This search and rescue tale gets off to a flying start. Ella has been staffing the control desk during the successful rescue of a man who wandered from his nursing home. She's ready to drop by this time, but her son's camp phones to say that he has gone missing. He's eight and loose in an Alaska wilderness.

TO SAVE HER CHILD Ella Jackson will do whatever it takes. She's driven to the location by Josiah Witherspoon; he and his twin sister co-own a firm called Outdoor Alaska and volunteer for SAR with their search-trained German Shepherd dogs. Ella doesn't expect little Robbie to be very brave. Her abusive past marriage left him nervous and she's still building up her strength and resilience once more. Josiah finds tracks however which show that Robbie ran from a large person and hid from a bear. He wasn't doing too badly - but where is he and what shape is he in? And who was the man in the woods?

Ella uses prayer as a way of calling upon her inner strength and calmness, helping her through tough times. She's amazed to find that Robbie is a lot more resourceful than she'd realised, so maybe her example helped him to keep a clear head. Josiah has also lived through difficulties, as a Marine who became a prisoner of war. He's still readjusting to normal life, and the open countryside helps him feel free. Neither adult is looking for a relationship, but sometimes the best friendships develop into a lot more. Ella has to find her courage when she most needs it and she also finds love.

I enjoyed watching the process followed as a missing child sparks an Amber Alert, police work and large-scale SAR operation. Add to that bear-watching, husky mushing, salmon fishing and other outdoor life, creating a hugely enjoyable book. While the large protective dogs are a major feature of this story, in the end the drama and resolution are totally human. The romance can be seen growing throughout the story in a natural way, suitable for young adults or adults.

I strongly recommend TO SAVE HER CHILD by Margaret Daley. I'm delighted to see that this book is part of a series called Alaskan Search And Rescue so Margaret Daley will be serving up more great suspense stories for us to enjoy.