And a bit corny, actually. Disappointed.

I am a huge fan of Dee Henderson’s books, but this was disappointing. Yes it was interesting, more at the beginning, then I just wanted to end it... it got to be the same thing happening through the whole book... Shannon sharing with Matthew during the LOADS of alone time they had while he was very protective over her and taking care (and noticing) her every need. No action, just an intriguing story line, and not quite wrapped up at the end.

Wow! What a complex book. So many twists, turns and curves! Loved it from the first page to the last. Definitely a keeper. I've read all of Dee Henderson's books and think each book is my favorite until I read the next one. It was nice to see she brought back some of her previous characters and let us have another peek into their lives. Such a talented author! Looking forward to the next book!

I can't believe this got so many good reviews. I thought it was a thriller, but it was very boring and everything always worked out exactly as the characters planned. And there was not a very pleasing resolution at the end. I wasted a lot of time and 11 bucks.

I have to admit that the way the story flowed in this novel was not what I expected. I’m used to Dee’s books having a lot of suspense and danger for the main characters. That said I also have to state the fact that I loved this book as much as her others. There were a lot of twists and surprises throughout the story. I never really knew what to expect to have happen or to be revealed. I did know all along that I was not going to be able to give up on the story. I needed to follow it through to the conclusion. Shannon Bliss and Matthew Dane are the main characters and they are both incredibly well developed. I really enjoyed the way that they are presented in layers as the story progresses. Some books with well developed characters they are just put before you and their personality and characteristics are dumped on you right at the beginning and the rest of the story you see how they deal with what comes. I find it much more realistic to meet someone and then as time passes to learn a little more about them through each scene and each interaction with them. This is how Dee has chosen to develop these wonderful characters. The other thing that I really enjoy about Dee’s books is the fact that many of her characters from previous books make an appearance. They keep showing up and using what they learned from the book centered on them to help the new characters in the new book. I find this to be a delightful way to keep up with their lives. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

If I had to use one word to describe Taken, the newest Christian fiction from Dee Henderson, I think it would be COMPLEX. I have read almost everything Dee Henderson has written and find myself amazed each time I read a new book - her ability to weave the complexities of a mystery, crimes, criminals, victims, survivors, and relationships continues to astound me. Taken is a completely stand-alone book with its own story, complexities, and primary characters; but as a reader, you'll enjoy visiting again with some of the characters from Full Disclosure and Unspoken. You don't need to read either of those books to be touched and affected by Taken, but your experience is certainly enhanced if you have background on the primary characters in those stories. Ms. Henderson weaves a wonderful story of family dynamics, a crime family that rivals the mob, friendships borne out of necessity, a survivor who comes out stronger than anyone could ever expect, and a former cop who is the absolute perfect man to help our heroine re-enter her life. The author develops Matthew as an incredibly insightful man, one who is secure in his faith but finds it tested as he helps Shannon navigate her re-entry. I felt I could literally hear his voice and I feel he always knows exactly what to say and when to say it to help Shannon. I was amazed at the depth of the situations that Ms. Henderson includes in the story, but at the same time, leaving so much up to the reader to infer. Matthew's ability to know how things should progress and his ability to understand what Shannon isn't telling him through her actions makes him a wonderfully endearing man. He's incredibly sensitive to Shannon's needs and has an amazing ability to analyze facts and situations and surmise cause and effect, and the impact on Shannon and her family. I only wish I had the eloquence with words that Ms. Henderson has to adequately explain how wonderful Matthew is. He and Shannon create a simple but comfortable relationship quickly and while I wouldn't call this a romance novel, per se, the foundation of a deeper relationship between Matthew and Shannon is definitely laid. Matthew and Shannon's faith both play a role in this story. God, and their faith, are just another character in the story and conversations about both are comfortable and delightful. A wonderful example near the end of the book really struck me. During a scene where Matthew said a simply prayer over their lunch, Shannon pauses afterwards, remarking that Matthew is good at speaking his mind to God. He remarks that he believes she is too. Her response is, "Not out loud." Matthew's response was "You can learn. Because if you want to share a prayer with me, you'll either need to say it out loud or write it down and let me read it." Shannon asks if Matthew wants her to share her prayers, to which he responds, "Yes. Or at least tell me what you're talking about with God. He's your best friend, Shannon. It's kind of hard to really know you if I don't know what you and God are talking about." What a wonderful insight into a natural, comfortable relationship with God. While Shannon's story is complex, and I often found myself re-reading certain passages to ensure I understood what was being discussed, there were also aspects of the story that were left up to the reader's imagination. I found that an interesting approach to writing a suspenseful novel. The author provides details to set the stage for certain circumstances but allows the reader to fill in the blanks of certain details of the story without it being spelled out. It enables the reader to feel a part of the story as I'm sure my experience reading Taken will differ from another reader's as our views on life will shape how we fill in those aspects of the story left to our imagination. Ultimately, Taken is an emotionally wrenching Christian suspense novel with all the characteristics we've come to know and love from Dee Henderson. I found myself turning the pages faster and faster to see what came next, while also wanting to slow down and savor the story in the moment. I found myself finishing this book quickly, but knowing that I'll turn around and read it again and savor so many intricacies that can only be appreciated the second time around. Taken has a permanent place on my shelf, and in my heart. Disclosure: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest. review