Obsession

I have loved this series. This is the first in the series. I am not a book critic and read purely for enjoyment. This was a great book that held my interest from beginning to end. I wish she would write more books like this series.

I was hooked on Obsession from the first chapter. Any good book should accomplish that. But it so captured me that, by the last chapters, I actually locked myself in the bathroom to finish reading without interruption. Is Obsession a romance? A thriller? Yes, on both counts, but neither label does it justice. The plot is too breathless, and the characters too layered, to be pigeonholed so mechanically. I cried as Toni Matthews cried out to God for direction-torn between her growing attraction to Abe, a man not of her faith, and her promise to marry her long time fiancé. I cried for her fiancé as he realized he was losing her. And I cried for Abe as he faced his past ... and then his future. Oh, did I ever cry for Abe! Life is not an either/or proposition-neither all sugarcoated, nor all oily. Macias nails that distinctive nuance through her characters, as she skillfully threads an astounding message of hope into a roller coaster plot. It's a satisfying ride.

Although Obsession is a fine suspenseful read, the author's real strength is in characterization and the relationships between the various characters--Toni Matthews; her young sister, Melissa; her long-time fiance, Brad; and Abe, the detective she falls in love with. Ultimately, it was those relationships that kept me turning the pages. The dilemma Toni faces as she wrestles with meeting everyone's expectations (and her own) and following her heart is wrenching. You love both of the good men who vie for Toni's heart, even though it becomes apparent early on that Toni and Abe belong together! How can Toni possibly resolve this situation without either compromising her heart by marrying Brad, whom she cares deeply about but doesn't love, and consequently devastating Abe, whom she loves, but who isn't a believer--or betraying Brad, his family, and her sister by choosing Abe? The author has created a truly gut-wrenching and yet uplifting story that's believable all the way. It will keep you turning those pages to find out not only how the case of her father's death and a young girl's disappearance are related, but also how Toni, Abe, and Brad finally work out their relationships for the best of all of them.

Fantastic, riveting story. About a year and a half ago I read the third book in the trilogy, Ransom, and was totally impressed. I normally don't read suspense, but if they were all like this one (Obsession) I'd be hooked for life. From the first page the author sucked me into the story. Nothing was predictable. There were no pat answers. The emotion was real and the problems the characters experienced were realistic. I was totally impressed with how the author made you want the heroine, Toni, to drop a perfectly good Christian fiance for the "other" man in the story. Talk about perfect characterization! I cared so much about Toni's happiness that I was rooting for her all the way. When it came to her father's death, her gut instincts were correct and she stuck by her convictions despite the pressure from those around her. When it came to her commitment to her fiance, my heart broke for her. It just seemed like a lose-lose situation. Talk about pressure. So many women marry the wrong man because everyone is expecting them to. Throughout the story you think things won't get any worse for Toni, and then they do. I kept turning the pages and was on the edge of my seat for the entire ride, several times late into the night. Oh, and when the "other" man finds true faith, the way the author shows it happening is SO rich and profound. It was totally believable and I loved it! What a great way to explain salvation to someone from the Jewish faith! I'm reading the sequel, The Price, next. Then I plan to read Ransom again (in order this time) because it was good enough to read twice. Order this entire series. You'll be glad you did!

What a page turner. I could not put it down. Talk about Obsession. This book is a wonderful mystery/romance. It keeps your interest from the very first page. The struggle with finding the truth to her father's death, dealing with a committment versus true love as well as God's will for her life creates a main character that truly comes alive. This book also deals with a curiosity and search to find Christ that many will be able to relate to. I loved it and would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery.