Refuge from the Rain: Rachel Russel Mystery Series, #2

By Annaleah Taylor

Happiness Is An Illusion!

Home at last! When Rachel Russel first saw her home town, a huge sigh of relief was the only thing she could feel. After all those horrible days and nights in Antarctica, Rachel was glad to finally see her home, room and loved ones. All she wanted to do was forget about that terrifying experience and focus on her future… but evil had other plans.

A Phone Call That Changed Everything!

When Rachel's Pastor asked her to take part in the Women's Prison Missionary Program, she immediately said "yes". It was a great opportunity to come close to God again and let all her troubles behind her by helping other women find the path of Jesus. But as she was getting ready to ask her Pastor a few questions, she heard a gunshot on the other end of the phone that made the blood freeze in her veins.

Holy Murder!

Rachel was shocked and she immediately called the police. But she couldn't just sit there and do nothing! She rushed out of her house and that's when she met Jacob, her classmate who stood up for her during those horrible Arctic events. They drove together to the church and found out that her Pastor had been murdered. Now it was up to Rachel to discover the killer. This time everything pointed out to a woman. She had an evil plan and Rachel was standing in her way…

A Desperate Journey!

In this second book of the Rachel's Road Christian mystery romance series, our female protagonist has to put her faith to the test again and uncover a dark plan that threatens to destroy her. A venomous woman has Rachel trapped in her web and only Jacob can help her. Will Jacob finally understand that God is in control of all things? Will Rachel finally express her love? Will they find the killer? Or will they end up dead like the Pastor…?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Imaginarium Press Publishing
• Release date: Jun 5, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386899624

Book preview

Chapter 1

Murder in the Rain

Rachel was grateful to be back in her hometown. ‘After all,’ she thought, standing in front of her old floor mirror, ‘being stranded in a sardine can in Antarctica was no fun at all.’ She smiled and picked up a brown brush that was resting on an antique wooden vanity table under the oval window in her bedroom. Still, God had brought her some safety, and act of mercy in itself was a blessing. Yes, a blessing. Rachel smiled and began brushing her brown hair. Then she set down the brush, smoothed a few wrinkles out of her soft, yellow, long-sleeved dress, and left her bedroom feeling happy in the Lord.

It may be dark and rainy day outside, Rachel told herself, walking down a flight of hardwood stairs, but inside my heart, the light of my Lord is shining brightly.

Matt appeared at the bottom of the stairs. He looked up at Rachel's glowing face, took a bite from the apple he was holding in his right hand, and shook his head. Usually Matt lived on campus, but his current roommate was a real 'talker' who didn't know when to shut up. The situation forced Matt to hide at home whenever he could. You seem happy, he told Rachel.

Rachel smiled. Even the old, black, heavy metal t-shirt Matt was wearing didn't depress her. Of course, she had hoped Matt would surrender his life to Jesus, and for a short time in Antarctica it had seemed like he was considering praying. However, then he returned home and got caught back up in his old routine. He distanced himself from the voice in his heart.

Rachel stopped on the bottom step and looked into her brother's sleepy eyes. It was clear to her that he had stayed out most of the night at another drinking party. Instead of fussing, she smiled. Jesus is the joy of my heart, she beamed.

Matt took another bite of his apple and stared at Rachel. Outside, thunder erupted and shook the house. Listen, sis, I'm not going to rag you about being a Christian, okay? But do me a favor and take it down a notch. I get that you're a Christian and that's...cool, I guess. You don't have to... Matt paused. He wasn't sure how to finish his sentence.

Have to what? Rachel asked, taking in a deep breath of the sweet-smelling potpourri wandering about the house.

Matt shrugged. Be so...chirpy all the time, I guess.

Sure beats having a hangover, Rachel told Matt, pointing at him. "You should see how red your eyes are. I hope killing your liver at a young age and waking up feeling like a torpedo hit you makes you happy, Matt. And before you say a word, I once stood exactly where you're standing now. I attended those drinking parties, too. I remember waking up the next morning sick and irritable and empty inside my heart. Alcohol is a temporary enemy,