Title: Jaden’s Grace
Author: Dianne Kaye
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 979-8369412466
Pages: 254
Genre: Thriller/Suspense
Reviewed by: Liz Konkel

Read Book Review

Jaden was separated from her daughter Grace when her ex-husband decided to take
her to Mexico which created a strain between them. When she discovers that Grace is
trapped after attempting to flee from a Mexican cartel, she reaches out to Stephan
Peltzini, a former CIA officer with a military history, for help. While attempting to cross
the border, Grace is held at a detention center which sparks a desperate need for a
rescue. Jaden pulls together a team of allies that join forces such as the RAND service,
trusted detectives, and Lt. Drummond. Peltzini takes the lead in steering the task force
in the right direction and gives Jaden hope to reunite with her daughter.

Details and references reinforce that the story is occurring in a modern setting and
make it clear early on this is our world today. This creates an immediate understanding
of the landscape and the situation that Grace is in at the border which gives the story a
subtle grittiness. The setting blends in realistic action which helps grow suspense that is
built upon genuine concern and fear for the safety of this character. The main
characters are Jaden and Grace with perspective shifting between them so you get to
see both sides of this mother-daughter relationship. The dynamic is an important part of
the story as the events focus on Jaden’s desperation to find her daughter. This is
especially important as when the story begins the two are already separated so you’re
connecting with this relationship through the characters as individuals. You learn about
their relationship as Jaden uncovers more about her daughter’s life throughout the
years which they were apart. However, it is easy to step into this fear that Jaden carries
as a parent for her child’s safety which adds a necessary emotional depth.

Other prominent characters include Lt. Drummond who is being brought back into this
environment, Stephan Peltzini who is a key ally with his military and language skills, and
various agents which round out this team. Each has a role to play in the rescue
operation, however, Peltzini has more weight in the story through his relationship with
Jaden. This creates another layer in the drama that expands Jaden’s character. Their
dynamic allows for moments which are calmer and for chances to enjoy the romance
which feels organically placed in the story. He provides her with someone who helps her
character grow in a way which feels natural and in response to the events that occur.
Additionally, each character helps guide the story forward and is drawn together with a
singular goal: rescuing Grace. Going between these different characters effectively
builds suspense that keeps you on edge while you wait for the outcome.

Jaden’s Grace is about a mother’s search for her daughter with emotional, suspenseful,
and action-packed moments. The tone is bittersweet throughout most of the story with
some hope and action incorporated that is mostly from Jaden’s perspective. She’s
seeing her daughter’s life through the lens of an outsider investigating this situation,
which sometimes makes it sorrowful. The dangerous terrain creates tension that is ideal
for the story’s thriller aspects, which also creates intense moments interspersed. It is
important to note there are references to sex trafficking and drug trafficking mentioned
throughout, specifically with Grace’s journey. The story is well-written and done so that it
is always respectful of the characters and remains grounded in this reality. This can be
stressful and heartbreaking at times while you’re rooting for this mother to find her
daughter. With its relatable characters, engaging plot, and powerful themes, Jaden’s
Grace by Dianne Kaye is a thrilling adventure and will resonate with readers long after
the final page is turned.