Braided Faith

Deadly Rodeo Threat

Series: Stone Creek Ranch, Book 2

Written by Sami A. Abrams

Published by: Love Inspired Suspense   Harlequin

Release Date: 02.24.26

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense & Mystery

4 Stars!

The dust, the adrenaline, the knowledge that one wrong move can cost everything at a rodeo at night. Deadly Rodeo Threat captures that tension … tossing its characters into a race where the stakes are not just ribbons and trophies, but life itself.

For Navy SEAL Logan Russell, every lead in his sister’s disappearance feels like a gate opening on a wild, unbroken horse: unpredictable, high stakes, no room for second-guessing. His pursuit barrels him straight into the woods and right into the path of Sheriff Isabelle Sinclair, a woman as steady and determined as any champion rider, holding her own in a world where danger runs just beneath the surface.

The story twists, bucks, and refuses to be tamed. Each new revelation threatens to throw Logan and Izzie off course. Missing barrel racers, masked threats, evidence that won’t stay put. The suspense never lets up from the opening scene, and through it all, both characters find themselves tightening their grip not only on the investigation, but on faith that is tested with every turn.

The prayers and confessions scattered throughout are as honest as any rider thrown in the dirt: “God, help me with this? I’m second guessing everything.” There’s no bravado here, only the kind of humility that comes when you know you can’t outmuscle what you’re up against. Logan’s journey is a slow ride toward surrender: “…he trusted God …”  “God became very real … I couldn’t deny His existence any longer …”

“I trust God to do His thing.”

Even when fear tries to rope her in, Izzie’s mother reminds her—sometimes in a rodeo, you can only control your own ride, not what’s waiting in the chute: “Maybe it’s time for you to trust God with your fears.”

The story grounds itself in the truth of Psalm 73:26 … when your own strength is spent, when you’re thrown or left trailing behind, God’s strength never fails.

Deadly Rodeo Threat is for every reader who loves suspense as relentless as a midnight stampede, with faith braided tightly through every obstacle. There’s no slowing down, no turning back … just grit, prayer, and the courage to ride out the dark.

The journey is as much about finding hope after the storm as it is about facing down the darkness itself. There is resolution, and the kind that makes you breathe easier after the last page.

If you’ve ever held your breath waiting for the gate to open … or for an answer to prayer … this story will find you.

I received a digital ARC from the publisher and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.