About the Book
Book: Justice Delayed
Author: Sarah Hamaker
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release date: May 15, 2024
Journalist Brogan Gilmore had been a rising star when an unethical shortcut on a story leads to his fall from grace. A chance encounter with convicted murderer Melender Harman a few months after her release from prison provides Brogan with a chance for career redemption—if he can land an interview with her.
After serving her 17-year sentence, Melender has one objective: To uncover the truth about what happened to her cousin the night the toddler disappeared. When Brogan pursues her for an exclusive story, she reluctantly agrees if he’ll help her reexamine the original investigation into Jesse’s presumed kidnapping and murder.
While re-investigating the case, Brogan struggles to keep his objectivity as he begins to believe Melender is innocent of the crime—and starts to envision a possible future together. Then a shocking discovery throws their relationship—and investigation—into turmoil.
As Brogan and Melender come closer to solving what happened to Jesse, will their budding relationship survive the truth?
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About the Author
An award-winning and best-selling author of inspirational romantic suspense, Sarah Hamaker loves writing books “where the hero and heroine fall in love while running for their lives.” She’s an AWSA certified writer and speaker coach, and podcaster of “The Romantic Side of Suspense.” Sarah lives in Virginia with her husband, four children and three cats.
More from Sarah
When Stories Teach Us Valuable Lessons
As a rather shy child, books became both my friends and teachers. While I had a few close friends, I spent hours of my childhood and teen years reading a plethora of books. I visited far away places and long ago times. I met famous people and viewed historical events. I solved my share of mysteries and wept with the characters over losses. I fell in love with heroes and rooted for heroines to save the day.
Researchers have discovered that literary fiction can improve your capacity to understand what others are thinking and feeling. Literary fiction also teaches us about social behavior, including how to view the world through other people’s eyes. In other words, reading fiction helps us develop empathy as well as allows us to experience the ups and downs of someone else’s life and thus become more able to handle similar situations in our own lives.
While I didn’t set out to write Justice Delayed with this research in mind, early reviews of the book have touched on that theme. For example, one reader said, “One of my favorite quotes is when [Melender, my heroine] defends her action of true forgiveness to [Brogan, my hero], ‘It was for my good and His eternal glory that I went to prison for a crime I didn’t commit. That didn’t mean I gave up trying to find justice in this world-it meant I didn’t despair when justice didn’t come.’ Wow! What a lesson in forgiveness and letting go of bitterness which in turn provided a peace that cannot be matched. She never allowed bitterness to take hold of her heart.”
Another reviewer said this: “Greed, politics and outright evil are a part of story, but the truth and goodness shine through it all as the walls start crumbling down, and you learn what truly happened that night. This was one of the best inspirational suspense books that I have read in quite some time. It left an impression on me, even if the message came from a fictional character.”
And another pointed this out: “Not only did Melender teach those around her how to forgive, but Melender taught me that lesson at well.”
While I had written Justice Delayed five years ago, I recently finished reading the late Tim Keller’s last book, Forgive, which touched on themes I explore in my book. Today, we so often ignore forgiveness as being too hard, too messy to offer and much too difficult to receive. Melender’s story is one example of how you can extend forgiveness even when it’s not been requested and to live a life of forgiveness in extremely arduous circumstances. Keller’s book has challenged me in many ways to forgive more without strings attached.
What have you learned from a book recently?
My Impressions
“Sometimes, the path to redemption takes some strange turns,” she said softly.”
“Brogan, I believe with all my heart God graciously put me in circumstances designed to strengthen my faith.”
Where do I start gushing about Delayed Justice by Sarah Hamaker? I totally identified with Melender, the 35-yr-old woman, who claims complete innocence of the heinous crime of which she’s been tried, convicted, and served her complete sentence. I also totally understood the thoughts of the disgraced, reformed investigative reporter, Brogan Gilmore, who agrees to help Melender for his own gain. Yet, as he investigates the past with her, more doubts, dangers, and inconsistencies arise. Is this woman he’s falling in love with, as innocent as she claims?
At times, due to Hamaker’s skillful and honest characterizations, I even felt empathy and sympathy for each of the angry, vindictive family members who want nothing more than to ruin the rest of Melender’s life. What amazed me, though, was Melender’s ability to forgive.
Grandmother Sudie, long dead, is a veritable influence for Jesus’s perfect forgiveness that Melender clings to in prison and lives out. “Child, when we allow anger over wrongs done to us to take root in our hearts, we’re saying to God Almighty that crimes committed against us are worse than crimes committed against Jesus. Our crimes against Jesus were nailed to the cross. How can we hang on to unforgiveness when our Savior does not?”
I understand these words in my head. I have repeated them, and used them in my own life. But… could I really draw on His power to employ them against such extreme evil done against me by those that should have my best interest at heart?! I am challenged to check my heart against the little foxes, so if there ever is a time when something this extreme were to happen, it will require no big change in my heart.
Life lessons, drama, fear, ( um, terror, should I say) very even pacing of suspense all the way through the novel had me enthralled. I only put down the book when life forced my hand. This was my first Sarah Hamaker novel, but I am thrilled to see it is also the first in its series! Hamaker’s combination of all the above factors with glorious reminders of life-changing truth could easily elevate romantic suspense to one of my fave categories!! Well done, Ms. Hamaker!!
Fave secondary character? The already passed away great-grandmother Sudie for her great wisdom, and spiritual admonitions given with heaping helpings of love and approval!
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“Find a young man who loves the Lord more than he loves you, and you won’t go wrong.”
“It was for my good and His eternal glory that I went to prison for a crime I didn’t commit. That didn’t mean I gave up trying to find justice in this world. It meant I didn’t despair when justice didn’t come.”
“life isn’t fair, especially to those who haven’t the ability to ensure an equal playing field.”
“Child, just when you think the Almighty has forgotten about our needs, He sends someone or something to remind us of His provision and His promise to never leave us nor forsake us. You remember that when you feel abandoned by Him.”
My Rating
Magnificent!! Justice Delayed just knocked out other fantastic romantic suspense novels for my fave in this category that I’ve read in 2024!!
Blog Stops
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 4
Inspired by Fiction, September 4
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 5
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 6
Texas Book-aholic, September 7
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 8
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 9
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 10
For Him and My Family, September 11
lakesidelivingsite, September 12
Holly’s Book Corner, September 13
Pause for Tales, September 14
Cover Lover Book Review, September 15
Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, September 15
Lights in a Dark World, September 16
Stories By Gina, September 17 (Author Interview)
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Sarah is giving away the grand prize package of a $75 Amazon Gift Card, a print copy of Justice Delayed, and the following Justice Delayed-themed swag: Canvas Tote, Notebook and pen, Drink Coaster, Bookmark, and Sticker!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.