Silencing the Witness

by Laura Conaway

A protected witness is exposed…

the race is on to keep her alive.

When her photo is leaked in the local paper, Avery Sanford’s identity in witness protection is compromised. She's the key witness to a murder, and a ruthless drug ring will stop at nothing to silence her. With attackers on her tail, Avery has no choice but to accept the help of former army commander Seth Brown. But keeping Avery alive long enough to testify could be the end for them both… 

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Love Inspired

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2024

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

“When we admit our inadequacies, that’s when we find freedom.”

I’ve always been curious about WITSEC, so when I saw this book featuring a protected witness who had been discovered and exposed, I was all in.

Riverton High’s history teacher, Avery Sanford is no stranger to ‘lying low’; she’s been placed in WITSEC, but she’s being extra vigilant until she testifies in the trial against drug ringleader, Antonio Chavez. Seth Brown, a dreamy army commander and now a high school security guard, has been on watch while Avery ties up loose ends as the school year comes to a close. Suddenly, as Avery heads out to the parking lot, her car explodes! Coincidence, or has she been discovered?

I enjoyed the examination of how Avery’s quest to help someone in need cost Avery a life of normalcy. Her volunteer role with her church’s addiction recovery program changed Avery’s life in ways she never expected. I wonder how many times I’d be in tears claiming it wasn’t worth it?

In addition to all the things I enjoyed listed below, I also loved the ‘jacket’ and the role it played in the action. Conaway was able to perfectly balance sentiment/emotion with suspense.

Things I loved:
❤️Christian-themed
❤️Contemporary romantic-suspense
❤️Edge-of-my-seat non-stop action
❤️Characters who face challenges to their faith
❤️characters who learned to work together to survive
❤️Small town setting
❤️Great twists
❤️Reminder that God remains good even in the midst of tragedy
❤️Reminder that it’s ok to ask for help
❤️Reminder that we’re incapable of anything apart from His grace
❤️Importance of coming to the end of ourselves so His power can be manifested
❤️Characters who learn to surrender and not rely on their own strength
❤️Reminder that there’s always a choice to make and that we are responsible for our actions

Not only will I be searching out more books in this series, I’ll be adding Conaway to my list of auto-read authors. She was capably able to place me in the head of a protected witness and ‘experience’ the new turn their life has taken and how it affects, not only the WITSEC witness but everyone they hold dear.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good characters and story.

[Ethelann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silencing the Witness is a great debut book for Love Inspired Suspense by Laura Conaway.

Avery is a witness in WITSEC, and when her identity is compromised, who is the only one there to help her but Seth, the guy she blames for her brother being missing in combat or even may be dead. With the beginning, starting with someone trying to kill her with a bomb, the action never stops. This is a real page turner with lots of surprises. And the ending, WOW! Loved it.

I was provided an advanced review copy of this book by the author/publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Laura Conaway]

Silencing the Witness releases in less than two weeks!!

I just got to the part where Seth and Avery found out how they're being tracked....

That part was so fun to write and also pulled at my heartstrings because the way they are being tracked has something to do with a sentimental piece to Avery.

Want to find out all the details? Pre-order your copy today!

https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/...

[Hannah Linder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept me engaged all the way to the heart-pounding end!

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great romantic suspense novel by up and coming author Laura Conway. You won't want to put it down

[Jesus Beach Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery is in Witness Protection and should be able to feel safe, but she doesn’t. She can’t. Her foes find her at every turn. Is there a breach in the Marshal’s Service?

Silencing the Witness is a well thought out, action packed work of Romantic Suspense Christian Fiction. Well done.

I received an advanced reader copy from the author. Opinions are my own.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful edge of your seat read. Avery Sanford, a schoolteacher, has been in Witsec protection since she witnessed a drug deal gone wrong and someone's murder. When her identity is exposed and her vehicle explodes, she is rescued by Seth Brown, a temporary school security officer. Avery thinks that Seth is responsible for her brother to be MIA or presumed dead overseas in the Army. That's not the case though, and Seth clears up the misunderstanding.
As more attacks happen, Seth is determined to protect her. They go on the run, trying to elude the men pursuing Avery and figuring who else is involved.
Silencing the Witness also has twists and turns and unexpected surprises as well as action and wonderful main characters who learn to surrender their weaknesses and past to God and it's okay to ask for help.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All
thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seth and Avery are tied to each other but only one of them knows it and she's holding a grudge. So, what happens when Seth is the only one around to save her when her life is in danger? Avery has a decision to make.

While the basic premise of Silencing the Witness might not be one that most people have lived through, the story is told in a very natural and relatable way. It's not the circumstances that matter so much, but what we can learn from the characters. I loved that both Seth and Avery were flawed characters and the author provided them with challenges and opportunities where they had to make choices about whether they were going to grow/develop their character or go back 'round the mountain again. (And haven't we all made a choice a time or two which meant we had to go back around the mountain again?!?)

Conaway has a talent for bringing compelling characters alive on the page with interesting storylines and she did so here. If you're reading this and thinking, "okay, okay, enough with the character stuff, I like pulse pounding action!" Well, let me reassure you, this story had plenty of suspense and action but also an element of mystery, which I adored.

You're going to want to set aside some time so you can just sit down and enjoy the book without interruptions. With her sophomore novel (and her debut Love Inspired Suspense), Laura Conaway has cemented her place on my "must read" list.

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Talk about non-stop intense action and suspense! My heart was definitely racing a few times! I always wondered about witness protection programs, and this book answered a lot of my questions.

Avery is amazing! She's strong, a survivor, and a fighter. She doesn't give up easily. Seth is complex. He's carrying a lot of guilt from his past. As they both move on toward forgiveness, they also move towards love.

I definitely recommend this book! I look forward to reading more books by Laura Conaway!

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second of Laura’s books and one thing’s for certain: the intensity starts at a fever pitch and never lets up! I read the book in two days because I just HAD to know what would happen next, and I was sure I knew what the plot twist would be…only to be wrong (lol).

The narration is tight and Conaway does a great job building a believable world around her characters. The supporting cast does its job without being overwhelming and her leads are well-rounded. All around a fun (if not a bit stressful!) read!

[Appalachianbooknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger, suspense and faith

I enjoyed this book and imo it's definitely worth the read! This is her debut into love inspired suspense and im looking forward to reading her next one :) definitely plan to add it to your tbr ❤️

Here's the blurb:
A protected witness is exposed…

the race is on to keep her alive.

When her photo is leaked in the local paper, Avery Sanford’s identity in witness protection is compromised. She's the key witness to a murder, and a ruthless drug ring will stop at nothing to silence her. With attackers on her tail, Avery has no choice but to accept the help of former army commander Seth Brown. But keeping Avery alive long enough to testify could be the end for them both…

[Marcie Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Silencing the Witness” is Laura Conaway’s debut with Love Inspired Suspense.

Avery Sanford is in witness protection and when her location is compromised and her life in danger, Seth Brown is on scene to assist.
Begrudgingly, Avery allows Seth to help her, all the while knowing how he is tied to her past.
Honorably discharged from the military, Seth believes he needs to overcome his limitations to protect Avery.
While on the run from the would-be killers, Avery and Seth learn to trust their hearts and their faith.

“Silencing the Witness” is a promising debut from Ms. Conaway and I hope she brings us more faith-based suspense from Love Inspired.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

1. What do potential readers need to know most about the main character?

Teacher Avery Sanford had to keep a low profile until she gave her testimony against the drug ringleader Antonio Chavez.

2. Which supporting character caught your interest the most?

Avery Sanford’s brother suffered a fatal injury from an IED while serving under the leadership of Seth Brown. Although Seth doesn’t remember meeting Avery, she is aware of who he is and the tragic incident that took her brother’s life.

3. What journey do(es) the main character(s) take?

Antonio Chavez made a shocking discovery: Avery had witnessed him ending the life of an innocent woman. As a result, Avery is now under the protection of the WITSEC program.

4. How is the writing style or quality of the writing?

Silencing the Witness was so well-written, that it kept me up reading late into the night.

5. (for Christian fiction) Are there spiritual truths to be gleaned from the story?

And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

6. For whom would you recommend this book?

I totally recommend “Silencing the Witness” to all you LIS fans out there. Keep an eye out for it!

7. Why did you give it the star rating you did?

I totally give Silencing the Witness 5/5 stars because it’s such a quick and easy read, perfect for folks with limited time.

8. Is the title memorable and/or emotion-grabbing?

Yes, it evokes considerations about how they could Silence the Witness.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, the Libby app, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Lily · Rating 1 out of 5]

I semi-enjoyed the book in the beginning but by the end, I was desperate to just get it over with. I clearly had not noticed the book was from a genre called "Inspirational Romance" but I eventually caught onto an underlying religious theme that made the book corny and un-enjoyable for me. The character development was lacking and I found myself not rooting for the main character. If anything I became frustrated with her because she was annoying and the situations she kept finding herself in were all variations of the same tragedy. Speaking of, every time something went wrong or was resolved the same problem arose almost immediately after, with a slight variation that had me predicting what would happen and rolling my eyes. It was so unrealistic and generally a waste of time.

[Glenda Lawler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silence the Witness in the debt the release by Laura Conway. The suspense, characters - Avery Sanford who is in witness protection and Seth Brown - a former Army commander, and storyline kept me engaged from the first page to the last page. I highly recommend this book.I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book with no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.


[Joy Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Laura Conaway, and I really liked it. I enjoy clean suspense stories, and this one kept me reading. Avery Sanford is in witness protection after witnessing a murder. When her photo is leaked to a newspaper, the drug ring becomes ruthless at trying to kill Avery. So…many….close…calls. They just keep coming. Read this great suspense book to see if Avery gets out alive!

[Renee Gentry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! This book starts with a bang and the suspense doesn't let up! A page turner all the way to the end, full of faith, danger, and a sweet love story. Looking forward to more books from Laura!

I was given an advance reader copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It has a great story with perfect pacing. The characters are likeable and I couldn't wait to see what happened to them. I highly recommend this book if you like romantic suspense.

[Dorel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I read by Laura Conaway. This book's storyline was okay. I liked the action in this story. I liked the Christian ✝️ theme in this story. Avery's character was okay. Avery got on my nerves in this story. I liked Seth's character. I liked the ending.

[Brenda Conaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

So well written! I had a hard time putting it down!
Suspenseful…

[Sheri Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good read

[Beth Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!! This book will keep you on the edge of your seat! You won’t be able to put it down!!

[Arlyn Strodtbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book with unseen twists and turns. Loved it!

[Morghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25
This was so so good!
Excellent pacing! I feel like you don’t always see this in category because of the length, but this was masterfully done.

[Renee Helton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Story and characters.
Full of action and plot twists.
Looking forward to reading more books by this author.

[Tina Lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silencing the Witness had my attention in its grip from the opening prologue of the book until the very last page! Seth Brown’s discharge from the Army had left a hole in his heart and the fear that he just wasn’t the strong, courageous leader that he had shown himself to be ripped through him daily. His last big failure of leadership, during combat, was when he left a brother to die, due to his own disabling injuries. That memory left a lot of heartache and misery in the place where his heart should be.
Throughout each page of Silencing the Witness, Conaway had me mesmerized by the story – as well as the danger that surrounded Seth and Avery. Even though there was another drama playing around inside Avery’s mind, I kept picturing an unknown type of cartel with deadly weapons, ammunition, and torture tactics. However, the cartel was ruthless and every time, they seemed to Avery easier than the time before. They executed an effort to snatch her silence her every time, but failure occurred.
As I turned the pages of the story, Seth and Avery became closer to each other and began to fall in love. The concept of running for their very lives had become second nature. As they grew closer, Avery began to forgive the reason she pushed herself to hate him. The truth was, once she got to know him, she understood why her brother had given him his respect – he had earned it by being who he was and being real. Avery realized that forgiveness meant that they could both go on and heal from their joint loss. It meant that they could be who God created them to be and her hatred could be released.
Laura Conaway won me over with her style and imagination as I read this from cover to cover. The suspense and the romance were well-done too, both were cleanly written and from the impressions of the heart. I was provided with a copy of this book to give my honest opinion by the author. I loved this book and gave it 5 out of 5 stars for its well-written suspense, romance, and clever plot.

[Jennie Harbour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery Sanford is in the witness protection after witnessing a murder. Finishing up her class for summer she finds out her name and picture was in the newspaper by the security person, Seth Brown. Leaving she realizes that her identity is known and the cartel are on her trail. Lots of twists and turns all through the book. A must read!
Tara’s tiger book review

[Brenda Conaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

So full of suspense and sweet romance- a page turner that was hard to put down! Well written!(Bought copies to give as gifts!)
Can’t wait for the next story…