Some Paths Cut Deep

Hunted in the Forest by Kerry Johnson

Forest Ranger Rescuers, Book 1

Publication Date: 04.29.25

Published by: Love Inspired Suspense

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

5 Stars!

In the wilderness, survival is instinct.

In the heart, survival is forgiveness.

Hunted in the Forest lays them both bare — and dares you to wrestle through both.

Kerry Johnson drops you into a spiritual battleground where bitterness can take root as fast as fear. Every step Eli, Molly, and young Skylar take through the Pennsylvania woods feels urgent — not just because the enemy is closing in, but because the real fight is happening inside their hearts.

It’s one thing to run for your life. It’s another thing entirely to forgive the wounds you never asked for.

“… Dad hit it hard about forgiveness, even when it’s the hardest option. Because it always will be the hardest option.” Those words are a heartbeat through this suspense-filled story.

The setting is so vivid you can almost feel the branches scraping your arms and the weight of every decision pressing down like thick humidity. And the spiritual tension is even sharper:

     “…don’t forget that unforgiveness creates weeds in your heart … don’t let weeds grow.”

     “… {weeds} will choke out the good works the Lord wants to do in and through you.”

Forgiveness isn’t about forgetting what hurt. It’s about fighting off the bitterness that would love to take root if we let it.

There’s sweetness tucked into the tension, too, in Eli’s fierce love for his daughter, in Molly’s bravery and tenderness, in the small prayers whispered when no one else can fix what’s broken: “Please, God. We need you.”

Kerry Johnson carries every part of this story (the danger, the heartbreak, the hope) with a steady hand and a heart tuned to truth. Hunted in the Forest takes us through the wilderness and reminds us why forgiveness is the only way we survive. Not because it’s easy. But because forgiving as Christ forgives us isn’t optional — it’s obedience.

I didn’t want to leave the forest — and I didn’t want to leave these characters either.

Kerry Johnson’s writing is thoughtful, grounded, and quietly powerful. I’ll be first in line for whatever she releases next.

I received a digital copy of Hunted in the Forest from the author. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.