Synopsis

One moment, one choice can change a life forever.

Two years ago, Evgeny Yurlov’s dreams shattered on the stage of the Bolshoi Theatre. Without many options, he lands a job—far different from ballet—and returns to Moscow. There, he’s reunited with old friends—friends who need his help as government scrutiny intensifies on Grace Baptist Church.

Sasha Dvornikova isn’t the woman she once was, but Dmitri Rykov’s shadow is relentless. Reminders of her past lurk everywhere, and her sins have branded her undeserving of a man like Evgeny.

As mounting danger surrounds both the church and his job, Evgeny finds past struggles reignited, struggles that reach even Sasha. Amidst so much darkness, will Truth prevail, or will Evgeny’s choices destroy him—and those he loves?

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Review

This is the follow-up book to Unknown that features a tight-knit group of believers in Russia and their desire to spread the word of God and convert others into believers.

I enjoyed the first book and was looking forward to Evgeny’s story. Evgeny was a ballet dancer with Sofia (from Unknown) until his knee no longer allowed him to dance, and so he dived into the world of security. This seems like an odd choice, but he has the physique after years of ballet and he could hold his own. His new position brought him back to Moscow into a position that may or may not have been what he was expecting. He discovers he isn’t quite so sure after the first job he is sent on to recover a spy. His heart holds that all should be treated humanely, but let’s be honest, in the spy game all is fair in war including torture.

We also get to know Sasha better in this book. In the first book, she is the girlfriend of Sofia’s brother and one could say she is a golddigger, seeking an easier lifestyle. However, after his death, she realizes that perhaps that is not the life she wants and becomes a believer. She still struggles with her faith and believing she is good enough. This struggle is seen throughout most of the story. It is easy to see why it takes her a long time to accept her self-worth, but with the help of her friends, she learns to love herself and accept everything about herself, including her flaws.

This book felt heavier than the first one. I’m not sure why but there is a lot to get through including the government changing their rules and now allowing churches or evangelizing in public. However, this does not stop those involved with the church and they continue their mission to convert citizens to Christ. Evgeny is quite concerned for his friends and does what he can to make sure that they stay safe, including providing personal protection for what it is worth.

I did enjoy the details about the arm wrestling competitions and how it brings kids and others off the street and into a safer environment. I chuckled when Sasha finally agrees to learn how to arm wrestle and there is no better teacher than Evgeny.

The love story between Evgeny and Sasha is slow and I appreciated how the relationship was not rushed because there was a lot for Sasha to deal with before believing she was deserving of love.

This is a solid story and it is not a fast read. It took me longer to read this than most books due to the intricacies of the events in this story. We give this 4 paws up.

About the Author

Vanessa Hall is an author, musician, and homeschool graduate. Most days, she is reading, writing, or practicing the violin—or trying to find time for all three pursuits. Currently, she is working toward gaining a degree in instrumental music education. Unknown is her debut novel. Above all, she is a sinner saved and held fast by the abounding grace of Jesus Christ.

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