The Sharp Edge of a Knife by D.N. Giles

I'm thrilled to be able to review The Sharp Edge of a Knife by D.N.(Nichole) Giles.  I'm part of Nichole's critique group, so I've read this book from its early beginnings.  It's a story that has deep personal meaning to Nichole, and I'm glad she was able to get it published.

About the author:

D.N. Giles was born in Nevada, and moved with her parents to a number of cities in and around the Midwest, mostly staying in Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and snatches of time in Texas. Her future aspirations include adding a tropical island to her growing list of locations. For now, she plans to travel to as many tropical locations as possible, scouting for her future home in paradise.

Her early career plans included becoming a megastar actress or a rock star, but she decided instead to have a family and then become a writer, in that order. Writing is her passion, but she also loves to spend time with her family, travel, drive in the rain with the convertible top down, and play music at full volume so she can sing along.

About the book:

Most people would have panicked, sitting bound and gagged on a boulder in the middle of the desert as I was, but for some reason, I didn't. A strange kind of reassurance washed over me from somewhere deep within. Whether it was peace that I'd go quickly, or comfort that I was being protected, I wasn't sure.

When Mel Petersen leaves for work on the morning of February 7, he has no idea what awaits him. A few miles from his house, Mel picks up a pair of young men who appear to be college students, hoping to prevent them from having to walk in the cold. What Mel doesn't know is that the men are actually convicts on the run from the law who are desperate to get away by any means necessary.

When one of his passengers holds a knife to Mel's throat, he has no choice but to submit to the demands of the criminals. Mel hopes he has what it takes to talk his captors into letting him live so he can return to his wife and children, but fears they will kill him before he has the chance.

Based on a true story, The Sharp Edge of a Knife follows Mel and his captors on an unforgettable ride that will have you questioning the depth of your faith and sitting on the edge of your seat as it grabs your attention from the first sentence and keeps you riveted until the very end.

My opinion:

The Sharp Edge of a Knife is an amazing story based on actual events that happened to Nichole's grandfather.  It's fast-paced action keeps you sitting on the edge of your seat, and unable to put the book down.  Nichole does an amazing job at portraying the distinct personalities of Mel's captors.  My favorite character is Jeneal.  I like that we see what is happening to her throughout the story.  It makes the reader feel like they know Mel's family personally which gives them an even greater interest in his safe return.

This book is a treasure for Nichole and her family, but is also inspiring to everyone who reads it. Mel's great faith in the face of hardship will inspire and uplift even the most hardened of souls--but don't take my word for it--read the book to find out.

You can purchase The Sharp Edge of a Knife on Amazon.  To read more about this book and the author, visit her website and blog.