Every Good Gift by Urcelia Teixeira
Series: Adam Cross Suspense Book 1 of 3
Publisher: Independently published by Urcelia Teixeira 2020
REVIEW BY GWEN M. PLANO
Urcelia Teixeira’s Every Good Gift begins with a warning that the life of Pastor Adam Cross is about to change dramatically. And it does. Because of a deeply personal tragedy, one so great that it challenges his faith, Adam assesses his beliefs and ultimately finds a strength he did not know he had.
The first pages of the book progress slowly, but the pace picks up dramatically as the chapters are turned. Questions arise about the tragedy and those questions are accompanied by long-forgotten memories. Adam finds himself a child again, looking carefully at events that destroyed his family. Is there a connection with the current horror? He concludes that there is.
This is a mystery/thriller that will keep you wondering who could have done this and why. Teixeira masterfully leaves clues, but those tidbits do not coalesce until the conclusion of the book. The suspense is palpable and as a reader, I sometimes wanted more detailed information. Secrets abound, and though sometimes they seemed farfetched, they assist in building tension.
God had given him a nudge, the softest gentlest of pokes in his broken heart
just to remind him that He was still there.
Every Good Gift, Urcelia Teixeira
I recommend Every Good Gift to anyone who likes Christian mysteries and thrillers. The characters are strong and believable, the circumstances engaging, and the struggles and growth with faith keep your attention and resonate. I would have liked the ending to have been more thorough and paced, but even with that one desire, I endorse this book and the writer. This was a wonderful read.
Four and a half happy fishes!
I purchased the Kindle version of Every Good Gift.
The Well Read Fish 
👏👏 leaving you wanting more, is also a sign of good writing. 😜 sounds like they’ve left the seed for the second installment. Good, honest review. 👏👏
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Thank you, Nigel. Definitely, a seed was left – and I look forward to reading more. All the best!
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An excellent review of book 1 in this series, Gwen. Urcelia Teixeira’s testimony of her writing journey caught my attention, and adds to your review insights into the structure of Every Good Gift. After writing six thrillers, she now lives by the following mantra: “I used to be a writer. Now I am a writer with a purpose.” And that purpose is to honor her Creator by writing for the Christian Mystery and Suspense audience. Powerful! Thanks for bringing this author and her series to my attention!
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Thank you very much, Grant. I’m impressed by Urcelia’s purpose. It’s apparent in her book. 😊
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A writer I plan on following, especially after her successful pivot from one genre to another.
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I love a good mystery and suspense story, and this sounds like something I would enjoy reading. Thanks for sharing your review, Gwen.
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I’m with you, Joan. I love a good mystery and suspense story. This one will keep you on your toes. 😊
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I’ve added it to my Kindle!
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Thanks for introducing me to this author and her series, Gwen. You’ve certainly piqued my interest with your review. xo
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This is the first book I’ve read by Teixeira, and I think there will be more to follow. I’m glad to hear I piqued your interest, Jill. 🤗
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Great review, Gwen! I have seen Teixeira’s Adam Cross suspense books and wondered about them. Glad to know book one starts off the series well. I like the pull quote you chose. It does seem God talks to us with heart-pokes sometimes!
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“Heart-pokes” – I couldn’t agree more. We seem to get them just when we need them. 😊
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This does sound good. It’s interesting to read what can shake well-grounded faith, and then how the person recovers.
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It’s a touching story that evolves into a solid mystery/suspense. Thank you, Jacqui, for adding your impressions. 😊
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Gwen, I’m not familiar with this author, but this book sounds wonderful. It’s definitely going on my reading radar. Your review has me intrigued!
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Thank you, Mae. When I did a search of popular Christian writers, her name came up. I hadn’t known of her before then. She’s someone to follow for sure. 😊
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This sounds like a book I’d love. Thanks for the recommendation, Gwen.
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You’re very welcome, Staci. 😊
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I’m also not familiar with this author, but I love a good mystery that keeps me guessing. Thanks for the rec, Gwen!
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Since joining The Well-Read Fish, I’ve discovered lots of writers. It’s been an eye-opening few months. 😊
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Wonderful review. Now we want more.
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Thank you, Pat. 😊
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I love the quote you chose, Gwen. And that cover, wow!
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Thank you, Jacquie. When I read that line, it opened my eyes a bit wider. 😊
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It is very difficult to get the balance right in these types of books, and it seems that this one mostly manages. Thanks for a great review, Gwen.
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Thank you, Olga. I agree with you. Balance is very important, and Teixeira manages that well. 😊
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A great review:)). I tend to avoid thrillers, these days. But I’m glad you enjoyed this one and are looking forward to the subsequent books in the series.
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Thank you so much for visiting. It seems like life provides us with constant “thriller” situations, and we all need to back away at times. ❤️
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HI Gwen, an interesting review. Thanks for sharing it.
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