A Thrilling Debut
Christian Suspense, perfect for fans of Terri Blackstock
One of my earliest memories of reading Christian fiction was my obsession with Terri Blackstock books. I don’t remember how old I was, but I do remember searching the library shelf's for the latest Blackstock book whenever I had the chance. I was excited to discover Where it Bends through Reedsy Discovery, and was eager to share this book in Clean Fiction Magazine and here on Substack.
Where it Bends by Stephanie Strom
As grief collides with mystery, Jake uncovers a trail that leads deeper than he ever imagined—into hidden crimes, fractured loyalties, and a girl who vanished without a trace. With his broken family unraveling and his faith shaken, Jake must confront the secrets surrounding his brother, the weight of truth, and the cost of grace. Poignant and suspenseful, Where It Bends is a story of loss, redemption, and the God who holds us—especially when life breaks hard.
Perfect for fans of Terri Blackstock and emotionally rich Christian suspense.
GENRE: Christian Romantic Suspense
AVAILABILITY: Amazon (ebook, paperback, hardback)
OPENING THOUGHTS: Stephanie Strom delivers a strong debut novel, featuring meaningful Christian themes that unfold through a riveting investigation and a gently developing romance. The story flows freely in first-person present tense and keeps the reader coming back for more as the search for answers reveals shocking truths and grace finds a way to triumph over all.
ACTION/ADVENTURE: This book starts with an unfolding crime as a young woman finds herself caught up in the wrong palace at the wrong time. This part of the story remains a mystery, as the narrative quickly shifts to the aftermath of a tragic car accident. The details about the crash remain minimal and non-graphic, but the injuries are severe and leave lasting damage to the family involved. The outcome of the accident drives the main character, Jake Hunter, to work harder to reach out to his younger brother Luke, who struggles with destructive behaviors. Jake teams up with his best friend Ryan to ramp up efforts to help Luke. Jake and Ryan also find themselves following a few leads that bring them in close contact with several rough characters who have ill intentions. While there is a sense of building suspense, the author maintains a tone that keeps the tension intriguing without overly graphic violence or rough content.
ROMANCE: A romantic subplot develops as Jake meets a young woman who plays a crucial role in the unfolding case. This romance remains sweet and clean. I enjoyed how the budding feelings between the characters helped reveal their vulnerable sides as they navigated the difficulties presented by the ongoing investigation. The interaction between Ryan and his fiancée also added a sweet touch to the story, and I loved how the two couples supported and comforted each other in the darkest moments.
FAITH: The author weaves a clear Christian worldview throughout the story in a comforting and realistic manner. I enjoyed how the characters expressed their faith and sought God in a natural way that blended smoothly with each situation. The themes of grace, mercy, and redemption were strongly evident as the events unfolded, and forgiveness made a notable appearance several times throughout the novel as well.
FINAL THOUGHTS: Where It Bends is an engaging romantic suspense that stays within the bounds of the “P” rating. Most of the book remains light-hearted despite discussions of tough topics. There is a bit of suspense and mystery that keeps the story turning pages at a steady rate, with one scene towards the end that may cause a “Gasp” moment. If you keep reading, I believe you’ll be satisfied with the final resolution and the satisfying way the author ties up the ends, culminating in a message of hope despite the rough roads of life, and finding forgiveness and family to help you along your faith journey.
This review is featured in the Autumn 2025 Edition of Clean Fiction.
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