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Safe Harbor
A traumatized murder witness finds a protector in a dedicated police detective—but can she overcome her fear enough to put her trust in him?“No one’s going to hurt you.”When he finds Nicole Harris cowering in a closet—a terrified witness to murder—Detective Alex Donovan’s only priority is keeping the beautiful redhead alive. But Nicole is harboring a deep, dark secret—a childhood trauma that stops her from counting on anyone.Haunted by the violence in his own past, Alex knows he shouldn’t get personally involved, but his feelings blindside him. With a killer targeting Nicole as his next victim, Alex’s toughest road is still ahead. Somehow, he’s got to convince her to trust him with her life . . . and her heart.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
50 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
About the author
Hope White
52 books76 followersAccused of being an eternal optimist, I was born and raised in the Midwest and migrated to the Pacific Northwest a few years ago. I began spinning tales of intrigue and adventure when I was in grade school, and wrote my first book when I was eleven — a thriller that ended with a mysterious phone call the reader never heard!
My college sweetheart and I have been married for over 20 years and are blessed with two wonderful sons, a bossy kitty and feisty Golden Retriever.
When not dreaming up inspirational tales, I’m usually out hiking in the Cascade Mountains, enjoying a fine cup of tea with friends, or hiding out in a movie theatre. I love to hear from readers! hopewhiteauthor@gmail.com
My college sweetheart and I have been married for over 20 years and are blessed with two wonderful sons, a bossy kitty and feisty Golden Retriever.
When not dreaming up inspirational tales, I’m usually out hiking in the Cascade Mountains, enjoying a fine cup of tea with friends, or hiding out in a movie theatre. I love to hear from readers! hopewhiteauthor@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 26, 2017
If this had been marketed for a secular audience, I'd give it 3.5 stars. However, two things were present that should not be in any Christian book...profanity (G*, p. 68) and a Christian romancing a nonChristian character with steamy kisses, etc etc. (Which said character never really had more of a faith turnaround than a moment of saying "oh, your help made me trust again in God and man" to the MC hero. That's looking a bit more like faith in Alex than in God, Miss Nicole...)
The mystery was decent but easy for me to guess. I laid it aside three times and had to make myself pick it back up. I've read three other books since I began this one; I had trouble with it holding my attention.
The mystery was decent but easy for me to guess. I laid it aside three times and had to make myself pick it back up. I've read three other books since I began this one; I had trouble with it holding my attention.
January 3, 2016
Safe Harbor was a suspenseful story and one where it took me a while to figure out who the killer was.
I liked the emotional growth both main characters went through and I also enjoyed the romance. Nicole annoyed me slightly with how she didn't want to follow many of Alex's (her police protection) orders and kept insisting she go with him everywhere.
All in all, a good read -- it kept me entertained and I hope there's another book in this town, about Alex's brother. If you like romantic suspense, I think you'll enjoy Safe Harbor.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
I liked the emotional growth both main characters went through and I also enjoyed the romance. Nicole annoyed me slightly with how she didn't want to follow many of Alex's (her police protection) orders and kept insisting she go with him everywhere.
All in all, a good read -- it kept me entertained and I hope there's another book in this town, about Alex's brother. If you like romantic suspense, I think you'll enjoy Safe Harbor.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
October 31, 2013
Rated 3.5 Stars, review courtesy of the TBR Mountain Range.
This inspirational novel explores how faith can renew confidence after a traumatic experience, giving hope that a normal life is earned once you've forgiven yourself.
Nicole Harris has recurring episodes of fear related to her father's abuse of her and her two siblings. When her boss is threatened and consequently murdered, it's not unexpected that her repressed fear forces her into a closet, acting on impulse. It's what saves her life this time but she's in danger as the only witness to a crime. Nicole didn't see the killer but is sure she can recognize his voice, if she's brave enough to fight her demons of past and present.
Alex Donovan is a good detective but meeting Nicole Harris makes him think of more than protection and crime solving. Alex hopes that he can protect Nicole from whoever killed her boss because Alex is much more attracted to her than he should be which inevitably means his attention will be divided. When the FBI threatens to take over the case as well as take Nicole into protective custody, Alex does everything he can to keep Nicole within his jurisdiction. But will his efforts be enough when the killer seems determined to remove all evidence of his crime?
Nicole's childhood abuse added an interesting twist to how she reacted as a murder witness. Her reflexes to hide from a threat put her in a closet when she could have been killed right along with her boss. Alex helps Nicole gain confidence by teaching her how to defend herself, but does that give her too much confidence? As Nicole becomes more determined to help Alex track down the killer, will she put herself in harm's way?
Even though Alex wants to help Nicole, he can't stop his past from interfering with his focus. He still blames himself for a tragedy in his past and that may be too much for either of them to overcome.
Although SAFE HARBOR is labeled inspirational suspense, it's not overly religious. Instead, the story centers on the suspense and the growing attraction between the characters, while they gain confidence with their renewal of faith as the catalyst to their strength. SAFE HARBOR will satisfy those who prefer a sweet romance.
Book pulled from the Print TBR Mountain Range, purchased by me.
This inspirational novel explores how faith can renew confidence after a traumatic experience, giving hope that a normal life is earned once you've forgiven yourself.
Nicole Harris has recurring episodes of fear related to her father's abuse of her and her two siblings. When her boss is threatened and consequently murdered, it's not unexpected that her repressed fear forces her into a closet, acting on impulse. It's what saves her life this time but she's in danger as the only witness to a crime. Nicole didn't see the killer but is sure she can recognize his voice, if she's brave enough to fight her demons of past and present.
Alex Donovan is a good detective but meeting Nicole Harris makes him think of more than protection and crime solving. Alex hopes that he can protect Nicole from whoever killed her boss because Alex is much more attracted to her than he should be which inevitably means his attention will be divided. When the FBI threatens to take over the case as well as take Nicole into protective custody, Alex does everything he can to keep Nicole within his jurisdiction. But will his efforts be enough when the killer seems determined to remove all evidence of his crime?
Nicole's childhood abuse added an interesting twist to how she reacted as a murder witness. Her reflexes to hide from a threat put her in a closet when she could have been killed right along with her boss. Alex helps Nicole gain confidence by teaching her how to defend herself, but does that give her too much confidence? As Nicole becomes more determined to help Alex track down the killer, will she put herself in harm's way?
Even though Alex wants to help Nicole, he can't stop his past from interfering with his focus. He still blames himself for a tragedy in his past and that may be too much for either of them to overcome.
Although SAFE HARBOR is labeled inspirational suspense, it's not overly religious. Instead, the story centers on the suspense and the growing attraction between the characters, while they gain confidence with their renewal of faith as the catalyst to their strength. SAFE HARBOR will satisfy those who prefer a sweet romance.
Book pulled from the Print TBR Mountain Range, purchased by me.
June 1, 2015
A cozy who done it mystery. Detective Alex Donovan is the first responder to find Nicole hiding in the closet of her employer. She may or may not be a witness to his murder. Under his protection, Alex struggles with keeping her safe because of past history. Nicole struggles as well with trauma from her earlier childhood that may hinder her from being a prominent witness.
November 11, 2013
ALL OF THESE LOVE INSPIRED SUSPENSE BOOKS ARE VERY GOOD. THEY ARE GREAT MYSTERIES AND THRILLERS. I LOVED THIS ONE. THE FACT THAT NIC GOT OVER HER FEAR OF THE PAST AND FOUND LOVE AT THE SAME TIME WAS GREAT.
August 8, 2014
Lots of suspense and misdirection. Detective Alex and Nicole, the witness, come from disfunctional families and have trouble relating to each other. Alex even has trouble trusting his team so how can he expect Nicole to trust him with her safety.
August 9, 2014
My mom gave me a stack of these to read, so I'm working through them quickly. They are quick, easy reads, but a bit cheesy.
June 10, 2023
Fast paced adventure!
Nicole is going in to work with her boss when he comes into the building arguing with someone. The argument gets closer and Nicole hides in the closet and then she hears a gunshot. Alex is the detective who is the first at the scene. Nicole is the only witness but she is in shock. Then someone keeps trying to grab her. The hits keep coming. Can Alex manage to keep her safe and figure out who killed her boss? This is an action packed adventure with a ton of character development.
The pace is breakneck and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with an action and character oriented storyline that has a few kisses but no steam. The characters are vivid and engaging. The Christian ideals are woven into the story. I am hoping that there is a story with his brother Quinn in it!
Nicole is going in to work with her boss when he comes into the building arguing with someone. The argument gets closer and Nicole hides in the closet and then she hears a gunshot. Alex is the detective who is the first at the scene. Nicole is the only witness but she is in shock. Then someone keeps trying to grab her. The hits keep coming. Can Alex manage to keep her safe and figure out who killed her boss? This is an action packed adventure with a ton of character development.
The pace is breakneck and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with an action and character oriented storyline that has a few kisses but no steam. The characters are vivid and engaging. The Christian ideals are woven into the story. I am hoping that there is a story with his brother Quinn in it!
September 8, 2023
I read Covert Christmas as part of a 3-author set and it was the first book I read by Hope White. I really liked it so decided to look for more by her and discovered that what I read was book #2 of the 6 book Echo Mountain series. So, I read book #1, Mountain Rescue – only to discover that this book, Safe Harbor, should have been book #1. I don’t know why it’s not listed as part of the series and has left me wondering, “are there other prequels to this series?”
I enjoyed this book very much, for the most part. There seemed to be no real suspects or motives and I wondered if I’d ever get a clue.
I plan to continue reading the Echo Mountain series – for now. The one thing that is getting pretty old is the self-deprecation of the main characters: it’s over-done. Perhaps something to do with the discussion questions at the end? At any rate, I hope the remaining books will lighten up on that.
I enjoyed this book very much, for the most part. There seemed to be no real suspects or motives and I wondered if I’d ever get a clue.
I plan to continue reading the Echo Mountain series – for now. The one thing that is getting pretty old is the self-deprecation of the main characters: it’s over-done. Perhaps something to do with the discussion questions at the end? At any rate, I hope the remaining books will lighten up on that.
May 12, 2019
I liked how conflicted Alex was over his past actions and his relationship with his brother Quinn. The fact that he was still able to break through Nicole's past terror in order to give her the confidence to stand up for herself proved his worth as a character. I just wish he wouldn't have decided he wasn't "worthy" of Nicole and backed off, even though it led to a great brother moment at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2021
This was a different take on the suspense story for me, I was sucked in. While at times the crazy activity was little bit much, every turn was something new and drama to over come. That factor did keep me reading however, because I had to know how it all turned out.
September 1, 2024
My neighbor gave me 33 moving boxes of romance novels that belonged to her elderly mother in law. My daughter and I are reading through them.
Thank God, this was short because it wasn't great. It was a bit cheesy, and the mystery was easy to figure out.
Thank God, this was short because it wasn't great. It was a bit cheesy, and the mystery was easy to figure out.
July 10, 2019
Good christiam fiction romantic suspense and a great beach read.
August 15, 2025
Quick easy read
January 9, 2015
Re-read complete
2 for Safe Harbor
Quick Sum Up
Since this is a re-read...this will be quick and less detailed than usual.
SPOILER ALERT
Nicole Harris is trying to deal with the recurring episodes she has triggered by situations that remind her of her father's abuse se endured in her youth. When an episode is triggered by a loud argument her boss is having in his office, she hides herself in the closet and stays there until Alex Donovan finds her, hiding in the corner in the dark. Good thing too...her boss was murdered right outside the door.
Alex Donovan is a decent detective with over protective instincts that trigger the moment he lays eyes on Nicole. He even takes on an FBI agent who's a compete jerk wad (not sure how he made it to be a FBI murder investigator with his interview abilities...or lack there of). Alex tries teaching Nicole self-defense to boost her lagging confidence and Nicole (with the affections between them growing) becomes determined to help Alex track down the killer, whose voice she's heard....
2 for Safe Harbor
Quick Sum Up
Since this is a re-read...this will be quick and less detailed than usual.
SPOILER ALERT
Nicole Harris is trying to deal with the recurring episodes she has triggered by situations that remind her of her father's abuse se endured in her youth. When an episode is triggered by a loud argument her boss is having in his office, she hides herself in the closet and stays there until Alex Donovan finds her, hiding in the corner in the dark. Good thing too...her boss was murdered right outside the door.
Alex Donovan is a decent detective with over protective instincts that trigger the moment he lays eyes on Nicole. He even takes on an FBI agent who's a compete jerk wad (not sure how he made it to be a FBI murder investigator with his interview abilities...or lack there of). Alex tries teaching Nicole self-defense to boost her lagging confidence and Nicole (with the affections between them growing) becomes determined to help Alex track down the killer, whose voice she's heard....
June 17, 2013
Nicole Harris is witness to a murder. Alex Donovan is in charge of keeping her safe. They become close as Nicole is able to get Alex to talk about things he's never talked to anyone else about and Alex is able to help her gain confidence in herself. After many attempts are made on her life and many suspicions about who the killer might be, they are able to work together and solve the crime. Well written story that kept the pages turning.
April 5, 2013
Somewhere between 3 1/2 and 4, closer to the 4 side. It was a good story. The only "fault" was the author seemed not to be able to decide whether the female protagonist should be called "Nichole" or her nickname "Nic," and randomly and inconsistently vacillated between the two.
April 21, 2013
Love Inspired Suspense Nicole and Alex
April 9, 2013
Enjoyed the book. Was a very good read.
Read
December 29, 2014Category: Inspirational Romance
Read
February 7, 2017This was a good book to read.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews