Lisa Carter is a new author to me but I will be watching for more books from her. I was caught up in the story from the beginning. Stories about Indians have always held my interest, especially when they are cast in a positive light. The heroine of the story, Pilar To-Clanny, is an Apache who has experienced some terrible atrocities but she is strong in her desire to help others. The book is very suspenseful, and rather intense at times, but there are lighthearted moments as well, particularly during the flashbacks to the past when Pilar, Alex, and her brother were kids. After all that had happened to her, the heroine deals with some major trust issues regarding God and men and struggles greatly with unforgiveness. I sensed an overshadowing of spiritual warfare when the law-abiding characters talked about The Wicked One and his stronghold. The descriptions of his characteristics were very realistic and reminded me of the devil. I recommend The Stronghold to more mature readers who enjoy suspense. If you like mild, sedate romance novels this one may not be for you although there is a thread of romance through the book. I totally enjoyed the story.

Definitely on the edgy side. The Stronghold has a Criminal Minds kind of vibe though it stops shy of being as graphic. Yes, this story covers difficult subject matter -- serial killings, human trafficking and the violent history between the Apache nation and Mexico -- so it is a hard read at times. One that haunted me when I put it down. But there is also such healing and hope and the inspirational message comes across with startling clarity.

Carter has created beautifully flawed characters. They are by no means perfect and their raw and honest reactions are proof of that. Alex is a Christian but that doesn't mean he reacts in a Christ-like manner all the time. He's a work in progress as we all are. Watching him fight against his natural reactions as he struggles to apply his faith in different situations was inspiring.

By contrast, Pilar is haunted by her past -- angry, hurting, she's a survivor but it's taken its toll. She fights against the notion of a loving God with all the fury of her bottled up rage. A stunning portrayal of God meeting us right where we are.

Alex and Pilar have a past which the author reveals by slow degrees through flashbacks. You might say the romance is as mysterious and the suspense! Both are mesmerizing. My heart was racing the whole read! I figured out some pieces of the puzzle fairly easily; others simply floored me. I love a suspense that keeps me on my toes.

A stunning, thought-provoking romantic suspense that testifies of the relentless love God has for all of us.

I really enjoyed this novel. The characters were very real and the story engaging. I am looking forward to reading more of Lisa Carter books

good title because it keeps you in a stronghold to finish

great book n author

What a fascinating mystery and romance The Stronghold turned out to be! Pilar To-Clanny is now working as the Apache tribal cop on the reservation and Alex Torres is now working as an FBI Special Agent and they are placed in each others' paths yet again to solve the crimes of the missing young people after discovering bodies on the reservation. It has been a long long time since Pilar and Alex were young and in love and there is a great deal of anger, hurt, and unresolved issues creating baggage between the two. They find clues pointing to thee Mexican drug cartels in the crimes and when her son and his grandmother run off to try and save Tagalong, they have to choice but to return to the very place that holds an important piece of their own past history. Can they work together without killing each other? Can they save the ones they love from the wicked person who is kidnapping and killing innocent lives?

I'll be honest, at first, I thought this might be a boring book and that I might find a language barrier as the first pages used some of the language of the local tribes. But I was quickly very pleasantly surprised as I fell in love with Pilar and Alex and just wanted their open wounds to heal. I could see they were broken but I didn't yet know why. I was compelled to read to see what their history entailed and to find out who is carrying out hideous acts. This novel could easily be an episode of Criminal Minds. I am a huge fan of Criminal Minds so this book fed my addiction. The romance was an added bonus.

I rated this book 5 stars and would like to read more books by Lisa Carter.

I received a copy of this novel from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.