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The Defenders #2
Threat of Darkness
As a nurse and special advocate for children, Samantha Rochard is used to danger in small-town Serenity, Arkansas. But when she suspects a little boy is in jeopardy from his powerful father, the danger turns on her. Her only source of protection? The handsome police officer who broke her heart five years ago. Yet after John Waltham comes to her rescue in more ways than one, Samantha must trust in him—and the Lord—to watch over her…and save one sweet little boy.
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
65 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Hansen
180 books250 followersValerie Hansen is the pen name of Valerie Whisenand.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Although I have been a published author since the mid 1980s, I have been writing women's Christian fiction almost exclusively since 1999.
There is a longer, more detailed bio on my website so there's no need for me to repeat all that here. Right now, I write for all three Love Inspired lines, Romance, Suspense and Historical. I'm delighted to have been included that broadly and besides, it keeps me so busy that I stay out of trouble. Well, mostly.
You'll find me on the LI Historical blog as well as other LI features. If I try to do much more I won't have time to write my books!
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Although I have been a published author since the mid 1980s, I have been writing women's Christian fiction almost exclusively since 1999.
There is a longer, more detailed bio on my website so there's no need for me to repeat all that here. Right now, I write for all three Love Inspired lines, Romance, Suspense and Historical. I'm delighted to have been included that broadly and besides, it keeps me so busy that I stay out of trouble. Well, mostly.
You'll find me on the LI Historical blog as well as other LI features. If I try to do much more I won't have time to write my books!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 17, 2012
This is the second book about mystery, romance, and CASA, Samantha Rochard, in the small town of Serenity, Arkansas. But Serenity is anything but peaceful when nurse & CASA, Samantha, finds herself in the crosshairs of someone who is determined to 'get their package' or kill her trying. Samantha doesn't have the package, but her life is in constant danger just the same. Her old boyfriend & policeman has returned to town, and is assigned to protect her. While all this is happening, 7year old Billy has returned to the hospital, having been beaten once again by his father. Samantha's CASA role kicks in to get protection for this child.
This story masterfully follows the characters through danger, many prayers sent heavenward, budding romance, and trials with a small child & Samantha's faithful old dag. Those who enjoy Christian mystery & romance will thoroughly enjoy this fast passed story. And once again, the addition of CASA ( Court Appointed Special Advocate) makes this book especially unique!
This story masterfully follows the characters through danger, many prayers sent heavenward, budding romance, and trials with a small child & Samantha's faithful old dag. Those who enjoy Christian mystery & romance will thoroughly enjoy this fast passed story. And once again, the addition of CASA ( Court Appointed Special Advocate) makes this book especially unique!
May 24, 2012
Samantha is shocked when she learns the man she once loved is back in her home town of Serenity but before she has a chance to worry about it things go from bad to worse. She is threatened by criminals who mistakenly believe she has something she wants and a little boy needs her help when he is being abused by her father.
This is a rollercoaster ride of drama, action, mystery and romance which makes for a great read.
This is a rollercoaster ride of drama, action, mystery and romance which makes for a great read.
March 4, 2016
A good story and I did enjoy it, but I felt that the ending came too quickly and things were rushed (at least if seemed that way to me).
I liked the characters and second chance love story.
*I received a complimentary eBook copy for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
I liked the characters and second chance love story.
*I received a complimentary eBook copy for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
December 26, 2023
Valerie Hansen kept me in suspense as strange happenings occur for Samantha and her dog Brutus. John keeps rescuing her each time and rekindles his love for Sam while trying to protect her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2025
The Defenders series
Nonstop action. Over the top. CASA. Protecting child. Tossed due to condition: falling apart in binding.
Nonstop action. Over the top. CASA. Protecting child. Tossed due to condition: falling apart in binding.
June 6, 2012
This novel is about much more than what the overview says. Yes, there is an abused child, and, yes, Samantha does try to rescue him with the help of her ex-boyfriend, John. But her life is also in danger right from the beginning, a direct outcome from a very scary situation that she goes through as the book opens. And it is a great way to begin a novel: it got my attention, had me interested, and got me wondering what would happen next.
Samantha is a character who has gone through a lot and who has an inner battle with God about what happened in her past with the man she loved, and a struggle with herself about the way she is feeling toward this man again. So she is someone anyone can relate to. John, on the other hand, is almost useless. As a cop he is always either late or getting knocked out. Cops in general here are very mediocre; they apparently don't know the first thing about doing a simple search, securing evidence or interrogating witnesses or suspects. And that is very irritating.
The plot is actually pretty interesting, and I love the fact that, since it is written in third person, we get to see how both Samantha and John feel and think. It has mystery, suspense, romance and action, you know, all the goodies. However, the dialogues, as well as some actions, sometimes lacked continuity. For example, the characters would speak and I would read again because from one person to the next you get the impression that part of the dialogue is missing, like one person is answering something that was never asked, or another asked something that was never answered. Another example: Samantha and John would search inside the house because an intruder had been there, but they couldn't find anything, so they would say, "Let's search again, in case we missed anything the first time around." But in the next paragraph, they would go outside to search around the house, and then change their minds, get in the car and go someplace else. It's as if the author forgot her original intention.
The ending was too good to be true, and the too good part was so rushed that it would have been better to give it a fair treatment in an epilogue.
One last note, during the whole novel, Samantha's problem and threat is front and center, not the abused child. However, towards the end, it's the child's case that gets all the action, and Samantha's case is resolved but very uneventfully.
So the action and suspense is good enough to interest you in the first place. The police mediocrity is bad enough that you may feel deflated. The problems with the dialogue and continuity is disappointing. But you will want to stick around for the resolution when the case of the abused child takes center stage and the action will hold your attention.
*I received a copy of this book from Harlequin through NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
Samantha is a character who has gone through a lot and who has an inner battle with God about what happened in her past with the man she loved, and a struggle with herself about the way she is feeling toward this man again. So she is someone anyone can relate to. John, on the other hand, is almost useless. As a cop he is always either late or getting knocked out. Cops in general here are very mediocre; they apparently don't know the first thing about doing a simple search, securing evidence or interrogating witnesses or suspects. And that is very irritating.
The plot is actually pretty interesting, and I love the fact that, since it is written in third person, we get to see how both Samantha and John feel and think. It has mystery, suspense, romance and action, you know, all the goodies. However, the dialogues, as well as some actions, sometimes lacked continuity. For example, the characters would speak and I would read again because from one person to the next you get the impression that part of the dialogue is missing, like one person is answering something that was never asked, or another asked something that was never answered. Another example: Samantha and John would search inside the house because an intruder had been there, but they couldn't find anything, so they would say, "Let's search again, in case we missed anything the first time around." But in the next paragraph, they would go outside to search around the house, and then change their minds, get in the car and go someplace else. It's as if the author forgot her original intention.
The ending was too good to be true, and the too good part was so rushed that it would have been better to give it a fair treatment in an epilogue.
One last note, during the whole novel, Samantha's problem and threat is front and center, not the abused child. However, towards the end, it's the child's case that gets all the action, and Samantha's case is resolved but very uneventfully.
So the action and suspense is good enough to interest you in the first place. The police mediocrity is bad enough that you may feel deflated. The problems with the dialogue and continuity is disappointing. But you will want to stick around for the resolution when the case of the abused child takes center stage and the action will hold your attention.
*I received a copy of this book from Harlequin through NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
May 28, 2012
Threat of Darkness by Valerie Hansen
Book 2 of the Defenders Series
Samantha Rochard worked as a nurse. She was alone in the world except for her dog, Brutus. She had rescued him as a pup 10 years ago. She worked with CASA helping kids in abuse situations, something Sam was personally aware of from her own childhood. Life was good until one night everything changed. An emergency at the hospital with a sick child and an addict with a gun, topped off by a man who broke her heart six years ago when he left town. If that wasn’t enough she was attacked in the parking lot and her house and car were violated….the worse was yet to come.
John Waltham had left town six years ago for his dream of working in law enforcement but not in this small town. He couldn’t convince Sam to marry and go with him. Her welcome back for him was not as he hoped. But she did need him when one thing after another started happening in her life. Could love be reunited after he had unknowingly shattered her heart?
Valerie is an extremely talented author. I have enjoyed many of her books, mostly the ones in multi-author series. She keeps the facts and stories flowing well, even within those books.
Bonus Novella: Small-Town Romance by Arlene James
Becca Inman was extremely shy, single at thirty-three and had been carrying for her invalid grandmother since she was eighteen. Life changed for her when she was practicing to play the piano in place of her sister. She began to sing along as she played….not knowing she had an audience. And that one was young, handsome and single.
Davis Latimer had never heard such a voice. He was instantly enthralled. And when he saw the pretty woman, he knew that she was special. He would get her to be play piano for his fledgling church, he wanted to keep her nearby.
This was just a short but packed full of romance. Davis sees Becca past all her insecurities and encourages her at every turn.
**Book received from NetGalley for review.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Book 2 of the Defenders Series
Samantha Rochard worked as a nurse. She was alone in the world except for her dog, Brutus. She had rescued him as a pup 10 years ago. She worked with CASA helping kids in abuse situations, something Sam was personally aware of from her own childhood. Life was good until one night everything changed. An emergency at the hospital with a sick child and an addict with a gun, topped off by a man who broke her heart six years ago when he left town. If that wasn’t enough she was attacked in the parking lot and her house and car were violated….the worse was yet to come.
John Waltham had left town six years ago for his dream of working in law enforcement but not in this small town. He couldn’t convince Sam to marry and go with him. Her welcome back for him was not as he hoped. But she did need him when one thing after another started happening in her life. Could love be reunited after he had unknowingly shattered her heart?
Valerie is an extremely talented author. I have enjoyed many of her books, mostly the ones in multi-author series. She keeps the facts and stories flowing well, even within those books.
Bonus Novella: Small-Town Romance by Arlene James
Becca Inman was extremely shy, single at thirty-three and had been carrying for her invalid grandmother since she was eighteen. Life changed for her when she was practicing to play the piano in place of her sister. She began to sing along as she played….not knowing she had an audience. And that one was young, handsome and single.
Davis Latimer had never heard such a voice. He was instantly enthralled. And when he saw the pretty woman, he knew that she was special. He would get her to be play piano for his fledgling church, he wanted to keep her nearby.
This was just a short but packed full of romance. Davis sees Becca past all her insecurities and encourages her at every turn.
**Book received from NetGalley for review.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
August 15, 2013
Samantha Rochard and John Waltham have a past that ended five years ago when he left town. Now Samantha is somehow involved in a drug smuggling and/or child abuse-custody issue and finds herself threatened at every turn.
John Waltham is the new detective in town, but not new to Serenity, Arkansas. He hopes to find his place back to being Samantha’s friend, and more if possible. But there are so many roadblocks it’s hard to find a place to go with their relationship. Yet, he is the one stationed outside her house to keep her safe, while he’s in a trailer.
This is not one of those safe house stories. They are not in one place very long at a time. And it doesn’t matter how simple the next step looks, there is always a cliff hidden in their path. And the chemistry between the two! Even the other characters in the book want to hit them aside the head and tell them to stop being prideful and admit their love for each other. Yet, Sam and John still both question if they love, or ever really did love the other.
This is another fun romance filled with intense danger and mystery, or make that two mysteries. And the characters are fun. Sam isn’t one to stand around and do nothing. And that just irks John to no end. So he tries to save her, she tries to save him, they both try to save others. There is a lot of action, I’m telling you!
Valerie brings out the aspects of being grateful even in the time of loss, and also the importance of giving others second chances in this novel. Samantha has to work through her troubled past and how she views things before she can move on. She thought God had forgotten her, but in hindsight she realizes He was there all along. Once she does, her faith starts to fall back into place.
Threat of Darkness was a book I enjoyed reading.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://TMWoodsBooks.com/blog . Also follow me on Twitter @TMWoodsBook, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/TMWoodsBooks .
John Waltham is the new detective in town, but not new to Serenity, Arkansas. He hopes to find his place back to being Samantha’s friend, and more if possible. But there are so many roadblocks it’s hard to find a place to go with their relationship. Yet, he is the one stationed outside her house to keep her safe, while he’s in a trailer.
This is not one of those safe house stories. They are not in one place very long at a time. And it doesn’t matter how simple the next step looks, there is always a cliff hidden in their path. And the chemistry between the two! Even the other characters in the book want to hit them aside the head and tell them to stop being prideful and admit their love for each other. Yet, Sam and John still both question if they love, or ever really did love the other.
This is another fun romance filled with intense danger and mystery, or make that two mysteries. And the characters are fun. Sam isn’t one to stand around and do nothing. And that just irks John to no end. So he tries to save her, she tries to save him, they both try to save others. There is a lot of action, I’m telling you!
Valerie brings out the aspects of being grateful even in the time of loss, and also the importance of giving others second chances in this novel. Samantha has to work through her troubled past and how she views things before she can move on. She thought God had forgotten her, but in hindsight she realizes He was there all along. Once she does, her faith starts to fall back into place.
Threat of Darkness was a book I enjoyed reading.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://TMWoodsBooks.com/blog . Also follow me on Twitter @TMWoodsBook, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/TMWoodsBooks .
June 4, 2012
5 STARS
Samantha Rochard is a nurse is in ER when she hears sounds coming from the curtain area so she looked and saw thin boy with a gun doctor on the floor. Samantha called 911 and dispatch new her voice. She went into the room and new the boy and talked him into trusting her to help the little boy. Give her the gun.
The cop that came was her old boyfriend that has been gone for the past 5 years. He wanted her to go with him. She wanted him to stay here with her. Lots of hard feelings.
After working till midnight as she was walking to her car her purse was snatched and told where is the package that the gunman gave her. John was waiting for her to get off work so they could talk and chased the mugger and got her purse back.
Then eveytime she turned around something else happened to her or her property. Even with the cops around and in police parking lot.
They did not know why things kept happening to her and who was doing it.
Besides being a nurse she was also childrens advocat and turned suspected child abuse in. One case that she was worried about was a 7 year old boy. Who the doctor did not believe his friend would do that. Also the police did not think he would. The second time he was brought in the doctor admitted him and they were working on getting paperwork to keep him from going home right away. The father and the doctor were arguing in the childs hospital room when John stepped in and as he protected Danny from a hit he was knocked out and his gun stolen from him.
The story was good. It did talk about prayers being answered and praying for help. No swearing or sex scenes but their was violence but not a lot of gory details.
I would like to read more books like this one. It kept my attention, had lots of action & drama.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest review from Netgalley.
06/05/2012 PUB Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense
Samantha Rochard is a nurse is in ER when she hears sounds coming from the curtain area so she looked and saw thin boy with a gun doctor on the floor. Samantha called 911 and dispatch new her voice. She went into the room and new the boy and talked him into trusting her to help the little boy. Give her the gun.
The cop that came was her old boyfriend that has been gone for the past 5 years. He wanted her to go with him. She wanted him to stay here with her. Lots of hard feelings.
After working till midnight as she was walking to her car her purse was snatched and told where is the package that the gunman gave her. John was waiting for her to get off work so they could talk and chased the mugger and got her purse back.
Then eveytime she turned around something else happened to her or her property. Even with the cops around and in police parking lot.
They did not know why things kept happening to her and who was doing it.
Besides being a nurse she was also childrens advocat and turned suspected child abuse in. One case that she was worried about was a 7 year old boy. Who the doctor did not believe his friend would do that. Also the police did not think he would. The second time he was brought in the doctor admitted him and they were working on getting paperwork to keep him from going home right away. The father and the doctor were arguing in the childs hospital room when John stepped in and as he protected Danny from a hit he was knocked out and his gun stolen from him.
The story was good. It did talk about prayers being answered and praying for help. No swearing or sex scenes but their was violence but not a lot of gory details.
I would like to read more books like this one. It kept my attention, had lots of action & drama.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest review from Netgalley.
06/05/2012 PUB Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense
February 26, 2013
Posted on Romancing the Books blog
Reviewed by Lisa
Review copy provided by Netgalley
Samantha Rochard is a determined young woman trying to make ends meet. She works as a nurse and as a CASA volunteer. John Waltham has recently returned to Serenity in hopes of being hired by the Sheriff’s Department. When their two worlds collide in the emergency room of Serenity Medical Center, they realize that nothing will ever be the same. The love that Samantha and John once shared still burns but do they have the courage walk in faith.
Hansen’s second book in The Defenders series tackles problems that face society today such as abusive relationships and crime. The character of Samantha is extremely well written as to experience of being a victim of abuse and now as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. The knowledge and sensitivity of this character is touching especially with the interaction between her and Danny. The relationship between Samantha and John is complicated but gradually begins to simmer. Hansen fleshes out the characters in such a way that it is difficult not to become emotionally invested.
Threat of Darkness is a Christian romance novel with elements of suspense, mystery and faith. Hansen uses the element of faith to further develop an underlying theme of compassion and forgiveness. The plot allows for a quick read that has plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. This was an enjoyable book and I look forward to more from The Defenders series.
Favorite Quote: “Yes, me. I would have gladly taken you away with me. I don’t know why you have so much trouble believing that, Sam. It isn’t that the Lord failed to rescue you, it’s that you refused His help when He sent it.”
Reviewed by Lisa
Review copy provided by Netgalley
Samantha Rochard is a determined young woman trying to make ends meet. She works as a nurse and as a CASA volunteer. John Waltham has recently returned to Serenity in hopes of being hired by the Sheriff’s Department. When their two worlds collide in the emergency room of Serenity Medical Center, they realize that nothing will ever be the same. The love that Samantha and John once shared still burns but do they have the courage walk in faith.
Hansen’s second book in The Defenders series tackles problems that face society today such as abusive relationships and crime. The character of Samantha is extremely well written as to experience of being a victim of abuse and now as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. The knowledge and sensitivity of this character is touching especially with the interaction between her and Danny. The relationship between Samantha and John is complicated but gradually begins to simmer. Hansen fleshes out the characters in such a way that it is difficult not to become emotionally invested.
Threat of Darkness is a Christian romance novel with elements of suspense, mystery and faith. Hansen uses the element of faith to further develop an underlying theme of compassion and forgiveness. The plot allows for a quick read that has plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. This was an enjoyable book and I look forward to more from The Defenders series.
Favorite Quote: “Yes, me. I would have gladly taken you away with me. I don’t know why you have so much trouble believing that, Sam. It isn’t that the Lord failed to rescue you, it’s that you refused His help when He sent it.”
June 10, 2012
Nurse Samantha has an unexpected run-in with criminals just when John, her ex, returns to her small town as the new Police detective. He is assigned to her case, and they are forced to re-evaluate their relationship as they try and solve the crime.
If you want me to believe your heroine is clever enough to be a qualified nurse, then make her act like it. Don’t have her continually doing things that put her in the TSTL (too stupid to live) category. For example, she lives in an isolated house, but doesn’t have a home telephone line (just a mobile phone, in an area where you apparently can’t always get a signal), she doesn’t have car insurance, she doesn’t bother to tell the police that she was accosted in the parking lot even though it’s obviously related to the case… need I go on? It makes her unlikeable, and it means that we find it difficult to have any liking or respect for the hero, because he is obviously lacking in judgement to find this woman so attractive (not to mention that he was a dimwit for leaving her in the first place).
As you can no doubt tell, I was disappointed by Threat of Darkness. I usually really enjoy romantic suspense novels, so I was looking forward to reading this. Unfortunately, it didn’t measure up to expectations. In fairness to Love Inspired authors, they are hampered by low word count limits (not more than 60,000 words where a regular novel is 90,000 plus) and indifferent editing (exemplified by the overuse of exclamation marks). But I have read and enjoyed other Love Inspired novels – just not this one.
Thanks to Love Inspired Suspense (an imprint of Harlequin) and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
If you want me to believe your heroine is clever enough to be a qualified nurse, then make her act like it. Don’t have her continually doing things that put her in the TSTL (too stupid to live) category. For example, she lives in an isolated house, but doesn’t have a home telephone line (just a mobile phone, in an area where you apparently can’t always get a signal), she doesn’t have car insurance, she doesn’t bother to tell the police that she was accosted in the parking lot even though it’s obviously related to the case… need I go on? It makes her unlikeable, and it means that we find it difficult to have any liking or respect for the hero, because he is obviously lacking in judgement to find this woman so attractive (not to mention that he was a dimwit for leaving her in the first place).
As you can no doubt tell, I was disappointed by Threat of Darkness. I usually really enjoy romantic suspense novels, so I was looking forward to reading this. Unfortunately, it didn’t measure up to expectations. In fairness to Love Inspired authors, they are hampered by low word count limits (not more than 60,000 words where a regular novel is 90,000 plus) and indifferent editing (exemplified by the overuse of exclamation marks). But I have read and enjoyed other Love Inspired novels – just not this one.
Thanks to Love Inspired Suspense (an imprint of Harlequin) and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
July 1, 2012
Threat of Darkness is a quick read at just over 250 pages. Romantic suspense set in Arkansas that enquires into issues of child abuse and the child protection system.
Samantha Rochard comes from a background of abusive parenting and dysfunction. As an adult she becomes a CASA (advocate for children who need protection) to support children in difficult family situations. She does this in conjunction with her full-time role as a nurse. When a teenage drug addict turns up at the Hospital with a youngster who has ingested an illegal substance it sets off a series of events that requires the assistance of former lover and local detective John Waltham who has recently returned to town after a five year absence.
Sam’s life is endangered, her dog is missing, someone’s totalled her car and there’s a young boy in Hospital with suspicious bruising- yet John’s re-appearance in her life seems to have shaken her up the most.
Sam is forced to reflect on her role in their break-up and whether she is willing to risk her heart again. Sam’s a stubborn, strong-willed woman and John is sensitive but protective. I did feel that the romance sub-plot was resolved a little too quickly, though it is a short novel so that was probably inevitable.
There are some Christian themes in this story but it didn’t seem to detract my enjoyment of the story. Threat of Darkness is a quick and easy read, with some plot issues but it’s a nice way to spend a lazy afternoon.
Samantha Rochard comes from a background of abusive parenting and dysfunction. As an adult she becomes a CASA (advocate for children who need protection) to support children in difficult family situations. She does this in conjunction with her full-time role as a nurse. When a teenage drug addict turns up at the Hospital with a youngster who has ingested an illegal substance it sets off a series of events that requires the assistance of former lover and local detective John Waltham who has recently returned to town after a five year absence.
Sam’s life is endangered, her dog is missing, someone’s totalled her car and there’s a young boy in Hospital with suspicious bruising- yet John’s re-appearance in her life seems to have shaken her up the most.
Sam is forced to reflect on her role in their break-up and whether she is willing to risk her heart again. Sam’s a stubborn, strong-willed woman and John is sensitive but protective. I did feel that the romance sub-plot was resolved a little too quickly, though it is a short novel so that was probably inevitable.
There are some Christian themes in this story but it didn’t seem to detract my enjoyment of the story. Threat of Darkness is a quick and easy read, with some plot issues but it’s a nice way to spend a lazy afternoon.
May 29, 2012
Review written for www.books-n-kisses.com
This is a short story (about 200 pages). The synopsis of this book makes it seem that the characters are on the run with this boy who has an abusive father but in all honesty the boy is barely featured for the first half of the story and while the events of the book wrap around him in the second half the child himself is not really a intrical part of the remainder of the story. The story is more about the difficulties that Samantha is going through and the fact that the love of her life is back in town and seem to be thrown together at every turn.
Samantha is a interesting character and I liked her but I was not fond of John at all. He is a cop but really he seems useless to me. He never seems to understand the danger Sam is in and seems to not be a very bright man in the face of danger. The best character in the book is the dog, Brutus, he at least knows when there is danger.
This is a Christian book so there are a lot of mentions of praying and God which was fine but it seemed at times that they only prayed when help was needed and for me that seems wrong. I am not sure that I would say this book was great but it was good and I wanted to know what happened in the end.
This is a short story (about 200 pages). The synopsis of this book makes it seem that the characters are on the run with this boy who has an abusive father but in all honesty the boy is barely featured for the first half of the story and while the events of the book wrap around him in the second half the child himself is not really a intrical part of the remainder of the story. The story is more about the difficulties that Samantha is going through and the fact that the love of her life is back in town and seem to be thrown together at every turn.
Samantha is a interesting character and I liked her but I was not fond of John at all. He is a cop but really he seems useless to me. He never seems to understand the danger Sam is in and seems to not be a very bright man in the face of danger. The best character in the book is the dog, Brutus, he at least knows when there is danger.
This is a Christian book so there are a lot of mentions of praying and God which was fine but it seemed at times that they only prayed when help was needed and for me that seems wrong. I am not sure that I would say this book was great but it was good and I wanted to know what happened in the end.
September 2, 2012
I chose to read this book as I have read several before from the Love Inspired Suspense collection of Steeple Hill. This book was definitely a quick read from beginning to end.
I liked the suspense part of the story the best. There were several twists to the story. Not knowing what the suspects were looking for I kept reading to find out where the story was going. I did have the twist figured out before the end, but it was still a good read as there was much more going on than just that specifically.
It was interesting to learn about volunteer case workers that work in the interest of an abused child. Samantha was a great character and her caring for Danny and his mom. She really supported them more than I think I would have if in that situation. Of course, her having been in that specific situation as a child would definitely make her understanding a lot greater.
The romance part of the book was okay for her. It definitely was not your sweet or sweeping romance. It was very different.
I would recommend this book to readers who have read from this collection before or those who enjoy christian fiction.
I liked the suspense part of the story the best. There were several twists to the story. Not knowing what the suspects were looking for I kept reading to find out where the story was going. I did have the twist figured out before the end, but it was still a good read as there was much more going on than just that specifically.
It was interesting to learn about volunteer case workers that work in the interest of an abused child. Samantha was a great character and her caring for Danny and his mom. She really supported them more than I think I would have if in that situation. Of course, her having been in that specific situation as a child would definitely make her understanding a lot greater.
The romance part of the book was okay for her. It definitely was not your sweet or sweeping romance. It was very different.
I would recommend this book to readers who have read from this collection before or those who enjoy christian fiction.
May 8, 2012
Thanks to Netgalley for my review copy.
I enjoyed this story. Samantha is a nurse who is also a CASA advocate (Court appointed special advocate). John has come back to Serenity, working with the police and comes across Samantha after an attack at the hospital. Samantha and John have a history and he is not who she wants to see. When she calls for help the police don't react straight away as she has reported people for child abuse before and not always been taken seriously. Thanks to an incident at the hospital Samantha seems to be in danger and John is determined to keep her safe. I have heard of CASA before thanks to Dr Phil and was interested seeing it referred in this book. Its an important role and more advocates are needed. I love how the book highlights the work. While Samantha is in danger she is also on a case where she suspects a well respected man of abusing his child. This book deals with perceptions and how two people can have two different memories, It also deals with forgiveness and acceptance. The book kept me guessing til the end. A good read.
I enjoyed this story. Samantha is a nurse who is also a CASA advocate (Court appointed special advocate). John has come back to Serenity, working with the police and comes across Samantha after an attack at the hospital. Samantha and John have a history and he is not who she wants to see. When she calls for help the police don't react straight away as she has reported people for child abuse before and not always been taken seriously. Thanks to an incident at the hospital Samantha seems to be in danger and John is determined to keep her safe. I have heard of CASA before thanks to Dr Phil and was interested seeing it referred in this book. Its an important role and more advocates are needed. I love how the book highlights the work. While Samantha is in danger she is also on a case where she suspects a well respected man of abusing his child. This book deals with perceptions and how two people can have two different memories, It also deals with forgiveness and acceptance. The book kept me guessing til the end. A good read.
July 1, 2012
Samantha Rochard is a nurse who especially likes to help children. When she thinks a little boy might be in danger she steps in to help and finds herself in danger. The man who keeps showing up to help her, John Waltham, is a man she is not sure she wants around. After a break up a few years ago they still have some issues they need to work out. Will dealing with the current situation help or hinder them of a future together?
The characters in this book were interesting but did not seem to follow logic sometimes. What I mean by that is who they were portrayed to be sometimes did not match up with their actions. That said I did enjoy the conversations and suspense. I liked the story line too as not many romance novels broach the subjects portrayed here.
I gave this book 5/5 stars. I would read it again and would also recommend it to a friend.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
The characters in this book were interesting but did not seem to follow logic sometimes. What I mean by that is who they were portrayed to be sometimes did not match up with their actions. That said I did enjoy the conversations and suspense. I liked the story line too as not many romance novels broach the subjects portrayed here.
I gave this book 5/5 stars. I would read it again and would also recommend it to a friend.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
May 19, 2012
ER nurse Samantha suspects 7 year old Danny is being abused by his father, a well-respected, upstanding investment counseler, and works to become Danny's CASA. Meanwhile, someone has been threatening Sam, resorting to such tactics as trashing her car and kidnapping her beloved dog. The police officer investigating is Sam's former boyfriend John, with whom things ended on a bad note 5 years ago when John left town. Sam is very frightened by all the threats but at the same time she's not sure if she wants John's protection. What she really wants is to love John again (and John wants Sam as well) yet Sam also fears being hurt again. Her faith in God also appears to be on shaky ground.
Quick-reading inspirational romance with some mystery and suspense thrown in. Sam is fiercely protective of anyone beging mistreated, and her endeavors as a CASA for abused children is admirable. Strong emphasis on faith in God with this one.
Quick-reading inspirational romance with some mystery and suspense thrown in. Sam is fiercely protective of anyone beging mistreated, and her endeavors as a CASA for abused children is admirable. Strong emphasis on faith in God with this one.
June 2, 2012
Solid 3.5 stars. I liked it. I liked the back story between Samantha and John and how they were thrown together again after all their years apart and how they both had to learn to trust not only each other, but themselves again. This book had a lot of action in it, a lot, a lot of action and suspense style plotline but it was enjoyable and led the reader on a fun chase. The romance was good as well but it took a bit of a back seat to the suspense/action which surprised me because most books I read have it the other way. There was a bit touched on the message of God and faith as this was a Christian romance suspense novel (wow, what a mouthful) but it was well contained within the specific scene and it wasn't over talked about or over analyzed as other Christian fiction I've read lately have been and most importantly, it felt real so I didn't mind that part of the story. All in all, an enjoyable story. I'd read more books by this author.
*ARC PROVIDED BY NETGALLEY
*ARC PROVIDED BY NETGALLEY
May 24, 2012
I enjoy the Love Inspired series of books and this one did not disappoint! Valerie Hansen weaves in the often treacherous job of saving children from abusers. This is not a glamorous job, but is a very rewarding job.
As the mystery unfolds, Samantha is evaluating the possibility of abuse when strange things begin happening. A purse snatching, a home and car invasion, and a dog - napping. Through it all, she needs to rely on her former beau for protection without wearing her heart on her sleeve.
Valerie Hansen has written an excellent romance / suspense novel. The twists and turns of the mystery draw the reader into the story to solve the crime and save the innocent victims.
Click HERE to read Chapter 1!
I received a complimentary ebook from Harlequin and NetGalley for my honest review.
As the mystery unfolds, Samantha is evaluating the possibility of abuse when strange things begin happening. A purse snatching, a home and car invasion, and a dog - napping. Through it all, she needs to rely on her former beau for protection without wearing her heart on her sleeve.
Valerie Hansen has written an excellent romance / suspense novel. The twists and turns of the mystery draw the reader into the story to solve the crime and save the innocent victims.
Click HERE to read Chapter 1!
I received a complimentary ebook from Harlequin and NetGalley for my honest review.
June 4, 2012
Samantha thought her life was settled. She felt like she was helping those least able to help themselves. Then Bobby Joe, a childhood acquaintance, showed up in the ER with a comatose child and suddenly her well ordered life was falling apart. Who shows up in response to the 911 call? John Waltham, her former boyfriend who had left her years ago to be a detective in Dallas. The last time they had seen each other she had been begging him not to leave. Well, she had no intention of doing any begging now!
Circumstances conspire against her as someone comes after her! Destroying her car, dognapping her old, treasured dog. Then a little boy in danger draws her even deeper into danger. John is there fighting her tooth and nail to let him help and protect her. Will his efforts be enough? I won't spoil the end, but it won't be what you expect!
Circumstances conspire against her as someone comes after her! Destroying her car, dognapping her old, treasured dog. Then a little boy in danger draws her even deeper into danger. John is there fighting her tooth and nail to let him help and protect her. Will his efforts be enough? I won't spoil the end, but it won't be what you expect!
October 2, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. The hero, Detective John Waltham, has come back home to Serenity. He wants a second chance with Samantha Rochard. He had left her behind to become a police officer in Dallas but Samantha had refused to leave her home even though it held only bad memories. They are reunited when Samantha is held at gun point by a drugged out patient in the E.R. where she worked as head nurse. As Samantha is leaving to go home she is assaulted in the parking lot and John comes to the rescue. He is put on protective detail when attacks keep coming. Even though they both fight their feelings for each other they end up falling in love and let God lead them to happiness.
February 22, 2016
Fantastic!!!!!
I loved this story. My goes out to children who are abused. God never intended it to be that way, but in this world of sin, that's the way it is for now. But God has special people in this world that are able to turn things around for some children, and they are able to help them come out of their unfortunate circumstances and conquer their horrible childhood and make something of their lives, at the same time helping others who may faced some of same circumstances they themselves faced. And it all boils down to God bestowing his grace to accomplish his will and his goodness on His people.
I loved this story. My goes out to children who are abused. God never intended it to be that way, but in this world of sin, that's the way it is for now. But God has special people in this world that are able to turn things around for some children, and they are able to help them come out of their unfortunate circumstances and conquer their horrible childhood and make something of their lives, at the same time helping others who may faced some of same circumstances they themselves faced. And it all boils down to God bestowing his grace to accomplish his will and his goodness on His people.
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December 27, 2014Goodreads Giveaway for 4 copies of Threat of Darkness: Open to the US, CA, GB, and AU, Ending June 15, 2012, Enter to Win. Good Luck!
Miniseries: The Defenders
Category: Inspirational Romance
Miniseries: The Defenders
Category: Inspirational Romance
July 13, 2016
The fact that John and Samantha were rekindling an old romance made this story work. Plus, I absolutely adore Sam's dog Brutus. I just wish there would have been amore direct reconciliation scene for the couple.
This book does get bonus points for "Small-Town Romance," one of the best romance novellas I've read.
This book does get bonus points for "Small-Town Romance," one of the best romance novellas I've read.
July 7, 2012
This is the second suspense in the "Defenders" series that deals with the heroes and heroines volunteering for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for children. It's predecessor, NIGHTWATCH, has won numerous awards.
May 6, 2020
Rate: 3/5
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December 27, 2014Miniseries: The Defenders
Category: Inspirational Romance
Category: Inspirational Romance
June 25, 2012
This was a nice bit of fluff reading ;)My review: http://obsessivebookworm.wordpress.co...
August 17, 2012
Good stuff!
December 12, 2019
Good book
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