiarize myself with them. I did enjoy the fact that this was a clean book and I liked the elements of faith in it. The manhunt was almost too suspenseful for me since that isn't a genre I usually enjoy.
I do recommend this book if you enjoy Christian suspense. I won this book in a giveaway by Christian Shelf-Esteem.
I do recommend this book if you enjoy Christian suspense. I won this book in a giveaway by Christian Shelf-Esteem.
September 19, 2020
I listened to this one on audio. Michael Cahill did an EXCELLENT job of bringing this book to life.
I loved this book. The characters were well developed, played off each other, were unique, and believable. The story was great. I loved how little bits of it was revealed as the book went on. I didn't want to stop listening to it.
I have never read or listened to anything from this author before. She is a talented writer. I look forward to more of her books. This one is a contemporary romantic suspense with a little inspirational bits here and there thrown in. Not too much. Loved it.
I loved this book. The characters were well developed, played off each other, were unique, and believable. The story was great. I loved how little bits of it was revealed as the book went on. I didn't want to stop listening to it.
I have never read or listened to anything from this author before. She is a talented writer. I look forward to more of her books. This one is a contemporary romantic suspense with a little inspirational bits here and there thrown in. Not too much. Loved it.
January 2, 2021
This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read!. A fantastic book that has it all! I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a romance enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. Great book!
January 30, 2017
Avalanche
Chase is looking for the guy that killed his partner, he is staying with his friend Joel and didn't tell him what he was doing but did tell Joel's sister Jenny that worked as a park ranger. The book is very suspenseful for several characters not just for Chase. Very interesting from start to finish and lot of action. Really enjoyed the book. I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of the book.
Chase is looking for the guy that killed his partner, he is staying with his friend Joel and didn't tell him what he was doing but did tell Joel's sister Jenny that worked as a park ranger. The book is very suspenseful for several characters not just for Chase. Very interesting from start to finish and lot of action. Really enjoyed the book. I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of the book.
September 9, 2021
This was a new author to me. I enjoyed the story of Jenny and Chase and especially the setting in the Cascades National Park. The dialogue and the flirting between the two main characters needed some smoothing out, but a minor issue. The plot was executed well and made up for it. I especially liked the interaction between Jenny and the secondary characters of Dylan, Wendy, and her grumpy brother. A fun read! Looking forward to another book in this series.
September 2, 2020
This was an exciting tale filled with chasing bad guys and rescuing loved ones. While the narrator did a great job with him cadence and singing, I found it difficult to decipher who was speaking. There was little difference between the book narration and a few of the characters! He did a great job with the bad guy though. Very sinister!
September 22, 2020
Good story, impressive female character. A little too much verbal banter at first, but then maybe that's because I was listening to the Audible version and was in a hurry to get to the suspense. I did not like the male narrator because he couldn't do female voices. I prefer female narrators who do male voices better.
May 19, 2023
I really liked this book. Chase really wanted her but had struggles to get over. He was so sweet and so protective of her, it was just amazing. Jenny was really independent and her own person, I liked that. She had her own hang ups to get over to be with him but she still wanted too, even if she didn't show it. They were a very good couple, I really liked them, they fit so well.
January 4, 2019
Northwest adventure
Park ranger Jenny works with. Law-enforcement agent, Chase to track down a fugitive with ties to Jennys past. In the process, she learns to move forward and trust.
Park ranger Jenny works with. Law-enforcement agent, Chase to track down a fugitive with ties to Jennys past. In the process, she learns to move forward and trust.
January 9, 2020
Really good! I liked Jenny a lot and enjoyed her interaction with Chase and her brother. Certain aspects were predictable, but the story was well written and very enjoyable. Hope to read others in the series!
June 13, 2020
Excellent Narration brought this book to life with the characters and the tension of what was happening to this quiet town Enjoyed the plot of a mystery, romance, with faith . Given audio which I enjoyed for my voluntary review and my voluntary review review
May 16, 2017
Fast moving book.
This is the first book I have read from this author. Now I want to read more. Very interesting and you don't want to put it down.
This is the first book I have read from this author. Now I want to read more. Very interesting and you don't want to put it down.
October 16, 2017
Good fast read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews