Ivy Griffith, a once very popular and attractive young woman had aged beyond recognition in the 10 years that followed her high school graduation. Years of addiction and a hard life had taken their toll. Now, Ivy, clean of her addictions was returning to her home town of Jacob’s Ear with a son, a dying best friend, and a secret that she had kept all this time. She had come with a conviction of ridding herself of the guilt of her past, so that she can fully participate in the present and future of her son. 

Ivy returned to her parent’s home, and they must struggle with the task of trusting her again. Her father’s stony wall and impersonal reference to his grandson as “the boy” hurt Ivy. The small town of Jacob’s Ear has heard rumors of her past and there are those in the town who want to embrace Ivy as the returning prodigal daughter, while others aren’t so welcoming. In the middle of Ivy’s attempts to return to a normal life, an invitation to her ten year high school reunion poses a dilemma for her. She attends and the reunion winds up having disastrous results. Ivy is challenged to stand in the light of the secret truth she’s kept for ten years, and discovers how this secret impacts her present and future. 

EVER PRESENT DANGER was a wonderful read! There was suspense, conviction, drama, and very believable characters. In addition to the main story line, author Kathy Herman has woven the stories of other characters that support the struggle and development of the main character. I can’t wait for book two and three and….! 

I found the discussion questions in the back of the book an interesting addition. The book and the questions would make a great book club reading choice.

Reviewed by Patty Ruppert for The Road to Romance

July 26, 2007