Book Review: The Bracelet by Roberta Gately

Over the weekend, I had some quiet time to myself and actually finished a novel in one sitting. Technically it was in bed and I wasn’t sitting.  It’s still reading a book. Without mulling too much over my selection, I grabbed The Bracelet by Roberta Gately from my to-be-read pile.

After losing her nursing job and being dumped by her long time boyfriend, Abby aims for a fresh start. She takes a humanitarian aid position with the United Nations in turbulent Pakistan.  Abby steps into a world of poverty, riots, and a little bit of hope.  Before she has a chance to acclimate to her new surroundings, report Nick is foisted upon her. Nick’s pretense is to interview Abby for a human interest article, but he’s really in Pakistan to investigate a human trafficking ring. Once the two realize that a murder Abby witnessed might be related to Nick’s story, Abby and Nick must work fast to save her.

Whew. There’s a lot going on in this novel. I respect that author Roberta Gately has firsthand account working with refugees and wants to educate its readers about human trafficking and sex slaves. The survivors in the safe house feel real and authentic, but reporter Nick comes off a little preachy.

I found the story rather predictable and figured out who the head of the trafficking ring rather quickly. However, I enjoyed the chemistry between Nick and Abby. Once I got halfway through the book, I was invested in Nick and Abby.  I wanted to see them through the end so they could get their happily ever after ending.

I don’t usually give books ratings, but I’m lukewarm about The Bracelet.

What did you read this weekend?

I received a review copy of the book. All opinions are my own.