our own pain, grief and loss. These things are an inevitable part of life in a fallen world. My prayer is that, like Ashley, you’ll remember at those times how great God’s love is for you. No matter how hard the circumstances, we never have to face them alone.
When I was in graduate school several years ago, I had the privilege of camping in Big Bend National Park. The majestic and rugged beauty of this remote and rarely visited place stuck with me, making it a natural choice for the setting of this novel. If you ever have the chance to visit, you will realize I’ve taken the liberty of rearranging park trails, altering the operations of the National Park Service, and reviving an old city across the border in Mexico. But hopefully you’ll also find it to be as beautiful and awe-inspiring as I’ve attempted to portray.
I love hearing from readers, so please connect with me at www.kellievanhorn.com, where you can also learn more about my work.
Warm regards,
Kellie VanHorn
For my family
Acknowledgments
My heartfelt gratitude goes to all who’ve helped make this book possible: my fantastic critique partner, Michelle Keener, for her thoughtful feedback; Kerry Johnson, for her critique of the beginning; Margie Reid, who shared her words of wisdom on an early version.
Thanks to my wonderful editor, Dina Davis, and the rest of the Love Inspired Suspense team for bringing this story to life.
To my parents, Gary and Denise Parker, and my brother Matt—thank you for letting me read during all those family dinners.
To my husband, Jason—thank you for your boundless encouragement. I couldn’t have done it without you. To our kids, Isaiah, Nate, Ella and Luke—thank you for enduring long typing sessions in which you had to get your own snacks.
Last of all, thanks to my Savior, who gifted me with the desire to share my faith through stories.
Contents
Note to Readers
Cold water roared through her clothes, swirling over her head and through
