Held by the Story, Missing the Savior's Presence

Very Important Author’s Heart Update:

After sharing my review, the author, Sherri Wilson Johnson, reached out with such a kind message that truly touched my heart. She explained that The Silas Holcomb Legacy follows characters who are walking through a crisis of faith, honestly portrayed as they wrestle with doubt and find their way back to Jesus. Because Unauthorized is a novella, the shorter format didn’t allow the full depth of that spiritual journey to shine, but her vision for the series is rich with redemption and hope. Hearing her heart behind these stories gave me an even deeper appreciation for the series and the message it carries. I’m grateful to share that glimpse with readers and can’t wait to see how she continues to shine the light of Christ through each new book.  Please understand my following review was posted prior to that new understanding. I encourage you to read this novella and join me as I read each of the books in this series!

Unauthorized

Written by Sherri Wilson Johnson

The Silas Holcomb Legacy, Prequel Novella

Release Date: 10.07.25

Genre: Faith-Based Contemporary Romantic Suspense

3 Stars!

The suspense in Unauthorized is well written and held my attention throughout. The pacing moves steadily, the danger feels real, and the overall storyline kept me reading to the end. The author clearly knows how to create tension and deliver an engaging mystery.

When I joined this Celebrate Lit tour, I selected Unauthorized expecting a Christian romantic suspense where faith would be woven naturally through the story. While there are a few brief mentions of prayer, they occur in a way that suggests the heroine isn’t normally someone who prays—until a moment of danger prompts her to do so. God or Jesus are never mentioned by name, and the characters never discuss faith or show a personal relationship with Him. Since this is a prequel novella, it’s possible the main series will develop those themes further, but within this story the faith content remains barely there.

There are also several moments of romantic or physical tension that, though not explicit, felt unnecessary for a book promoted as faith-based. Even so, the author’s storytelling ability and pacing are strong, and readers who simply want a clean suspense novel may still enjoy it. If the future books in The Silas Holcomb Legacy series carry a clearer, stronger, and more authentic living-out-the-Christian-faith thread, I would be interested in continuing the series.

I received a digital ARC of this book from Celebrate Lit Publicity Group. 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 content, ensuring transparency and reliability.