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    Rising Darkness
    Rising Darkness
    Rising Darkness
    Audiobook8 hours

    Rising Darkness

    Written by Nancy Mehl

    Narrated by Vanessa Daniels

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    Sophie Wittenbauer left her strict Mennonite hometown under a cloud of shame and regret. After a rough childhood, her teenage poor choices harmed others, leaving her with no choice but to change her life. Her entry-level writing job at a newspaper puts her in the right place at the right time to overhear office gossip about a prisoner who has information on a decades-old unsolved crime. While the other reporters write off the tip as the ravings of an angry criminal, Sophie can't ignore it because she knows the name of this prisoner from her old life.

    Upon learning from the man that one of the other suspects is hiding out in the Missouri town of Sanctuary, she takes on a false identity to investigate and meets the young pastor of a local church-the very man she'd loved as a troubled teenager. As she gets closer to finding the suspect, will the truth of her own past come out before she discovers the identity of the criminal-or the very person she's seeking puts a fatal stop to her investigation?
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherTantor Media, Inc
    Release dateDec 19, 2019
    ISBN9781541435162
    Rising Darkness
    Author

    Nancy Mehl

    Nancy Mehl (NancyMehl.com) is the author of more than fifty books, a Parable and ECPA bestseller, and the winner of an ACFW Book of the Year Award, a Carol Award, and the Daphne du Maurier Award. She has also been a finalist for the Christy Award. Nancy writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their puggle, Watson.

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    Reviews for Rising Darkness

    4/5

    44 ratings13 reviews

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    • 4/5
      This is the third book in the series. I did not read the first two. It really didn't matter, but I do think you would have understood more if you do. I wish I had. The characters are fully formed and believable, though the story line is a bit of a stretch. But, not so far that it leaves you wondering or laughing. It is a good suspense and love story combined. The story is told in the first person and flows well. I enjoyed reading this story. It isn't so full of suspense that you cannot put it down, but it has enough suspense to make you want to read the story and not give up. The editing was well done. I greatly appreciate a well edited book. I would recommend this book to any looking for a fast read in a mystery/suspense style book. This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review.
    • 5/5
      Author Nancy Mehl did not disappoint with this mystery/suspense book. Rising Darkness is the third book in the Finding Sanctuary Series. I loved the Character Sophie/Emily. All Sophie ever wanted was to be somebody. After all she had been told she would never amount to anything. Now she had the chance to prove herself. She would solve a crime that was decades old and she would become famous.This book had me guessing/suspecting many people, wondering if this was the person who committed the crime all those years ago. Just when I had it figured out or so I thought, that person was ruled out. I will admit, I never did guess the right person. There were twists and turns I never saw coming. A job well done to this author.Author Nancy Mehl's books just keep on getting better and better. I loved that this book kept me guessing. I have read many books from this author. I can't wait to see what her next work of art will be. I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed. Be sure to read the first two books in this series, Gathering Shadows and Deadly Echoes. You will love them too!I was graciously given a copy of this book from the publisher and author for my honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are mine alone.
    • 5/5
      Nancy Mehl has gifted us with another visit to Sanctuary Missouri, and a stay with Esther our beloved Mennonite friend.This one will keep you page turning and on the edge of your seat, you won’t know where the danger is coming from, or who is the guilty party. There are a lot of surprises here, and things that appear one way, are soon looking like something else.We reunite with several friends from previous visits to Sanctuary, and because we feel rather safe here, sometimes we become too complacent and don’t see some of the danger lurking.Some people have changed their looks, including the main character, Emily, or Sophie, she is not that abused child that grew up Mennonite, and now feels God should have protected her.Will she get the answers she seeks here, or will evil win and get away with the crimes they have committed? Come along for a good heart stopping read, which will keep you reading, until you have answers.I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
    • 4/5
      Rising DarknessNancy MehlBook Summary: Sophie Wittenbauer left her strict Mennonite hometown under a cloud of shame and regret. Certain she's left her past far behind her, she's now focused on her job at a newspaper and is shocked when she stumbles upon the name of someone she knew in her old life. But when she learns the man--a prisoner--claims a suspect from a decades-old unsolved crime is hiding out in the small town of Sanctuary, Missouri, she can't resist following the lead in hopes of furthering her career. Almost immediately upon her arrival, Sophie's confronted with a face from her past and fears her intention of using a false identity to investigate is doomed. But with the help of Sanctuary's charismatic young pastor, Sophie knows she's getting close. Will she be able to conceal the truth of her own past long enough to find the suspect before someone puts a stop--fatal or otherwise--to her investigation?Review: I usually love Nancy Mehl’s books. I found myself reading this very slow. I struggled to get into the story and the details as I worked my way through it. It did get better after the first half. I usually sail right through these books. I loved the first 2 in the series. It had the added bonus of being a foot in the Sanctuary Series and the Kingdom Series. This should have endeared me to it, I did not mind that Sophie was not a Christian at the start and her life in Kingdom was awful, I just found her telling blatant lies a little hard to take. I do understand the reporter in her wanted to investigate under cover, but to smear the name of a dead woman seemed a little over the top. That was part of my problem. At the story unfolded Sophie grew on me. I think by than it was a little late for me to really love this book, however I did grow to like it. I would like to thank Net Galley and Bethany House Publishers for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
    • 5/5
      I have really enjoyed reading this series of books set in Sanctuary. Each one has been intriguing to read and kept you interested in what is going on. Sophie goes to Sanctuary and pretends to be someone else. She goes under the pretense of being related to someone who has just died in order to get accepted in the community to really look for an escaped prisoner. While there, she runs into someone who knew her in the past and has to work around that . I liked how the people who knew her and of her deception were willing to still help her with her goal. This was a book that kept me reading and wondering where it would lead next.I received a copy of this book from the publisher to review.
    • 5/5
      Rising Darkness by Nancy Mehl is the third book in the Finding Sanctuary series, but is also a great stand alone book as I haven't read the others in this series.Sophie/Emily grew up in a strict Mennonite town, with abusive parents. She felt unworthy of being loved by anyone, especially God. She left home and her Mennonite roots as soon as she was old enough.Then a chance for a story that could change her career arises. Taking her into another Mennonite town where an armed robber may be hiding with millions of dollars that he got away with. She also meets someone from her past here.The author kept me on the edge of my seat with this twist and turns of this mystery in Mennonite country. Sophie/Emily receives threatening notes as someone doesn't want her to find out if Terrance Chase is in Sanctuary or not. A book full of love and forgiveness.I received an ARC (advanced readers copy) from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.
    • 5/5
      Most Relatable Romantic Suspense I've Read...I absolutely LOVE Nancy Mehl's romantic suspense stories. Rising Darkness, her latest, is no exception. While part three of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone."Why did I have to revisit my nightmares to achieve my dreams?" moans Sophie Bauer, AKA "Emily McClure." Fleeing the Mennonite town of Kingdom and an upbringing that was horrendous, "Emily" decides to locate armored car robber Terrance Chase. This will take her to another small mostly Mennonite town and could catapult her to fame, if "Emily" can scoop the story for her newspaper.The town of Sanctuary is a mixed bag. Some people "Emily" meets prove to be a surprising blessing, while others just wear masks like "Emily." Will "Emily"/Sophie be able to unmask the truly dangerous persons, or will they put a tragic end to her masquerade first?I love the way Nancy Mehl uses main characters that could be the average young man or woman. They don't possess any superpowers or special skills, although one possesses a great faith in God and one has many obstacles to overcome. A wonderful story of anger towards God, God's presence amidst tragedy, His faithful love, forgiveness, and peace.I gratefully received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.
    • 5/5
      I am thrilled to be reading one of Nancy Mehl's books again. She always delivers an intricate mystery with characters that are multi-dimensional . They grab your attention and take you on a thrill ride of intrigue and action. This story takes place in Sanctuary, Missouri. I love the name of the town. It gives you a feeling of safety and peace. We find Sophie Wittenbauer who left or perhaps ran from her very strict and strait laced community in Kingdom. Sophie has always dreamed of being a top notch crime reporter. She lands a job at the newspaper office and changes her name hoping her past won't catch up with her. When she receives a tip that a criminal could be hiding out in the town, she becomes a little concerned. It seems that criminal is someone who could identify her. Will her past catch up with her? Can she trust anyone in Sanctuary? As luck would have it, she runs into the pastor of the community who happens to be an old flame from her childhood. She can't seem to catch a break in this town. Jonathan , the pastor is a very kind and gentle person. Can Sophie trust him enough to ask for help when she realizes her life could be in danger. As the are talking Sophie tells Jonathan, "We all wear masks, Pastor. The person we present to the world is rarely the person we really are." I'm sure we have all found ourselves wearing a "mask" in order to be someone different in order to be accepted or to hide from something painful. I love how the author weaves the true love that God has for each of us. The book is another great adventure of intrigue , learning to trust and letting go of the past. The author always delivers a story that captivates your attention and draws you into the story with her allure of mystery and intense action. Thank you for writing a book that tackles the issue of trying to overcome your past and show readers that God loves us and as Sophie says," My real value is in God , and in the people He put in my life. "I received a copy of this book from the author and The BookClub Network for an honest review. .
    • 3/5
      Rising Darkness by Nancy Mehl is the third and final book in the Finding Sanctuary trilogy. Sophie Bauer (formerly Wittenbauer) used to be a conservative Mennonite living in Kingdom, Kansas. An incident forced her to leave and seek a new life. Sophie works at the St. Louis Times doing the obituaries and occasional restaurant review. Sophie wants to be a crime reporter and is working towards getting a college degree. One day Sophie comes across a letter from Tom Ford (Sophie knew him in Kingdom) who is in prison in El Dorado, Kansas. Tom claims a wanted criminal by the name of Terrence Chase is hiding out in Sanctuary, Missouri (of course, Tom wants something in exchange for giving Sophie this information). Sophie sees this as her chance to write a big story (and gain recognition) if she can find Chase. Sophie goes to Sanctuary (a very private town) under an assumed name and with a made up story to explain her presence in town (and so she can gain access to Church records). Sophie will have to face her past in Sanctuary (which was originally an all Mennonite town but is now mixed) especially when she comes face to face with Jonathan Wiese. Jonathan is a pastor at Agape Fellowship Church in Sanctuary and the only man Sophie ever loved (secretly as a teenager). Will Sophie be able to find Terrence Chase (without getting herself killed) and write her story? Can Sophie resolve her past issues? You will have to read Rising Darkness to find out.I found Rising Darkness to be a predictable novel (the mystery and the romance). I was hoping for a twist to make it more interesting (I would have been happy with anything that would have made the novel more interesting). While Rising Darkness is a part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone story. I give Rising Darkness 3 out of 5 stars. The writing is satisfactory, but not remarkable (I was not pulled into the story). I found parts of the novel to be very slow paced (and a little boring). It actually took me three different tries to get through Rising Darkness (I just never got into the story). The Christian theme is not mild in this book. There are many discussions about religion and theology throughout the book. The book ends without everything being resolved (which is frustrating). I did like Sophie’s growth during the book and how she is finally able to overcome her troubled and difficult youth. I received a complimentary copy Rising Darkness from NetGalley and The Book Club Network Inc. in exchange for an honest review.
    • 3/5
      An ok read. Kept me going though, so may read next one....
    • 4/5
      Rising Darkness is not Paranormal Romance. Once you set your mind like that, like Karen Marie Moning's Fever series and Neil Gaiman's UF books, this book started slow but chock-full of character-building and world-building around it and romances is hardly in the agenda. The story possibly consisted of 1/3 of what it should be. Its a multiple POV story that centered around on a woman having some problems with her mental issues only to realize that she's something even stranger and older than time itself. Its also the story of a troubled boy who became a dangerous man who spend several lifetimes seeking for the other half of his life and his mentor, an old woman with her own brand of secrets and also an enemy of time themselves.

      The book did start slow and it took only several days from the start to the end. But in between them, was a wealth of interesting things like nightmares, dreams, the past and somewhere in between. Characters simmering and age old mysteries unveiled (which normally would take several books just to happen) and all leads to a long forgotten memory between a star-crossed lovers and the consequence in the present.

      I do think this book as beautiful. The reviews were uneven but as a series, this is a good start. Its not anywhere similar to the Elder Races so I do get the disappointment with the lack of romance interaction early on in the book (there's a definite contrast between reading this book and the excerpt from the Elder Races' continuation at the book) but the story is decently paced enough with its own multiple mysteries that keep me on reading.
    • 4/5
      Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.allthingsuf.comRISING DARKNESS melds the best of thrillers and fantasy to create a kaleidoscope of passion, adrenaline, and magic. Harrison is unmatched in her ability to breath new life into the familiar romantic genres, and her exploration of these cosmic soul-mates results in another gorgeously written relationship.Part of Harrison’s secret is the way she explores all of the natural consequences of even the most fantastic situations. None of the elements of Mary’s situation are taken for granted. As a physician she’s plagued vivid dreams, and starting to experience visual and auditory hallucinations, Mary is understandably loath to accept supernatural explanations for her situation. And Michael, in possession of his past memories, is no watercolored romantic hero. Rather he is isolated and injured, a closed off Alpha male with all the terrible vulnerability of a man experiencing love for the first time. Their chemistry is beautifully written, their complimentary influence on each other so easy to understand, as Harrison takes no short cuts in developing these characters.While I’m not a big fan of the thriller story structure, Harrison’s blend of action and magic worked for me. Still, this series looks to be darker fare than The Elder Races series, and I missed the lighter, shapeshifter humor dearly. Fans of Harrison’s characters will love Mary and Michael, fans of thrillers will love the fast paced action and deliciously sociopathic Deceiver, and fans of romance will love any couple Harrison writes with such skill and detail.Sexual Content: Sex scenes.
    • 4/5
      I will start by saying that I really like the cover, it is the main reason I wanted to read about RISING DARKNESS. Mary thinks she is going crazy when she dreams about creatures and events and hears voices in her head. When her house is burned down and people try to kidnap her she is sent scrambling to find out what is going on by getting to the woman who appeared to her in a vision that says she can help. RISING DARKNESS started off a bit fast. The pace is constant and information and events are kind of thrown at you leaving you trying to catch up behind it. It eventually slows down but you will need to stick it out for a bit coming in. Mary has never been able to feel normal or like she fit in anywhere. She tried marriage but her husband ended up being gay and she was relieved because she wasn't interested in having sex or being romantic. Michael has known who he was from a very young age and has searched for Mary ever since. They are soul mates in every way possible and have gone through life after life being together and being ripped apart. Their connection is obviously strong and even before Mary knows who she or Michael is she is highly attracted and drawn to him. They are pretty steamy together and fit together nicely. To be honest I still don't fully understand the creatures they used to be but I'm interested in learning more about them and seeing what happens next. As I said before you might not connect to the story at first but if you stick it out I'm sure you will catch up and enjoy it like I did. There is a lot of information given in RISING DARKNESS and you can tell that there will be a lot more to come. I do hope that the main characters stay Mary and Micheal as there is so much more about them that I think we need to know and no other main character types were introduced. I would hate to have to learn about 2 new people when the next book came out. Fingers Crossed.