
Release Date: 01.28.25
Published by Kregel Publications
Genre: Christian Fiction Contemporary Mystery & Romance
4 Stars!
In The Hunted Heir, Jayna Breigh writes a legal drama, mystery, and romance all in one—creating a vivid, raw journey of redemption, healing, and divine grace. This is a story that digs deeper than the surface plot, connecting to something much more intense: the messy, honest way faith works in the real world.
Nona Taylor’s struggle with guilt and self-forgiveness feels so real and raw, it almost hurts to read. Her journey mirrors the burden we all carry at some point. When she prays, it’s like she’s breathing—each prayer grounded in the weight of her regrets, yet somehow lifting her one step closer to release. This isn’t some surface-level forgiveness. Nona’s spiritual walk is messy and difficult, and that’s what makes her so incredibly relatable.
Then there’s DeMarcus Johnson. He’s the kind of guy who gets things done, driven by success, harnessing his boundless energy, and his ambitious climb up the corporate ladder. The more I get to know him, the more I see that behind his sharp focus is a heart tugged by regrets and questions about his own worth. His grandmother’s wisdom, especially the line “God gives everybody a basket of gifts and a basket of challenges,” is like an anchor in his life. I can feel the weight of those words in his moments of vulnerability. And when he says to Nona, “I’ve been talking to God about you,” it’s not just a line; it’s a window into a compassionate and focused soul.
The spiritual depth in this story is beautiful—setting it apart from so many other stories. It’s about the raw, imperfect ways people lean into God when they’ve got nothing left to hold onto. When Pastor Grant tells Nona, “God never slumbers, and He never sleeps,” it’s not just a comfort—it’s a lifeline. The assurance that God’s constant presence is there, even when we feel most alone, is an unchanging truth.
The Scriptures in this book breathe life into the story. G'Mama’s tough-love advice, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap,” is a reminder that every choice matters. And every action has a ripple effect.
This isn’t a simple story of two characters solving a mystery—it’s about confronting the past and leaning into God’s grace for a future that’s anything but guaranteed—but so worth it. I find myself constantly reflecting on Nona and DeMarcus’s journeys, questioning how we all navigate our own struggles, whether we acknowledge them or not.
Each character’s growing faith feels like an organic part of who they are. Like when Nona’s trust in God to guide her through each step feels as real as any breath she takes. And how DeMarcus, though struggling to make sense of his purpose, still manages to acknowledge that God’s path for him is more than just professional success—it’s about living with integrity, and so much more.
Jayna Breigh has crafted a debut tale that is layered, textured, and far from predictable. The combination of mystery, faith, and character development is what makes this story stand out—and I am excited to see where she takes us next.
I received a digital ARC of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours, LLC. 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.
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