Series Review: In the Midst series by Latisha Sexton

IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM by Latisha Sexton
SERIES: In the Midst #1
GENRE: Romantic Suspense (Christian)
PUBLISHER: Coffee & Grace Publishing, LLC
RELEASE DATE: January 24, 2023
PAGES: 349

A deadly threat. A woman in hiding. A man who isn’t all he seems.

Olivia James is on the brink of success at a prestigious marketing firm. But when a deadly stalker sets his sights on her, she’s forced to leave everything behind and go into hiding to protect herself and those she loves.

While volunteering her marketing expertise to help a struggling café, she meets William Cooper. Their brewing attraction has her longing to share her secret and deepen their connection. But the closer she gets to Will, the more withdrawn and secretive he becomes.

Uncertain who to trust—even herself—can Olivia discern God’s plan and trust Him in the midst of the storm?

In The Midst of The Storm is perfect for fans of C.C. Warrens, Collen Coble, Irene Hannon, and Lisa Phillips

It’s always exciting to find a new romantic suspense author to add to my ‘must read’ list, so please pardon me some bookish happy dancing at my discovery of Latisha Sexton’s books! In the Midst of the Storm may be Sexton’s debut novel, but I had to look that up to verify it. The suspense, the characters, the writing voice – all of it feels like it was written by an author with several published novels to her name.

I was immediately engrossed in this story, and especially in the characters. Olivia (aka Katie) is layered and compelling; her normally adventurous personality hampered by the need to blend in, to stay under the radar, lest her stalker get a hint as to her whereabouts. She made some decisions that had me wanting to shake her, but overall I really liked her. I also looked over my shoulder right along with her and wasn’t sure if Will could be trusted. Oh, I desperately wanted him to be, because he’s pretty swoony and seemed like the perfect guy for her. And gosh, I loved him. But there was this whole tension that he gave off, along with some accompanying mood shifts, that had me – and Olivia – hesitant to fully trust him until such a point as I might have all the necessary info. This push-pull was expertly done, and the author’s clever story choices kept me guessing all the way to the culmination of the suspense thread. And whew!! What a ride that was!! I’m pretty sure I didn’t breathe for a good three or four chapters lol. Good thing I read fast 😉

Bottom Line: In the Midst of the Storm by Latisha Sexton is a stellar debut novel, full of multi-dimensional characters (with more layers I suspect are still to be revealed from this book’s supporting cast!) and a compelling plot. The suspense thread is tightly-written and will send your heart into your throat more than once. The romance is sweet & swoony, and there’s a doozy of a first kiss that had me reaching for my fan! And woven through it all is a gentle but meaningful faith thread with characters who are clearly Christians (without apology) but still struggle, just like we all do. A great read from start to finish!

(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)

My Rating: 4 stars / loved it!

KissingBook Level: 3 / may forget to breathe on occasion

affiliate links used

IN THE MIDST OF THE DARKEST HOUR by Latisha Sexton
SERIES: In the Midst #2
GENRE: Romantic Suspense (Christian)
PUBLISHER: Coffee & Grace Publishing, LLC
RELEASE DATE: March 7, 2023
PAGES: 334

She’s running from her past. He’s seeking vengeance. When their worlds collide, will they be able to forge a future together? Or will their secrets keep them apart?

After disappearing for two years, Lily Cooper returns home broken and pregnant, carrying secrets that will only hurt those she loves. Burying them deep inside, she focuses on creating a future for her child.

Six years later, Lily’s life finally has a semblance of normalcy. Her past is concealed, and her son, Levi, is the light of her life. But when her heart gets entangled with handsome FBI agent Malcolm James, secrets come bubbling to the surface.

After years as an FBI agent, Malcolm James has turned away from God and built walls of steel around his heart. Until Lily Cooper. Her quiet strength and strong faith draw him to her, cracking the walls.

As secrets come to light, they discover their pasts are more intertwined than they knew. Their trust in one another shatters, leaving them picking up the pieces.

When danger strikes Lily and Levi, will Malcolm find the strength to forgive? Or will he allow anger and hurt to harden his heart once again?

In the Midst of the Darkest Hour is book two of the In the Midst Series. It can be read as a stand-alone.

Content Warning: This book may be difficult for some readers. Themes of human trafficking, while not graphic or shown on-page, are dealt with, along with mentions of forced abortion and rape.

Ohhhhhh… y’all! I thought book one in this series was an intense ride toward the end. But In the Midst of the Darkest Hour had my heart in my throat for nearly the whole book! Not just because of the suspense thread either, though that was responsible for some of it, to be sure. No, I hardly dared to breathe in large part from all the emotion that swirls through these pages, including a few twists that had me gasping out loud. This is not an easy read, but it’s an important one because it raises further awareness of something we all need to pay more attention to.

We met Lily (Will’s sister) and Malcolm (Olivia’s brother) in In the Midst of the Storm, and I was hoping we’d get their stories. I didn’t realize, however, until I picked up book two that their stories (plural) would really be their story (singular) or what a beautiful and heartwrenching journey it would be. Many times I brushed away tears over Lily’s history – over what kept her from home for so long, over what brought her home, and over what just might destroy her romance with Malcolm before it really has a chance to flourish. Some of these moments also took me by complete surprise, even though I had an inkling of where the storyline was going… but I was woefully unprepared for how it would affect my emotions.

Speaking of emotional… oh my goodness. Malcolm’s faith journey nearly undid me with its layers and exquisitely-drawn feelings. The author did such a phenomenal job of writing these scenes in such a way that took us inside his grieving heart without feeling inauthentic alongside his ‘big, strong, FBI Agent’ personality. And his interactions with Levi? Oh be still my heart. Totally unfair to make me shift my allegiance from Will to Malcolm like that haha.

Bottom Line: In the Midst of the Darkest Hour by Latisha Sexton is simultaneously overflowing with heartache and hope. It’s not a pretty story, per se. Nor an easy one. But it IS a supremely tender look at brokenness and restoration, one that will linger in your heart for quite some time. Like book one, the suspense is pitch perfect and will take you through a roller coaster of tension and twists. The romance between these two cautious hearts is beautifully written with swoony kisses and sweet affection, and I am still thinking about the characters. If you love Susan Sleeman, Christy Barritt, and Jessica R. Patch, then you absolutely must pick up the In the Midst series by Latisha Sexton!

Reviewer’s Note: Readers of my blog may want to be aware that there are references to human trafficking, forced prostitution, rape, and forced abortion in this book. They are written with lots of tact and grace, but I realize it still may be triggering to people who have experienced any of the above.

(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)

My Rating: 5 stars / loved it!

KissingBook Level: 3 / may forget to breathe on occasion

affiliate links used

Latisha Sexton has always had a love of reading. In the Midst of the Storm was her debut novel. Born and raised in Kentucky, she resides there with her husband of fourteen years and three small children. When not homeschooling her children, she’s either reading, writing or watching Turkish romcoms. She is active on social media where she shares her love of books, faith, family, and bookish memes. You can follow her on Instagram @sincerely.latisha or at www.latishasexton.com where you can receive a free novella by subscribing to her newsletter.

Other Featured Books by Latisha Sexton

What about you? What makes you want to read the In the Midst series by Latisha Sexton?