Refuge from the Storm Launch Tour+Review

Greetings friends! Today is the last day of the launch tour of Refuge from the Storm and I'm so excited to share with y'all my thoughts about this novel!!!

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Before we jump into the review, here is the lovely little purchase link so you can buy this amazing novel! Trust me, after reading Fled for Refuge, you'll definitely want to have this book on hand so you can immediately start it! 😉 Also, here's the Goodreads link so you can add it to your TBR! 

(Psstt, haven't read Fled for Refuge yet? Well, no worries, because the first book in the Refuge series is on sale during the launch tour for $1.99! Here's the purchase link!) I totally just feel like a salesperson right then 😜.

Okay, now we're moving onto the review. XD 

Blurb:

Doubt. Persecution. Forgiveness.

Tony Dorence should be dead. But after months in prison, he's home. Yet even at home, he's not safe from trials that hit from every angle. 

Merri Dorence couldn't be more thankful her brother is home, yet doubts have attacked her newfound faith and left her questioning all too much.

When they face a threat greater than either of them could've imagined, will they find refuge from the storm or be overcome by a relentless evil? 

Overview

After reading the cliffhanger at the end of Fled for Refuge, I was excited to see how Kristina would move on with the characters and plot in Refuge from the Storm. I haven't read too many Christian dystopian/suspense novels so the movement of the plot was a little different from what I'm used too, but I still enjoyed. The one thing I've noticed is that the plot does drag a little and is a repetitive at some points. I understand that a suspense novel is supposed to increase the tension slowly over the plot, but I feel like some events in this book could have been cut out or shortened.

Personally, the faith aspect did feel a bit preachy sometimes but there were some scenes and quotes that really affected me and reminded me to always trust God no matter what. <3

One aspect I'm really hoping Kristina goes into more details about in book 3 is the world and government. She's mentioned so many interesting things that the government has done (poison water and food, travel ban between states, etc.) but she hasn't given the "why" for them yet. I'm honestly intrigued about why these things have happened and because it's not been explained yet I feel like it's kinda a plot hole.

Characters

Ah Tony. Tony really struggled emotionally and physically in this book, and I felt for him so much. I really like how Kristina approached Tony's physical pain. The guy was hurt A LOT and I appreciate how Kristina didn't make him from almost dying to totally all healed in the next scene. It bugs me when books and TV shows have a character that is seriously hurt and then the next day he's instantly better and ready to fight the villain. It's just not realistic. Sorry ya'll I just had to rant about that for a moment. Moving on now... I also love how no matter what Tony went through, he still cared for Merri and always was checking in on her. That gave me so many happy brother-sister vibes. 

Merri's character didn't change much. I know that it's common to have doubts and fears, but I would have liked her to grow a little more in her faith. 

Overall, I feel like there wasn't much character growth for...any of the characters. They all just kinda remained the same. None of them really grew in their faith and the same character flaws stuck with them, especially with Tony. So I'm hoping their characters develop more in book 3. 

Content

People are hurt and there are mentions of dead bodies but nothing is graphic. 

Conclusion

If you want a clean, suspenseful Christian read, then I highly recommend this novel! Yes, the characters can be a bit flat and I would like to see more details of the world they're living in, but overall, the plot was intriguing and I can't wait to read the next book!! So with all of that said, I'm gonna give this novel five big stars!! XD 

A big shout out goes to Kristina Hall for providing me an free ARC of Refuge from the Storm! (All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a review). 

About the Author

Kristina Hall is a sinner saved by grace who seeks to glorify God with her words. She is a homeschool graduate and holds a degree in accounting. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, arm wrestling, lifting weights, and playing the violin.

Here are all the lovely places where you can stalk find Kristina!

Goodreads

Website

BookBub

Newsletter

Instagram

Pinterest

If you want to more fun reviews and spotlights of this book then here's the tour schedule!

Monday, April 18th

Vanessa Hall - Spotlight (blog)

Kaytlin Phillips - Review (Goodreads and Facebook)

Grace A. Johnson - Spotlight (blog, Facebook, and Pinterest)

Charity's Books and Tea - Quote (Instagram)

Kristina Hall- Tour launch (blog and Instagram)

Tuesday, April 19th

Madi's Musings - Spotlight (blog, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest)

Charity's Books and Tea - Quote (Instagram)

Lillian Keith - Spotlight (blog)

Wednesday, April 20th

Judith McNees - Review (blog, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads)

Joy C. Woodbury - Review (Goodreads and Instagram)

Charity's Books and Tea - Quote (Instagram)

Thursday, April 21st

Charity's Books and Tea - Quote (Instagram)

Books Less Travelled - Review (blog, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub)

Friday, April 22nd

Abby Burrus - Review (blog and Goodreads)

Issabelle Perry - Review (blog)

Vanessa Hall - Review (blog, Goodreads, BookBub)

Emma (The Book Dragon's Alcove) - Review (blog and Goodreads)

Grace A. Johnson - Review (blog, Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads, and BookBub)

Saraina Whitney - Spotlight (blog)

Kylie Hunt - Spotlight and Review (Instagram and Pinterest)

Charity's Books and Tea - Review (Instagram, Facebook, and BookBub)

Autumn - Spotlight (blog)

Kristina Hall - Tour Wrap-up (blog and Instagram)

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Also, y'all, due to the fact that this girl is behind on her game, my review for Fled for Refuge is not ready yet. *coughs* It bugs my little logical, organized brain that I'm doing these reviews for this series out of order, but it just happened this way. So be on the lookout for a review because I'll have it ready soon!!! 😄

Who's read Refuge from the Storm?

If you did read it, any thoughts you'd like to share? 

Has anyone else ever reviewed a book series out of order? Or READ a book series out of order? XD