I received a copy of this book from the author and Redbud Press for an honest review

Kinley is a school teacher was cares for all her students. There is one student she notices has been out of school and decides to go to his home to check on him. Kinley finds herself in a dangerous neighborhood knocking on a door hoping to find out why Justice has not been in school. She does not get a nice welcome but is determined to help her student.

Nash is a man with a mission. He is in his old neighborhood fixing up his mom's house, so it can be sold. He seems like an angry man and when Kinley and his life intersect, sparks fly. They don't get off to a good start, when Nash accuses Justice of damaging his car. Kinley tries to reason with Nash, but it is not an easy task.

The characters are a mix of wanting to help , dealing with their past and trying to survive. Kinley won't give up on Justice and soon finds herself in danger. Nash is a strong determined man who still has a brother who he is trying to forgive and running from his past. Justice is caught in trying to help his family , but getting mixed up in something that could,eas to putting his life in danger.

I enjoyed the story and how it moved along with great intrigue and a dash of romance . The tension between the characters was very well written. I loved how the author showed when you step out in faith you can make a difference. Kinley is a person who loves God and wants her students to succeed. It's nice to read a story where people step out of their comfort zone , show compassion and overcome their circumstances to make life better for themselves and others. I look forward to reading more from this author. ( )

Susan Crawford’s debut novel, Saving Justice, is a short and sweet love story perfect for porch or poolside reading. It is certainly a quick and light read, but it is also full of heart. This book is great for fans of contemporary romance.

Kinley Reid is a teacher in one of Oklahoma City’s most underprivileged and crime-ridden neighborhoods. Inspired by her deceased brother’s dedication to the children of the area, Kinley goes above and beyond when it comes to her students. Driven by success, Nash McGuire escaped his neighborhood and never wants to go back. A vandalized car puts them both together and on a course to impact one young child’s life.

Just under 200 pages, Saving Justice is, as I said, a quick read. The plot develops rapidly and there is not a lot of character development. But I liked the characters, especially Kinley’s 4th grade student, Justice. I also liked the social conscience of the novel — kids are worth investing in, especially when adult role models are few. Small acts like hugs and high-fives and waffle breakfasts really do make a difference. So if you are looking for a something short and sweet, then check out Saving Justice.

Recommended.

Audience: older teens and adults.

(Thanks to Redbud Press for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

This is one amazing novel. Immediately when I started reading this novel I was pulled into it. Not just the scene, which is basically a dump of a place, but into fourth grade teacher Kinley Reid's life, including her hopes, dreams and goals. And you know what? Neither Susan or Kin asked me. I was just hooked. i can not say just what it was. It could have been the fabulous way she used her words so that you ended up standing in that yard of trash, not just seeing it, or the tug of emotion when you realized that someone Kinley loved lived in this situation. That all was part of it, as was the need to find out why she was there, and why that shiny car was in the neighborhood. There are twists and turns the reader never sees coming, and when I was done, I heard a limitless sigh of contentment. Only a little one, as I really want to know what Miss Reid will tackle next, and how her class turns out.
It also left me with the question of what am I doing, or what can I do to make a difference in some ones life? ( )