Widower Matthew Dane is a former cop turned private investigator whose daughter, Becky, was kidnapped when she was eight years old and rescued years later. Thanks to Matthew’s loving support and understanding, Becky has grown into a beautiful and emotionally healthy college student.

TAKEN opens at a convention where Matthew has just wrapped up a presentation on dialogue between police and victims’ families. When he returns to his hotel room to change for dinner, a woman is waiting outside his door claiming to be Shannon Bliss, who was abducted 11 years ago, at the age of 16. She has escaped from her captors but is reluctant to give any details, other than enough to prove she is who she says she is. Matthew quickly confirms her identity, but from his personal experience knows not to push for more information until Shannon is ready to give it. Shannon tells Matthew she selected him as her first contact because of what happened to his daughter. She knows he will be able to relate to what she is going through, as well as give her the legal help she needs to bring her abductors --- the Jacoby family --- to justice.

"The plot is a good one, with many layers and interesting angles. For lack of a better analogy, the story is like peeling an onion, each layer revealing a bit more, until you finally reach the core."

Matthew treads carefully, sincerely wanting to gain Shannon’s trust and help her in any way he can. Despite --- or maybe because of --- her ordeal, Shannon is a strong woman, who has been meticulously planning her escape for years. She reveals information at her own pace, well aware of just how much she wants to divulge at one time in order for the Jacoby family to be arrested before they can flee. With the help of a close circle of friends-slash-trusted law enforcement and FBI agents, Matthew takes the information Shannon gives him and follows her lead, piecing together the puzzle that make up the last 11 years of her life. While he wants nothing more than to solve this major crime ring, Matthew’s number-one goal is to keep Shannon safe and help her begin the healing process.

As he and Shannon spend more and more time together, they both develop feelings they can’t deny. But Matthew knows better than to act on his desires and clearly sets the boundaries, reminding Shannon that she will need several years to work on herself before she gets to the point where she is ready for a romantic relationship. Shannon respects that advice, but looks forward to the day when she and Matthew can take their friendship to the next level.

TAKEN is not an action-packed novel. Instead, it plods along at an even pace. But it works perfectly. The plot is a good one, with many layers and interesting angles. For lack of a better analogy, the story is like peeling an onion, each layer revealing a bit more, until you finally reach the core. But the characters alone make this a worthy read. From the very beginning, it’s almost impossible not to feel something for Matthew and Shannon. Each of these characters is multi-faceted. The faith aspect is present throughout. Matthew is a Christian, evident by his personal character and behavior. And while Shannon could have easily developed a lot of bitterness and doubt because of what she went through, her faith has not been shaken, which has single-handedly contributed to the strength she possesses now.

If I had to choose one negative thing to say about this book, it would be that perhaps Matthew comes across as a little too ideal. Every word he says --- and chooses not to say --- seems almost too perfect. But that is also what makes this such a beautiful story, and what makes Shannon and Matthew‘s relationship so special.

If you enjoy Dee Henderson novels, you will certainly not be disappointed with her latest release. Many characters from her previous books are included, providing a sense of familiarity for fans.