Into the Fire

Brenna Blackman (AKA Raven Black) ran away from home and her absentee father when she was 16, hooked up with the wrong guy and spent a part of her life emotionally suffering the unintended consequences followed by making some deliberate choices on the wrong side of the law.

While on a solo skiing trip contemplating how to leave the dark side for a hopefully normal life, Brenna encounters her long lost father along with the man she previously knew and fought falling for (Thomas). Her anger at her father hasn't subsided over the years and while her anger simmers, she is forced into making the choice to have her slate wiped clean by two FBI agents who escort her out of the lodge and onto a plane.

The most unlikely of undercover roles for "Raven Black" is that of a nanny to an Italian gangster's young children, the older boy Rico and his sister Maria. Mr. Giordano is handsome, smooth, in tight control, with a pseudo warm smile and ice cold eyes. Raven's ticket to a new life is gaining information that will lead to his conviction, something the FBI has been unable to acquire in spite of some infiltration. 

Barbara Ellen Brink brings feisty females with daddy issues to life. Alias Raven Black, Book 2 in the Second Chances Series, is no exception. As the story develops, Brenna/Raven grew on me after a less than impressive first look. But then that's the way she wanted it – the chip on her shoulder had been cultivated for years. 

Thomas was hooked from day one so his vacant threats toward the end were short-lived. Brenna's dad couldn't overcome his poor parenting skills but gave it his best shot in the end. The twists added intrigue and made the quest more meaningful.

I prefer Barbara's Double Barrel Mysteries, but Alias Raven Black proved to be entertaining. 

Father, you know Barbara's every need and desire. I pray you would provide the desires of her heart as she delights in you and bless those stories you've given her to tell. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.